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THE 


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GENERAL  uUIDE. 


^    ^NIMAIA  BIRDS  AJSD  FISHES  OP  xVORTH  AMERICA: 
■'AhlTS  AND  VAiUOUS  METHODS  OP  CATT^URE. 


COPIOUS     INSTRUCTTONS 

•  ■;,    Fr-^HTNG,    TAXIDERMY,    W001.K?\' 


TOGETHKH   WrTH 

A    DIRa»^  ^      -■    TO   THE    PRINCIPAL   GAME    RKSORTS    OF    TIIC 
TRY;  ILLUSTRATED   WJTH   M.\ VS. 


BY  ARI.es    HALLOCK, 


'saw.^- 


AtTHOR    or    THE   "  FISHIKG    TOnjIST,"  "  GAMP 
■-     FU»RIDA,"     KTC. 


AftitRV 


YORK: 

PUBLISHING    COMPANY, 
<»MrAXY,  AGENTS, 


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THE 


Sportsman's  Gazetteer 


AND 


GENERAL  GUIDE. 


THE  GAME  ANIMALS,  BIRDS  AND  FISHES  OF  NORTH  AMERICA  : 
THEIR  HABITS  AND  VARIOUS  METHODS  OF  CAPTURE. 


COPIOUS     INSTRUCTIONS 
IN  SHOOTING,    FISHING,   TAXIDERMY,    WOODCRAFT,    ETC. 


TOGETHER  WJTH 

A    DIRECTORY   TO  THE    PRINCIPAL   GAME    RESORTS    OF    THE 
COUNTRY  ;  ILLUSTRATED   WITH  MAPS. 


BY  CHARLES    HALLOCK, 

MITOR    OP  "FOKKT  «.,,  STK.AU;"    AOT-HOK    OF   TH.  "  ,l,„„„  TOTOST,"  « CAMF 

LIFE     IN     FLORIDA,"     ETC. 


NEV/    YORK: 

"FOREST   AND   STREAM"    PUBLISHING    COMPANY, 

AMERICAN   NEWS   COMPANY,   AGENTS. 

1877. 


J 


V 


cy 


Copyright,  1877,  by  Charles  Hallock  and  James  Woodward. 


Eleclrotyped  by 
SMITH    &    McDOUGAL. 


Printed  by 
E.    O.    JENKINS. 


DEDICATED 


TO 


If  HE  foVERS  OF  §EGITIMATE  f  PORT^j 


PREFACE. 


Brother  Sportsmen : 
A  S  editor  of  a  sportsman's  journal  for  several  years,  and 
-^^-  weekly  purveyor  of  information  continually  asked  for 
by  its  readers,  I  have  long  felt  the  need  of  constant  refer- 
ence to  just  such  a  compendium  as  the  volume  in  hand ; 
and  hence,  judging  others'  requirements  by  my  own,  I  was 
prompted  to  undertake  a  work  which  has  required  much 
labor  in  its  preparation  and  care  in  its  revision.     Whatever 
may  be  its  estimation  by  the  Fraternity,  I  am  satisfied  that 
the  relief  which  ihe  collocation  will  afford  myself  will  prove 
an  ample  compensation,  even  if  I  should  receive  no  other. 
The  book  must  speak  for  itself.    I  am  willing  to  let  it  stand 
on  its  merits,  while  conscious  that  its  extended  scope  ren- 
ders it  liable  to  defects,  and  the  more  vulnerable  to  criti- 
cism.    To  anticipate  mischances,  I  have  indicated  in  its 
proper  place  a  list  of  reliable  works  of  reference  which  will 
supply  whatever  is  lacking  here. 

With  regard  to  the  Guide  to  Game  Resorts,  which  I 
know  some  gentlemen  will  take  me  to  task  for  publishing, 
I  wish  to  plead  that  the  rapid  spread  of  population  and  set- 
tlement, the  multiplication  of  those  who  look  to  the  rod  and 


PREFACE. 

gun  for  sport,  and  the  constant  opening  of  new  lines  of 
communication  to  all  parts  of  the  country,  make  it  certain 
that  all  accessible  places  will  be  brought  to  speedy  notice; 
while,  as  for  remote  and  difficult  localities — well,  if  any 
sportsman  has  the  pluck  and  energy  to  seek  them  out  he 
deserves  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his  perseverance.  I  regard 
concealment  a  virtue  no  longer ;  although  I  may  whisper  it 
privately  that  with  some  latent  consideration  of  the  vested 
or  pre-empted  rights  and  prerogatives  o^  old-time  sports- 
men, I  have  purposely  refrained  from  indicating  many 
places  where  the  woodcock,  the  snipe,  the  trout,  and  the 
salmon,  have  their  sequestered  haunts.  These  shall  be 
held  as  sacred  from  intrusion  as  the  penetralia  of  the 
Vestals. 

I  have  only  to  add  that  I  have  been  materially  assisted 
in  the  preparation  of  this  work  by  Dr.  H.  C.  Yarrow,  of  the 
Smithsonian,  Dr.  D.  C.  Estes,  of  Minnesota,  Dr.  G.  A. 
Stockwell,  of  Port  Huron,  Michigan,  and  Geo.  Bird  Grin- 
nell,  of  the  Peabody  Museum  at  Yale  College.  Mr.  J.  H. 
Batty  prepared  the  chapter  on  Taxidermy,  and  Messrs. 
Joseph  Woodward  and  Chas.  B.  Reynolds  have  given 
valuable  service  in  compiling  the  Guide. 

Fraternally  yours, 

Charles   Hallock. 
New  York,  June  151,1877.  .        ,,  ,  :,      .. 


GENERAL    CONTENTS. 


PART    I. 

Gamk  Animals  of  North  America. 
Game  Birds  of  North  America. 
Game  Fish  of  North  America: 

Eastern  Coast  Fishes.  .  . 

Northern  Inland  Fishes. 

Inland  Fishes  of  the  West  and  Northwest. 

Pacific  Coast  Fishes. 

Inland  Fishes  of  the  South  and  Southwest. 

Southern  Coast  Fishes. 
Dogs  USED  for  SroRT :  ' 

Their  Different  Varieties;   Training  and  Management,  Dis- 

eases  and  Remedies. 
Forest,  Field,  ant    Prairie: 

Guns  and  Ammunition  for  Different  Kmds  of  Game  ;  Hints  and 

Recipes  for  Gunners  ;  Decoys,  Blinds,  and  other  Devices. 
Ocean,  Lake,  and  River  : 

Art  of  Dressing  Artificial  Flies  ;  Instruction  in  Fly  Fishing ; 
Rods,  Lines,  and  Lures  ;  Hints  and  Recipes. 
Sporting  Boats  and  Canoes  : 

Rules  for  Sailing  Boats  ;  Useful  Suggestions  in  Buying,  Repair- 
ing, etc. 

y/OODCRAFT  : 

Expedients  in  Emergencies  ;  Hints  and  Recipes  for  Camp  and 

Cruise. 
Instruction  in  Taxidermy. 
Bibliography  for  Sportsmen. 
Dealers'  and  Outfitters'  List. 
Index, 

-  PART    II. 

A  Sportsmen's  Directory  to  the  Principal  Resorts  for  Game 
AND  Fish  in  North  America. 


^ 


PART    I. 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


CATS. 

Felii  coHcolor.— Linn.    Puma,  Panther,  Cougar,  Mountain  Lion. 

THE  Cougar  is,  with  the  exception  of  the  Jaguar,  Fe//s  onca, 
which  is  scarcely,  or  not  at  all,  found  within  the  limits  of  the 
United  States,  the  largest  of  the  American  cats.  Its  range  is  very 
extensive,  including  temperate  and  tropical  America  from  Canada 
to  Patagonia.  In  height  it  is  about  equal  to  a  large  dog,  but  the 
body  is  much  longer  proportionally,  and  a  large  animal  will  weigh 
one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds.  The  tail  is  long  and  tapering,  and 
this  point  will  serve  to  distinguish  it,  even  when  young,  from  either 
of  the  two  species  to  be  hereafter  mentioned.  The  color  of  the 
Cougar  is  a  uniform  pale  brown  above  and  dusky  white  below  ;  the 
tips  of  the  hairs  are  blackish  brown.  Young  kittens  of  this  species 
are  at  first  spotted  on  the  flanks,  but  attain  the  colors  of  the  pa- 
rent before  reaching  their  full  size. 

The  Cougar  preys  upon  deer,  sheep,  colts,  calves  and  small  quad- 
rupeds generally,  and  when  numerous  it  proves  very  troublesome  to 
the  fiirmer  and  stock  raiser.  When,  however,  its  prey  is  so  brge 
that  it  cannot  all  be  devoured  at  one  meal,  the  animal  covers  it 
with  leaves  or  buries  it  in  the  earth  and  leaves  it  for  a  time,  return- 
ing later  to  finish  his  repast.  This  habit  is  sometimes  taken  advan- 
tage of  by  his  human  enemy,  who,  poisoning  the  hidden  care  asswith 
strychnine,  often  manages  to  secure  the  Panther  when  it  comes  back 
to  eat  again.  The  use  of  poison  against  carnivorous  animals  of  all 
kinds  has  become  so  general  in  the  west  within  the  past  few  years, 
that  they  are  rapidly  becoming  exterminated  in  all  districts  within 


10  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

reach  of  the  settlements.  All  flesh  eaters,  from  the  skunk  to  the 
huge  grizzly,  are  taken  by  this  means,  and  the  vultures,  ravens  and 
magpies  suffer  heavily  by  eating  the  remains  of  animals  that  have 
been  killed  in  this  way.  Indeed,  were  it  not  for  some  such  means 
of  defence  as  this,  the  sheep  raisers  of  Southern  California  and  New 
Mexico,  and  the  cattle  growers  of  Utah,  Montana  and  Wyoming 
would  be  quite  powerless  to  protect  their  herds  from  the  attacks 
of  many  enemies  which  could  only  be  driven  off  by  a  large  force 
of  dogs  and  mounted  men.  As  it  is,  however,  each  shepherd  ?.  .1 
herder  is  provided  as  a  matter  of  course  with  a  certain  amount  of 
stiychnine,  and  all  dead  carcasses  are  poisoned,  so  that  before  long 
the  country  is  freed  from  the  depredations  of  animals  injurious  to 
stock.  The  period  of  gestation  of  the  Cougar,  as  observed  in  the 
Gardens  of  the  Zoological  Society  of  London,  is  ninety-seven  days. 
It  brings  forth  in  the  spring  from  two  to  four  young.  ' 

Lynx  ru/us. — Raf.    Bay  Lynx,  Wildcat,  Catamount,  etc. 

The  Bay  Lynx  is  another  species  of  wide  range,  inhabiting  the 
whole  territory  of  the  United  States  and  extending  into  the  British 
Possessions  on  the  north,  and  Mexico  on  the  south.  It  is  a  small 
animal,  measuring  from  the  nose  to  the  tip  of  the  tail  only  about 
thirty-five  inches,  of  which  this  latter  organ  occupies  but  five.  In 
color  it  somewhat  resembles  the  Cougar,  but  the  brown  is  more 
nearly  a  red  as  is  indicated  by  the  name  Bay.  The  tail  is  black  at 
the  tip  as  are  the  inner  surfaces  of  the  ears.  The  color  of  the  un- 
der parts  is  white  with  some  black  spots. 

The  Bay  Lynx  is  a  timid  animal,  preying  chiefly  upon  grouse, 
hare,  and  still  smaller  birds  and  mammals.  It  scarcely  deserves 
mention  as  a  game  animal.  Its  young,  usually  three  in  number, 
are  produced  in  April  or  May  according  to  the  latitude  which  the 
animal  inhabits.  They  are  said  to  be  from  the  first  utterly  wild 
and  untamable.  Variety  niaculatus,  Aud.  and  Bach.,  is  found  in 
Texas,  and  variety /a jrm/wi',  Raf.,  in  Washington  Territory  and  the 
extreme  Northwest  generally. 

Lynx  canadensis. — Raf.    Canada  Lynx,  Catamount,  Loup  Cerver,  Lucifee. 

The  Canada  Lynx  is  a  more  northern  species  than  either  of  the 
preceding,  and  on  the  Atlantic  coast  scarcely  enters  the  United 


CATS.  -  II 

States.  On  the  Mackenzie  River  it  is  found  as  far  north  as  latitude 
66°  and  it  inhal^its  the  mountains  of  Western  America ;  it  occurs 
at  least  as  far  south  as  Fort  Tejon,  California,  where  specimens 
have  been  taken.  Like  many  other  truly  northern  species,  it  is 
found  much  farther  south  among  the  high  mountains  of  the  West, 
than  on  the  Eastern  side  of  the  continent.  The  Canada  Lynx  is 
about  forty  inches  in  total  length.  The  tail  is  very  short  and 
stumpy.  The  animal  is  wholly  of  a  pale  grey  color  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  tip  of  the  tail  and  the  extremities  of  the  ears,  which  are 
black.  The  feet  are  enormous  and  are  densely  furred.  Alto- 
gether the  animal  presents  a  very  savage  appearance,  but  it  is 
really  very  timid,  and  will  always  avoid  ah  encounter  even  with  a 
small  dog.  In  its  habits  it  resembles  closely  the  Bay  Lynx.  The 
Canada  Lynx  brings  forth  two  or  three  young  in  the  spring.  It 
breeds  but  once  a  year. 

The  three  species  referred  to  above  are  not  to  be  regarded  as 
game  animals.  They  nowhere  exist  in  sufficient  numbers  to  make 
it  worth  while  to  hunt  them  systematically,  and  almost  all  that  are 
taken,  are  secured  by  means  of  traps  or  poison.  Occasionally,  it 
is  true,  the  burner  may  happen  on  one  when  seeking  for  game,  or 
the  angler  while  following  a  stream  may  start  one  from  the  brush 
or  from  a  tree  which  overhangs  the  brook,  but  in  such  cases  they 
are  gone  almost  as  soon  as  seen,  and  rarely  give  one  time  to  shoot 
at  them.  Those  that  are  killed  with  firearms  are  generally  treed  by 
dogs  which  are  hunting  bears,  coons,  or  foxes,  and  are  shot  by 
the  hunters  who  are  following  the  dogs.  There  is  no  danger  in 
any  of  these  animals  unless  wounded  or  cornered  ;  an  enraged  cat, 
however,  is  by  no  means  a  contemptible  antagonist,  and  the  hunter 
should  keep  clear  of  its  claws.  Instances  are  on  record  of  the 
death  of  more  than  one  man  who  has  put  himself  in  the  way  of 
a  wild  cat,  and  of  course  the  panther  is  more  dangerous  by  as 
much  as  he  is  larger. 


WOLVES. 

Canis  /.••/«*.— Linn.    (?  var.)  Grey,  Timber,  or  Buffalo  Wolf. 
Canis  /atrans.—Sa.y.    Prairie  Wolf,  Coyote 

T  T  TE  have  always  been  taught  to  regard  the  Wolf  as  the  type 
V  V  o^  ^'^  detestable  qualities,  but  he  has  also  been  invested 
in  romance  and  tradition  with  a  courage  and  ferocity  which  is  very 
foreign  to  his  nature.  He  is  in  fact,  the  most  cowardly  of  all  our 
animals,  possessing  some  of  the  intelligence  of  the  dog,  but  none 
of  the  higher  instincts  which  long  association  with  man  has  v/orked 
into  the  being  of  the  latter.  The  wolves  unless  pressed  *'  rribly  by 
hunger  will  never  attack  any  animal  larger  than  themselves,  and 
then  only  in  packs.  A  cur  dog,  as  a  rule,  can  drive  the  largest 
wolf  on  th€  plains.  Lean,  gaunt  and  hungry  looking,  they  are 
the  essence  of  meanness,  and  treachery  personified.  The  two 
common  species  of  the  plains  are  the  Grey  or  Buffalo  Wolf,  Cam's 
lupus,  and  the  ever  present  Coyote  or  Prairie  Wolf,  Cants  lat*'ans, 
who  makes  night  so  hideous  on  the  plains  to  novices  unused  to 
his  unearthly  serenade.  The  Buffalo  Wolf  is  almost  as  tall  as  a 
greyhound,  and  is  proportioned  about  like  a  setter  dog.  It  is  found 
of  all  colors,  from  jet  black  in  Florida  and  red  in  Texas  to  snow 
white  in  the  arctic  regions.  In  the  west  the  color  is  generally  grey 
or  grizzled  white,  sometimes  brindled.  The  ears  are  erect,  and  the 
tail,  long  and  well  haired,  is  generally  carried  straight  out  behind, 
but  when  the  animal  is  frightened  is  put  between  his  legs  like  that 
of  the  dog  under  similar  circumstances.  The  Prairie  Wolf  js  in  size 
about  half  way  between  the  red  fox  and  Grey  Wolf.  Its  color  is 
similar  to  that  of  its  larger  relation  of  the  plains,  but  is  of  a  more 
yellowish  cast. 

The  larger  of  these  two  species  was  once  universally  distributed 
throughout  North  America,  but  is  now  confined  to  the  wildest  and 
least  settled  portions  of  the  country.    The  Prairie  Wolf  is  an  inhab- 


JVOL  VES. 


13 


itant  of  the  plains  and  mountains  west  of  the  Missouri,  and  is  found 
from  the  British  Possessions  south  into  Mexico,  from  the  inhab- 
itants of  which  it  has  derived  its  common  name,  Coyote.     In  the 
southern  portion  of  its  range  it  is  a  miserable  cur  scarcely  larger 
than  the  common  fox.     These  two  species,  C.  lupus  and  C.  latrans, 
are  plenty  generally  throughout  the  west  and  the  southwest,  but 
are  most  numerous  in  a  buffalo  country.     They  subsist  on  any 
refuse  they  can  pick  up,  and  are  always  found  on  the  outskirts 
of  settlements  or  forts  slinking  here  and  there,  eking  out  what  sub- 
sistence they  may  by  snatching  any  stray  morsels  of  food  that  come 
in  their  way.     A  band  of  wolves  will  follow  a  party  of  hunters,  and 
at  any  time  half  an  hour  after  breaking  camp  in  the  morning,  the 
scavengers  may  be  seen  prowling  around  the  still  smoking  fires,  and 
quarrelling  over  the  debris  of  the  morning  meal.    Very  young  buffalo 
calves,  and  decrepid  bulls  or  badly  wounded  animals  are  attacked 
by  these  creatures  in  packs  and  torn  to  pieces.     They  will  follow 
a  wounded  bison  for  miles,  waiting  and  watching  for  the  animal  to 
lie  down,  when  they  will  assail  it  from  all  quarters.     Wolves  breed 
freely  with  the  dog  and  in  any  Indian  camp  the  traveller  will  see 
dogs,  so  called,  that  cannot  be  distinguished  from  their  wild  cousins. 
The  young  are  brought  forth  in  May  and  number  from  five  to  nine. 
As  often  as  the  winter  season  sets  in  the  hunters  who  make  a 
business  of  it  start  out  on  a  wolfing  expedition.     The  stock  in  trade 
of  a  party  engaged  in  "  wolfing  "consists  in  flour,  bacon  and  strych- 
nine, the  first  two  articles  named  for  their  own  consumption,  the 
last  for  the  wolves.     The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  procure  a  bait. 
Generally  a  buffalo  is  used,  but  if  it  happens  to  be  out  of  a  buffalo 
range,  then  an  elk,  deer,  coon,  or  other  animal  is  made  to  answer 
the  purpose.    The  carcass  is  then  impregnated  with  the  poison 
and  placed  where  it  will  do  the  most  good.     Sometimes  as  high  as 
fifty  woives  will  be  found  of  a  morning  scattered  about  at  intervals 
of  a  few  yards  from  the  carcass  that  they  ate  so  ravenously  of  the 
night  before. 

The  "  wolfers  "  proceed  to  gather  up  animals  slain,  carry  them 
to  camp,  fix  up  another  bait  if  necessary,  and  then  commences  the 
labor  of  skinning  and  stretching.  It  is  no  uncommon  thing  for  a 
party  of  three  men  to  come  down  in  the  spring  with  four  thousand 
pelts,  and  as  they  will  average  about  one  dollar  and  a  half  apiece 


14  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

it  is  a  very  profitable  business,  if  you  are  only  successful  in  your 
"  catch." 

Wolfers  form  a  class  by  themselves  and  this  is  their  regular 
occupation  during  the  winter  season.  Spring  time  finds  them  in 
the  towns  where  in  a  week's  time  they  have  gambled  and  drunk 
away  all  their  earnings ;  they  then  disappear,  not  to  be  seen  again 
until  the  following  spring. 

Wolves  are  sometimes  hunted  on  horseback  with  hounds,  but 
the  speed  they  can  attain  when  well  scared  is  something  astonish- 
ing, and  they  can  easily  distance  any  ordinary  dogs.  The  method 
employed  is  to  have  among  the  pack,  one  or  more  greyhounds 
v.'ho  will  bring  the  wolf  to  bay  and  allow  the  other  dogs  to  come  up. 

Some  day  in  the  not  very  remote  future,  this  kind  of  sport  and 
coursing  r^ares  is  destined  to  become  popular  and  will  be  a  favorite 
amusement  among  the  sportsmen  of  the  West, 


FOXES. 


Vulpcs  vulgaris. — var.  Penmylvanicus.    Coues.    Common  Red  Fox. 

Vulpes  >«a<rr<j«riw.— Baird.    Prairie  Fox. 

Vulpesvelox  -Aud.  and  Bach.    Swift  Fox,  Kit  Fox. 

yulpes  !a£opus.-  Rich.    Arctic  Fox. 

Urocyon  ctnereo-trgentatus.— Coues.    Grey  Fox,  Virginia  Fox. 

Urocyon  ltUa>alis.—Ba.ird.    Little  Grey  Fox. 


OF  the  species  enumerated  above  it  is  necessary  to  speak  only 
of  the  Red  Fox  and  the  Grey.  The  others  mentioned  are 
never  hunted  and  are  only  taken  by  means  of  traps  or  poison  ;  they 
do  not  therefore  come  within  the  scope  of  this  work. 

The  Red  Fox  is  too  well  known  to  require  description.  He 
differs  but  very  little  from  his  celebrated  English  relative  to  whose 
capture  so  much  time  is  devoted,  on  the  other  side  the  water,  and 
like  him  he  proves  a  terrible  pest  to  the  farmer.  There  are  several 
permanent  colors  of  this  species  analogous  to  the  different  colors 
in  our  squirrels,  young  of  very  different  appearance  being  found  in 
the  same  litter.  The  Cross  Fox  and  the  Silver-grey  are  the  best 
known  of  these  differently-colored  animals. 

The  Grey  Fox  is  a  more  southern  species  than  the  Red  and  is 
rarely  found  north  of  the  State  of  Maine.  Indeed  it  is  not  common 
anywhere  in  New  England.  In  the  Southern  States,  however,  it 
wholly  replaces  the  Red  Fox  and  causes  quite  as  much  annoyance 
to  the  farmer  as  does  that  proverbial  animal.  The  Grey  Fox  is 
somewhat  smaller  than  the  Red  and  differs  from  him  in  being 
wholly  dark  grey  "  mixed  hoary  and  black." 

The  Grey  Fox  differs  from  his  northern  cousin  in  being  able  to 
c/i'md  trees.  He  is  not  much  of  a  runner,  and  when  hard  pressed 
by  the  dog  will  often  ascend  the  trunk  of  a  leaning  tree  by  running 
up  it,  or  will  even  climb  an  erect  one,  grasping  the  trunk  in  his  arms 
as  would  a  bear.  Still  the  fox  is  not  at  home  among  the  branches, 
and  he  looks  and  no  doubt  feels  very  much  out  of  place  while  xxy 
this  predicament. 


l6  GAME   ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

In  Ohio  and  in  others  of  the  Middle  Slates,  foxes  are  said  to  be 
hunted  as  follows ;  On  an  appointed  day  the  whole  pooulation  ol 
the  neighborhood  turn  out  and  enclose  as  large  a  tract  of  country 
as  possible,  all  hands  leisurely  advancing  toward  some  point  near 
the  centre  of  the  circle  ;  as  they  advance  all  the  noise  possible  is 
made  that  the  game  may  be  driven  before  them.  When  the  circle 
is  quite  small  and  the  foxes  are  seen  running  about  looking  for  an 
opening  by  which  to  escape,  small  boys  are  turned  in  with  direc- 
tions to  catch  the  animals,  a  task  which  is  not  accomplished  with- 
out a  good  deal  of  exertion  and  perhaps  a  bite  or  two.  When  a 
fox  is  caught  it  is  sold  to  pay  the  expenses  of  the  hunt. 

Fox  hunting  as  practiced  in  "  merrie  England  "  was  transported 
to  this  country  as  early  as  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  centur)'. 
In  the  mother  country  it  has  attained  a  most  important  position 
among  the  national  sports.  A  fox  hunt  there  is  one  of  the  great- 
est pleasures  accorded  to  the  titled  gentry,  and  the  scene  is  often 
graced  by  the  presence  of  some  fair  equestriennes  who  will  even 
take  part  in  the  chase.  Horses  are  bred  for  the  purpose  and  a  first- 
class  hunter  commands  a  large  price. 

Fox  hunting  first  came  generally  in  vogue  in  Great  Britain  some 
two  hundred  years  ago,  and  was  introduced  into  Virginia  perhaps 
a  hundred  years  later.  The  old  custom  has  been  sustained  with 
difficulty  through  many  vicissitudes  up  to  the  present  day. 

The  topography  of  our  southern  country,  however,  prevents  the 
use  there  of  the  orthodox  English  fox  hound,  since  the  heavy  tim- 
ber lands  and  high  fences  would  effectually  prevent  keeping  a  pack 
of  these  dogs  in  view.  We  need  a  slower  hound,  and  this  the  F. 
F.  V.'s,  fond  of  this  branch  of  sport,  have  procured  by  crossbreed- 
ing with  the  old  English  hunting  stock.  Fox  hunting  thus  prac- 
ticed has  been  confined  almost  exclusively  to  the  South,  particularly 
Virginia.  Many  planters  of  leisure  and  means  were  accustomed, 
avant  la  guerre,  to  keep  a  number  of  hounds  for  no  other  purpose, 
and  with  the  best  riders  of  the  neighboring  county  periodically  held 
their  "  meets,"  when  with  horn,  whipper-in  and  all  other  accom- 
paniments, according  to  true  English  fox  hunting  rules,  they  would 
proceed  to  start  Reynard  and  follow  him  to  the  death.  Since  the 
war,  however,  the  demoralised  condition  of  many  sections  of  the 
South,  and  the  greatly  impaired  fortunes  of  the  former  participants 


FOXES. 


17 


in  this  manly  sport,  have  combined  to  render  fox  hunting  well  nigh 
innpossible,  and  until  horseback  riding  attains  in  both  North  and 
South  a  more  national  character,  there  is  but  little  hope  of  resus- 
citating tnis  delightful  sport.  The  fox  pursued  in  the  South  is  ♦he 
Grey  Fox,  Urocyon  cinereo-argentaius  ;  he  is  in  part  replaced  north 
of  Maryland  by  our  common  red  fox,  Vulpes  vulgaris,  and  in  the 
west  by  the  Swift  Fox,  Vulpes  velox,  and  other  species.  With  us  of 
the  North,  foxing  is  by  some  followed  during  the  late  fall  and  win- 
ter, for  the  skins  of  the  animal,  which  bring  a  fair  price  in  market. 
The  hunters  stand  near  the  runways  while  the  hounds  start  the 
fox.  The  latter  traverses  the  country  by  regular  paths  and  some 
one  of  the  hunters,  if  careful,  is  generally  successful  in  bagging 
Reynard. 

Foxes  live  in  holes  of  their  own  making,  generally  in  the  loamy 
soil  of  a  side  hill,  and  the  she-fox  bears  four  or  five  cubs  at  a  litter. 
When  a  fox-hole  is  discovered  by  the  farmers  they  assemble  and 
proceed  to  dig  out  the  inmates  who  have  lately,  very  likely,  been 
making  havoc  among  their  hen-roosts.  An  amusing  incident  which 
came  under  our  immediate  observation  a  few  years  ago  will  bear 
relating.  A  farmer  discovered  the  lair  of  an  old  dog  fox  by  means 
of  his  hound  who  trailed  the  animal  to  his  hole.  This  fox  had  been 
making  large  and  nightly  inroads  into  the  poultry  ranks  of  the 
neighborhood,  and  had  acquired  great  and  unenviable  notoriety  on 
that  account.  The  farmer  and  two  companions,  armed  with  spades 
and  hoes,  and  accompanied  by  the  faithful  hound,  started  to  "  dig 
out  the  varmint."  The  hole  was  situated  on  the  sandy  slope  of  a 
hill,  and  after  a  laborious  and  continued  digging  of  four  hours,  Rey- 
nard was  unearthed  and  he  and  "  Bep"  were  soon  engaged  in  deadly 
strife.  The  excitement  had  waxed  hot,  ana  dog,  men  and  fox  were 
all  struggling  in  a  promiscuous  melee.  Soon  a  burly  farmer  watch- 
ing his  chance  strikes  wildly  with  his  hoe-handle  for  Reynard's 
head,  which  is  scarcely  distinguishable  in  the  maze  of  legs  and 
bodies.  The  blow  descends,  but  alas  !  a  sudden  movement  of  the 
hairy  mass  brings  the  fierce  stroke  upon  the  faithful  dog,  who  with 
a  wild  howl  relaxes  his  grasp  and  rolls  with  bruised  and  bleeding 
head,  faint  and  powerless  on  the  hillside. 

Reynard  takes  advantage  of  the  turn  affairs  have  assumed,  and 
before  the  gun,  which  had  been  laid  aside  on  the  grass  some  hours 


I8 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


<tx 


before,  can  be  reached  he  disappears  over  the  crest  of  the  hill.  An 
old  she-fox  with  young,  to  supply  them  with  food,  will  soon  deplete  . 
the  hen-roost  and  destroy  both  old  and  great  numbers  of  very  young 
chickens.  Foxes  generally  travel  by  night.  As  before  mentioned 
they  follow  regular  runs,  but  are  exceedingly  shy  of  any  invention 
for  their  capture,  and  the  use  of  traps  is  almost  futile.  When  occa- 
sionally they  do  "  put  their  foot  in  it  "  they  will  gnaw  the  captured 
pedal  extremity  entirely  through  and  escape,  leaving  this  member 
as  a  memento.  In  this  respect  they  fully  support  their  ancient  repu- 
tation for  cunning.  They  will  use  most  adroit  tactics  in  throwing 
dogs  off  their  scent  when  hotly  pursued.  The  western  species  is 
not  hunted  in  any  manner. 

Their  flesh  is  probably  as  good  food  as  dog-meat,  but  is  not  gen- 
erally classed  by  epicures  as  among  the  good  things  of  this  earth. 
Their  food  consists,  besides  chickens,  of  geese,  ducks  and  young 
turkeys,  also  grouse  and  quail  when  they  can  be  procured  without 
a  great  outlay  of  labor ;  but  the  farmyard  generally  furnishes  a  cheap 
and  staple  diet  to  Reynard. 

In  closing  we  add  a  fervent  hope  that  the  "  Yoicks  "  and  "  Tal- 
ly ho  "  will  soon  again  be  heard  throughout  the  South,  and  the 
echoes  be  borne  afar  and  taken  up  by  the  Northern  sportsmen  who 
still  love  the  exciting  chase  and  chivalric  deeds,  concomitants  of 
an  old-fashioned  fox  hunt. 


GRIZZLY   BEAR. 


Ursus  horrtbilis.—OxA. 

THE  well-known  Grizzly  inhabits  the  Western  portions  of  the 
continent,  from  the  Missouri  River  to  the  Pacific  coast,  but 
is  found  most  abundantly  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  the  Sierra 
Nevadas.  It  is  the  largest  of  the  genus  found  within  the  limits  of 
the  United  States,  sometimes  weighing  from  fifteen  hundred  to  two 
thousand  pounds,  and  its  ferocity  makes  it  by  far  the  most  danger- 
ous antagonist  that  the  hunter  will  meet. 

A  technical  description  of  it  would  be  about  the  following: — 
Size  very  large  ;  tail  shorter  than  ears  ;  hair  coarse,  darkest  near 
base,  with  light  tips  ;  an  erect  mane  between  shoulders  '.  feet  large, 
fore  claws  double  the  length  of  the  hinder ;  a  dark  dorsal  stripe 
from  occiput  to  tail,  a  lateral  one  on  ep.ch  side  along  the  flanks, 
nearly  concealed  by  the  light  tips  of  the  hair ;  intervals  between 
the  stripes  lighter ;  hairs  on  body  brownish  yellow,  or  hoary  at 
tips ;  parts  around  ears  dusky ;  legs  approaching  black  ;  muzzle 
pale.  There  are  some  which  differ  in  color  from  the  description 
given,  but  all  belong  to  the  same  species.  This  bear  is  found  ex 
tensively  in  California  along  the  foothills  of  the  Coast  and  Cascade 
Ranges,  wherever  oaks  and  manzanita  are  found,  for  a  great  por- 
tion of  their  food  consists  of  acorns  and  the  berries  of  the  latter. 
The  manzanita,  which  is  peculiar  to  the  tlcra  of  the  Pacific  coast, 
derives  its  botanical  name  {Arctostaphylus glaucd)  from  its  associa- 
tion with  this  animal,  arktos  signifying  bear  in  Greek.  To  procure 
the  fruit  of  this  shrub  bruin  will  travel  far  and  face  many  dangers. 
The  Grizzly  Bear  brings  forth  from  one  to  three  cubs  about  the 
middle  of  January,  At  birth  the  young  are  said  to  be  very  small, 
scarcely  larger  than  puppies.  They  grow  rapidly,  however,  but 
remain  with  the  mother  all  through  the  summer.  It  is  even,  said 
that  they  associate  with  the  dam  until  she  is  just  about  to  bring 
forth  again. 


I 


20  GAME  ANIMALS  OP  NORTH  AMERICA. 


In  Oicgon  and  California  this  Bear  is  said  to  be  found  as  far 
north  as  the  parallel  of  forty  degrees,  but  to  be  scarce  or  not  at 
all  known  beyond  forty-two  degrees.     Its  principal  habitat  in  Ore- 
gon is  in  the  Klamath  Basin,  in  which  are  situated  the  now  famous 
I  lava  beds.     It  is  but  little  hunted,  owing  to  the  sparseness  of  popu- 

1;  lation  there  and  the  danger  of  the  amusement.     The  last  attempt 

at  a  chase  resulted  disastrously  to  one  of  the  parlies,  the  Grizzly 
having  overtaken  and  killed  him  with  one  powerful  stroke. 

On  the  Pacific  Coast  the  hurting  of  the  Grizzly  is  generally  con- 
i  ducted,  where  the  nature  of  the  ground  will  permit,  on  horseback. 

A  pack  of  mongrel  dogs  trained  for  the  purpose,  are  sent  through 
the  jungle  or  thickets  where  the  bears  are  supposed  to  be  feeding. 
They  soon  strike  the  trail  and  followng  it,  drive  him  into  open 
ground,  when  the  nearest  hunter  gives  the  signal  to  the  others  of 
the  party,  who  soon  come  up,  and  a  general  fusillade  is  opened  and 
continued  until  bruin  is  killed  or  disabled.  The  chase  is  attended, 
if  the  animal  be  the  dreaded  Grizzly,  with  considerable  excitement, 
and  no  little  danger,  for  "  Ephraim  "  is  very  nimble  and  active  when 
aroused,  and  it  takes  a  mustang  of  some  speed  and  a  rider  of  skill 
to  evade  his  onward  rushes.  A  horse  unaccustomed  to  the  sight 
of  a  bear  will  become  unruly,  and  throw  a  poor  horseman,  who  is 
then  at  the  mercy  of  the  monster.  The  Grizzly  can  easily  overtake 
a  man  on  foot,  but  as  it  is,  unlike  the  other  varieties,  unable  to 
climb  trees,  safety  is  often  sought  among  the  branches.  Even 
then,  however,  the  pursuer  keeps  the  pursued  in  a  state  of  siege 
until  night,  or  the  timely  arrival  of  his  comrades  relieves  him  from 
his  uncomfortable  and  hazardous  position. 

Greasers,  Western  vernacular  for  Mexicans,  when  they  can  find 
a  Grizzly  feeding  on  open  ground,  will  sometimes  capture  him  with 
their  riatas,  one  horseman  holding  him  by  the  head  or  a  fore-leg, 
while  another  attends  to  his  hind-legs.  While  stretched  in  this 
way  he  can  easily  be  bound  by  others  of  the  party,  and  is  carried  in 
triumph  to  the  village,  there  to  be  pitted,  at  the  ntxi fiesta,  against 
some  savage  young  bull.  The  operation,  however,  is  not  always  so 
successful,  and  sometimes  the  bear  gets  off  with  half-a-dozen  ropes 
traihng  behind  him. 

We  have  met  several  of  these  animals  throughout  the  Western 
States  and  Territories  in  a  semi-domesticated  state,  b'lt  in  no  place 


GRIZZLY  BEAR, 


at 


did  we  see  them  so  gentle  as  to  bear  too  much  familiarity.  When 
the  male  and  female  are  caged  together  they  are  incessantly  quarrel- 
ling, especially  at  feeding  time.  Gallantry  seems  to  be  unknovvn 
to  the  burly  male  at  such  times,  for  he  will  attack  his  companion 
in  the  most  vicious  manner  to  recover  even  the  smallest  morsel  of 
food.  There  is  a  rude  but  significant  word  in  the  Saxon  to  express 
the  highest  type  of  selfishness,  namely,  '*  hoggishness,"  yet  bearish- 
ness  would  be  more  literally  correct,  for  the  Suidce  are  generous  in 
comparison  to  the  monarch  of  this  continent. 

Bears  are,  in  our  estimation,  contemptible  creatures,  not  fit  for 
food.  Their  diet  is  too  varied.  In  the  spring  they  dig  up  ants' 
nests  and  devour  the  eggs  and  inmates,  catch  frogs,  and  eat  with 
relish  any  carrion  that  can  be  picked  up.  The  summer  is  devoted 
to  the  untiring  pursuit  of  mice  and  beetles,  and  a  huge  creature 
weighing  a  thousand  pounds  gives  his  whole  time  and  energies  to 
the  capture  of  such  game  as  this.  When  the  berries  and  nuts  are 
ripe  the  bear's  food  is  delicate  enough  ;  but,  although  we  have  occa- 
sionally been  obliged  to  eat  bear  meat  or  go  hungry,  we  would 
vastly  prefer  good  tough  government  mule. 


BLACK,   BROWN,  OR  CINNAMON   BEAR. 

Ursus  americnnus. — Pallas.    {?  vax.cihnamoneus). 


ONLY  two  spe'cies  u{  the  genus  Ursiis  are  found  within  the 
limits  of  the  United  States.  These  are  the  Grizzly,  the 
largest  and  most  po  verful  of  its  family,  and  the  Black  Bear,  from 
which  the  Cinnamon  Bear  of  authors  is  by  some  held  to  be  dis- 
tinct. Old  hunters  however  say  that  they  have  found  both  Brown 
and  Cinnamon  cubs  in  the  same  litter  with  Black  ones,  and  no 
distinctions  except  color  seem  to  have  been  established  between 
the  Black  and  Cinnamon  Bears.  We  notice  an  analogous  occur- 
rence among  the  squirrel-tribe,  the  grey  and  black  having  been 
proved  to  be  identical.  The  question  however  need  not  be  dis- 
cussed here ;  an  able  authority  will  soon  give  an  opinion  on  the 
subject,  and  we  await  his  dictum. 

The  Black  Bear  is  peculiar  to  no  particular  section  of  North 
America  but  is  found  from  Maine  to  Texas,  from  Florida  to 
Washington  Territory.  It  is  least  abundant  or  perhaps  is  not 
found  at  all  on  the  high  dry  plains  of  the  far  west,  for  it  is  an  ani- 
mal of  the  woods  and  swamps,  while  its  cousin  the  Grizzly  prefers 
the  steep  mountain  side  with  its  covering  of  rocks  and  "  down 
timber,"  or  wanders  through  the  plains  and  open  river  valleys  m 
his  search  for  roots,  mice  and  beetles.  Nowhere  is  the  former 
mOre  abundant  than  in  the  dense  swamps  of  the  Southern  States, 
and  it  seens  to  know  right  well  that  among  these  tangled  cane- 
brakes  it  will  find  safety  from  pursuit  as  well  as  abundance  of 
food.  The  Black  Bear  is  but  little  more  than  one-quarler  the  size 
of  an  adult  Grizzly,  and,  as  his  name  implies,  is  throughout  of  a 
shining  black  color.  The  muzzle,  however,  is  usually  tan  color 
and  sometimes  specimens  are  killed  which  have  a  white  mark  on 
the  throat.  The  so-called  Cinnamon  Bear  varies  in  color  from  a 
deep  rich  brown  to  a  light  yellow  and  is  chiefly  confined  to  the 


BLACK,  BROWN,  OR   CINN-AMON  BEAR. 


23 


mountain  regions  of  the  West ;  a  yellow  hear  from  the  Carolinas 
is  however  mentioned  by  some  authors,  and  may  be  referred  to 
this  variety. 

This  species,  like  the  Grizzly,  is  truly  omnivorous  and  every 
eatable  thing  that  comes  within  reach  is  eagerly  devoured.  In 
severe  winters  in  the  Southern  States  the  Bears  are  sometimes  quite 
troublesome  to  the  farmers,  devouring  large  numbers  of  sheep  and 
hogs,  and  occasionally  making  off  with  a  calf.  Such  depredations, 
however,  are  quite  unusual,  and  Bruin  is  usually  well  contented  if 
he  can  be  allowed  in  peace  to  gather  mast,  to  catch  frogs  in  the 
brooks,  and  to  tear  up  rotten  logs  and  prey  upon  the  ants  and 
beetles  which  he  may  find  in  them.  It  is  in  fall  that  these  animals 
live  in  clover,  so  to  speak.  When  the  nuts  and  berries  are  ripe 
and  the  bees  are  putting  up  the  last  of  their  honey,  and  the  corn 
is  in  the  milk  tender  and  delicious,  and  the  wild  fruits,  grapes  and 
persimmons  and  pawpaws  are  ripe,  then  truly  does  the  Black  Bear 
laugh  and  grow  fat,  so  fat  indeed  that  he  can  scarcely  run. 
Then,  too,  does  the  hunter  collect  his  dogs,  and  summoning  his 
neighbors,  a  jolly  party  proceed  to  the  vicinity  of  the  swamp  which 
harbors  the  Bear.  The  dogs  are  sent  in  and  their  cry  soon  notifies 
the  horsemen  of  the  direction  which  the  game  is  taking.  All 
hands  follow  as  fast  as  the  nature  of  the  ground  will  permit,  and 
before  long  the  barking  of  the  dogs  conveys  the  information  that 
the  Bear  has  sought  safety  among  the  branches  of  a  tree.  On  the 
arrival  of  the  hunters  the  tree  is  either  cut  down  so  that  the  bear 
and  dogs  may  fight  it  out  on  the  ground,  or,  as  is  most  frequently 
the  case,  a  rifle  ball  terminates  the  sport  as  far  as  this  particular 
animal  is  concerned. 

The  Black  Bear  is  shy  and  timid,  and  avoids  a  rencontre  with 
man  if  possible.  When  brought  to  bay,  however,  he  will  make  a 
show  of  fight,  and  if  wounded  may  be  dangerous.  As  a  rule, 
however,  the  chase  of  the  Black  Bear  is  devoid  of  excitement  and 
attractive  danger,  and  it  is  little  hunted  except  as  mentioned  above 
in  the  South.  The  man  who  has  killed  his  Grizzly  has  accom- 
plished a  feat  of  no  small  magnitude  and  may  justly  feel  proud 
of   his    prowess;    but   the   Black    Bear  is    very  much   smaller 


game. 


The  Black  Bear  produces  in  early  spring  two  or  three  cubs 


24 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


I 


which  she  cares  for  with  tl>e  greatest  affection,  and  in  defence  of 
which  she  will  sometimes  even  fight. 

In  some  localities  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  Sierra  Nevadas 
these  animals  are  enormously  abundant.  In  the  berry  season 
their  presence  can  be  detected  almost  every  where  in  the  forests 
by  the  number  of  berries  which  they  have  stripped  off  the  bushes, 
and  the  torn  condition  of  the  soil  in  many  places  where  they  have 
been  digging  for  roots.  In  the  summer  this  animal  is  also  a 
frequenter  of  thickets  where  a  species  of  buckthorn  grows,  as  it 
devours  the  fruit  of  this  tree  with  great  avidity,  though  to  \}i^t genus 
homo  the  fruit  proves  a  most  violent  cathartic.  The  animal  is  but 
little  hunted,  notwithstanding  its  numerical  strength,  owing  un- 
doubtedly to  the  cheapness  of  its  fur,  or  else  to  the  difficulty  of 
finding  its  domicil  during  the  season  of  hibernation,  when  its 
wardrobe  is  in  the  best  condition  for  mercantile  purposes. 

In  the  Adirondacks  and  the  woods  of  Maine,  the  Black  Bear 
is  abundant,  and  we  have  often  tracked  them  to  their  nooning 
places  and  jumped  them  out  of  warm  sunny  spots  by  the  side  of 
old  logs  where  they  were  taking  their  siesta.  The  most  agreeable 
way  of  hunting  this  species  is,  however,  that  first  mentioned,  and 
it  is  also  by  far  the  most  successful.  Black  Bears  are  trapped  in 
large  numbers  for  their  hides  and  are  in  some  localities  taken  with 
set-g^ns  which  they  discharge  in  their  efforts  to  secure  the  bait. 


POLAR  OR  WHITE   BEAR. 

Ursus  maritimus* — Linn. 

'■"P^HE  Polar  Bear  inhabits  the  extreme  northern  portions  of 
JL  both  continents.  In  size  it  almost  equals  the  Grizzly  bear, 
attaining  a  weight  of  from  one  thousand  to  fifteen  hundred  pounds. 
It  differs  in  many  respects  from  other  bears,  and  some  naturalists 
have  regarded  these  differences  as  of  generic  value,  and  have 
formed  for  it  the  genus  Thalassarctus.  A  discussion  of  the  points 
in  which  it  is  unlike  its  relatives,  has  however,  no  place  in  this 
work,  and  we  prefer  to  retain  for  it,  for  the  present  at  least,  its 
Linnean  name. 

The  head  of  the  Polar  Bear  is  flattened,  the  profile  being  almost 
a  straight  line.  The  neck  is  twice  as  long  and  thicker  than  the 
head  ;  the  contour  of  the  body  is  elongated,  the  paws  are  of  huge 
proportions,  and  thickly  covei  vz  the  under  side  with  coarse 
hair,  doubtless  to  keep  them  from  slipping  on  the  ice  ;  and  the 
toes  are  armed  with  formidable  claws.  The  hair  all  over  the  body 
is  of  a  uniform  yellowish  white  or  straw  color,  while  the  eyes,  nose, 
and  claws  are  jet  black.  The  mouth  is  somewhat  small,  armed 
with  large,  strong  teeth,  which  seem  well  calculated  to  catch,  cut 
and  tear  tough  seal  meat,  the  White  Bear's  natural  food. 

The  Polar  Bear  has  been  found  in  the  highest  northern  lati- 
tudes ever  reached  by  navigators.  It  exists  on  all  Asiatic  coasts 
of  the  frozen  ocean  from  the  mouth  of  the  Obi  eastward,  and 
much  abounds  in  Nova  Zembla  and  Spitzbergen,  though  it  has  not 
been  observed  on  any  of  the  islands  of  Behring's  Strait ;  yet  it  is 
found  in  Greenland  and  Labrador,  as  well  as  along  the  coasts  of 
Baffin's  and  Hudson  Bay.        •  j,    . 

In  confinement  the  Polar  Bear  is  savage  and  irritable,  and  vis- 
itors at  menageries  are  generally  impressed  by  the  morose  and 
unsociable  temper  of  these  animals.  They  never  play  together, 
but  are  continually  quarrelling  and  fighting,  and  it  is  but  a  short 

2 


I 


26 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NOK  77/  AMERICA. 


time  since  one  of  a  pair  in  the  Zoological  Gardens  at  Cologne  killed 
his  mate  after  a  savage  combat  which  lasted  for  a  long  time. 

The  young  of  this  species,  generally  two  in  number,  are  brought 
forth  in  December  while  the  mother  is  snugly  ensconced  in  some 
crevice  in  the  rocks  beneath  a  warm  blanket  of  snow.  The  female 
displays  the  most  devoted  attachment  for  her  young,  and  will 
suffer  herself  to  be  killed  in  their  defence.  In  confinement,  how- 
ever, the  mother  usually^devours  her  cubs  shortly  after  birth,  so 
that  in  London  at  the  Zoological  Gardens  the  young  are  removed 
immediately  after  birth  and  are  given  to  a  bitch  to  rear. 

The  White  Bear  is  wholly  carnivorous  in  his  diet,  and  preys 
upon  seals,  fish,  the  carcasses  of  whales,  and  sometimes  even  upon 
the  huge  walrus.  As  might  be  inferred  from  his  habitat,  he  is 
not  a  tree  climber.  In  the  water,  however,  he  is  at  home,  almost 
as  much  so  as  the  seal.  White  Bears  have  been  killed  on  the 
ocean  forty  or  fifty  miles  from  land,  and  that  too  at  a  time  when 
there  was  no  floating  ice  upon  which  they  could  res<^  themselves. 
The  following  account  of  the  manner  in  which  these  animals 
capture  seals  is  given  by  Capt.  Lynn  : — 

"  The  Bear,  on  seeing  his  intended  prey,  gets  quietly  into  the 
water,  and  swims  to  leeward  of  him,  from  whence,  by  frequent 
short  dives,  he  silently  makes  his  approaches,  and  so  arranges  his 
distances  that  at  the  last  dive  he  comes  to  the  spot  where  the  seal 
is  lying.  If  the  poor  animal  attempts  to  escape  by  rolling  into  the 
water,  he  falls  into  the  bear's  clutches  ;  if,  on  the  contrary,  he  lies 
still,  his  destroyer  makes  a  powerful  spring,  kills  him  on  the  ice, 
and  devours  him  at  leisure."  During  the  summer  these  bears 
spend  much  of  their  time  on  the  ice-floes,  swimming  from  one  to 
another ;  they  lodge  in  the  large  crevices  ;  and  in  winter,  when  it 
is  always  night,  when  the  ice-floe  is  as  stable  as  land,  they  bed 
themselves  deep  in  the  snow,  and  remain  in  a  state  of  torpidity 
until  the  welcome  sun  returns  to  gladden  the  scene. 

The  great  size  and  strength  and  the  ferocity  of  the  Polar  Bear 
have  furnished  themes  upon  which  many  a  writer  has  dilated  at 
length,  and  all  accounts  of  Arctic  exploration  contain  narratives 
bearing  on  the  habits  of  this  species.     From  a  great  mass  of  mate- 
rial the  following  anecdote  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Lamont,  is  selected. 

"  The  bear  was  surprised  on  the  shore,  where  the  soft  mud 


POLAR   OR    WHITE   BEAR. 


Sf 


was  intersected  by  numerous  little  channels  and  much  rough  ice  - 
left  aground  by  the  tide.  This  seemed  to  embarrass  her  very 
much,  as  the  cubs  could  not  jump  over  the  channels.  The  old 
bear  became  very  anxious  and  uneasy  at  our  approach  ;  but  she 
showed  great  patience  and  forbearance  with  her  cubs,  always 
waiting,  after  she  had  jumped  over  a  channel,  until  they  swam 
icross,  and  affectionately  assisting  them  to  scramble  up  the  steep 
sides  of  the  rocky  places.  Nevertheless,  the  mixture  of  sticky  mud 
with  rough  ice  and  half-frozen  water  soon  reduced  the  unhappy 
cubs  to  a  pitiable  state  of  distress,  and  we  heard  them  growling 
plaintively,  as  if  they  were  upbraiding  their  mother  for  dragging 
them  through  such  a  disagreeable  place.  The  delay  was  fatal  to 
the  old  bear.  After  she  was  dispatched,  and  the  cubs,  which  were 
about  the  size  of  colly  dogs,  bound  together  by  a  cord,  they  began 
a  furious  combat  with  one  another,  and  rolled  about  in  the  mud, 
biting,  struggling,  and  roaring  until  quite  exhausted.  Here  I  am 
sorry  to  have  to  record  the  most  horrid  case  of  filial  ingratitude 
that  ever  fell  under  my  observation.  Without  doubt  the  mother 
had  sacrificed  her  life  for  her  cubs.  She  could  have  escaped  with-  - 
out  difficulty  if  she  had  not  so  magnanimously  remained  to  help 
them.  When,  however,  we  proceeded  to  open  the  carcass  of  the 
old  bear  for  the  purpose  of  skinning  her,  the  two  young  demons  of 
cubs,  having  by  this  time  settled  their  differences  with  each  other, 
began  to  devour  their  unfortunate  and  too  devoted  parent,  and 
actually  made  a  hearty  meal  off  her.  When  we  had  finished  skin- 
ning her,  the  cubs  sat  down  upon  the  skin,  and  resolutely  refused 
to  leave  it ;  so  we  dragged  the  skin,  with  the  little  animals  upon 
it,  like  a  sledge,  to  the  boat.  After  another  tussle  v/ith  them,  in 
the  course  of  which  they  severely  bit  and  scratched  some  of  the 
men,  we  got  them  tied  down  under  the  thwarts  of  the  boat,  and 
conveyed  them  on  board  the  sloop." 


•f     ..    . 


'(   • 


RACCOON. 


ProcyoH  lotor. — Storr. 


THE  Raccoon  is  one  of  the  most  generally  known  of  Ameri- 
can Mammals,  and  is  of  frequent  occurrence  throughout  the 
United  States.  Its  total  length  is  about  three  feet,  of  which  the 
tail  occupies  one-third.  In  color  it  is  pale  grey,  somewhat  mottled 
with  dusky  cloudings.  The  face  is  lighter,  but  there  is  a  black 
patch  upon  the  cheeks  and  another  behind  the  ear.  The  tail  has 
five  well  marked  black  rings  and  a  black  hip,  the  interspaces 
between  these  markings  being  pale  yellow. 

Although  as  an  article  of  food  there  is  great  diversity  of  opin- 
ion concerning  the  merits  of  the  Raccoon,  yet  he  is  hunted  consid- 
erably for  the  sport  alone,  and  some,  not  above  it,  enjoy  also  the 
pleasure  of  a  palatable  coon  stew.  Unlike  the  foxes,  the  raccoon 
is  at  home  in  a  tree,  although  not  possessing  the  agility  of  a 
squirrel.  In  fact  this  is  the  usual  refuge  he  seeks  when  danger  is 
near,  and  not  being  very  swift  of  foot,  it  is  well  they  possess  this 
climbing  ability.  Their  abode  is  generally  in  a  hoUov/  tree,  oak  or 
chestnut,  and  when  the  juvenile  farmer's  son  comes  across  a  coon- 
tree,  he  is  not  long  in  making  known  his  discovery  to  friends  and 
neighbors,  who  forthwith  assemble  at  the  spot,  and  proceed  to  fell 
the  tree  containing  his  coonship.  At  this  juncture  the  coon  loses 
no  time  in  scrambling  out  of  his  ruined  home,  but  a  half  score  or 
more  of  mongrel  dogs,  of  terrier,  hound  and  bull  extraction,  soon 
accomplish  his  destruction.  But  let  it  be  distinctly  understood  he 
does  not  yield  up  his  life  gracefully  and  without  a  struggle,  for  he 
often  puts  many  of  his  assailants  hors  de  combat  for  many  a  day, 
his  jaws  being  strong  and  his  claws  sharp.  The  Raccoon  breeds 
in  a  hollow  tree,  and  the  young  are  generally  from  four  to  eight  in 
number,  pretty  little  creatures  at  first,  about  as  large  as  half-grown 
rats.    They  are  as  playful  as  kittens  and  may  be  raised  to  be 


.--r-       •     •-  -.r   RACCOON.  ■  >  29 

docile  and  tame,  but  their  nomadic  proclivities  are  so  strongly 
inbred  that  they  will,  unless  chained,  wander  off  to  the  woods  and 
not  return.  Coons  are  hunted  throughout  New  England  quite  ex- 
tensively and  also  down  south.  They  are  ranked  next  in  merit  to 
the  opossum  by  the  sable  autocrats,  who  take  great  delight  in  ibl- 
lowing  the  broad-footed  mammal.  When  the  late  September  days 
are  on  us  and  the  moon  is  at  its  fullest  quarter,  the  yellow  stalks 
with  their  milky  ears  of  corn  still  standing — then  is  the  season  for 
the  hunters  to  assemble,  and  with  their  coon  dogs,  from  one  to 
three  in  number,  to  start  for  the  borders  of  swamps  skirting  the 
corn-fields,  in  search  of  this  member  of  the  ring-tailed  family.  He 
is  emphatically  a  night  animal,  and  never  travels  by  day ;  some- 
times being  caught  at  morning  far  from  his  tree  and  being  unable 
to  return  thither  he  will  spend  the  hours  of  daylight  snugly  coiled 
up  among  the  thickest  foliage  of  some  lofty  tree-top. 

The  corn  is  still  in  the  milk  and  in  a  condition  most  attractive 
to  the  Raccoon.  If  he  is  not  started  in  this  locality,  look  for  him 
along  the  banks  of  the  lily  pond  near  by.  He  is  exceedingly  fond 
of  the  bull  frogs  and  catfish  which  here  abound,  and  will  travel 
far  for  these  dainties.  As  soon  as  the  trail  is  struck,  off  goes 
"  Tige  "  or  "  Bose  "  and  the  only  thing  left  for  us  is  to  sit  and 
wait  for  the  signal.  The  Coon  is  somewhat  adroit  in  his  attempts 
to  baffle  the  dogs,  and  he  will  often  enter  a  brook  and  travel  for 
some  distance  in  the  water,  thus  puzzling  and  delaying  his  pur- 
suers not  a  little.  Soon  a  distant  barking  reaches  our  ears,  coming 
from  a  direction  quite  different  from  where  we  had  anticipated, 
showing  that  the  game  has  made  good  use  of  time  and  tactics, 
but  is  at  last  treed. 

After  a  tedious  tramp  o'er  hill  and  dale,  we  arrive  at  the  foot 
of  a  gigantic  pine,  among  the  topmost  branches  of  which  our 
quarry  is  concealed.  The  youngest  and  most  nimble  of  the  party 
is  appointed  to  swarm  up  the  tree  and  shake  off  our  victim.  As 
the  climber  nears  the  object  of  his  pursuit,  the  latter  retreats  to 
the  extremity  of  a  branch,  and  finally  in  desperation  springs  wildly 
outward  and  strikes  the  earth,  rebounding  to  his  feet  apparently 
unharmed.     Upon  him  then,  the  dogs  vent  their  rage. 

A  good  sized  coon  will  weigh  from  fifteen  to  twenty  pounds. 
Raccoons  are  frequently  caught  in  steel  traps,  and  exhibit  much 


30 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


less  sly  cunning  than  the  fox  in  evading  the  gins  which  man  pre- 
pares for  their  capture.  They  will  eat  anything,  being  particularly 
fond  of  eggs,  meat  and  green  corn,  frequently  holding  a  "  swarry  " 
in  the  hen-house  and  cornfield  the  same  evening. 

Nocturnal  coon-hunts  frequently  result  disastrously  to  other 
animals  ;  and  occasionally  a  party  of  hunters  will  return  with  a 
varied  bag,  without  coon  perhaps,  but  including  skunk,  wood- 
chuck,  cat,  etc.  Sometimes,  too,  the  dogs  will  go  off  on  a  fox 
trail,  and  in  that  case  may  not  be  seen  again  for  twenty-four  or 
thirty-six  hours. 


\: 


I.'   '■-.■! 


'■'  ■■>,  •■'!  '1 ; 


>    !■( 


'   V    ) 


MUSK    OX. 


Ovibos  wofcAa^wj.— Blainville. 


THE  Musk  Ox  is  confined  to  the  barren  grounds  of  America, 
north  of  the  sixty-fifth  parallel  of  latitude.  In  spring  it  wan- 
ders over  the  ice  as  far  as  Melville  Bay,  or  even  Smith's  Souod,  where 
a  number  of  its  bones  were  found  by  Dr.  Kane.  In  September 
it  withdraws  more  to  the  South,  and  spends  the  coldest  months 
on  the  verge  of  the  lorest  region.  It  subsists  chiefly  on  lichens  and 
mosses.  It  runs  nimbly,  and  climbs  hills  and  rocks  with  ease. 
Its  fossil  remams,  or  those  of  a  very  similar  species,  have  been 
discovered  in  Siberia.  At  present  it  is  exclusively  confined  to  the 
New  World.  In  size  it  is  about  equal  to  a  two  year  old  cow, 
weighing  when  fat  from  six  to  seven  hundred  pounds.  The  horns 
are  very  broad  at  their  origin,  cover  the  whole  crown  of  the  head 
and  the  brow,  and  touch  each  other  for  their  whole  breadth  from 
before  backwards.  For  a  short  distance  from  the  base  they  grow 
directly  outward,  and  then  becoming  rounded  and  tapering,  curve 
downward  between  the  eyes  and  ears  until  they  reach  the  angle  of 
the  mouth,  when  they  turn  outward  and  upward  to  about  the  level 
of  the  eye.  The  horn  is  dull  white  and  rough  on  its  basal  half  but 
becomes  smooth  shining  and  black  toward  the  point.  The  general 
color  of  the  hair  is  dark  brown,  but  upon  the  neck  and  shoulders 
it  fades  to  a  grizzled  hue,  while  on  the  centre  of  the  back  is  a  patch 
of  soiled  white.  The  muzzle,  instead  of  being  naked  as  in  the 
genus  Bos,  is  covered  with  short  white  hair.  The  tail  is  but  a  few 
inches  in  length  and  is  completely  concealed  by  the  long  shaggy 
hair  covering  the  hips.  The  legs  are  clothed  with  a  coat  of  short 
brownish  white  hair,  and,  owing  to  the  great  length  of  the  coat  on 
the  throat,  chesc,  sides  and  belly,  seem  very  short  in  proportion 
to  the  size  of  the  animal.  There  is  an  abundance  of  fine  short  ash- 
colored  wool  beneath  the  hair  covering  the  body.    The  female 


32 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


Musk  Ox  is  much  smaller  than  the  male  and  has  smaller  horns 
which  do  not  touch  at  their  bases. 

The  Musk  Ox  is  scarcely  to  be  rejjarded  as  a  game  animal,  its 
habitat  being  such  as  to  save  it  from  pursuit  by  those  who  hunt 
simply  for  pleasure.  It  furnishes  however  much  of  the  fresh  meat 
which  is  obtained  by  arctic  explorers,  and  is  hunted  as  well  by  the 
Esquimaux  and  the  Indians  of  the  far  North.  Th^-se  animals  are 
usually  killed  by  stalking  them  and  it  is  said  that  if  the  hunter  keeps 
himself  concealed  the  Musk  Oxen  will  not  run  but  will  permit  him 
to  shoot  until  all  are  killed  cr  until  they  are  alarmed  by  the  sight 
or  smell  of  his  person.  The  bulls  are  somewhat  irritable,  and  it  is 
sakl  that  the  Esquimaux  take  advantage  of  this  disposition  "  for 
an  expert  hunter,  having  provoked  a  bull  to  attack  him,  wheels 
around  it  more  quickly  than  it  can  turn,  and  by  repeated  stabs  in 
the  belly,  puts  an  end  to  its  life." 

Remains  of  the  Musk  Ox  are  still  rare  in  collections,  and  those 
who  are  fortunate  enough  to  meet  with  this  species  in  its  native 
haunts  should  not  fail  to  preserve  both  the  skin  and  skeleton  of  those 
which  they  may  kill,  for  the  benefit  of  some  of  our  institutions  of 
learning.  Owing  to  its  arctic  habitat  but  little  is  known  of  its  mode 
of  life,  and  a  careful  and  trustworthy  account  of  its  habits  and  pre- 
sent range  would  be  a  most  valuable  contribution  to  our  knowl- 
edge of  North  American  mammals. 


A'.w^        1.. 


'.'      ■     I 


r-.  -V'  .      fc  * 


"  t  ^  ■  -■     —     **.?.■  1   »* 


»  t 


BUFFALO. 


Bos  Afnericanus.—GmeUa. 


if. 

■x 


So  much  has  been  written  during  late  years  about  the  Buffalo, 
that  almost  every  one  is  familiar  with  its  history,  and  it  is 
well  that  it  is  so,  for  he  will  very  shortly  exist  only  in  the  annals  of 
the  past.        '  - 

The  American  Bison  is  known  by  but  one  name  throughout 
the  continent  of  America,  being  rarely  spoken  of  by  any  other 
appellation  than  that  of  the  Buffalo. 

Since  the  comparatively  recent  enormous  exodus  of  population 
from  the  eastern  portions  of  our  country,  and  influx  of  the  same 
into  the  formerly  sacred  and  forbidden  territories  of  the  red  man, 
the  natural  history  of  that  vast  territory  west  of  the  Missouri  has 
been  made  more  definite  and  clear,  and  its  resources  developed. 
In  the  acquisition  of  our  knowledge  of  the  former,  the  Buffalo 
has  played  the  most  important  part. 

Fossil  remains  of  a  Bison  of  prehistoric  times  have  been  found 
in  the  same  country  now  occupied  by  the  present  comparatively 
diminutive  species.  These  gigantic  animals  were  probably  six  to 
eight  times  the  size  of  our  present  species  and  must  have  been  fit 
contemporaries  of  the  Mastodon,  and  the  enormous  sloths  which 
in  Post-Pliocene  times  inhabited  our  continent.  The  prehistoric 
man,  to  hunt  an  animal  of  these  proportions,  should  have  been  as 
large  as  the  fabled  giants.  In  former  times  the  Bison  occupied 
the  major  part  of  the  North  American  continent ;  their  migrations 
extending  from  Mexico  on  the  South,  far  up  into  the  present  British 
Possessions,  and  their  eastern  and  western  limits  being  the  States 
of  California  and  Oregon,  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas  respectively. 
But  our  authentic  history  of  the  animal  dates  back  only  to  the 
earlier  part  of  the  past  century  when  it  had  been  driven  west  of 
the  Mississippi.    The  range  of  the  Buffalo  in  1830,  had  been  .    •- 


34  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

rowed  to  the  following  boundaries  :  the  plains  of  Texas  on  the 
south  to  beyond  the  British  line,  from  the  Missouri  and  upper 
Mississippi  on  the  east  to  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Sierra  Nevadas 
on  the  west.  Every  portion  of  this  immense  area  was  either  the 
fixed  home  of  the  Bison,  or  mij,du  be  expected  to  have  each  year 
one  or  more  visits  from  the  migrating  millions. 

The  latest  determination  of  the  range  of  the  few  remaining 
Bison,  1876,  fixes  it  mainly  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States, 
and  confines  it  to  Texas,  Colorado,  Kansas,  and  the  Indian  Terri- 
tory on  the  south,  and  Montana  and  Dakota  on  the  north.  The 
rapid  and  appalling  diminution  in  their  numbers  and  range  is  owing 
entirely  to  their  wanton  and  useless  destruction  by  skin-hunters 
and  pseudo  sportsmen. 

The  general  ensemb/c  of  the  Bison  is  so  well  known  to  all, 
that  a  description  is  hardly  necessary.  Owing  to  his  great  size, 
shaggy  mane  and  hump,  vicious  eye,  and  sullen  demeanor,  he 
possesses  the  appearance  of  being  a  formidable  adversary,  but  in 
truth,  he  is  the  mildest,  most  inoffensive,  stubborn  and  stupid  of 
all  the  western  mammals.  If  not  alarmed  by  sight  of  the  ene- 
my, he  will  stupidly  watch  his  companions  fall  one  by  one,  until 
the  whole  herd  are  killed  or  wounded.  When  in  their  migra- 
tions, they  select  the  most  easy  and  available  routes,  and  a  well 
defined  bufi"alo  trail  will  always  be  found  the  best  path  for  the 
horseman.  In  crossing  streams  they  show  little  instinct  and  no 
intelligence  ;  the  foremost  plunge  recklessly  in  and,  where  quick- 
sands exist,  or  the  current  is  too  swift,  many  perish,  but  their  fate 
does  not  deter  those  behind  from  attemp  .ig  the  passage,  and 
whole  herds  may  be  annihilated  in  this  way.  Although  they  fol- 
low in  migrating  the  easiest  routes,  yet  they  by  no  means  lack  the 
ability  to  travel  over  rough  or  bad  ground,  and  can  descend  or 
ascend  a  cliff,  which  for  man  lo  attempt,  on  a  horse  or  off  one, 
would  be  certain  destruction.  The  habits  of  the  Bison  are  almost 
identical  with  those  of  domestic  stock  ;  very  little  fighting,  how- 
ever, takes  place  among  the  bulls,  even  during  the  rutting  season, 
which  occurs  in  July.  The  young  are  brought  forth  in  April,  and 
the  female  bears  one  calf ;  the  mother  seems  to  evince  little  affec- 
tion for  her  offspring,  and  its  protection  devolves  almost  wholly 
upon  the  bulls.    At  the  least  fright,  she  will  scamper  off,  utterly 


BUFFALO.  35 

unmindful  of  the  helpless  young,  who  would  soon  fall  an  easy  prey. 
to  wolf  or  coyote,  were  it  not  guarded  by  the  bulls,  who  fight 
fitTcely  for  the  safety  of  their  offspring. 

Tlie  following  story  is  related  by  an  army  officer,  and  bears 
upon  this  point :  While  riding  into  camp  alone  one  night,  he 
observed  some  six  or  eight  Buffalo  bulls  on  the  prairie  arranged 
in  a  compact  circle  with  heads  facing  outward  ;  all  around,  and  at 
a  little  distance  from  the  ring,  sat  numbers  of  grey  wolves  eying 
the  Bison.  At  a  loss  to  account  for  this  singular  sight,  he  drew 
up  to  watch  their  movements.  Soon  the  Buffalo  SLparated,  and 
now  a  young  calf,  evidently  newly  born,  was  seen  in  centre  of  the 
group.  They  trotted  away  some  hundred  yards,  meanwhile  pro- 
tecting the  object  of  their  solicitude,  on  all  sides,  the  wolves  mov- 
ing along  with  them.  Soon  the  young  one  becoming  fatigued,  lay 
down,  when  the  bulls  stopped  again,  forming  the  same  impassable 
barrier  against  their  ferucious  enemies.  Thus  they  escorted  their 
ward  back  to  the  main  herd. 

When  feeding,  the  cows  and  calves  occupy  the  middle  space, 
the  bulls  forming  as  it  were  the  circumference  of  an  enclosing  cir- 
cle. When  attacked,  however,  they  lose  all  control  of  themselves 
and  dash  hither  and  thither  in  every  direction.  If  governmental 
protection  can  be  obtained  at  all  for  the  Bisons,  it  should  at  least 
save  them  from  wicked  and  indiscriminate  slaughter  during  the 
spring  and  summer,  while  they  are  breeding  and  rearing  their 
young.  But  with  regard  to  buffalo  protection  another  and  better 
method  for  saving  the  few  remaining  herds  from  utter  annihilation 
may  be  suggested  ;  namely,  by  forming  a  buffalo  reservation. 

In  the  Yellowstone  National  Park  we  have  the  necessary  ter- 
ritory, and  it  is  already  stocked  ;  but  the  skin  hunter,  that  ruthless 
destroyer  of  game,  must  be  kept  at  a  distance,  if  we  would  hope 
to  save  this  species.  This  section  of  territory  is  by  law  forbidden 
ground  to  the  hunter,  and  could  the  statute  be  enforced,  the  buffalo, 
which  at  present  exist  in  considerable  numbers  in  this  region, 
would  have  an  opportunity  to  increase,  and  might  endure  there 
long  after  their  recent  prairie  range  has  become  a  region  of  smil- 
ing wheat  farms  and  well  stocked  cattle  ranches.  The  bill  setting 
aside  the  Yellowstone  Park  as  a  Government  reservation  says  that 
the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  "provide  against  the  wanton 


36  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

destruction  of  the  fish  and  game  found  within  the  park,  and 
against  their  capture  or  destruction  for  the  purpose  of  mer- 
chandise or  profit." 

Then  again  if  the  wild  buffalo  must  become  extinct,  why  not 
make  preparations  for  it.  An  animal  which  in  all  essential  respects 
agrees  so  closely  with  the  domestic  cattle  must  surely  prove  of 
vast  importance  to  the  farmer  and  stock  raiser,  if  its  oomesticatioii 
were  but  systematically  attempted.  We  have  at  various  times 
seen  in  Montana,  Nebraska  and  Kansas  young  buffaloes  running 
at  large  with  the  herds  of  domestic  cattle,  and  in  their  actions 
resembling  in  all  respects  their  tame  comp.inions.  With  the  cat- 
tle they  would  wander  off  for  days  or  weeks  to  distant  parts  of  the 
range,  returning  from  time  to  time,  and  being  quite  as  gentle  and 
docile  as  the  other  individuals  of  the  herd.  When  these  calves 
approach  maturity,  what  more  natural  than  that  the  males  should 
be  broken  to  the  yoke  .''  The  owner  is  not  slow  to  avail  himself 
of  their  enormous  strength,  and  teams  of  young  bulls  are  by  no 
means  uncommon  in  the  vicinity  of  the  buffalo  range.  Their 
power  and  endurance  are  undoubted,  though  their  temper  is  not, 
perhaps,  of  the  best.  In  fact  it  is  said  that  if  they  desire  to  go  in 
any  particular  direction,  or  not  to  go  at  all,  nothing  that  the 
driver  can  say  or  do,  will  have  the  slightest  effect  in  changing  their 
determination.  Such  little  eccentric't/cs  as  these,  however,  would 
no  doubt  be  overcome  after  a  gener:  "  -  v  or  two  of  domestication, 
or  might  be  more  immediately  moaified  by  a  cross  of  domestic 
blood.  The  old  buffalo  ranges  are  filling  up  with  cattle,  and  by 
the  importation  of  blooded  bulls  the  quality  of  the  stock  is  being 
continually  improved.  From  these  plains  a  large  portion  of  the 
beef  for  Eastern  and  European  consumption  will  ultimately  be 
derived.  Before  the  buffalo  wholly  disappears  some  intelligent 
effort  should  be  made  for  inter-breeding  on  a  large  scale,  so  that 
ere  the  last  of  the  shaggy  wild  brutes  have  yielded  up  his  life  there 
shall  have  been  infused  into  our  western  cattle  the  hardy  blood  of 
their  obliterated  relatives. 

Of  the  modes  of  capture  practiced  in  hunting  the  Bison  the  two 
most  in  vogue  are  still  hunting,  confined  for  the  most  part  to  that 
great  exterminator,  the  skin  hunter,  and  hunting  on  horseback,  the 
legitimate  and  only  sportsmanlike  manner  of  pursuit.     Owing  to 


BUFFALO. 


17 


the  incredible  decimation  in  the  ranks  of  the  buffalo  within  the  past 
few  years,  every  cruel  and  cowardly  device  is  now  resorted  to,  to 
accomplish  their  destruction.  Herds  are  sometimes  kept  days  from 
water  by  the  hunters  in  some  sections,  notably  that  south  of  the 
.,  Platte,  where  the  precious  and  necessary  fluid  is  comparatively 
scarce,  and  the  rivers  few  and  far  between.  The  animals  at  last, 
from  sheer  desperation,  rush  to  the  water,  and  are  met  by  the  death- 
dealing  bullet,  preferring  an  end  in  this  way  to  the  slow  pangs  of 
an  all  torturing  thirst.  At  night,  fires  are  built  along  the  streams 
to  keep  them  off,  and  the  poor  beasts  are  in  one  way  and  another 
kept  from  the  water  and  killed  off  until  herd  after  herd  disappear* 
The  desire  to  kill  seems  to  blind  many  men  to  all  other  consid- 
erations. Animals  are  shot  down  and  left,  with  the  exception  of 
the  tongue  perhaps,  entire,  to  rot  unskinned,  merely  because  the 
hunter  wishes  to  kill  as  many  as  possible  before  they  get  off.  In 
his  recent  work,  Colonel  Dodge  gives  some  startling  computations 
of  the  appalling  and  useless  slaughter  of  th'^  Bison  within  the  last 
six  years.  He  gives  it  as  his  opinion  that  one  skin  in  market  rep- 
resents from  four  to  six  beasts  killed,  and  we  think  these  figures 
not  too  large.  Still  hunting  should  be  resorted  to  only  when  a 
camp  is  in  pressing  need  of  fresh  meat.  Still  it  is  always  difficult 
to  curb  the  ardor  of  the  young  tyro,  whose  sole  desire  seems  to  be  to 
kill  as  many  buffaloes  as  possible  for  no  other  reason  than  that  he 
may  relate  his  stories  to  admiring  friends,  on  his  return  to  the  settle- 
ments. The  still  hunter,  if  he  be  an  adept  and  understands  the 
habits  of  the  game  he  pursues,  may  very  soon  wipe  out  of  exist- 
ence a  moderately  large  herd  of  buffaloes. 

He  will  take  into  consideration  the  direction  of  the  wind,  the 
lay  of  the  land,  and  other  minor  points  ;  he  will  use  creek  bottoms, 
gulches  and  ravine  approaches  in  his  stalking.  When  within 
shooting  distance  he  commences  to  kill  off  the  herd  one  by  one  at 
his  ease,  meanwhile,  keeping  himself  entirely  concealed  from  view. 
The  Bison  stupidly  watch  their  comrades  stagger  and  fall,  but  do 
not  offer  to  run.  They  are  startled  by  the  rifle  report,  but  are  un- 
aware in  which  direction  to  look  for  an  enemy.  The  skin  hunter 
strips  the  animals  of  their  hides,  and  leaves  the  carcasses  to  decay 
or  become  the  food  of  wolf  and  jackal.  The  mortality  of  the  buf- 
falo from  the  slaughter  of  Indians,  but  more  particularly  white 


38  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

hunters,  is  simply  frightful,  and  when  it  is  stated  by  one  who 
knows  that  during  the  three  years  of  1872-3-4  wtx  four  and  a  half 
millions  of  these  beasts  were  slaughtered,  it  can  be  readily  imagined 
by  the  most  uninformed  that  the  species  will  soon  cease  to  exist. 

Hunting  from  horseback  is  followed  in  the  same  manner  by 
whites  as  practiced  by  the  Indians.  It  was  our  good  fortune  a 
few  years  ago  to  accompany  the  Pawnee  Indians  on  their  grand 
annual  Buffalo  Hunt,  and  a  short  description  of  how  the  hunt  was 
conducted  after  the  herd  was  discovered  will  suffice  to  give  the 
reader  an  idea  of  a  Bison  Hunt  on  horseback. 

After  the  scouts  had  brought  into  camp  notice  of  the  proximity 
of  a  herd,  the  men  removed  the  saddles  and  bridles  from  their 
horses,  substituting  for  the  latter  a  strip  of  rawhide  around  the 
lower  jaw.  They  also  stripped  off  their  own  clothing  and  stood 
forth  as  naked  as  when  they  came  into  the  world,  save  for  a  breech 
clout  and  a  pair  of  moccasins  apiece.  Their  bows  and  arrows 
they  held  in  their  hands.  At  a  given  signal  they  started  off,  at 
first  on  a  slow  trot,  but  gradually  increasing  their  speed  until  the 
trot  became  a  canter,  and  the  canter  a  swift  gallop. 

At  length  we  reach  the  top  of  the  last  ridge  and  see  the  buffalo 
lying  down  in  the  creek  bottom  a  mile  beyond.  The  place  could 
not  have  been  more  favorable  for  a  surround  had  it  been  chosen 
for  the  purpose.  A  plain  two  miles  broad  and  intersected  by  a 
narrow  stream,  is  encircled  by  high  bluffs,  up  which  the  buffalo 
must  toil  slowly,  but  which  the  more  nimble  ponies  can  ascend 
almost  as  fast  as  they  can  run  on  level  ground.  As  we  commence 
to  descend  the  face  of  the  bluff,  the  pace  is  slightly  accelerated. 
The  Indians  at  either  extremity  of  the  line  press  forward,  and  its 
contour  is  now  crescent  like.  Men  and  horses  commence  to  evince 
more  excitement,  but  the  five  hundred  buffaloes  reposing  below  us 
do  not  seem  to  notice  our  advance.  A  few  wily  old  bulls,  how- 
ever, that  occupy  the  tops  of  the  lower  bluffs,  take  the  alarm  and 
commence  to  scud  off  over  the  hills.  At  last  when  we  are  within 
half  a  mile  of  the  ruminating  herd  a  few  of  them  rise  to  their  feet, 
and  soon  all  spring  up  and  stare  at  us  for  a  few  seconds  ;  then 
down  go  their  heads  and  in  a  dense  mass  they  rush  off  toward  the 
bluffs.  As  they  rise  to  their  feet  the  leaders  of  our  party  give  the 
signal,  and  each  man  puts  his  horse  to  its  utmost  speed.    The 


BUFFALO. 


39 


fastest  horses  are  soon  among  the  last  of  the  buffalo,  but  still  their 
riders  push  forward  to  try  and  turn  the  leaders  of  the  herd,  and 
drive  them  back  into  the  plain.  This  they  in  part  accomplish, 
and  soon  the  bottom  is  covered  with  the  flying  animals.  They 
dash  madly  along,  and  the  trained  horses  keep  close  to  the  buffalo 
without  any  guidance,  yet  watch  constantly  for  any  indication  of 
an  intention  to  charge,  and  wheel  off,  if  such  intention  is  mani- 
fested. The  Indians  discharging  arrow  after  arrow  in  quick  suc- 
cession, ere  long  bring  down  the  huge  beast,  and  then  turn  and 
ride  off  after  another. 

Ourself  and  comrades  having  brought  down  three  or  four 
apiece,  come  together  on  a  little  hill  that  overlooks  the  valley  and 
become  spectators  of  the  scene.  Soon  the  chase  is  ended,  and 
the  plain  is  dotted  with  dark  objects  over  each  of  which  bend  two 
or  three  Indians  busily  engaged  in  securing  the  meat.  Every 
ounce  of  this  will  be  saved,  and  what  is  not  eaten  while  fresh 
will  be  jerked  and  thus  preserved  for  consumption  during  the 
winter.  How  different  would  have  been  the  course  of  a  party  of 
white  hunters  had  they  the  same  opportunity.  They  would  have 
killed  as  many  animals,  but  would  have  left  all  but  enough  for  one 
day's  use  to  be  devoured  by  the  wolves  or  to  rot  upon  the  prairie. 

The  Mountain  Bison  diifers  in  various  respects  from  the  Bison 
of  the  plain,  notably  in  size.  His  legs  are  shorter  and  stronger, 
apparently  eminently  fitted  to  his  habits,  which  necessitate  consid- 
erable climbing. 

The  animals  are  not  plenty  although  they  are  said  to  have  been 
so  once  in  those  happy  past  days,  which  are  always  the  favorite 
theme  of  the  "  old  residenters,"  but  he  is  still  to  be  found  in  the 
Yellowstone  region  in  considerable  numbers.  They  inhabit  for 
the  most  part,  inaccessible  cliffs  and  the  dark  defiles  of  the  moun- 
tains. They  are  extremely  shy,  and  possess  much  more  intelli- 
gence in  avoiding  danger,  than  their  lowland  brother.  They  are 
incredibly  active  in  scaling  or  descending  precipitous  places,  and 
are  much  more  agile  than  their  bulk  and  clumsy  appearance  would 
seem  to  indicate.  Th^re  seems  to  be  no  good  reason  for  re- 
garding the  Mountain  Bison  as  specifically  distinct  from  the  Buf- 
falo of  the  plains.  The  differences  seem  to  be  only  those  which 
are  characteristic  of  an  inhabitant  of  the  woods  and  hills,  as  dis- 
tinguished from  a  dweller  on  the  plains  and  lowlands. 


THE   MOUNTAIN  GOAT. 


Aplocerus  columbianus. — Coues. 


THE  White  Goat  is  confined  to  the  loftiest  peaks  of  the  Rocky- 
Mountains  :  it  is  not  known  south  of  Colorado,  and  is  prob- 
ably rare  south  of  Washington  Territory,  but  is  found  to  the  north- 
ward as  far  as  Alaska. 

In  size  this  species  about  equals  the  domestic  sheep,  which  it 
somewhat  resembles  in  shape,  but  the  long  spines  of  the  dorsal 
vertebras  give  it  the  appearance  of  having  a  slight  hump  just  be- 
hind the  shoulders,  and  it  is  thus  not  particularly  graceful  in  form. 
The  horns  are  from  six  to  eight  inches  long,  awl  shaped,  ringed 
at  the  base  and  bending  slightly  backward.  In  color  they,  with 
the  hoofs,  are  shining  black  like  polished  ebony.  The  hair  is  long 
except  on  the  face  and  lower  legs,  and  is  underlaid  by  a  fine  soft 
wool,  the  whole  fleece  being  snow-white  in  color.  The  ciiin  is 
ornamented  with  a  beard-like  tuft  of  long  hair,  as  in  the  common 
goat. 

Notwithstanding  its  common  name,  this  animal  is  regarded  by 
naturalists  as  an  antelope,  and  not  a  goat  at  all.  It  is  almost  nevei 
hunted,  and  even  in  those  districts  where  it  is  most  abundant,  it  is 
one  of  the  rarest  of  mammals.  Besides  this,  it  is  said  to  be  most 
shy  and  vigilant,  and  is  not  to  be  approached  unless  some  accident 
favors  the  hunter.  The  true  home  of  this  species  is  among  the 
loftiest  pinnacles  of  the  snow-covered  mountains,  above  timber 
line  where  no  vegetation  is  to  be  found  save  mosses,  lichens  and  a 
few  Alpine  shrubs  and  grasses.  Here  the  goats  live  a  quiet,  peace- 
ful life,  undisturbed  except  by  an  occasional  hunter,  from  whom 
they  ordinarily  escape  without  difficulty  by  fleeing  to  the  neighbor- 
ing heights.  The  few  that  are  annually  killed  are  only  secured 
after  the  most  toilsome  pursuit.  As  their  flesh  is  dry  and  taste- 
less, they  are  rarely  disturbed  by  the  Indians,  who  can  always 
obtain  better  meat  at  a  less  expense  of  time  and  labor. 


THE  MOUNTAIN   GOAT. 


41 


Like  the  Musk  Ox,  the  Mountain  Goat  is  extremely  rare  in 
collections,  and  their  skins  and  skeletons  are  quite  valuable  and 
should  always  be  preserved. 

It  is  reported  that  several  years  since,  in  Montana,  five  individ- 
uals of  this  species  were  captured  alive.  The  hunters  who  were 
provided  with  dogs,  are  said  to  have  approached  as  closely  as  pos- 
sible to  the  herd,  and  then  to  have  slipped  their  canine  assistants, 
remaining  concealed  themselves.  Before  the  goats  took  the  alarm, 
the  dogs  were  so  nearly  upon  them  that  they  took  refuge  on  some 
high  and  broken  fragments  of  rock,  where  they  stood  at  bay. 
Here  their  attention  was  so  occupied  by  their  immediate  assailants, 
that  the  hunters  were  enabled  to  surround  them  and  secure  five 
with  their  riatas.  This  account  would  seem  to  indicate  that  the 
Mountain  Goat  is  not  a  particularly  fleet  creature,  and  this  sup- 
position is  confirmed  by  a  study  of  the  skeleton  ;  the  animal  seems 
fitted  more  for  clim!)ing  than  for  running,  and  to  possess  great 
endurance  rather  than  great  speed. 

Various  absurd  stories  are  told  by  hunteis  of  the  wonderful 
power  which  these  animals  possess  of  leaping  from  great  heights 
and  alighting  in  safety  on  their  horns.  That  these  tales  have  no 
foundation  in  fact,  any  one  who  has  examined  the  skull  of  a 
Mountain  Goat  will  readily  comprehend.  The  species  is  also  said 
to  prefer  death  to  capture,  a  statement  which  is  on  a  par  with  the 
one  just  referred  to.  If  one  of  these  animals  throws  himself  over 
a  precipice,  it  is  lot  because  he  wishes  to  spite  the  hunter,  but 
because  in  his  fear  of  his  pursuer  he  takes  an  unusually  dangerous 
leap,  or  makes  an  effort  to  pass  over  some  path  where  the  foothold 
is  too  precarious  even  for  such  a  sure-footed  climber  as  he. 

The  females  of  this  species  are  said  to  bring  forth  their  young 
in  June,  but  the  period  of  gestation  is  not  known.  It  is  said  that 
in  winter,  when  the  tops  of  the  mountains  are  deeply  covered  with 
snow,  and  food  is  inaccessible,  these  animals  descend  to  the  timber 
and  remain  there  until  the  heights  become  partly  bare  in  spring. 
On  the  whole,  but  little  is  known  of  the  habits  of  this  species,  but 
it  IS  stated,  and  no  doubt  truly,  that  the  race  is  far  less  numerous 
now  than  in  former  days. 


BIGHORN  ;   MOUNTAIN    SHEEP. 


Ovis  tnontana. — Cuvier. 


THE  Bighorn  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  mountains  of  Western 
America,  and  is  found  in  greater  or  less  abundance  in  suita- 
ble localities  from  the  Missouri  River  to  the  Pacific  Ocean.  It  is 
said  to  be  abundant  in  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  and  occurs  in 
Southern  California,  but  is  probably  not  found  in  any  numbers  south 
of  the  United  States.  Its  northern  range  extends  as  far  as  Alaska, 
and  it  is  reported  to  be  more  abundant  north  of  the  49th  parallel 
than  farther  south.  Although  most  numerous  in  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, the  Sierra  Nevadas  and  the  Coast  Range,  this  species  is  by 
no  means  confined  to  the  mountains.  It  occurs  also  among  the 
rugged  Mauvaises  Terres  or  Bad  Lands  of  the  White  River,  the 
Little  Missouri,  Yellowstone  and  Upper  Missouri,  and  seems  to 
delight  in  these  grey,  desolate  and  arid  wastes.  Indeed,  any  very 
rough  country  answers  all  the  requirements  for  the  Bighorn,  and  it 
demands  only  that  there  shall  be  steep  and  difficult  heights  to 
which  it  may  retreat  when  pursued. 

This  species  has  been  aptly  described  as  having  the  head  of  a 
sheep  with  the  body  of  a  deer.  In  size,  however,  it  exceeds  the 
largest  deer,  and  a  full-grown  individual  is  said  to  weigh  three 
hundred  and  fifty  pounds.  The  following  measurements  of  an  old 
male  are  given  by  Sir  John  Richardson  in  his  Fauna  Boreali  Ameri- 
cana : — Length  to  end  of  tail  six  feet,  height  at  shoulder  three  feet 
five  inches,  length  of  tail  two  inches,  length  of  horn  along  curve 
two  feet  ten  inches,  circumference  of  horn  at  base  one  foot  one 
inch,  distance  from  tip  of  one  horn  to  tip  of  its  fellow  two  feet  three 
inches.  The  female  is  somewhat  less  in  size  than  the  male,  the 
horns  are  much  smaller  and  are  nearly  erect,  having  but  a  slight 
inclination  outward  and  backward.  They  somewhat  resemble  the 
horns  of  a  common  goat.    The  general  color  of  the  Mountain 


BIGHORN;   MOUNTAIN  SHEEP. 


43 


I 

% 
3i 


Sheep  is  a  pale  wood  brown,  dark  in  summer  and  lighter  in  win- 
ter and  spring.  The  posterior  portions  of  the  legs  and  belly,  and  a 
triangular  patch  upon  the  buttocks,  are  white.  The  coat  is  soft  to 
the  touch,  though  the  hair  resembles  that  of  the  Caribou,  and  in  a 
less  degree  that  of  the  Pronghorn  Antelope.  It  is  short,  fine  and 
flexible  on  its  first  growth  in  autumn,  but  becomes  longer  as  the 
season  advances  until  in  winter  the  hair  is  so  thick  and  close-set 
that  it  stands  erect.  As  the  winter  advances  the  dark  tips  of  the 
hair  are  rubbed  off,  so  that  by  spring  the  old  males  are  quite  white. 
A  fine  wool  covers  the  skin  under  the  hair. 

The  Bighorn  is  very  graceful  in  all  its  movements,  and  the  light- 
ness and  agility  with  which  it  scales  the  steepest  bluffs,  runs  along 
the  narrowest  edge  on  the  face  of  a  precipice,  or  leaps  from  rock 
to  rock  in  its  descent  from  some  mountain-top,  are  excelled  by  no 
animal  with  which  we  are  familiar.  Like  all  other  wild  ruminants, 
they  feed  early  in  the  morning,  and  they  retire  during  the  middle 
of  the  day  to  points  high  up  on  the  bluffs  or  mountains,  where  they 
rest  until  the  sun  is  low  in  the  heavens,  Vv^hen  they  proceed  again  to 
their  feeding  grounds.  Except  during  the  rut  which  takes  place 
during  the  month  of  December,  the  old  rams  are  found  in  small 
bands  by  themselves,  the  females,  lambs  and  young  rams  associat- 
ing together  in  companies  of  from  five  to  twenty.  Occasionally 
much  larger  herds  are  seen,  but  this  only  in  a  country  where  they 
have  not  been  at  all  disturbed  by  man. 

The  successful  pursuit  of  this  species  requires  the  exercise  on 
the  part  of  the  hunter  of  the  utmost  patience  and  deliberation  :  no 
animal  is  more  shy  and  wary  than  the  Bighorn,  and  if  it  receives 
the  slightest  hint  of  the  enemy's  presence,  it  is  up  and  away,  not  to 
be  seen  again.  No  tyro  in  still  hunting  will  succeed  in  securing 
one  of  these  vigilant  climbers,  and  we  have  seen  many  a  hunter  of 
experience  who  had  yet  to  kill  his  first  mountain  sheep.  The  diffi- 
culties which  attend  the  capture  of  this  species,  however,  only  serve 
to  render  its  pursuit  more  attractive  to  the  ardent  sportsman,  and 
when  in  a  country  where  it  abounds,  buffalo,  deer,  antelope  and 
even  elk,  are  likely  to  be  neglected  for  Bighorn.  The  flesh  too  is 
most  delicious,  and  is  regarded  as  far  superior  to  any  meat  which 
the  West  affords.  We  know  of  no  more  delicate  dish  than  is 
afforded  by  a  yearling  ewe  in  good  order,  seasoned  with  that  won- 


44  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

derful  sauce  furnished  by  the  tree  open  air  life  of  the  plains  and 
mountains.  The  glory  of  "  fat  cow  "  pales,  and  even  elk  and  black- 
tailed  deer  meat  hide  their  diminished  heads  before  the  rare  tooth- 
someness  of  a  juicy  saddle,  or  the  dripping  ribs  of  a  young  and 
tender  Bighorn.     . ■>,«.•..    ,.i  ^.»     .;'    .     [.';..  ;' 

To  hunt  the  Mountain  Sheep  successfully  the  candidate  for 
honors  should  have  had  some  experience  with  other  large  game, 
should  have  the  patience  and  endurance  possessed  only  by  the  most 
enthusiastic  of  sportsmen,  and  should  be  a  fair  shot  with  the  rifle. 
In  the  grey  of  the  morning,  before  attempting  to  look  fc  ■  his  game, 
he  should  seek  the  highest  ground  in  his  vicinity,  whence  a  wide 
view  of  the  surrounding  country  may  be  obtained,  and  from  this 
point  with  the  good  glass  that  is  an  indispensable  part  of  a  hunter's 
outfit,  he  should  search  the  little  ravines  and  grassy  meadows 
running  down  from  the  hills.  The  sheep  are  always  on  the  watch 
for  enemies  from  the  lower  ground,  but  rarely  turn  their  glances  to 
the  heights,  which,  if  disturbed,  they  will  seek  for  safety ;  nor  is  the 
danger  of  being  winded  nearly  so  great  when  the  hunter  is  above 
the  game. 

The  chief  object  to  be  accomplished  is  to  discover  the  herd 
before  it  is  aware  of  your  presence  ;  after  this  the  task  becomes 
only  a  matter  of  the  most  careful  stalking.  All  inequalities  of  the 
ground,  all  rocks  and  vegetation  will  be  utilized  by  the  skillful 
stalker  who  would  approach  within  shot,  and  especially  will  the 
wind  be  regarded,  for  it  is  quite  certain  that  if  the  baiid  catch  the 
scent  of  the  hunter,  his  labor  will  all  have  been  in  vain.      .;, . , 

The  facility  with  which  these  animals  descend  the  most  abrupl 
precipices,  and  cross  canons  of  which  the  sides  are  apparently  ver- 
tical, has  given  rise  to  the  idea,  vouched  for  by  many  an  imagina- 
tive hunter,  that  they  can  throw  themselves  from  great  heights  and 
striking  on  their  horns  can  rebound  uninjured,  and  land  on  their 
feet.  The  vast  size  of  the  horns  in  the  male,  together  with  the  fact 
that  these  are  often  battered  and  splintered,  has  caused  many  to  re- 
ceive this  statement  as  at  least  possible  ;  but  it  is  scarcely  necessary 
to  say  that  even  if  the  animal's  head  could  stand  the  shock,  its  neck 
would  not.  Besides  this  the  story  makes  no  arrangement  for  the 
manner  in  which  the  females  and  young  males,  whose  horns  are  but 
little  larger  than  those  of  a  goat,  shall  descend  the  cliffs,  yet  any  one 


BIGHORN;   MOUNTAIN   SHEEP, 


45 


who  is  familiar  with  the  species,  knows  well  that  these  individuals 
are  no  less  active  and  successful  climbers  than  the  rams.  The 
splintered  condition  of  the  horns  of  the  old  males  is  due  to  their 
battles  during  the  rutting  season,  and  their  play  at  all  times  of  the 
year.  The  feet  of  the  Mountain  Sheep  are  precisely  fitted  for  their 
life  among  the  crags  and  precipices,  and  they  seem  to  be  able  to 
cling  to  any  surface  which  presents  the  slightest  inequality.  They 
can  thus  pass  over  dangerous  places  which  would  be  certain  death 
to  any  other  quadruped  except  perhaps  the  White  Goat. 

As  has  been  remarked,  the  rutting  season  is  in  December,  and 
the  young  are  believed  to  be  brought  forth  in  March,  although  in 
some  of  the  best  works  on  Natural  History  the  time  of  birth  is 
variously  stated  as  May  or  June. 

:  f  ■■",■■■:■•,■.■        •■>,.•  •■■     ■   / 


ANTELOPE. 


Antilocapra  Americana, — Ord. 


THE  Antelope  inhabits  the  plains  of  the  western  portion  of 
North  America.  It  does  not  now  exist  east  of  the  looth 
meridian  but  occurs  in  suitable  localities  to  the  westward  as  far  as 
California.  Its  northern  range  is  bom\ded  by  the  fifty-third  paral- 
lel and  it  is  found  even  south  of  the  Rio  Grande.  It  is  essentially 
an  animal  of  the  plains,  and  is  never  found  among  timber,  though 
abundant  on  many  of  the  elevated  plateaus  which  exist  among  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  in  the  great  Interior  Basin  and  toward  the 
Pacific  coast. 

The  horns  of  the  Antelope  are  black  and  rise  from  immediately 
above  the  orbit  upward  and  outward  without  any  inclination  forward 
or  backward.  About  half  way  up  a  flat  triangular  process  rises, 
pointing  forward  and  outward,  from  which  the  animal  has  received 
the  appellation  "  Prong  Horn."  The  horns  within  two  or  three 
inches  of  their  extremities  curve  sharply,  either  toward  each  other 
almost  meeting  over  the  head,  or  backwards  like  the  horn  of  the 
Chamois.  One  specimen  which  has  come  under  the  notice  of  the 
writer,  had  the  point  of  one  horn  directed  inward  and  the  other 
backward.  There  is  no  re,"-  'arity  in  the  way  in  which  they  point, 
but  the  tips  are  never  directed  either  forward  or  outward.  The 
general  color  of  the  upper  parts  of  the  body  is  a  clear  yellowish 
red  which  deepens  on  the  dorsal  line  to  a  brownish  black.  The 
face  and  a  spot  below  the  ear  are  of  the  latter  color.  The  under 
parts,  with  the  posterior  and  inner  surfaces  of  the  legs,  the  cheeks, 
and  ower  jaw,  two  or  three  patches  on  the  fore  neck,  the  rump 
and  tail  are  white.  There  are  no  false  hoofs  or  dew-claws  as 
in  the  genera  Cervus  and  Bos.  The  length  of  the  animal  is 
about  four  and  one  half  feet,  and  the  height  at  the  shoulders 
three  feet.  ■ 


ANTELOPE. 


47 


On  the  vast  plains  which  the  Antelope  inhabits,  and  which  are 
often  level  and  always  destitute  of  timber,  it  might  be  imagined 
that  this  animal  would  be  secure  from  the  attacks  of  any  enemy. 
But  the  little  ravines,  by  which  these  prairies  are  so  often  inter- 
sected, furnish  a  cover  for  the  still  hunter,  and  in  a  few  localities 
the  Antelope  are  hunted  with  greyhounds.    Then  too  the  senti- 
ment of  curiosity  is  implanted  so  strongly  in  the  nature  of  this 
animal,  that  it  often  leads  him  to  reconnoitre  too  closely  some  object 
which  he  cannot  clearly  make  out,  and  his  investigations  are  pur- 
sued until  the  dire  answer  to  all  inquiries  is  given  by  the  sharp 
"  spang  "  of  the  rifle  and  the  answering  "  spat  "  as  the  ball  strikes 
the  beautiful  creature's  flank. 

The  Antelope  is  a  very  wary  animal,  and  although  it  will  often 
permit  the  hunter  to  advance  within  500  or  600  yards  without 
manifesting  any  great  alarm,  it  is  a  very  difficult  matter  to  approach 
within  easy  range  after  it  has  once  noticed  his  presence.  As  soon 
as  the  first  suspicion  of  danger  crosses  the  mind  of  the  game,  it 
betakes  itself  to  the  highest  point  of  the  bluffs  near  at  hand,  from 
which  coign  of  vantage  it  watches  with  the  utmost  intentness 
the  movements  of  its  pursuer.  Let  not  the  latter  vainly  imagine 
that  if,  by  a  careful  flank  movement,  he  shall  succeed  in  putting  a 
bluff  between  himself  and  the  object  of  his  pursuit,  he  may  still 
approach  within  shooting  distance.  At  the  instant  of  his  disap- 
pearance, the  Antelope  is  off  again  to  the  top  of  another  bluff,  and 
when  the  hunter  cautiously  raises  his  head  to  shoot,  the  animal  is 
still  as  far  off  as  before. 

In  hunting  the  Antelope,  and  the  rule  applies  to  all  large  game, 
the  hunter  should  endeavor  to  discover  his  game  before  it  is  aware 
of  his  proximity ;  if  he  can  accomplish  this,  his  success,  if  he  be  a 
skillful  stalker  and  the  ground  is  favorable,  will  be  assured  ;  if 
however  the  game  has  been  made  suspicious  by  seeing  him,  the 
chances  against  him  are  much  increased.  Should  he  discover  a 
band  before  it  has  been  disturbed,  he  will  do  well  to  bring  his 
horse  as  near  as  possible  to  that  spot  from  which  he  is  to  shoot, 
for  an  Antelope,  though  mortally  wounded,  will  often  run  off  for 
seme  distance  and  will  then  conceal  itself  in  the  nearest  ravine 
with  such  care  that  the  hunter  will  be  unable  to  discover  it.  Un- 
less   the  animal  falls  dead,  the  hunter  should  lose  no  time  in 


48 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


sprlnginfj  on  his  horse  and  followin^r  it.  If  the  wound  is  a  severe 
one  and  the  horse  llect,  the  Antelope  may  generally  be  secured  by 
this  means,  though  often  only  after  a  long  chase.  If  however  it  be 
but  slightly  wounded  another  herd  should  be  sought  without  delay. 
Pursuit  under  these  circumstances  will  in  all  probability  result  only 
in  injury  to  the  steed,  while  the  game  will  easily  escape. 

The  early  morning,  when  the  herds  are  feeding,  is  of  course  the 
best  time  to  hunt  the  Antelope,  and  the  sportsman  who  starts  be- 
fore sunrise  will  get  more  shots  during  the  first  two  hours  hunt- 
ing than  during  all  the  rest  of  the  day. 

The  officers  of  posts  in  the  Antelope  country,  often  hunt  them 
with  greyhounds,  and  a  most  noble  and  exhilarating  sport  this  is. 
To  cope  successfully  in  speed  with  these  animals,  however,  dogs 
of  unusual  fleetness  are  required.  Besides  this  the  Antelope  do 
not  regard  cactus  at  all,  while  a  dog,  in  running  through  a  thick 
bed  of  these  pestiferous  plants,  may  often  be  absolutely  crippled. 
The  dogs  are  brought  within  view,  as  near  the  quarry  as  possible, 
the  hunters  are  to  follow  on  their  horses  as  best  they  may.  The 
hounds  having  been  slipped  the  chase  begins.  The  startled  herd 
stand  gazing  for  an  instant  as  if  to  determine  the  character  of  the 
approaching  whirlwind,  and  then  wheeling  seem  to  float  from 
view  beyond  the  bluff.  The  dogs,  fresh  and  eager,  soon  narrow 
the  intervening  space,  but  the  Antelope,  finding  themselves  so 
hotly  pursued,  redouble  their  exertions.  In  their  headlong  flight 
their  hoofs  scarce  touch  the  ground.  The  hunters  find  difficulty 
in  keeping  the  chase  in  view,  but  by  dint  of  whip  and  spur,  those 
best  mounted  are  able  to  follow.  The  aspect  of  the  "  field  "  is 
continually  changing.  Stragglers  are  left  behind,  and  winded  dogs 
withdraw,  till  at  the  end  of  fifteen  minutes  the  game  has  outstrip- 
ped men  and  dogs,  or  the  exhausted  quarry  is  dragged  to  the 
ground,  and  is  soon  dispatched  by  the  panting,  but  exultant  rider, 
who  is  first  in  at  the  death. 

During  the  Yellowstone  expedition  of  1873,  General  Stanley's 
dog  Gibbon  is  said  to  have  captured  unaided,  no  less  than  twenty- 
four  unwounded  antelopes.  There  is  probably  no  other  dog  in 
the  country  that  can  approach  this  record. 

Where  Antelope  are  numerous,  but  the  prairie  is  too  level  to 
afford  the  requisite  cover  for  the  stalker,  the  animals  may  some- 


AN  TELOPE. 


49 


times  be  brought  within  shooting  distance  by  playing  upon  their 
curiosity.  The  hunter  approaches  his  game  as  closely  as  possible 
without  alarming  it,  and  then  lying  flat  on  the  ground  elevates  a 
flag,  handkerchief,  arm  or  leg.  This  soon  attracts  the  attention 
of  the  animals  which  proceed  toward  him,  not  directly  but  in  cir- 
cles, and  generally  with  many  pauses  and  halts.  Sometimes  they 
will  turn  and  run  off  as  if  quite  satisfied,  but  before  they  have  gone 
far,  will  circle  round  and  advance  again,  approaching  a  little 
nearer  than  before.  This  continues  for  some  time,  and  with  care, 
the  game  may  be  brought  within  three  or  four  hundred  yards,  but 
rarely  nearer.  The  task  requires  more  patience  than  most  hunt- 
ers possess,  and  is  only  to  be  recommended  to  a  man  who  is 
very  hungry,  or  very  tired  of  "  sow  belly  "  and  anxious  for  fresh 
meat.  The  Antelope  ruts  about  the  ist  of  November,  and  drops 
its  young,  in  couplets,  about  the  middle  of  May. 


';^"^':, 


MOOSE. 


Alee  Americana. — Jardine. 


UNTIL  within  the  last  half  centui  j.  the  Moose  was  almost  uni- 
versally distributed  throughout  the  swamps  and  forests  of 
North  America  north  of  the  forty-third  parallel  of  latitude.  In  many 
localities  throughout  the  British  Possessions  it  is  still  abundant,  but 
in  the  eastern  United  States  it  has  almost  disappeared.  It  has  been 
almost  wholly  confined  within  the  last  quarter  of  a  century,  in  its 
southern  range  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  to  the  State  of  Maine,  where 
there  are  still  a  very  few  living  in  the  northwestern  portions  of  that 
State  in  the  vicinity  of  the  upper  waters  of  the  St.  John  River,  and 
far  into  the  almost  inaccessible  parts  northward  of  Moose  Lake  and 
adjacent  to  New  Brunswick.  The  time  is  not  far  distant  when  this 
noble  animal  will  iiOt  inhabit  our  country.  The  process  of  extermi- 
nation is  beinf  ':arried  forward  with  great  rapidity.  The  Moose  is 
also  found  in  Uie  West  among  the  Rocky  Mountains  as  far  south 
as  the  northern  boundary  of  Wyoming,  and  in  the  Sierra  Nevadas 
and  Coast  Range  throughout  Idaho,  Oregon,  Washington  Territory 
and  Northern  California.  In  the  more  thickly  settled  portions  of 
Canada  their  range  is  somewhat  limited,  but  in  the  Province  of 
Quebec  they  are  still  met  with  about  the  Coulonge  and  Black  Riv- 
ers, and  eastward  of  Quebec  down  as  far  as  the  Saguenay.  They 
are  also  more  or  less  abundant  in  New  Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia. 
The  Moose  is  the  largest  member  of  the  deer  family ;  a  mature 
male  standing  higher  than  the  average  horse,  measuring  from  seven- 
teen to  eighteen  hands,  and  often  weighing  over  .1  thousand  pounds. 
The  males  are  considerably  larger  than  the  females.  Their  color  is 
quite  variable,  depending  upon  season  and  climate,  some  being  of 
an  ashy  grey,  others  of  a  darker  grey,  and  a  few  in  the  autumn  a 
glossy  black.  The  extremities  of  their  hairs  are  usually  brown  or 
black,  and  toward  the  centre  and  roots,  dingy  white. 


MOOSE. 


51 


I 


In  the  wilds  of  Nova  Scotia,  Moose  have  been  seen  W\i\\  spark- 
ling grizzly  coats  in  September.  The  young  are  of  a  quakerish 
brown  color,  which  grows  darker  with  age.  The  hair  is  exceed- 
ingly coarse  and  strong,  and  somewhat  brittle.  That  it  breaks 
when  bent  is  not  true,  since  the  squaws  color  and  use  it  in  their 
ornamental  work.  With  the  advance  of  winter  the  coats  assume 
a  darker  hue,  and  the  hairs  grow  longer  and  thicker.  The  necks 
ot  the  males  are  surmounted  with  a  mane  of  stiff  hairs,  varying  in 
length  from  five  to  ten  inches,  which,  when  the  animals  are  enraged, 
bristle  up  like  the  mane  of  a  lion.  Two  fleshy  appendages  —dew- 
laps of  loose  skins — hang  from  the  throat,  and  are  covered  with 
long  black  hairs.  The  tail  is  very  short,  so  short  that  Thoreau,  in 
an  examination  of  a  moose  in  the  Maine  woods,  overlooked  it  al- 
together. The  most  striking  peculiarities  of  these  animals  are 
enormous  length  of  legs,  head,  and  ears,  short  and  thick  body, 
small  eyes,  immense  nostrils,  and  an  elongated,  thick,  ponderous, 
and  flexible  upper  lip.  And  this  lip  is  so  peculiarly  and  curiously 
constructed  as  to  warrant  a  full  and  particular  description  of  its 
formation  and  use.  Some  writer  has  described  it  as  of  a  "size 
between  the  lip  of  the  horse  and  that  of  a  tapir."  It  is  square  in 
shape  and  furrowed  in  the  middle,  appearing  divided.  The  varied 
and  rapid  movements  of  this  heavy  protruding  muscular  develop- 
ment are  due  to  four  pairs  of  strong  muscles  arising  from  the  max- 
illaries.  The  hind  hoofs  of  the  moose  are  perfectly  formed,  and 
so  well  proportioned  as  to  make  a  beautiful  foot ;  long,  slender, 
convex,  and  tapering.  The  horny  points  or  spurs,  and  not  the 
hoofs,  make  the  clattering  sound  when  the  animal  is  in  motion. 
The  fore  feet  are  flatter,  somewhat  shorter,  and  less  tapering  than 
the  hind  feet.  The  average  length  of  the  hoof  in  the  mature  ani- 
mal is  about  seven  inches  by  four  in  greatest  breadth,  but  they  are 
sometimes  much  larger. 

The  peculiar  lip,  long  legs,  and  short  neck  have  direct  reference 
to  the  mode  of  life  of  these  animals.  They  live  only  in  forests,  and 
subsist  alone  by  browsing,  since  in  the  wild  state  they  never  graze. 
Their  long  fore  legs  enable  them,  to  reach  far  up  into  birch  and 
maple  trees  to  seL"-"'j  the  tender  and  nutritious  branches,  and  to 
feed  on  the  side  of  lieep  acclivities  where  the  moosewood  and  the 
willow  trees  grow  in  great  abundance.     By  these  giraffe-like  legs 


52  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

they  are  also  enabled  to  obtain  foliage  out  of  reach  by  riding  down 
young  trees.  And  the  lip  is  used  as  a  hand  in  seizing,  tearing  off, 
and  gathering  the  twigs  and  leaves  of  trees  and  carrying  them  to 
the  mouth. 

The  horns  of  the  full  grown  Moose  are  most  striking  and  im- 
pressive, both  from  their  size  and  peculiarities,  and  merit  somewhat 
detailed  description.  The  young  bull  moose  grows  two  knobs,  of 
from  one  to  two  inches  long,  the  first  season.  These  are  not  cast 
in  the  fall  of  the  first  or  second  year.  When  a  year  old  these 
knobs  are  developed  into  spike  horns,  —rying  from  five  to  eight 
inches  in  length,  and  remain  on  the  head  until  the  following  April 
or  May,  when  they  drop  off,  and  are  replaced  by  long  cylindrical 
or  forked  horns ;  in  the  fourth  year  they  begin  to  branch  forward 
and  become  palmated  ;  in  the  fifth  and  sixth  years  they  grow  in  a 
triangular  form,  the  palmated  portions  ending  in  from  five  to  eight 
points  or  fingers,  the  whole  resembling  an  expanded  hand.  The 
moose  produces  the  most  perfectly  developed  antlers  after  the  fifth 
year,  the  horns  of  a  mature  animal  often  measuring  from  the  root 
to  the  extremity,  following  the  curve,  four  and  five  feet,  as  much 
across  from  tip  to  tip,  and  the  palm  on  the  widest  surface  sixteen 
inches.  They  cast  their  horns  annually,  after  the  second  year,  during 
the  months  of  December  and  January,  and  so  prodigious  is  the 
growth  that  by  the  following  August  they  are  furnished  with  a  new 
and  complete  set.  During  the  summer  months  these,  as  is  the  case 
with  all  deer,  are  covered  with  what  hunters  call  velvet.  During  the 
velvet  state  the  horns  are  so  tender  as  to  bleed  freely  when  cut, 
and  may  like  vegetables  be  sliced  with  a  knife.  They  begin  to 
harden  in  the  month  of  August,  and  animals  are  sometimes  seen  in 
the  latter  part  of  that  month  with  peeled  and  ripe  horns.  Usually, 
however,  it  is  in  the  month  of  September  that  this  velvet  peels  oft 
and  leaves  the  antlers  hard.  In  August  the  velvet  splits  into  nar- 
row pieces,  and  oftentimes  the  antlers  are  seen  draped  with  ribbons. 
Only  the  males  have  horns,  yet  we  have  been  told  of  three  cows 
killed  bearing  small  antlers.  This  is  not  improbable,  since  female 
deer  (C.  Virgintanns)  have  been  known  to  bear  horns. 

These  antlers  sometimes  attain  a  weight  of  sixty  pounds.  The 
period  of  gestation  with  the  moose  is  about  nine  months.  They 
bring  forth  aliout  the  middle  of  May  one  calf  the  first  and  second 


m 


MOOSE. 


53 


1 


years,  and  afterwards  two  at  a  birth.  Very  old  cows  become  bar- 
ren. With  the  mother  the  summer  is  a  season  of  retirement. 
She  goes  alone  to  the  wildest  unfrequented,  moss-covered  swamps 
of  the  forest,  and  never  leaves  them  until  the  month  of  September, 
when  she  comes  forth  to  select  a  companion.  No  doubt  but  that 
she  withdraws  to  these  deep  recesses  near  lakes  to  protect  her 
young  from  carnivorous  animals,  and  the  bull  moose.  The  calves 
continue  to  follow  the  mother  long  after  she  ceases  to  feed  them. 
It  is  probable  that  in  many  cases  they  keep  with  her  until  they  are 
two  or  three  years  old. 

The  Moose  is  much  annoyed  during  the  warm  weather  by  the 
attacks  of  flies  and  mosquitoes,  and  at  this  season  they  remain  in 
the  vicinity  of  lakes,  feeding  on  aquatic  plants,  standing  much  of 
the  time  in  water,  where  they  will  remain  for  hours  immersed  with 
nothing  but  their  noses  above  the  surface.  Here  they  feed  upon 
the  roots,  stalks,  and  leaves  of  the  yellow  lily.  Their  habit  of 
reaching  under  water,  so  as  to  feed  on  the  roots  of  these  plants, 
gave  rise  to  the  Indian  belief  that  the  moose  possessed  the  power 
of  remaining  under  water  the  whole  day.  That  they  entirely  dis- 
appear from  view  when  thus  feeding  is  well  established,  but  that  they 
can  live  under  water  for  any  length  of  time  is  only  credited  by  In- 
dians. They  are  strong  and  rapid  swimmers,  and  have  been 
known  to  cross  a  distance  of  two  miles  from  one  shore  to 
another. 

The  Moose  on  the  ist  of  September,  the  beginning  of  the  rut- 
ting season,  commence  to  "  travel  up,"  as  the  Indians  term  it,  and 
in  a  few  days  work  out  of  the  bogs  and  marshes  and  appear  on  the 
higher  lands  of  the  forest.  During  this  period — September  and 
October — the  bull  moose  drinks  and  feeds  but  little  for  days  at  a 
time.  He  stalks  the  forest  a  proud,  haughty,  defiant  monarch,  con- 
scious of  his  strength  and  beauty,  with  horns  stripped  of  the  last 
ribbon  of  deciduous  skin,  and  polished  by  constant  rubbing  against 
the  hacmatack,  and  with  immense  round  powerful  neck,  and  in  the 
finest  bodily  vigor  and  condition.  He  goes  forth  to  assert  his  de- 
mands among  his  rivals.  He  is  no  longer  timorous  and  shy,  but 
bold,  defiant,  and  dangerous.  His  weapons  are  h's  horns  and 
hoofs,  and  few  animals  can  use  the  latter  to  better  advantage.  At 
this  time  he   loses  in  a  measure   his  fear  of  man   and   if  only 


54 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


wounded  will  not  hesitate  to  attack  the  hunter  with  the  utmost 

fury. 

In  this  season  no  animal  could  present  a  nobler  appearance. 
View  him  as  he  stands  with  glossy  coat  glistening-  in  the  early 
sun,  with  wide-spread  antlers  upward  stretched  like  the  hands  of 
some  fable  god,  and  say  if  you  can,  that  there  is  nothing  in  him  to 
admire.  He  at  times  during  this  period  becomes  furious  with  rage, 
tearing  wildly  through  the  thickets,  pawing  the  earth  with  his  feet, 
and  making  dead  branches  crack  like  pistol  shots.  This  is  when, 
as  the  Indians  say,  he  is  "  real  mad."  This  is  in  reality  the  bel- 
lowing season.  The  bull  roars,  and  utters  his  peculiar,  short,  gut- 
tural sounds,  and  the  cow  pours  forth  a  wild,  prolonged  call.  Th', 
latter  goes  forth  of  a  still  October  night,  with  the  go'-  down  CI 
the  sun,  to  some  high  barren  ridge,  surrounded  with  >.  ^ep  and 
heavy  forests,  and  there  she  bellows  forth  the  wildest  of  straiub 
until  answered  by  the  bull.  We  believe  the  call  may  be  heard  on 
a  still  night  three  miles  or  more.  During  this  season  the  bulls 
fight  many  desperate  battles.  In  these  conflicts  one  or  both  are 
sometimes  killed. 

With  the  close  of  the  rutting  season  (November  ist)  the  bull 
Moose  appears  like  another  animal.  He  no  longer  trails  through 
the  forest  bidding  defiance  to  his  foes,  but  mopes  along  with  down- 
cast head  and  dragging  limbs,  paying  little  or  no  attention  to  pass- 
ing events.  His  coat  is  now  rough  and  dingy,  and  his  antlers 
seem  to  serve  no  purpose  save  as  a  heavy  weight  to  keep  his 
head  bowed  down.  He  is  cadaverous,  gaunt,  and  exceedingly 
stupid.  Recovering  not  from  his  fall  campaign,  he  remains  poor 
until  the  next  spring  when  he  again  rallies.  About  the  ist  of 
November  Moose  begin  to  look  about  for  winter  quarters.  These 
are  usually  selected  with  reference  to  the  abundance  of  white 
birch,  maples  (white,  striped,  swamp,)  poplar,  witch  hazel,  moun- 
tain ash,  and  the  different  species  of  firs. 

While  Moose  are  not  gregarious,  several  are  often  found  feed- 
ing together  in  what  are  called  moose  yards.  These  yards  are 
simply  their  feeding  grounds,  and  are  made  by  the  animals'  con- 
stant browsing  about  the  pasture  grounds,  and  are  not  the  result 
jf  plan  or  thought.  During  the  time  of  the  falling  of  snow  they 
go  around  browsing,  following  each  other  unconsciously  making 


MOOSE,  55 

paths.  Of  course,  this  process  is  kept  up  every  day,  so  that  when 
\  the  snow  becomes  very  deep  they  have  well-beaten  roads  running 
in  every  direction  over  quite  a  large  territory.  They  have  a  very 
delicate  way  of  eating,  nibbling  only  a  little  at  a  time.  It  some- 
times happens  ere  the  snow  lies  very  deep  on  the  ground  that  they 
change  and  form  new  yards.  They  never  venture  far,  however, 
after  the  first  snow  falls,  in  search  of  new  browsing  pastures,  and 
the  change  is  never  made  unless  there  be  a  necessity  for  it  in  the 
scarcity  of  food  and  imperfect  shelter.  The  Moose  cannot  be 
strictly  called  a  migratory  animal,  since  it  never  leaves  its  native 
ground  and  forests  for  strange  lands  and  woods.  True,  they  are 
obliged  to  visit  and  live  in  the  different  neighborhoods  of  their  own 
wilds  in  order  that  they  may  obtain  sufficient  food,  but  this  can 
hardly  be  called  migration.  The  Moose  is  easily  tamed,  and  can 
be  broken  to  the  harness  without  much  difficulty.  There  was  one 
some  years  ago,  owned  by  an  old  man  in  Nova  Scotia,  which  he 
drove  to  town  and  drew  wood  with.  The  author  of  "  Camp  Life  " 
tells  us  of  riding  several  miles  in  Maine  after  one  of  t'iese  animals. 
From  Pennant  we  learn  that  they  were  formerly  used  in  Sweden 
to  draw  sledges,  but  the  escape  of  criminals  being  often  facilitated 
by  their  speed,  their  use  for  this  purpose  was  prohibited  under 
heavy  penalties. 

The  Moose  is  hunted  in  a  variety  of  ways,  but  whatever  be  the 
method  employed,  great  care  and  skill  must  be  exercised  to  cap- 
ture it.  Calling,  stalking,  hounding  and  running  down  on  snow 
shoes  are  the  most  common  means  by  which  it  is  captured.  The 
first  of  these  methods  is  employed  on  moonlight  nights  and  only 
during  the  rutting  season  ;  and  consists  in  luring  the  bull  to  the 
spot  where  the  hunter  is  concealed  by  imitating  the  call  of  the  cow. 
The  Indian  guides  of  New  Brunswick  and  Nova  Scotia,  if  not  the 
only  men  that  can  imitate  this  cry,  are  at  all  events  by  far  the  most 
successful  callers,  and  when  this  description  of  hunting  is  to  be 
engaged  in  the  services  of  one  or  more  of  these  men  are  essential 
requisites  to  success.  The  "  call  "  which  they  use  to  produce  the 
deceptive  sound  is  a  trumpet  of  birch  bark  about  eighteen  inches 
long—the  small  end  an  inch  in  diameter  and  the  large  end  about 
four  or  five.  With  this  simple  instrument,  long  practice  enables 
a  good  hunter  to  imitate  the  lowing  of  the  cow  moose  so  perfectly 


$6  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

that  the  finest  ear  can  scarcely  distinguish  between  the  real  and 
simulated  sound,  ^7 

The  sportsman  being  concealed  in  the  bushes,  the  caller  ascends  'f,  ^ 
to  a  tree  near  at  hand,  and  proceeds  to  sound  the  note  of  the  cow  1;^ 
which  is  promptly  responded  to  by  any  bulls  in  the  vicinity.  The 
oldest  and  strongest  of  these  at  once  advance  to  secure  the  favors 
of  the  supposed  female,  and  to  do  battle  with  any  rival  that  may 
be  on  the  ground.  Sometimes  when  two  old  males  are  hastening 
to  the  spot  whence  the  call  proceeds,  they  meet,  and  a  furious  com- 
bat ensues.  If  however  there  is  only  one  male  near  at  hand,  by 
delicate  manipulation  of  the  call,  the  animal  is  sometimes  drawn  to 
within  a  few  yards  of  the  hunter,  who  is  usually  enabled  to  shoot 
it  dead  at  the  first  fire.  JP 

Of  stalking  it  is  unnecessary  to  speak  at  length,  since  the  same 
directions  for  this  mode  of  hunting  apply  to  the  Moose  as  to  other 
animals,  with  some  minor  modifications,  depending  on  the  nature 
of  the  country. 

Hounding  is  practiced  during  the  winter  when  the  snow  covers 
the  ground.  Having  found  the  game  or  very  fresh  "sign"  the 
dogs  are  slipped,  and  the  Moose  is  soon  brought  to  bay,  especially  if 
the  snow  is  deep  and  crusted.  Its  attention  is  then  so  occupied 
that  the  hunter  has  little  difficulty  in  approaching,  and  giving  the 
fatal  wound. 

These  animals  are  also  run  down  during  the  deep  snows  ot 
winter  by  hunters  on  snow-shoes.  This  requires  great  power  and 
endurance,  but  very  little  sportsmanlike  skill.  Although  the  legs 
of  the  Moose  are  long,  and  it  can  travel  with  considerable  ease 
through  drifts  of  moderate  depth,  it  is  easily  overtaken  when  a 
crust,  hard  yet  not  sufficiently  strong  to  support  it,  covers  the  sur- 
face of  the  snow.  The  poor  animal  breaks  through  at  every  step, 
its  legs  are  cut  and  bleeding,  and  its  enormous  powers  are  before 
long  exhausted.  The  hunter  coming  up,  can  butcher  it  at  his  lei- 
sure. By  this  means  in  severe  winters  many  of  these  noble  beasts 
are  slaughtered  for  their  hides  alone. 

The  gradual  destruction  of  the  Moose  is  a  matter  of  history. 
Space  and  time  are  both  too  valuable  for  the  discussion  of  such  an 
unprofitable  subject.  The  being  with  the  skin  and  clothes  of  a 
white  man,  who  in  one  winter  butchered  seventy-five  of  them  for 


MOOSE. 


57 


their  hides  alone,  leaving  their  meat  to  pollute  the  air,  still  flourishes 
on  the  upper  waters  of  the  Passadumkeag  in  Maine.  His  memory 
deserves  to  be  execrated  more  than  him  who  burned  the  celebrated 
temple  of  antiquity,  for  destroyed  temples  can  be  rebuilt,  but  ex- 
terminated species  cannot  be  recreated. 


»" 


•K-n,    -'.■'>      > 


cV    y.^  t/,  »".    -  , 


I 


*"  n 


BARREN    GROUND    CARIBOU. 


Rangifer  groenlandicus. — Baird. 

OF  the  Barren  Ground  Caribou  but  little  is  known  beyond 
what  is  contained  in  the  very  interesting  account  given  of 
this  animal  by  Sir  John  Richardson  in  his  Fauna  Boreali  Ameri- 
cana (London,  1829,  Mammalia,  p.  241).  Although  the  two  Ameri- 
can species  of  the  genus  have  been  separated  by  high  authorities, 
the  distinctions  between  them  are  not  well  defined,  and  would  seem 
to  be  of  doubtful  specific  value.  The  chief  differences  mentioned 
by  the  various  writers  who  have  discussed  this  matter,  are,  the 
smaller  size  of  the  northern  I'orm,  R.  groenlandtciis,  and  its  pro- 
protionately  larger  horns.  The  following  note  by  Mr.  R.  Morrow, 
published  in  1876,  is  of  interest  as  bearing  somewhat  on  the  ques- 
tion of  their  identity : — 

"  Our  Caribou  (woodland  van)  has  a  peculiar  liver,  rather  small, 
ovate,  long  diameter  nine  inches,  short  diameter  six  inches,  (from 
an  animal  supposed  to  be  about  eighteen  months  old,)  situated  on 
the  right  side,  long  diameter  nearly  parallel  with  the  back  bone, 
divided  almost  in  the  centre  by  a  shallow  sulcus,  and  having  a 
protuberance,  or  small,  somewhat  conical  lobe,  which  the  butcher 
calls  a  button,  upon  the  upper  part  of  the  concave  side,  with  a 
broad  base,  and  another  very  small  one  like  a  flat  teat,  not  inva- 
riably present  however,  in  the  same  line  as  the  large  one,  one 
and  a  half  inches  below  it,  in  size  about  half  an  inch  long,  three- 
eighths  of  an  inch  wide,  and  about  one-eighth  of  an  inch  thick ; 
and  it  has  no  gall  bladder.  It  is  more  than  probable  that  this 
form  of  liver  and  absence  of  the  gall  bladder  is  common  to  the 
deer  tribe :  Goldsmith  says  '  all  the  deer  tribe  want  the  gall 
bladder.' 

"  I  have  never  seen  a  Barren  Ground  Caribou,  nor  any  descrip- 
tion of  the  animal  giving  the  peculiarity  in  the  form  of  the  liver  of 


BARREN   GROUND   CARIBOU.  59 

this  species,  so  called  ;  but  the  structure  of  the  Barren  Ground  and 
woodland  varieties  of  Caribou  is  most  likely  the  same,  and  the  dif- 
ference in  size  and  horns  is  probably  due  to  climate  and  food, 
while  the  migrations  in  contrary  directions  of  the  two  '  varieties 
in  the  barren  grounds'  and  'woodland  districts'  of  Sir  John 
Richardson,  may  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  each  is  taking 
its  nearest  course  to  the  sea  coast. 

"Dr.  Gilpin,  in  a  paper  read  February  ii,  1871,  says,  speaking 
of  the  varieties,  '  Reindeer,  Caribou,  and  Woodland  Caribou,  are 
their  local  names.  In  addition  to  this  the  extreme  north  possesses 
a  deer  smaller  than  any  of  those,  with  much  larger  horns,  and 
with  no  gall  bladder  ;  otherwise  the  same.  Sir  John  Richardson 
calls  them  a  permanent  variety,  naming  them  Barren  Ground 
Caribou.  The  absence  of  the  gall  bladder  seems  a  very  great  di- 
vergence ;  yet  can  any  one  tell  me  has  our  Caribou  one  }  '  With 
regard  to  the  gall  bladder  I  know  that  Dr.  Gilpin  has  been  for  some 
time  aware  that  our  Caribou  does  not  possess  one,  but  he  has  not 
mentioned  the  peculiar  form  of  the  liver,  nor  do  I  think  that  it  has 
been  previously  noticed." 

The  Barren  Ground  Caribou  inhabits  Arctic  America,  and  in 
its  migrations  it  is  said  never  to  proceed  farther  south  than  Fort 
Churchill,  which  is  situated  near  the  fifty-ninth  parallel  of  latitude. 
It  is,  when  compared  with  the  Woodland  variety,  quite  a  small  ani- 
mal, a  buck  in  fair  condition  weighing  when  dressed  only  about 
one  hundred  pounds.  Nor  is  it  as  shy  and  difficult  of  approach  as 
the  preceding  species,  no  doubt  because  it  is  not  so  much  hunted. 

At  the  approach  of  winter,  this  species,  which  has  passed  the 
summer  on  the  shores  and  islands  of  the  Arctic  Sea,  retires  south- 
ward to  the  wooded  districts,  where  it  feeds  on  ihe  mosses  and 
lichens  which  hang  from  the  trees,  and  on  the  long  grass  of  the 
swamps.  In  May  the  females  commence  their  advance  northward 
and  are  followed  by  the  males  about  a  month  later.  Except  du- 
ring the  rutting  season,  the  males  and  females  do  not  associate  to- 
gether, but  live  in  separate  herds.  The  females  give  birth  to  their 
young  on  reaching  the  coast,  and  by  the  time  the  return  journey  is 
commenced,  which  is  in  September,  the  fawns  are  well  grown  and 
strong. 

The  Barren  Ground  Caribou  is  said  to  constitute  almost  the 


6o 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


entire  means  of  subsistence  of  the  Indians  who  inhabit  the  deso- 
late regions  of  the  far  North,  and  they  would  be  utterly  unable  to 
exist  were  it  not  for  the  immense  herds  of  these  deer.  This  ani- 
mal furnishes  them  with  food,  clothing,  tents,  fish-spears,  hooks, 
nets,  and  indeed  with  all  the  implements  which  they  use  or  require. 
The  Esquimaux  shoot  them,  and  also  take  them  in  traps  constructed 
of  ice  or  snow,  and  the  Indians  capture  them  in  pounds,  and  kill 
them  in  large  numbers  while  swimming  the  rivers. 

It  is  remarkable  that  the  horns  of  the  caribou  vary  more  than 
those  of  any  other  s])ecies  of  deer,  in  fact  no  two  adult  stags  have 
horns  precisely  alike.  Some  very  remarkable  antlers  have  been 
brought  to  our  notice  at  various  times  ;  one  pair  so  lofty  that  when 
reversed  on  the  shoulders  of  a  man  five  feet  ten  inches  in  height, 
the  horns  touch  the  ground.  Another  pair  has  thirty-two  points, 
including  those  on  the  brow,  one  of  which  is  palmated,  while  the 
other  is  a  mere  snag.  These  horns,  with  just  sufficient  skull  left  to 
hold  them  together,  weigh  thirty-two  pounds.  Others  are  perfectly 
straight,  and  have  the  brow-antlers  of  similar  form.  The  horns  of 
the  female  are  probably  never  palmated,  but  are  slender  and 
straight. 

A  careful  investigation  into  the  anaton>y  of  this  species  will,  it 
is  hoped,  before  long  be  made.  In  this  way  only  can  its  relations 
to  the  Woodland  variety  be  ascertained,  and  the  affinities  of  the 
North  American  Caribou  with  the  Reindeer  of  Europe  be  deter- 
mined. 


•(        ■  T    .        •» 


WOODLAND   CARIBOU. 

Rangi/er  caribou. — Aud.  and  Bach. 

THE  Woodland  Caribou  is  a  near  relative  of  the  reindeer  of 
Northern  Europe,  and  since  this  genus  alone  of  all  the  deer 
tribe  has  been  donnesticated,  we  may  regard  it  as  the  most  useful, 
if  not  the  most  comely  of  its  race.  The  clear,  dark  eye  of  the 
Caribou  has  a  beautiful  expression,  but  the  animal  has  neither  the 
grand  proportions  of  the  wapiti,  nor  the  grace  of  the  roe  buck,  and 
its  thick,  square  formed  body  is  far  from  being  a  model  of  elegance. 
The  front  hoofs  are  capable  of  great  lateral  expansion,  and  curve 
upwards,  while  the  secondary  ones  behind,  which  are  but  slightly 
developed  in  other  members  of  the  family,  are  considerably  pro- 
longed, a  structure  which,  by  giving  the  animal  a  broader  base  to 
stand  upon,  prevents  its  sinking  too  deeply  into  the  snow  or  morass. 

The  short  legs  and  broad  feet  of  the  Caribou  likewise  enable 
him  to  swim  with  great  ease,  a  power  of  no  small  importance  in  a 
country  abounding  in  lakes  and  rapid  rivers,  and  where  scarcity 
of  food  renders  frequent  migrations  necessary.  When  the  Caribou 
moves  a  remarkable  clattering  sound  may  be  heard  some  distance. 
This  is  produced  by  the  long  hoofs  which  separate  as  they  press 
the  ground  and  close  when  raised. 

A  long  mane  of  dirty  white  hangs  from  the  neck  of  this  deer. 
In  summer  the  body  is  brown  above  and  white  beneath.  In  winter, 
long  haired  and  yellowish  white.  Its  antlers  are  widely  different 
from  those  of  the  stag  or  wapiti,  having  broad,  palmated  summits, 
and  branching  backward  to  the  length  of  three  or  four  feet ;  their 
weight  is  considerable,  twenty  or  twenty-five  pounds,  and  it  is  re- 
markable that  both  sexes  have  horns,  while  in  all  other  genera 
of  the  deer  tribe  the  males  alone  are  in  possession  of  this  ornament 
or  weapon. 

The  female  brings  forth  in  May  or  June  a  single  calf,  rarely  two. 
This  is  small  and  weak,  but  after  a  few  days  follows  its  mother. 


62 


GAME  AXIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


who  suckles  her  young  hut  a  short  time,  as  it  is  soon  able  to  seek 
its  food. 

The  only  food  of  the  Caribou  during  the  winter,  is  said  to  be 
the  moss  known  as  Lichen  rangi/en'na,  and  his  instinct  and  acute- 
ness  of  olfactories  in  discovering  it  is  surprising.  No  matter  how 
deep  this  lichen  is  buried,  the  animal  is  aware  of  its  presence  the 
moment  he  comes  to  the  spot.  Having  first  ascertained  by  thrust- 
ing his  muz/.le  into  the  snow  whether  the  moss  lies  below  or  not, 
he  begins  making  a  hole  with  his  fore  feet,  and  continues  working 
until  at  length  he  uncovers  the  lichen.  When  the  snow  is  too 
deep,  as  sometimes  happens,  he  betakes  himself  to  the  forests  and 
feeds  upon  another  lichen  which  hangs  on  pine  trees.  In  summer 
their  food  is  of  a  different  nature.  They  then  feed  upon  green 
herbs  or  the  leaves  of  trees.  Judging  fi  jm  appearances  of  Lichen 
rangiferina  in  the  hot  months,  when  it  is  dry  and  brittle,  one 
might  easily  wonder  that  so  large  a  quadruped  as  the  Caribou 
should  make  it  his  favorite  food  and  fatten  upon  it ;  but  toward 
the  month  of  September  it  becomes  soft,  tender  and  damp,  with  a 
taste  like  wheat  bean.  In  this  state  its  luxuriant  and  flowery 
ramifications  somewhat  resemble  the  leaves  of  endive,  and  ar*^  as 
white  as  snow. 

Wherever  the  Caribou  abound  they  are  eagerly  hunted,  for 
their  flesh,  when  in  season,  is  most  delicious.  Then,  too,  in  dis- 
tricts where  they  have  been  much  persecuted,  they  become  very 
shy  and  watchful,  so  that  it  requires  no  little  skill  to  capture  them. 
But  besides  the  attacks  of  its  human  enemies,  the  Caribou  is  sub- 
ject to  the  persecutions  of  two  species  of  gad  fly.  The  one  de- 
posits its  glutinous  eggs  upon  the  animal's  back.  The  larvae,  on 
creeping  out,  immediately  bore  into  the  skin,  where  they  cause 
swellings  or  boils  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter,  with  an  opening 
at  the  top  of  each,  through  which  the  larvae  may  be  seen  embed- 
ded in  the  purulent  fluid.  Aware  of  the  danger,  the  Caribou  runs 
wild  and  furious  as  soon  as  he  hears  the  buzzing  of  this  fly,  and 
seeks  refuge  in  the  nearest  water. 

The  other  species  of  fly  lays  its  eggs  in  the  nostrils  of  the  deer, 
and  the  larvae  boring  into  the  fauces  and  beneath  the  tongue  of 
the  poor  animal,  are  a  great  source  of  annoyance. 
.,.,:    In  Newfoundland  the  Caribou  are  still  quite  abundant,  though 


WOODLAND   CARIBOU.  63 

the  vast  number  of  deer  paths  which,  hke  a  net  work,  seam  the 
surface  of  the  interior  in  all  directions,  show  that  the  number  of 
deer  was  formerly  enormous.  Their  great  enemies  are  the  wolves, 
which  are  continually  chasing  them  from  place  to  place,  especially 
during  the  winter  months,  when  the  deer  leave  the  mountams  and 
come  to  the  jilains  below  to  feed  on  the  "  browse  "  of  the  birch. 
A  few  settlers  who  are  in  the  habit  of  deer  stalking,  go  into  the 
hills  in  pursuit  of  deer  about  the  middle  of  September,  which  is 
just  prior  to  the  rutting  season,  and  consequently  at  a  time  when 
the  stags  are  in  their  best  condition 

The  migrations  of  the  Newfoundland  reindeer  are  as  regular  as 
the  seasons,  between  the  southeastern  and  northwestern  portions 
of  the  island.  The  winter  months  are  passed  in  the  south,  where 
•'  browse  "  is  plentiful,  and  the  snow  on  the  lower  grounds  is 
not  so  deep  as  to  prevent  them  from  reaching  the  lichens.  In 
March,  when  the  sun  becomes  more  powerful,  so  that  the  snow  is 
softened  by  its  rays,  permitting  them  to  scrape  it  off  and  reach  the 
herbage  beneath,  the  reindeer  turn  their  faces  toward  the  north- 
west, and  begin  their  spring  migration.  The  whole  surface  of 
the  country  is  now  alive  with  the  deer,  as  herd  follows  herd  in 
rapid  succession,  each  led  by  a  noble  stag  as  tall  as  a  horse,  and 
all  bending  their  course,  in  parallel  lines,  toward  the  hills  of  the 
west  and  northwest.  Here  they  arrive  from  the  middle  to  the  end 
of  April,  and  amid  the  rocky  barrens  and  mountains,  wheie  their 
favorite  moss  abounds,  they  remain  until  October.  Here  they 
bring  forth  their  young,  and  here  they  are  in  a  measure  free  from 
the  persecutions  of  the  terrible  flies  above  referred  to. 

So  soon,  however,  as  the  frosts  of  October  begin  to  nip  the 
vegetation  they  turn  toward  the  south  and  east,  and  repeat  their 
long  march  in  the  same  manner,  and  pursuing  the  same  paths 
as  when  on  their  northern  migration.  Thus  for  countless  r  1- 
turies,  it  may  be,  have  these  innumerable  herds  been  moving  r'  j 
the  same  route,  unless  when  interrupted  by  the  Indians  or  the 
irregularities  of  the  seasons.  Their  movements  are  generally  in 
parallel  lines,  uidess  where  the  narrow  necks  of  land,  separating 
lakes,  or  the  running  waters  or  straits  uniting  them,  or  intervening 
chains  of  hills,  cause  them  to  concentrate  on  one  point.  It  was  at 
such  points  that  the  Boeothics,  or  indigenous  Red  Indians,  were 


^4 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


accustomed  to  wait  for  the  deer,  and  slaughter  them  in  great  num- 
bers. Not  content  with  this>  however,  they  erected  deer  fences, 
the  remains  of  which  can  still  be  traced  for  many  miles.  Inland 
from  Notre  Dame  Bay  and  far  to  the  northwest  of  Red  Indian 
Lake,  a  double  line  of  strong  fence  was  put  up  by  the  Indians, 
which  at  its  commencement  diverged  many  miles.  The  southern 
fence  ran  down  to  the  lake,  so  that  deer  should  thus  come  near 
their  own  encampment ;  and  the  northern  line  was  to  prevent  their 
escape  near  the  shore.  The  northern  fence  ran  down  to  the 
river  Exploits,  along  the  bank  of  which  another  fence  was  raised, 
with  openings  at  particular  places  for  the  deer  to  go  to  the  river 
and  swim  across.  These  openings  were  called  "  passes."  A 
number  of  men  now  go  within  the  fence,  and  from  the  wider 
enclosure  they  drive  them  to  the  narrow  part,  or  to  passes  of  the 
river  where  others  were  stationed,  and  thus  killed  the  deer  at  their 
leisure.  These  deer  fences  are  actually  seen  to  extend  thirty  miles 
on  the  river  Exploits,  and  how  far  into  the  interior  no  white  man 
can  tell.  They  are  formed  by  felling  trees,  and  must  have  cost 
immense  labor.  The  tribe  which  constructed  them  originally 
must  have  been  numerous  and  powerful,  though  now  without  a 
single  living  representative. 

The  Indians,  especially  the  Mic-Macs,  have  another  method 
of  capturing  the  deer,  which  if  it  were  not  well  attested,  would 
seem  almost  incredible.  Some  of  these  Indian  hunters  will 
actually  run  down  a  stag.  Only  when  fat  is  the  stag  worth  such 
an  arduous  pursuit,  and  then  only  is  he  liable  to  such  fatigued 
exhaustion.  The  hunter  will  commence  the  chase  early  in  the 
day,  and  follow  it  up  without  intermission,  and  before  night  will 
make  the  stag  his  prey  without  firing  a  shot.  The  stag  at  first 
easily  outstrips  his  pursuer,  but  after  a  run  of  four  or  fiv*.  miles  he 
stops,  and  is  by  and  by  overtaken.  He  lies  down  fatigued  but  is 
again  surprised  ;  and  thus  the  chase  is  kept  up  until  the  poor  stag 
plunges  into  a  pool  or  morass  to  escape,  where  he  soon  meets  his 
dc  >m,  man  at  length  winning  the  day. 

How  useful  the  tamed  reindeer  might  become  to  the  New- 
foundlander, may  be  imagined  from  what  we  read  of  the  Lapland 
reindeer.  It  can  draw  a  sledge  over  the  frozen  snow  at  the  rate 
of  twenty  miles  an  hour.    To  the  Laplander  the  reindeer  is  every- 


WOODLAND   CARIBOU.  65 

thing;  and  in  his  cold  and  barren  country,  covered  with  snow  and 
ice  nine  months  of  the  year,  and  producing  few  vegetables,  he 
would  perish  were  it  not  for  the  milk  and  flesh  of  the  animal. 

The  country  of  the  Woodland  Caribou  includes  Newfound- 
land, Nova  Scotia,  New  Brunswick,  Labrador  and  Canada,  and  is 
said  to  extend  westward  through  a  narrow  strip  of  well  wooded 
territory  about  one  hundred  miles  wide  from  Lake  Superior  to 
Lake  Athabasca.  To  the  northward  it  is  replaced  by  the  Barren 
Ground  Caribou. 

The  only  method  of  taking  the  Woodland  Caribou  is  by  stalk- 
ing. If  there  be  snow  on  the  ground,  the  hunters  follow  the 
tracks  of  the  animals,  and  by  great  care  are  often  enabled  to  come 
within  shot  of  them.  When  there  is  no  snow  and  the  deer  cannot 
be  tracked,  a  tall  tree  is  climbed  and  the  neighboring  country  is 
swept  with  a  glass  until  a  drove  of  Caribou  are  seen  feeding  in  one 
of  the  open  treeless  spots  called  "  Caribou  Barrens."  The  bear- 
ings of  their  position  are  taken,  and  the  hunters  proceed  to  stalk 
them.  Guides,  men  familiar  with  the  haunts  and  habits  of  these 
animals,  are  essential  to  the  successful  pursuit  of  the  Caribou  in 
regions  where  it  is  much  hunted.  The  Indians  and  half  breeds 
are  highly  recommended  for  this  work,  though  no  doubt  whites  of 
experience  are  quite  as  serviceable. 


ELK,   WAPITI. 


Cervus  Canadensis . — Erxleben. 

"  ''  I  '•HE  antlered  monarch  of  the  waste."  How  applicable  is 
J_  this  term  to  the  stately  elk,  the  giant  deer  of  the  forest, 
the  plains  and  the  mountains  of  North  America.  Standing  as  tall 
as  a  horse,  bearing  a  superb  pair  of  antlers  worthy  to  adorn  any 
baronial  hall,  with  senses  than  which  no  keener  can  be  found 
among  all  our  varied  examples  of  animal  life,  and  a  form,  faultless 
in  the  grace  and  symmetry  of  its  outlines,  the  Wapiti  justly  holds 
the  first  place  among  the  game  animals  of  our  continent. 

It  is  in  the  sportsman's  breast  that  the  Elk  arouses  the  greatest 
enthusiasm,  yet  his  grace  and  beauty  might  well  attract  the  pencil 
of  the  artist,  and  his  great  size  and  wonderful  powers  of  endurance 
furnish  an  exhaustless  theme  for  the  pen  of  poet  and  romancer. 
No  more  striking  and  beautiful  sight  can  be  imagined  than  a  band 
of  these  animals  just  started  from  their  feeding  ground.  Their 
swift  and  swinging  trot,  as  they  move  off  over  the  rough  ground  or 
through  the  tangled  forest,  is  the  poetry  of  motion.  Each  grand 
bull  carries  his  head  well  up  and  his  polished  antlers  stretch  far 
back  over  his  flanks.  The  more  dainty  and  light-footed  cows 
press  to  the  front  and  with  their  calves  first  disappear,  and  in  a 
moment  more  the  last  of  the  bulls  vanishes  over  the  top  of  the 
neighboring  bluff.  Then  perhaps,  oh  reader,  you  advance  from 
your  place  of  concealment,  and  w'th  feelings  of  indescribable  pride 
and  exultation  stand  over  your  first  bull  elk. 

In  former  times  the  Wapiti  seems  to  have  been  distributed 
throughout  the  whole  of  North  America,  south  of  the  Great  Lakes 
on  the  eastern  side  of  the  continent,  but  extending  northward  as 
far  as  the  fifty-sixth  or  fifty-seventh  parallel  of  latitude  on  the 
plains  and  in  the  mountains.  It  was  abundant  in  California,  and 
nowhere  more  so  than  on  the  banks  of  the  San  Joaquin,  about 
which  stream  all  old  Calilbrnians  are  so  enthusiastic.     In  Northern 


ELK,   WAPITL  ^7 

California  it  still  exists,  though  not  in  such  numbers  as  formerly. 
East  of  the  Missouri  River  there  are  one  or  two  localities  where 
the  Elk  still  linger,  though  in  sadly  diminished  numbers.  One  of 
these  is  in  Michigan,  in  a  tract  of  almost  impenetrable  forest  land. 
A  few  have  been  reported  to  inhabit  the  wildest  and  most  unsettled 
portions  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains  in  Pennsylvania,  but  this  is 
merely  a  tradition  and  it  is  doubtful  whether  any  exist  there  at 
present.  The  species  is  now  almost  entirely  confined  to  the  high 
plains  of  the  Missouri  region,  and  the  mountains  which  stretch 
away  to  the  westward  toward  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Here  the  Elk  in 
many  localities  is  still  to  be  found,  but  the  onward  march  of  the 
settlements,  and  continual  ravages  of  the  skin  hunter,  or  as  he  is 
contemptuously  styled  by  the  better  class  of  frontiersmen,  the 
"  Elk  Skinner,"  are  driving  them  farther  and  farther  back,  and  are 
constantly  reducing  their  numbers. 

As  has  been  remarked  the  Elk  stands  about  as  tall  as  a  horse, 
but  its  proportions  are  those  of  a  deer.  Its  horns  are  long  and 
branching,  and  are  generally  very  symmetrical.  They  usually  attain 
a  length  of  five  or  six  feet  and  often  weigh  sixty  or  seventy  pounds. 
In  color  the  Elk  is,  during  the  summer  months,  light  reddish  chest- 
nut. At  the  approach  of  autumn  the  coat  becomes  darker  and  the 
length  of  the  hairs  increases  until  in  winter,  the  longer  hairs  be- 
coming tipped  with  pale  brown,  a  greyish  cast  is  imparted  to  the 
whole  pelage.  A  triangular  patch  of  pale  yellow  is  seen  on  the 
rump  and  includes  the  tail,  which  is  very  short.  The  bull  elk, 
e..  -'pt  in  summer,  has  a  gro^"*h  of  long  hair  on  the  neck  and 
breast  which  the  cow  does  not  possess  at  any  season.  The  latter 
differs  from  the  male  in  being  somewhat  smaller,  and  in  lacking 
horns. 

Elk  rut  early  in  September  and  it  is  only  at  this  season  that  the 
peculiar  "  whistling  "  of  the  bulls  is  to  be  heard.  The  rut  lasts 
but  a  short  time,  and  at  the  end  of  the  season  the  bulls  are  much 
run  down  and  are  very  thin.  They  soon  recuperate  however  and 
by  the  last  of  November  are  quite  fat  and  in  good  order.  The 
females  bring  forth  their  young  late  in  May  or  early  in  June,  and 
some  time  before  this  important  event  takes  place,  withdraw  from 
the  herd  and  remain  in  the  thickest  brush  preparing  for  the  duties 
of  maternity.    At  this  time  too,  the  bulls  are  having  trouble  with 


68 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


their  horns.  These  huge  weapons  are  grown  in  about  four 
months,  and  it  will  readily  be  conceived  that  the  drain  upon  the 
animal's  strength  is  thus  enormous.  The  bulls  laie  in  July  are 
more  thin  and  weak  than  the  cows,  which  have  for  two  months 
been  suckling  their  calves.  In  a  mountain  country  the  males  are 
now  to  be  found  on  the  highest  ridges,  feeding  above  timber  line 
and  passing  most  of  their  time  in  the  densest  thickets  where  they 
are  in  a  measure  protected  from  the  flies.  On  the  plrins,  they 
spend  most  of  their  time  lying  in  the  thick  willow  brush  which  lines 
the  borders  of  the  streams. 

The  cow  Elk  produces  usually  only  one  calf,  and  no  instance 
of  the  birth  of  twins  has  ever  come  under  our  obseiTation.  The 
calf  is  a  beautiful  little  creature,  spotted  like  a  red  deer's  fawn, 
which  it  much  resembles  in  general  appearance.  As  already  re- 
marked, the  "  whistling  "  of  the  Elk  is  heard  only  for  a  few  days 
during  the  early  part  of  September.  It  is  made  up  of  several 
parts,  and  is  so  peculiar  a  cry  that  it  can  hardly  be  described,  much 
less  imitated.  The  first  part  consists  of  a  prolonged,  shrill  whis- 
tle, which  seems  to  come  to  the  hearer  from  a  long  distance,  even 
though  the  animal  uttering  it  be  quite  near  at  hand.  This  is  fol- 
lowed by  a  succession  of  short  grunting  brays  or  barks,  three  or 
four  in  number,  and  the  call  is  completed  by  a  low,  smooth  bel- 
low. Sometimes  the  whistle  is  sounded  without  the  succeeding 
parts.  Withal,  the  cry  is  an  odd  one,  and  once  heard  will  always 
afterward  be  recognized. 

The  whistle  is  ver)'  musical,  and  no  more  delightful  sound  can 
come  to  the  sportsman's  ear,  as  in  the  grey  dawn  of  the  morning 
he  ascends  a  mountain  side  to  obtain  a  good  view  of  the  undula- 
ting slopes  and  park  like  openings,  which  stretch  away  toward  the 
valley  beyond.  Watch  carefully  brother,  keep  yourself  well  con- 
cealed, and  be  sure  that  the  wind  is  right.  Then  when  you  spy 
the  herd,  slip  cautiously  down  yon  little  ravine,  and  you  will  ere 
long  be  within  easy  reach  of  as  fine  a  bull  as  hunter  ever  bagged. 

The  Elk  and  Mule  Deer  differ  widely  in  many  of  their  habits 
from  the  Virginia  Deer,  and  in  nothing  more  than  their  intense 
fear  of  man,  and  then  hatred  of  the  "  march  of  civilization,"  so- 
called.  While  the  White-tail,  if  shot  at  or  pursued  with  hounds, 
will  only  run  far  enough  to  escape  the  immediate  danger,  and 


ELK.   WAPITI.  6g 

will  in  a  short  lime  return  to  his  accustomed  haunts,  the  Elk  and 
Mule  Deer  will  almost  immediately  desert  a  country  where  they 
have  been  much  shot  at,  and  the  sound  of  a  gun,  even  though  at 
a  great  distance,  will  alarm  all  the  bands  within  hearing.  For  this 
reason,  hunters,  in  the  mountains  where  the  report  of  a  gun  is 
taken  up,  and  a  thousand  times  repeated  by  the  echoes,  use  a  rifle 
which  carries  but  a  small  charge  of  powder,  as  the  Smith  and 
Wesson  rifle  or  the  Winchester  ;  stating  that  the  needle  gun  with 
its  70  grains  of  powder  makes  too  much  noise,  frightening^  or  at 
least  rendering  suspicious  all  the  game  in  the  neighborhood.  Old 
hunters  have  a  saying,  that  a  band  of  Elk  when  fairly  started,  will 
not  stop  until  they  have  crossed  flowing  water  ;  and  a  plainsman 
of  experience  and  reliability,  in  whose  company  we  have  often 
hunted,  said  to  us  once,  as  a  noble  band  of  Elk  disappeared  over 
the  bluffs,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Loup  Fork  ;  •'  those  fellows 
won't  stop  until  they  have  crossed  the  Running  Water."  This 
stream,  perhaps  better  known  in  the  "  States  "  as  the  Niobrara, 
was  forty  miles  distant,  yet  we  doubt  not  that  the  Elk  were  able 
to  keep  up  their  swift  trot  until  they  reached  that  stream. 

The  usual  gait  of  the  Elk,  when  much  alarmed,  is  the  long 
swinging  trot  before  referred  to,  which  is  a  far  more  rapid  gait 
than  would  be  imagined  by  one  who  has  had  no  experience  of  the 
rate  at  which  these  animals  move.  A  very  good  horse  will  have 
great  difficulty  in  keeping  up  with  a  trotting  Elk  unless  the  coun- 
try is  exceptionally  favorable.  The  Elk,  however,  cares  nothing  for 
the  character  of  the  ground  which  it  traverses,  or  rather  seems  to 
prefer  that  which  is  worst  for  a  horse.  It  apparently  moves  quite 
as  fast  through  the  most  rugged  Bad  Lands,  or  along  the  side  of  a 
mountain,  rough  with  huge  rocks -and  down  timber,  as  over  the 
smoothly  undulating  prairies  of  the  open  country.  Moreover  this 
trot  does  not  seem  to  tire  it  at  all,  and  it  can  keep  up  the  gait  for 
an  indefinite  length  of  time.  Its  run,  and  it  only  runs  when  very 
badly  frightened,  is  an  awkward  clumsy  gallop,  utterly  devoid  of 
grace,  but  somewhat  swifter  than  its  trot.  Running  however  is 
very  exhausting  to  the  animal,  a.id  an  essential  to  success  in  pur- 
suing the  Elk  on  horseback  is  to  get  him  to  break  his  trot.  If  that 
can  be  done  and  the  country  favors  the  horse,  the  hunter  may 
succeed  in  getting  along  side.     The  writer  remembers  on  one  occa- 


70 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


sion  to  have  followed  on  an  unusually  fast  pony,  a  cow  Elk  whose 
hind  leg  he  had  broken,  for  two  miles  before  getting  near  enough 
to  shoot  from  the  saddle  and  kill  her.  In  this  case  every  thing 
favored  the  horse  and  he  was  put  through  at  railroad  speed.  The 
Elk  was  quite  thin,  and  really  seemed  to  run  just  about  as  fast 
after  receiving  the  wound  as  she  did  before. 

The  most  successful  method  of  capturing  this  royal  game  is  by 
stalking,  though  to  succeed  in  approaching  a  band  of  Elk  requires 
no  little  care  and  skill,  and  is  a  good  test  of  the  sportsman's  capa- 
bilities as  a  still  hunter.  On  the  Loup  Fork  and  its  branches,  in 
years  gone  by,  the  writer  has  enjoyed  glorious  sport  with  this  game, 
and  it  is  no  doubt  still  abundant  in  the  section  beyond  the  settle- 
ments. 

The  Loup  is  a  miniature  Platte  (of  which  it  is  a  tributary),  in 
very  many  respects,  and  drains  with  its  branches  much  of  north- 
western Nebraska.  The  upper  Middle  Loup,  where  much  of  our 
hunting  has  been  done,  has  the  same  broad  channel  and  innumer- 
able sand-bars.  Its  low  banks  and  many  islands  are  densely 
covered  with  a  thick,  tall  growth  of  coarse  grass,  weeds,  and  willow 
brush.  The  country  lying  adjacent  to  this  river,  and  its  main 
branch,  the  Dismal,  is,  to  say  the  least,  very  hilly,  being  composed 
of  ranges  of  bluffs  lying  parallel  to  the  river,  and  succeeding  each 
other  at  intervals  of  one  or  more  miles  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach. 
'^1  itervening  valleys  are  made  up  of  sharp  ridges  and  steep- 
sided  knolls,  usually  but  a  few  yards  apart.  Deep  canons  from 
the  river,  wind  out  into  the  various  ranges,  furnishing  timber  of 
several  kinds,  including  cedar,  elm,  ash,  box-elder,  and  many  brush 
thickets.  The  first  grows  in  thick  dark  clumps  along  the  steep 
sides,  and  is  intermixed  with  ■  the  latter  varieties  along  the  level 
floor-like  bottoms  of  the  caiions.  Such  grasses  as  are  indigenous 
to  the  soil,  among  which  is  the  famous  buffalo  or  gramme  grass 
grow  sparsely  on  the  up-lands.  The  lowlands  furnish  a  rank 
growth  of  "blue-stem,"  or  "blue-joint,"  everywhere  common  in 
the  West.  This  country  has  long  been  a  favorite  feeding  ground 
of  the  Elk,  and  here  for  centuries  it  has  been  hunted  by  the  Sioux 
and  Pawnees. 

The  outfit  necessary  for  pleasant  and  successful  hunting  in  this 
country,  should  be,  in  addition  to  the  usual  covered  wagon  ant' 


ELK,   WAPITI.  71 

camping  utensils,  an  extra,  steady-going  saddle  horse,  accustomed 
to  the  picket-rope,  and  not  easily  frightened  by  the  use  of  fire-arms. 
The  clothing  should  be  of  heavy  woolen  material,  and  of  a  pale 
yellowish- brown.  The  rifle  used  should  be  breech-  loading,  of  small 
bore,  heavy  charge  and  light  express,  or  an  explosive  ball.  Such 
a  rifle  is  found  to  have  the  main  elements  which  make  up  a  good 
hunting  gun.  It  gives  a  flat  trajectory  up  to  three  hundred  yards, 
outside  hunting  range,  and  is  deadly  enough  for  the  largest  elk. 
A  powerful  field  glass  will  be  found  a  most  useful  accessory. 

Sportsmen  who  intend  to  bring  back  with  them  the  heads  of  Elk 
which  they  may  kill,  will  do  well  to  provide  themselves  with  some 
presen^'^tive  to  be  applied  to  the  skin,  especiaHv  about  the  nose, 
lips  and  eyes.  Dry  arsenic  is  as  good  as  anytliing,  and  is  besides 
inexpensive,  and  easily  carried  and  applied. 

Few  sportsmen,  we  imagine,  realize  that  the  days  of  the  Elk 
as  well  as  of  the  buffalo  are  numbered,  and  that  this  beautiful  and 
magnificent  game  will  soon  live  only  in  the  annals  of  the  past. 
This  state  of  things  we  owe  to  the  presence  in  the  wilder  portions 
of  the  country  of  the  skin  hunter.  What  is  true  of  the  Elk,  is  also 
true  to  a  greater  or  less  extent  of  all  our  game  animals. 

Good  hunting  is  at  present  scarcely  to  be  found  east  of  the 
Missouri  River.  West  of  that  stream,  however,  there  is  a  wide 
extent  of  territory,  in  many  parts  of  which  large  game  of  all  de- 
scriptions may  still  be  found  in  considerable  abundance  by  those 
who  are  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  country  to  know  where  to 
look  for  it.  There  remain  on  the  plains  and  in  the  mountains 
seven  species  of  ruminants  that  are  sufficiently  abundant  to  make 
it  well  worth  while  that  the  different  State  and  Territorial  Govern- 
ments should  attempt,  before  it  is  too  late,  to  protect  their  game 
by  severe  laws.  Buffalo,  elk,  white-tailed  deer,  mule  deer,  antelope, 
mountain  sheep  and  moose  are  still  to  be  found  in  considerable 
numbers  in  various  portions  of  the  trans-Missouri  States  and  Terri- 
tories, but  owing  to  a  savage  and  indiscriminating  warfare  which 
has  been  inaugurated  against  them  within  the  past  few  years,  their 
numbers  are  decreasing  more  rapidly  than  ever  before. 

Most  of  us  remember  the  good  service  done  some  years  ago  by 
General  Hazen,  in  bringing  before  the  public  the  facts  in  regard 
to   the  wanton  destruction  of  the  buffVilo  along  the  line  of  the 


72  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Smoky  Hill  Road  in  Kansas  and  Colorado.  The  discussion  at 
that  time,  resulted  in  the  adoption  of  some  measures  to  protect  the 
buffalo,  though  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  ere  long  still  more  stringent 
laws  may  be  enacted  and  enforced.  But  we  have  just  now  to 
speak  of  a  country  distant  from  the  railroads,  out  of  the  way  of 
the  average  tourist,  and  far  from  the  haunts  even  of  the  gentleman 
sportsman ;  we  refer  to  the  territory  lying  between  the  Missouri 
River  and  the  main  divide  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  north  of  the 
Union  Pacific  Railroad.  It  is  in  this  region  that  the  most  abundant 
supplies  of  wild  game  are  to  be  found,  and  it  is  here  that  these 
animals  are  slaughtered  for  their  hides  alone,  by  the  professional 
hunter. 

Buffalo,  elk,  mule  deer  and  antelope  suffer  most,  and  in  the 
order  in  which  they  are  here  mentioned.  They  are  destroyed  with- 
out rgardto  season  ;  the  hides  only  are  taken  and  the  meat  left  to 
feed  the  wolves,  or  to  rot  when  the  spring  opens.  We  know  directly 
of  thirty-four  cow  Elk  killed  out  of  a  band  of  forty,  about  the  mid- 
dle of  April,  1875,  by  one  man.  The  snows  were  deep,  and  the 
butcher  followed  the  poor  animals  until  all  but  six  were  slain. 
Each  of  these  animals,  if  allowed  to  live,  would  have  produced  a 
calf  in  a  little  over  a  month  after  the  time  of  its  slaughter.  Here 
then  were  sixty-eight  elk  killed  by  one  man  in  a  day  and  a  half. 
It  is  estimated  from  reliable  information,  that  in  the  winter  of 
1874-5,  during  the  deep  snows,  over  three  thousand  elk  were  killed 
for  their  hides  in  the  valley  of  the  Yellowstone,  between  the  mouth 
of  Trail  Creek  and  the  Hot  Springs.  For  the  territories  of 
Wyoming  and  Montana,  the  destruction  must  have  been  twenty 
times  as  great.  An  elk  skin  is  worth  from  $2.50  to ^4,  and  to 
secure  that  pitiful  sum  this  beautiful  life  is  taken,  and  from  three 
to  five  hundred  pounds  of  the  most  delicate  meat  is  left  on  the 
ground. 

A  buffalo  hide  is  worth  $1.50  in  September,  $2  in  October, 
and  $2.50  in  November,  and  at  those  prices  many  men  can  be 
found  to  do  the  work  of  butchery.  For,  as  many  of  us  know  by 
experience,  a  man  without  any  pretensions  to  being  a  skilful  hunt- 
er can  slaughter  a  dozen  or  two  buffalo  in  a  day  wherever  they  are 
numerous.  Mule  deer  and  antelope  are  more  difficult  to  kill,  but 
in  these  days  of  breech-loading  rifies,  a  fair  shot  can  kill  several  out 


ELK,   WAPITI.  73 

of  a  band  before  the  rest  can  get  out  of  reach.  It  is  a  melancholy 
sight  to  see  as  we  have  seen  in  a  morning's  march,  half  a  dozen 
fresh  doe  antelope  carcasses  stripped  of  their  skins,  with  the  milk 
still  trickling  from  their  udders ;  and  it  is  sad  to  think  that  in  ad- 
c'ilion  two  little  kids  must  starve  for  each  of  these.  « 

•  Mountain  sheep  and  moose  do  not  suffer  to  any  considerable 
extent  from  these  skin  hunters.  They  are  too  wary  to  be  success- 
fully pursued  by  these  men,  many  of  whom  are  vagabonds  of  the 
most  worthless  description.  There  are  some  good  hunters  and 
good  fellows  among  them  ;  men  who  would  gladly  relinquish  the 
business  could  it  be  wholly  stopped,  but  who  think  and  say  that 
if  the  game  is  to  be  exterminated,  they  must  make  the  most  of  it 
while  it  lasts.  Taken  as  a  whole,  however,  they  are  a  miserable 
set,  and  many  of  them  do  not  kill  more  than  enough  to  keep  them- 
selves in  provisions  and  ammunition  from  month  to  month. 

This  skin  hunting  is  quite  a  new  thing  in  the  territory,  having 
been  initiated,  as  has  been  said,  only  three  or  four  years  ago.  In 
1872  or  '73  a  firm  of  Fort  Benton  traders,  who  have  since  achieved 
an  unenviable  notoriety  by  selling  arms  and  ammunition  to  the 
hostile  Sioux,  conceived  the  idea  of  fitting  out  parties  to  kill  game 
for  the  hides,  and  the  result  was  so  successful  that  the  trade  in 
wild  hides  has  been  increasing  ever  since. 

What  now  can  be  done  to  remedy  this  state  of  affiiirs  }  Strin- 
gent lavv^s  should  be  enacted,  and  not  only  enacted  but  enforced. 
Game  should  not  be  killed  except  for  food,  and  then  only  during 
the  autumn.  In  other  words,  no  more  game  should  be  killed  thau 
the  hunter  can  use,  and  indiscriminate  hunting  at  any  and  all  sea- 
sons should  be  prevented.  But  we  know  that  legislative  bodies 
move  slowly,  and  that  knots  in  red  tape  are  as  difficult  to  untie  as 
that  of  Gordius  of  old.  In  the  meantime  much,  very  much,  may 
be  done  by  the  officers  of  the  army  who  are  stationed  on  the  fron- 
tier. The  skin  hunters  who,  of  course,  violate  the  laws  of  all  the 
territories  which  have  game  laws,  may  be  warned  off,  arrested,  and 
so  annoyed  that  they  will  in  future  sedulously  avoid  the  vicinity  of 
posts  where  they  have  received  such  treatment.  Action  to  this  end 
at  Camp  Baker,  by  Major  H.  Freeman,  Seventh  Infantry,  has  quite 
driven  the  skin  hunters  out  of  the  country.  The  little  exertion  en- 
tailed by  this  course  will  be  amply  repaid  by  the  increase  of  large 

4 


fi  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

game  in  any  section  of  the  country  where  its  wanton  and  unneces- 
sary disturbance  is  prevented. 

As  things  stand  at  present,  the  country  where  game  most 
abounds  is  that  which  is  now,  or  has  lately  been,  infested  by  hos- 
tile Indians.  The  red  fiends  know  enough  to  preserve  their  game 
from  excessive  and  continual  persecution,  and  it  is  where  the  white 
man  dare  not  go  that  it  is  found  most  abundant  and  most  unsus- 
picious.   The  Indians  are  the  only  real  preservers  of  game  in  the 

West. 

Will  not  every  officer  and  every  Western  man  to  whom  these 
lines  come  think  seriously  on  this  matter,  and  endeavor  to  do  his 
part  to  put  down  terrible  butchery  ? 


MULE   DEER. 

Cariacus  macrotis. — Gray. 

THE  Mule  Deer,  or  as  it  is  commonly  called  in  the  West  the 
Black-tailed  Deer,  is  found  throughout  the  Missouri  Region 
and  in  the  Rocky  Mountains.  The  species  is  quite  abundant  in 
many  localities,  and  where  it  has  not  been  too  much  hunted  fur- 
nishes good  sport  to  the  still  hunter. 

In  size  the  Mule  Deer  considerably  exceeds  the  common  deer 
of  the  Eastern  States,  the  White-tail  of  the  West,  and  as  an  article 
of  food  its  flesh  is  far  superior  to  that  of  the  latter  species.  The 
color  of  the  Mule  Deer  at  certain  seasons  somewhat  resembles  that 
of  the  Virginia  Deer,  but  its  horns  are  much  larger,  and  do  not  bend 
so  far  forward.  Its  tail  is  widely  different,  being  for  the  greater 
part  of  its  length,  thin  and  rat-like,  naked  below  with  a  covering 
of  short  white  hair  above,  and  a  heavy  brush  of  jet  black  hairs  at 
the  tip.  There  is  a  triangular  patch  of  white  at  the  root  of  the  tail 
on  the  buttocks,  which  somewhat  resembles  the  same  mark  on  the 
Elk  and  Bighorn. 

The  true  C.  macrotis  is  found  throughout  the  Mountains  nearly 
or  quite  as  far  west  as  the  main  divide  of  the  Sierra  Nevadas.  In 
Southern  California  and  Arizona,  among  the  mountains  of  the  Coast 
Range,  it  is  replaced  by  a  recently  described  variety  called  in  that 
section,  the  Burro  Deer,  an  appellation  about  equivalent  to  the  name 
of  the  Eastern  variety,  bttrro  in  Spanish  signifying  jackass.  This 
variety  was  described  in  a  recent  number  of  the  American  NaU 
uralist  by  the  Hon.  J.  D.  Caton.  It  was  first  met  with  by  this  gen- 
tleman near  Santa  Barbara,  Cal.  While  at  this  place  Judge  Caton 
made  an  excursion  into  the  Coast  Range  at  Gaviota  Pass,  and  se- 
cured three  bucks.  These  were  evidently  a  variety  of  the  Mule 
Deer,  and  not  of  the  Black-tailed,  having  all  the  distinctive  peculi- 
arities of  the  former.     The  variety  difters  from  the  type  in  being 


'jd  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

smaller,  of  .1  more  decidedly  reddish  shade,  in  havinj;  a  lesser  pateh 
of  white  on  the  buttocks  and,  most  prominently,  in  tiie  markinj^i^s 
of  the  tail.  The  tail  of  C.  macrotis  is  entirely  white  except  a  black 
tuft  at  the  tip  ;  in  the  variety  a  black  to  reddish-black  line  extends 
along  the  upper  side  of  the  tail  from  the  root  to  the  tip.  The 
habitat  is  not  as  yet  well  determined,  but  Judge  Caton  thinks  it 
safe  to  say  that  this  variety  predominates  in  the  Coast  Range 
south  of  San  Francisco,  which  seems  to  be  its  northern  limit. 
The  Sierras  seem  to  ilefine  its  eastern  limit,  east  of  which  it  is  re- 
placed by  the  true  Mule  Deer.  It  ascends  to  higher  altitudes  than 
any  other  American  deer,  being  frecjuently  found  above  timber  line. 
Those  living  in  the  high  mountains  are  the  largest.  They  are  not 
uncommon,  and  further  information,  it  is  hoped,  will  soon  be  ob- 
tained of  the  distribution  and  |)eculiarities  of  this  novel  variety.  A 
skin  and  skeleton  are  said  to  have  been  sent  to  the  Smithsonian 
Institute  by  Judge  Caton. 

The  Mule  Deer  is  always  found  in  a  rough  country.  The  white 
blufi's  of  the  Bad  Lands,  the  sparsely  wooded  buttes  that  rise  here 
and  there  above  the  level  of  the  prairies  of  Dakota  and  Montana, 
and  the  rockiest  timbered  ridges  of  the  mountains,  are  its  favorite 
haunts  :  in  fact  it  may  be  said  to  be  the  deer  of  the  plateaus  and 
mountains,  as  the  Virginia  Deer  is  of  the  forest  and  lowlands.  Its 
flesh,  as  has  been  remarked,  is  very  palatable,  and  is  superior  to 
that  of  any  of  its  congeners  except  the  elk.  It  is  somewhat  diffi- 
cult of  approach,  as  it  is  very  vigilant  and  a  rapid  runner  ;  hence, 
one  must  have  a  sure  eye  to  kill  many  during  a  season.  It  is  said 
to  be  more  al)undant  in  the  Blue  Mountains,  which  traverse  East- 
ern Oregon,  Washington  Territory  and  Idaho,  than  in  any  other 
portion  of  the  continent,  as  it  finds  there  plenty  of  food  and  shel- 
ter. 

The  does  of  the  Mule  Deer  are  found  throughout  the  foothills 
the  whole  year,  but  the  bucks  retire  in  the  spring  to  the  highest 
mountains,  to  "  grow  their  horns,"  where  they  remain  until  about 
the  tirst  of  October.  While  on  the  mountain  tops  they  collect 
generally  in  small  bands  of  four  or  five.  They  are  generally  found 
near  timber  line,  in  the  heat  of  the  day,  but  in  the  morning  and 
evening  they  leave  the  shade  of  the  forest  and  go  further  up  the 
mountains  to  the  grassy  tops,  to  feed  on  the  young  rich  growth 


MULE  DEER.  yy 

which  is  nourished  imd  fed  by  the  water  from  the  snow  banks  on 
the  mountain  peaks.  When  thus  feeding,  it  rc(|uir('s  the  utmost 
skill  of  the  hunter  to  ai)proach  them  within  shoot inj,'-  distance. 
When  one  deer  is  killed  in  a  band  and  is  seen  to  fall  by  the  others, 
they  often  run  in  a  body  a  short  distance  from  the  slain  buck,  and 
halt,  looking  back  at  the  point  of  danger,  standing  as  still  as  a 
statue,  with  their  large  ears  brought  forward  to  catch  the  slightest 
sound.  If  nothing  is  seen,  in  a  few  moments  they  wheel  about 
and  gallop  away  to  the  nearest  timber,  wlien  they  are  soon  lost  to 
view.  When  shot  at  in  the  forest,  they  retreat  at  a  furious  rate,  often 
falling  over  prostrate  tree  trunks,  and  crashing  through  thickets, 
making  the  dead  sticks  crack  and  fly  in  every  direction.  They 
sometimes  charge  diiectly  toward  the  hunter.  The  scent  of  the 
Mule  Deer  is  very  keen,  and  it  is  useless  to  hunt  them  to  "  lee- 
ward," as  they  will  smell  the  approaching  hunter,  and  bound 
away  long  before  he  is  near  enough  to  sight  them.  They  are  re- 
markably sharp  sighted,  and  are  constantly  on  the  lookout  for 
danger,  particularly  the  does  when  they  have  their  young  with 
them. 

When  a  band  is  resting,  they  lie  down  within  a  few  feet  of  each 
other,  doubling  their  fore  legs  under  the  body,  and  in  wet  weather 
they  dry  their  coat  by  licking  it  with  the  tongue,  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  a  dog.  The  bucks  often  return  to  their  "beds,"  sleeping 
in  the  same  place  several  nights  in  succession.  The  Mule  Deer 
rut  during  the  latter  part  of  October,  and  the  does  bring  forth 
their  young,  generally  two,  though  sometimes  only  one,  late  in  May 
or  early  in  June.  The  fawns  are  prettily  spotted  with  white  and 
become  quite  strong  and  active  a  few  days  after  their  birth.  When 
a  doe  tirst  has  her  fawns,  she  remains  in  the  thick  woods  and 
underbrush  for  several  weeks,  until  her  offspring  are  able  to  keep 
up  with  her  when  running  from  danger. 

The  Mule  Deer  found  on  the  plains,  that  is  among  the  Bad 
Lands  in  the  vicinity  of  large  streams,  are  to  be  looked  for  just 
before  sunset  and  after  sunrise  Vv'hen  they  come  down  to  the  water's 
edge  to  drink.  The  hunter  will  find  these  hours  of  the  day  by  far 
the  best  for  the  pursuit  of  this  animal. 


BLACK  TAILED  DEER. 


Cariacus  Columbianus. 


THE  Black  Tailed  Deer  is  a  Pacific  Coast  species  which  does 
not,  apparently,  extend  its  range  much  east  of  the  Sierr.a 
Nevada  Mountains.  Its  favorite  haunts  are  among  the  dense 
forests  of  redwoods  which  clothe  the  sides  of  these  mountains  in 
Oregon  and  California.  Further  south  it  frequents  the  dense 
thickets  of  chapparal  and  manzanita  which  cover  the  hillsides,  and 
through  which  it  is  quite  impossible  for  a  man  to  force  his  way. 
To  these  thickets  the  deer  betake  themselves  when  wounded,  and 
in  such  cases  are  sure  to  be  lost. 

The  Black-tail  is  a  somewhat  larger  animal  than  the  Virginia 
Deer,  but  does  not  equal  the  Mule  Deer  in  size.  Its  ears  are  pro- 
portionally less  than  those  of  the  last  named  species,  it  lacks 
the  white  patch  on  its  rump,  and  its  tail  is  quite  differently  haired 
and  colored,  resembling  that  of  the  White-tail  as  to  its  coat,  and 
being  black  above  and  white  beneath. 

The  flesh  of  this  animal  is  very  poor  eating,  and  is  not  to  be 
compared  with  that  of  any  other  member  of  its  family  inha'  uig 
North  America.  The  animal  when  hunted  affords  some  spoi .  to 
the  stalker,  but  unless  ihe  hunter  is  a  dead  shot  he  will  lose  a  large 
number  of  wounded  animals,  from  the  habit  above  mentioned  of 
taking  refuge  in  the  densest  thickets.  This  species  is  also  hunted 
with  hounds  to  some  extent  in  Oregon  and  Washington,  the  hunt- 
ers taking  stands  by  the  runways  and  waiting  for  the  deer  to  pass, 
just  as  is  done  in  hunting  the  common  deer  of  the  East.  But  lit- 
tle is  definitely  known  o'i  the  habits  of  this  species  and  a  careful 
biography  of  it  is  much  to  be  desired.  In  some  localities  this  deer 
i^  calk  Brush  Deer  and  in  others  Mountain  Deer,  both  names 
having  reference  to  the  character  of  the  country  it  piefers. 


VIRGINIA   DEER. 

Cariacus  Virgin ia ntts. — Gray. 

THE  Virginia  Deer,  in  one  or  another  of  its  varieties,  is  univer- 
sally distributed  throughout  the  United  States  and  an  east 
and  west  belt  of  country  including  the  southern  portions  of  the 
British  Possessions,  but  probably  not  extending  north  of  the  fifty- 
fourth  parallel  of  latitude.  It  is  however  a  lover  of  the  forests  and 
of  dense  cover,  and  on  the  high  plains  of  the  Missouri  region  is 
confined  chiefly  to  the  wooded  river  bottoms.  There  are  tew  bet- 
ter deer  ranges  than  the  willowy  banks  and  islands  of  the  Platte, 
the  Running  Water,  the  Yellowstone  and  the  Missouri  Rivers,  and 
deer  started  from  the  neighborhood  of  these  streams  take  refuge 
for  a  time  on  the  wide  plains  above,  but  return  to  their  cover  as 
soon  as  possible.  The  deer  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  has  been 
dignified  by  the  varietal  name  inacrourus,  but  it  seems  to  us  some- 
what doubtful  whether  it  deserves  to  be  separated  from  its  more 
eastern  relative  the  true  Virginianus.  There  is  a  very  wide  range 
of  size  among  the  deer  of  some  portions  of  the  Mountains,  and  it 
is  not  unusual  for  a  hunter  to  kill  in  the  same  localities  fine  bucks 
fully  equalling  in  size  the  largest  eastern  deer,  and  others  appa- 
rently just  as  old  VN'hich  weigh  but  half  as  much. 

The  true  Virginia  Deer  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  United  Statei^ 
as  far  west  as  the  plains,  and  occurs  in  more  or  less  abundance  ii. 
every  State  from  Maine  to  Texas.  In  Florida  and  in  the  other 
Gulf  States  these  animals  l>llowing  well-known  laws  of  geographi- 
cal variation  are  much  smaller  than  farther  to  the  northward.  West 
of  the  plains  occurs,  as  has  been  said,  the  variety  inacrourus,  said 
to  be  somewhat  smaller  and  with  a  proportionately  longer  tail, 
denominated  ip  frontier  parlance  the  White-tailed  Deer,  to  distin- 
guish it  from  its  congeners  the  Mule  Deer  nd  the  true  Black-tail 
of  Uie  Sierras.     In  Arizona  a  still  smaller  variety  is  m^t  with  *vhich 


80  GAME  ANIMALS   OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

is  described  l)y  Drs.  Coues  and  Yarrow  in  their  recent  important 
work  on  the  mammals  observed  by  Lieut.  Geo.  M.  Wheeler's  Sur- 
vey, published  in  the  Reports  of  the  "  United  States  Geog-raphical 
Surveys  West  of  the  One  Hundredth  Meridian,"  Vol.  V.,  Zoolojry. 
The  largest  bucks  of  tliis  variety  do  not  exceed  seventy  pounds  in 
weight,  and  the  does  are  of  course  still  smaller,  falling  under  sixty 
pounds. 

On  the  Pacific  Coast,  and  especially  on  Whidby  Island,  are 
found  deer,  white  or  moitled,  which  have  been  designated  as  Cer- 
vus  albus  or  C.  virginianus,  var.  variafus,  but  there  can  be  little 
doubt  that  these  are  simply  cases  of  albinism,  which  is  not  very  un- 
common with  this  animal,  ard  that  the  supposed  species  or  varie- 
ties have  no  zoological  stanaing  whatever. 

The  common  deer  has,  for  so  widely  distributed  a  species,  but 
few  appellations.  In  the  cast  it  is  generally  called  Red  or  Virginia 
deer,  in  the  west  it  is  almost  universally  called  the  White-tail. 
This  species  is  so  well  known  as  scarcely  to  need  any  description. 
Every  one  has  seen  it  either  alive  or  dead  and  many  of  our  readers 
have  felt  the  proud  delight  of  standing  over  their  ^irst  buck.  In 
summer  its  coat  is  bright  red,  but  on  the  approach  of  autumn  the 
color  deepens,  becoming  more  grey  until  in  October  the  short  close 
hair  is  nearly  of  a  mouse  color,  and  the  animal  is  then  said  to  be  in 
"  the  blue."  The  throat  and  under  surface  of  the  tail  are  always 
white.  The  horns,  which  are  not  large  but  are  usually  very  sym- 
metrical, bend  gracefully  forward  and  the  points  are  directed  some- 
what downward.  These  weapons  are  shed  in  February  or  March 
according  to  the  latitude  which  the  wearer  inhabits,  "  The  ani- 
mal at  once  retires  from  the  herd  to  hide  itself  in  the  thickets  and 
unfrequented  places,  venturing  abroad  for  pasture  only  in  the 
night.  The  horns  are  yearly  shed,  to  be  renewed  in  ampler  devel- 
opment. In  his  first  year — for  it  is  the  male  alone  that  is  fur- 
nished with  horns — he  has  only  a  kind  of  corneous  excrescence, 
short,  and  covered  with  a  thin,  hairy  skin  ;  in  the  second  year 
simple  straight  horns  make  their  appearance.  In  the  third  they 
have  two  antlers,  in  the  fourth,  three;  in  the  fifth,  four;  in  the 
sixth,  five  ;  after  which  the  antlers  do  not  always  increase  in 
number,  though  they  do  sometimes  amount  to  six  or  seven  on 
either  side  ;  but  the  stag's  age  is  then  estimated  rather  from  the 


VIRGINIA    DEER.  ,%l 

size  and  thickness  of  the  branch  that  sustains  them,  than  from 
their  numbers."  The  doe  is  considerably  smaller  than  the  buck, 
and  may  be  said  never  to  have  horns.  It  is  true  that  there  are 
half  a  dozen  instances  on  record  where  a  female  deer  has  been 
found  to  be  provided  with  short  horns,  but  this  state  ol  things  is 
quite  abnormal. 

Deer  i-ut  in  October  and  November  and  the  doe  brings  forth 
her  young,  generally  two  but  sometimes  three,  in  May  or  June, 
earlier  at  the  South  than  at  the  North.  These  animals  should  there- 
fore never  be  shot  before  October  first,  or  at  the  earliest  Septem- 
ber fifteenth.  The  fawns  are  not  fit  to  eat  before  that  season,  and 
if  the  does  are  killed  before  that  date,  the  young  will  have  a  hard 
time  of  it  during  the  autumn. 

The  food  of  the  Red  Deer  varies  according  to  the  season.  In 
autumn  they  crop  the  buds  of  green  shrubs,  leaves  of  small  bram- 
bles, the  tender  parts  of  brakes  or  ferns,  etc.;  in  winter,  when  snow 
covers  the  ground,  they  eat  the  leaves  of  laurel,  and  the  bark  and 
moss  of  trees  ;  and  in  summer  they  find  abundance  of  vegetation, 
especially  in  the  rank  grass  and  lily  pads  that  border  the  margin  of 
ponds  and  sloughs. 

In  districts  where  they  have  been  much  hunted,  the  deer  feed 
mostly  at  night,  and  during  the  day  they  retire  to  the  hills  to  rest 
and  bask  in  the  sun.  In  a  level  country  they  resort  to  thickets 
near  the  water  to  rest  during  the  day.  The  best  time  to  still  hunt 
deer  is  just  before  sunset,  when  they  come  down  from  the  hills  to 
drink.  They  always  make  straight  for  the  water  and  quench  their 
thirst,  and  then  commence  feeding.  Early  in  the  morning  you 
will  find  them  on  the  sunny  side  of  a  mountain  or  hill.  Never 
hunt  below  them — that  is,  at  the  foot  of  a  hill — for  if  you  do  nine 
deer  out  of  ten  will  see  or  smell  you,  and  bound  away  without  your 
knowing  of  their  presence.  Get  on  the  top  of  a  mountain  and  look 
below  for  the  deer.  Always  hunt  to  windward  and  move  slowly 
and  do  not  try  to  cover  too  much  ground,  and  you  will  be  success- 
ful if  in  a  deer  country. 

The  modes  employed  in  capturing  these  animals  are  very  nu- 
merous, but  those  most  practiced  are  hounding,  i.  e.,  running  with 
dogs  either  by  a  runway  where  the  hunter  stands,  ^  r  into  the  water, 
driving,  floating  or  jacking,  and  still  huntinjj.     Of  all  these  methods 

4* 


82 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


the  last  is  the  most  difficult,  though  by  far  the  noblest  and  most 
sportsmanlike.  Hounding  requires  that  the  sportsman  should 
have  the  assistance  of  a  guide  and  dogs.  The  former  must  be 
familiar  with  the  runways  of  the  deer,  and  the  hounds  must  have 
good  noses  and  considerable  endurance.  The  hunters  arc  sta- 
tioned at  the  various  runways,  and  the  dogs  put  on  the  track  of 
the  game.  The  cry  of  the  packs  generally  notifies  the  expectant 
sportsman  of  the  direction  which  the  deer  is  taking,  and  if  it  is 
running  toward  his  stand  he  usually  has  time  to  prepare  himself 
for  its  coming.  If  the  animal  passes  near  him  it  requires  but 
little  skill  to  bowl  it  over  with  his  double  barrel  as  it  goes  by.  But 
there  are  a  great  many  right  and  left  snap  shots,  and  capital  statu- 
ettes on  a  runway  wlio  don't  know  much  more  of  the  haunts  and 
habits  of  their  game  than  they  do  of  crochet  work  or  knitting. 
They  have  an  intelligent  bush-beater  who  knows  the  lay  of  the 
coveys,  a  dog  with  a  good  nose  and  well  broken,  a  splendid  pair 
of  barrels,  and  a  keen  eye  and  quick  trigger.  The  guide  leads  up 
to  the  hunting  ground,  then  the  dog  takes  the  van  and  attends  to 
business,  and  when  his  tail  gets  stiff  and  a  bird  rises,  the  gun  drops 
him  neatly,  the  attendant  marks  him  down,  the  dog  retrieves,  and 
the  gunner  puts  him  exultingly  to  bag.  Precisely  the  same  on  a 
runway.  The  guide  who  has  previously  tracked  the  deer  or  knows 
his  habitat,  puts  out  the  hound,  which  runs  the  deer  to  water,  or 
to  cover  by  secluded  or  well  known  by-paths,  and  the  sure  aini  ot 
the  practiced  marksman  brings  the  game  to  grass.  Now,  so  far 
as  the  requirements  of  this  sportsman  go,  all  is  well ;  but  his  edu- 
cation is  anything  but  complete.  He  has  actually  begun  at  the 
finishing  school  instead  of  the  rudiments. 

By  the  other  method  of  hounding  practiced  chiefly  in  the  Adi- 
rondacks,  the  deer  is  driven  until  it  takes  to  the  water,  and  when 
so  far  from  tlie  shore  that  it  cannot  return,  the  hunters  row  after 
it,  and  having  approached  within  a  few  feet,  one  of  them  blows 
out  its  brains.  When  the  deer  are  thin  they  sink  immediately 
after  being  shot,  and  it  is  customary  for  the  guide  or  one  of  the 
hunters,  if  there  be  tzcjo  in  the  boat,  to  hold  the  struggling  brute  by 
the  tail  while  the  other  shoots  it,  thus  saving  the  carcass.  Com- 
ment is  unnecessary. 

Driving  deer  is  a  far  different  kind  of  sport.     It  is  chiefly  em- 


VIRGINIA   DEER.  83 

ployed  in  the  South  and  Southwest,  and  requires  not  only  a  quick 
hand  with  the  shot  gun,  but  a  firni  seat  in  the  saddle.  The  dogs 
having  started  the  deer,  the  hunters  follow  them  on  horseback, 
striving  by  their  knowledge  of  the  animal's  habits,  to  gain  as  much 
as  possible  on  him  by  cutting  off  corners  and  following  short  cuts 
and  thus  coming  within  shot  of  the  fleeing  animal.  The  weapon 
used  in  this  description  of  hunting,  is  the  double  barrel,  loaded 
with  buckshot,  and  in  the  hands  of  an  experienced  hunter  it  is  a 
deadly  weapon  up  to  one  hundred  yards. 

In  jacking  or  floating  the  shooter  sits  in  the  bow  of  a  canoe 
just  behind  a  lantern  which  throws  a  powerful  light  ahead,  but  is 
shaded  from  the  hunter  so  as  not  to  interfere  with  his  powers  of 
vision  ;  the  deer  raising  their  heads,  stare  at  the  light  as  it  ap- 
proaches, and  when  the  boat  is  near  enough  the  hunter  shoots. 
This  method  seems  to  us  unfair  and  unsportsmanlike;  it  gives  the 
deer  no  chance  for  their  lives.  Besides  it  sometimes  proves  an 
expensive  pleasure,  for  horses  and  cattle  are  not  unfrequently  shot 
instead  of  deer.  The  greatest  objection  to  it,  however,  is,  that  as 
it  is  only  employed  during  the  warm  weather,  does  are  killed  which 
have  fawns  too  young  to  take  care  of  themselves  and  which  must 
perish  soon  after  the  death  of  the  mother.  The  advocates  of  this 
mode  of  hunting  say  that  in  no  way  can  more  exciting  sport  be 
had  than  by  this  same  night  hunting.  Your  guide  must  under- 
stand paddling  and  the  habits  of  the  deer  thoroughly,  or  it  is  use- 
less to  hunt,  and  it  requires  something  more  than  an  ordinary  shot 
to  take  a  correct  aim  at  a  couple  of  shining  specks  twenty-five  or 
thirty  yards  off  in  the  darkness.  Add  to  this  the  fact,  that  the 
favorite  feeding  grounds  of  deer,  particularly  in  the  Adirondacks, 
are  where  the  lily-pads  are  thickest,  often  making  it  fiext  to  impos- 
sible to  shoot,  and  to  jack  a  deer  becomes  as  difficult  a  feat  as  to 
stalk  one.  The  sensation  of  sailing  over  the  dark  waters  of  the 
lake  or  river,  every  nerve  strained  to  catch  the  faintest  sound  which 
may  signal  the  approach  of  the  game,  is  delightful,  and  the  intense 
stillness  which  prevails  over  everything,  broken  now  and  then  by 
the  sharp  plunge  of  a  muskrat,  or  the  breaking  of  a  twig  in  the 
bush,  by  the  step  of  some  wild  animal,  or  perhaps  by  strange 
sounds,  which  even  the  trained  ear  of  your  guide  cannot  recognize, 
all  combine  to  make  an  experience  as  pleasant  as  it  is  novel.    All 


84  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

of  which  may  be  very  true,  l)ut  still  we  do  not  believe  in  jacking. 
In  Wisconsin  deer  are  killed  by  a  method  somewhat  similar  to  the 
one  last  mentioned,  and  which  is  to  be  classed  under  the  same 
head. 

Scaffold  shooting  is  resorted  to  during  the  summer  and  fall 
months  on  the  Peninsula.  The  deer  go  north  from  Central  and 
Northern  Wisconsin  in  the  spring,  and  are  then  called  "spring 
poor."  Though  the  game  law  prohibits  it,  they  commence  float- 
ing for  deer  in  July,  and  also  shooting  from  scaffolds.  Scafiblds 
are  generally  built  from  ten  to  thirty  feet  high,  with  a  place  on  top 
for  the  hunter  to  sit.  The  latter  generally  takes  advantage  of 
small  trees  close  together,  and  nails  slats  on  them  to  serve  as  lad- 
ders. They  are  placed  along  the  deer  trails,  which  here  run  nearly 
due  north  and  south,  unless  there  should  be  strCc-Mns  or  lakes  near, 
when  they  diverge  to  them.  For  the  month  of  July  they  place  salt 
licks  early  in  the  spring,  and  shoot  from  scaffolds  when  they  come 
to  the  salt  licks.  From  Escanaba  to  Negamm  the  Chicago  and 
Northwestern  Railroad  runs  northwest  and  southeast.  As  these 
deer  trails  are,  in  some  places,  close  together,  some  are  called  main 
trails,  and  some  branches.  They  generally  go  back  from  the  rail- 
road track  fifty  to  one  hundred  rods,  as  it  is  nearly  all  woods  along 
the  line,  and  run  a  deer  fence,  consisting  of  small  and  medium 
trees,  lapped  over  in  one  direction,  with  the  interstices  filled  with 
small  branches,  etc.  As  this  fence  is  built  parallel  with  the  track, 
it  cuts  across  several  deer  trails  in  a  diagonal  direction,  so  when 
deer  are  travelling  south  they  reach  the  fence  and  turn  east  to  find 
an  opening.  This  takes  the  travellers  over  several  trails,  all  down 
the  fence,  to  the  lower  or  southeast  end,  where  the  scaffold  is 
placed.  By  cutting  several  small  avenues  through  the  brush,  the 
hunter  can  get  a  good  range  on  the  deer.  They  travel  mostly  from 
daybreak  to  nine  o'clock,  few  crossing  from  eleven  o'clock  to  dark, 
as  they  then  stop  to  feed.  As  the  road  runs  in  the  direction  north- 
east and  southwest,  the  deer  cross  the  track  going  south  earlier  on 
the  north  end  than  on  the  south  end.  From  Little  Lake  south  to 
Day's  River  are  good  hunting  points.  They  commence  crossing 
at  Little  Lake  about  August  5th ;  Helena  Switch,  about  August 
8th  to  loth  ;  McFarland's  Hill  (halfway  between  Helena  and  Cen- 
treville.)  about  15th  to  18th,  and  so  on. 


VIRGINIA    DEER.  %% 

There  is  good  deer  hunting  along  the  line  between  Menomonee 
and  Escanaba,  in  August  and  September.  Though  the  law  does 
not  allow  it,  hunting  is  done  in  these  months.  As  the  deer  leave 
the  peninsula  so  much  earlier  than  they  go  south  in  Lower  Michi- 
gan, it  is  a  manifest  injustice  to  sportsmen  to  be  prevented  by  ihe 
law  from  shooting  them  when  they  are  in  their  best  condition, 
particularly  as  deer  are  abundant  in  this  section.  There  is  a  good 
wiiiter  hunting  spot  eight  to  ten  miles  north  of  Day's  River,  and  on 
Red  Division  (twelve  miles  north  of  Escanaba)  on  the  Smith  River. 
On  Bayde  Nouquet  the  deer  congregate  in  a  section  of  heavy  tim- 
ber, and  winter  there.  Splendid  hunting  may  be  had  here  in  the 
months  of  October,  November,  and  December.  Guides  may 
be  had  here  at  about  two  dollars  per  day.  Guides  make  their 
headquarters  here,  and  this,  without  doubt,  is  the  best  point  to  fit 
out  with  everything  necessary  for  the  trip,  with  exception  of  arms 
and  accoutrements. 

Stalking  is  by  all  odds  the  most  difficult  method  of  capturing 
the  deer,  and  is  one  which  calls  into  play  all  the  sportsman's  best 
qualities.  An  eminent  Scotch  writer  and  hunter,  whose  kindred 
excel  in  deer-stalking,  designates  the  qualities  requisite  for  success 
in  this  method  of  hunting,  as  follows  : 

"  It  may  readily  be  supposed,  that  for  the  pursuit  of  deer-stalk- 
ing a  hardy  frame  and  plenty  of  pluck  are  required.  These  qualities 
are  indispensably  necessary  ;  but  in  the  other  points  he  may  vary 
as  much  as  the  average  of  men  are  seen  to  do.  The  model  deer- 
stalker, however,  should  be  of  good  proportions,  moderately  tall, 
narrow-hipped  to  give  speed,  and  with  powerful  loins  and  well-de- 
veloped chest  for  giving  endurance  and  wind.  No  amount  of  fat 
should  be  allowed  ;  indeed,  the  deer-stalker  ought  to  be  in  as  good 
training  as  the  race-horse  and  greyhound.  1  he  foot  should  be  sure, 
and  the  eye  keen  and  long-seeing,  as  the  telescope  cannot  always 
be  applied  to  that  important  organ.  He  should  be  practiced  in 
running  and  stooping,  in  crawling  on  his  belly,  or  on  his  back,  by 
means  of  his  elbows  or  his  heels  ;  and  should  care  neither  for 
business,  cold,  nor  wet.  The  nerves  should  be  good,  for  the  ex- 
citement produced  by  this  sport  is  such  as  to  render  unsteady  the 
hand  of  all  but  those  who  are  of  the  phlegmatic  temperament. 
•  Dutch  courage  '  is  not  desirable,  but  '  Dutch  phlegm '  will  here 


86  GAME  ANIMALS   OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

serve  in  good  stead.  The  bodily  powers  are  not  the  only  ones 
which  should  be  well-developed,  for  the  brain  should  be  active  and 
energetic  as  the  body  itself.  Great  control  over  the  feelings  is  ab- 
solutely essential ;  for  the  giving  way  to  exultation  and  hope,  or 
depression  produced  by  the  fear  of  losing  a  shot,  will  generally 
cause  that  which  is  most  to  be  feared.  Above  all,  temperance 
must  be  practiced — no  shaking  hand  or  flinching  eye  will  serve  the 
purpose  of  the  still-hunter ;  nor  will  the  parched  throat  or  the  per- 
spiring skin  avail  him  when  rushing  up  the  hillside  or  through  the 
winding  valley.  In  fact,  strict  training,  in  all  its  details,  is  required  ; 
and  the  more  it  is  carried  out,  the  more  complete  will  be  the  suc- 
cess of  the  ]:)racticer  of  its  disagreeable  duties.  The  dress  of  the 
deer-stalker  should  be  light  and  elastic,  yet  tolerably  warm.  The 
head  should  be  covered  with  a  close-fitting  cap  or  soft  hat.  The 
color  of  all  should  be  sober  and  natural ;  grey  or  a  mixture  of  black 
and  white,  or  brown  being  as  good  as  any,  since  it  accords  well 
with  the  rocks  and  ground  which  are  so  common  in  the  haunts  of 
the  deer." 

The  sportsman  should  ne/er  attempt  stalking  the  Virginia  Deer 
unless  he  lias  nerves  of  steel,  is  strong,  active,  and  an  untiring  walk- 
er. Not  only  the  greatest  walking  powers  are  required  in  stalking, 
but  it  becomes  a  tiresome  gait,  as  stooping  and  not  unfrequently 
crawling  on  the  ground  for  a  long  distance  is  necessaiy  in  order  to 
reach  a  particular  spot,  unseen  by  the  deer.  Deer-stalking  is  sim- 
ply man  vs.  brute  ;  and  requires  all  the  strength,  craft  and  coolness 
of  the  man,  before  he  can  lay  low  the  deer,  who  is  possessed  of  a 
much  keener  sense  of  smell,  immense  speed,  excessive  nervous  or- 
ganization, and  is  ever  on  the  alert  to  circumvent  its  human  foe. 

The  deer  has  by  no  means  a  quick  sight,  but  his  hearing  and 
nose  are  of  the  most  refined  order.  The  garments  of  sportsmen 
should  assimilate  as  nearly  as  possible  with  the  autumn  foliage  of 
the  forest ;  the  boots  to  be  worn  should  be  a  kind  of  moccasin  with 
a  not  too  thick,  but  llexible  sole  without  nails  of  any  kind  as  nails 
coming  in  contact  with  stones  and  rocks,  alarm  the  animal  before 
the  hunter  can  get  within  range.  In  walking  lift  the  feet  well  off 
the  ground,  and  let  the  ball  of  the  foot  touch  the  earth  first ;  step 
high,  and  in  fact  imitate  the  Indian's  peculiar  gait.  In  shooting 
never  aim  at  the  head  of  the  deer,  unless  you  are  a  dead  shot,  as 


VIRGINIA    DEER.  87 

the  heart  is  as  large  as  the  brain,  and  if  the  ball  misses  the  brain, 
the  deer  continues  on  his  way,  apparently  as  well  as  ever,  or  even 
if  the  ball  has  lodged  in  the  face  or  muscles  of  the  neck,  you  will 
still  have-great  difillculty  in  finding  your  deer  unless  accompanied 
by  a  dog.  This  is  where  the  deerhound  is  so  useful,  saving  the 
sportsman  an  all  tlay  s  tramp  after  a  wounded  animal.  The  Scotch 
plan  is  to  keep  the  dogs  in  leash  until  the  deer  is  shot,  and  if  only 
wounded,  to  slip  the  dogs,  and  in  a  short  time  the  deer  will  be 
brought  to  bay.  Many  sportsmen  and  good  ones  too,  take  great 
exception  to  still-hunting,  and  some  are  "down  "  on  the  man  who 
silently  and  carefully  watches  through  the  forest  up  wind  for  hours 
and  hours,  ultimately  coming  across  a  deer  track,  following  it  up 
again  for  hours  and  hours,  finally  creeps  up  to  within  100  or  250 
yards  of  the  deer  and  kills  it,  and  lastly  by  a  short  cut  finds  him- 
self fifteen  miles  away  from  home  or  camp,  with  every  likelihood 
of  having  to  sleep  in  the  forest  all  night.  Is  not  this  sportsman, 
by  all  the  laws  laid  don'n,  t\c\\  by  the  most  fastidious  of  men, 
entitled  to  his  game  } 

It  cannot  be  doubted  that  sportsmen  generally,  and  especially 
novices  in  still-hunting,  make  the  mistake  of  hi0itin<^  too  much. 
Moving  about  through  the  woods  has  the  effect  to  scare  the  game 
away,  and  in  consequence  a  ma.i  may  often  cover  a  large  tract  of 
good  ground  and  see  absolutely  nothing.  The  less  "hunting" 
the  more  game  usually.  A  dozen  sciuirrels  can  be  shot  from  the 
same  stand  oftentimes,  if  one  will  only  be  content  to  remain  quiet. 
In  deer  stalking,  too,  it  is  not  necessary  for  a  hunter  to  run  the 
animal  to  earth  as  he  would  a  fox.  Let  him  but  stand  still  as  soon 
as  he  discovers  the  deer  and  perceives  that  he  is  discovered  in  turn, 
and  the  deer,  if  not  much  frightened,  will  not  run  far.  After  she 
breaks  cover  she  will  make  a  few  wild  leaps  and  then  stop  and 
turn  to  ascertain  the  cause  and  character  of  the  alarm.  She  will 
not  run  far  if  not  followed,  and  will  remain  in  the  vicinity  until  her 
curiosity  is  satisfied.  There  is  a  natural  inquisitiveness  about 
animals.  They  don't  become  frightened  as  much  through  the 
sense  of  sight  as  through  the  senses  of  smell  or  hearing — particu- 
larly the  first. 

Naturalists  are  the  most  successful  hunters,  for  in  their  search 
for  information  it  becomes  necessary  to  lie  perdu  for  hours,  in 


88 


GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


order  to  pursue  their  investigations  of  the  habits  of  the  animals 
and  birds  they  study.  That  which  is  to  be  most  guarded  against 
is  giving  the  animals  your  scent.     It  is  all  important  to  hunt  up 

wind. 

The  first  light  snow  of  the  season  gives  the  hunter  a  great  ad- 
vantage ove»"  the  game,  and  in  the  case  of  caribou  one  has  only  to 
dress  in  white  clothes  to  approach  within  close  range  and  ensure 
his  success. 

When  there  is  no  snow  on  the  ground  you  cannot  follow  the 
deer's  tracks,  but  have  to  move  quietly  about  over  ground  most 
likely  to  be  frequented  by  them,  keeping  a  sharp  lookout  and 
reviewing  the  ground  at  every  step,  for  in  the  thick  woods  you  are 
liable  to  come  on  one  at  any  time. 

When  the  ground  is  covered  with  soft,  light  snow,  six  or  eight 
inches  deep,  during  the  month  of  November,  or  the  fore  part  of 
December,  is  the  best  time  for  "  still  hunting."  Then,  as  you  enter 
the  wood.3,  the  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  find  a  deer's  track  in 
the  snow.  The  next  thing  is  to  ascertain  the  length  of  time  the 
track  has  been  made.  This  requires  much  experience.  If  the 
track  is  just  made,  the  snow  in  it,  where  it  has  been  moved,  will 
look  new  and  bright,  but  grows  dull  by  age.  A  good  test,  when 
it  is  cold  weather,  is  to  feel  of  the  track  with  your  finger,  and  if 
just  made,  it  will  be  soft ;  if  not,  quite  hard.  One  of  the  best  ways 
to  tell  if  it  is  a  new  track  is  by  the  manure,  if  the  animal  chrnces 
to  drop  any,  as  it  will  soon  freeze  if  cold  ;  at  any  rate,  it  soon 
changes  its  appearance.  Having  found  a  track  and  ascertained 
that  it  is  new  enough,  the  next  thing  is  to  follow  it  cautiously, 
travelling  at  the  same  rate  as  the  deer  travels.  An  experienced 
hunter  can  tell  about  how  fast  he  has  to  go  to  overtake  the  deer. 
If  the  deer  is  feeding  along  as  he  goes  and  stops  to  browse  at 
every  fallen  tree-top,  you  must  move  slowly,  looking  in  every  place, 
at  every  step,  for  he  is  not  far  distant.  But,  then,  if  the  deer  is 
"  travelling,"  as  it  is  called,  one  has  to  walk  much  faster  and  scan 
the  ground  as  best  he  can.  But  the  chance  of  getting  a  shot  is 
less  than  when  one  moves  slower  and  looks  the  ground  thoroughly 
over.  To  still-hunt  with  success,  to  tell  in  what  locality  to  look  for 
deer  in  different  states  of  weather,  to  know  when  to  follow  fast 
and  when  slow,  to  know  where  a  deer  will  be  most  likely  to  stop 


VIRGINIA   DEER.  89 

after  he  has  once  started,  and  to  know  how  to  get  more  than  one 
where  there  are  two  together,  is  only  acquired  by  long  practice 
and  judgment.  But  not  more  than  one  in  fifty,  with  all  the  ex- 
perience in  the  world  will  make  a  good  still  hunter.  It  requires 
a  special  adaptation  to  it.  It  is  very  hard  work,  as  it  necessitates 
much  travelling.  But,  then,  it  is  the  rarest  of  sports,  and  is  the 
most  exciting  mode  of  hunting  deer. 

Minnesota  has  always  been  noted  for  the  great  numbers  of 
deer  found  within  its  limits,  and  during  the  late  autumn  enormous 
numbers  of  these  animals  are  killed  in  that  State.  When  the 
leaves  are  falling,  the  nights  cool  and  the  October  moon  is  full,  the 
lordly  bucks  begin  their  nocturnal  rambles  over  their  favorite  run- 
ways and  scraping  grounds  in  search  of  the  timid  does  that  hide 
away  from  them  in  the  thickest  "  popples  "  and  willow  swamps. 
A  little  later  in  the  season  the  deer  will  be  found  running  in  pairs, 
and  then  the  still-hunter  has  but  to  watch  the  scraping  grounds 
in  openings  in  the  forest,  and  the  "jack  "  oak  ridges  which  are  so 
common  in  Minnesota  and  other  States.  Early  in  the  autumn 
the  deer  browse  in  poplar  thickets  on  the  outskirts  of  the  prairie 
or  near  the  settler's  clearings,  and  at  such  times  they  lie  very 
close,  often  jumping  from  their  beds  within  a  few  rods  of  the 
hunter.  As  the  season  advances  and  the  snow  falls,  the  cold 
north  winds  drive  them  into  the  heavy  timber  where  they  browse 
on  hazel  bushes  and  red  willow,  (kinnikinic,)  the  inner  barks  of 
which  the  Chippewa,  Sioux,  Dakota,  Arickaree,  and  other  north- 
ern Indians  smoke  clear,  and  mixed  with  tobacco. 

When  the  twigs  of  the  trees  become  toughened  by  the  cold, 
the  deer  browse  on  species  of  the  white  pines,  and  visit  lumbering 
camps  regularly  at  night  to  feed  on  the  twigs  of  the  fallen  trees. 
There  are  several  species  of  fungi  that  the  "  white  tails  "  are  very 
fond  of,  which  grow  on  the  white  birch  and  sugar  or  rock  maple. 

The  speed  of  the  deer  is  considerable,  and  it  is  often  spoken 
of  as  one  of  the  swiftest  of  animals.  Few,  indeed,  realize  that  a 
good  horse  in  open  country  can  overtake  it  without  very  much 
exertion.  Its  powers  of  leaping  are  enormous,  however,  and  there 
is  one  instance  at  least  on  record,  where  a  buck  cleared  a  board 
fence  sixteen  feet  in  height.  Deer  change  their  feeding  grounds 
somewhat  at  the  different  seasons,  but  cannot  be  said  to  migrate 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


Pm 


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A 


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1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


125 


1^  li^    12.2 
40    12.0 


lit 

u 

4.      ^ 


1.8 


U    IIIIII.6 


!■  i 


I 


90  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

from  one  district  to  another.  The  changes  of  locality,  however, 
which  are  made  by  the  different  members  of  the  deer  family, 
deserve  more  close  attention  than  has  yet  been  given  them. 

If  we  know  that  we  have  but  one  species  of  deer  in  North 
America  that  is  strictly  migratory  in  its  habit — that  its  members 
entirely  change  their  habitat  with  the  changing  seasons — we  have 
reason  to  believe  that  several,  if  not  all  of  the  other  members  of 
this  family,  are  more  or  less  migratory  in  their  habits,  but  to  what 
extent  we  may  consider  at  present  an  undetermined  question.  We 
think  we  may  safely  say  that  the  Barren  Ground  Caribou  is  the 
only  American  species  which  is  strictly  migratory.  They  occupy 
the  district  of  country  between  the  Atlantic  coast  and  the  Rocky 
Mountains  north  of  the  sixtieth  parallel  of  latitude.  They  move 
to  the  north  in  the  spring,  the  females  in  advance,  to  the  shores  and 
islands  of  the  Arctic  Ocean,  where  they  drop  their  young,  and  in 
the  fall  return  south,  and  spend  the  winter  in  the  lower  latitudes, 
individuals  passing  sometimes  south  of  the  sixtieth  parallel. 

The  Woodland  Caribou  is  undoubtedly  migratory,  but  to  a  less 
extent.  Sir  John  Richardson  informs  us  that  contrary  to  the  gen- 
eral rule,  they  migrate  north  in  winter  to  about  the  sixtieth  degree 
of  north  latitude,  and  south  in  the  summer,  yet  we  think  it  certain 
that  this  migration  is  not  usual  as  with  their  smaller  congeners  of 
the  north,  for  many  individuals  at  least  remain  near  their  southern 
limits  throughout  the  winter.  The  great  body  of  those  occupying 
the  islands  of  Newfoundland  spend  their  lives  upon  the  island, 
though  they  change  their  range  at  different  seasons  of  the  year, 
while  some  cross  the  straits  on  the  ice  to  Labrador. 

If  our  moose  or  elk  are  to  any  considerable  extent  migratory, 
the  evidence  to  establish  the  fact  is  wanting,  although  it  is  well 
established  that  the  moose  seek  the  elevated  ridges  in  winter, 
and  the  low  marshy  grounds  and  water  courses  in  summer.  We 
lack  the  data  which  would  enable  us  to  speak  with  any  assurance 
of  the  habits  of  the  mule  and  the  Columbia  black-tailed  deer  in 
this  regard. 

The  Virginia  Deer  originally  occupied  every  portion  of  the 
United  States.  It  has  been  more  carefully  observed  than  any  of 
the  other  species.  The  weight  of  evidence  is,  we  think,  that  these 
deer  are  partially  migratory,  though  their  migrations  are  limited  in 


VIRGINIA    DEER. 


91 


extent  and  in  numbers.  They  do  not  entirely  desert  any  district 
which  they  occupy  at  any  season  of  the  year,  yet  in  the  northern 
portion  of  their  range  numbers  seem  to  change  their  abode  from 
the  north  to  the  south  in  September  and  October,  for  a  few  hun- 
dred miles  at  least.  We  shall  not  stop  now  to  detail  the  evidence 
tending  to  this  conclusion.  We  have  found  the  testimony  of  all 
our  Indians  to  be  in  favor  of  a  general  migration  of  the  deer.  It 
is  a  subject  on  which  little  has  been  written  by  naturalists  or 
sportsmen. 


HARES. 

Lepus  timidus,  var.  arcttcus. — Allen.  Habitat,  Arctic  Amer- 
ica, southward  on  the  Atlantic  coast  to  Labrador  and  New- 
foundland ;  in  the  interior  to  Fort  Churchill,  the  northern  shores 
of  Great  Slave  Lake  and  the  valley  of  the  upper  Yukon. 

Leptis  campestris.—  Bachman.  Habitat,  Plains  of  the  Sas- 
katchewan southward  to  middle  Kansas,  and  from  Fort  Reily 
westward  to  the  Coast  Rang^e. 

Lepus  americaniis, — Erxleben  :  with  several  varieties.  Habitat 
of  var.  americaniis,  from  the  Arctic  Barren  Grounds,  southward 
to  Nova  Scotia,  Lake  Superior  and  Northern  Canada,  and  in  the 
interior  throughout  the  wooded  parts  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Terri- 
tories, and  Alaska  ;  of  var.  virginianus,  Nova  Scotia  to  Connecticut 
on  the  coast,  the  Canadas,  and  northern  parts  of  the  northern  tier 
of  States  westward  to  Minnesota,  and  southward  in  the  AUegha- 
nies  to  Virginia ;  of  var.  Washingtonii,  west  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains from  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  northward  into  British 
Columbia ;  of  var.  Bairdii,  the  higher  parts  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 
southward  to  New  Mexico. 

Lepus  sylvaticus. — Bachman,  witli  vars.  Nuttalli  znxdi  Auduboni. 
Habitat,  United  States  at  large  except  Northern  New  England 
and  the  more  elevated  parts  of  the  Appalachian  Highlands. 

Lepus  Trcnvbridgei. — Baird.  Habitat,  West  of  the  Sierra 
Nevadas  from  northern  California  to  Cape  St.  Lucas. 

Lepus  callotis. — Wagler.  Habitat,  United  States  between  the 
ninety-seventh  meridian  and  the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains,  and 
from  North  Kansas  and  the  Great  Salt  Lake  Basin  southward  into 
Mexico. 

Lepus  calif ornicus. — Gray.  Habitat,  California  west  of  the 
Sierra  Nevada  range,  south  to  Cape  St.  Lucas,  Lower  California. 

Lepus  palustris. — Bachman.  Habitat,  South  Atlantic  and 
Gulf  States, 


HARES.  93 

Leffus  aquatkus. — Bachman.  Habitat,  Gulf  States  south 
through  the  lowlands  of  Mexico  to  Central  America. 

The  above  list  of  the  Hares  of  North  America  found  north  of  the 
southern  boundary  of  the  United  States,  is  drawn  from  Mr.  J.  A. 
Allen's  recently  published  study  of  the  genus,  and  includes  all  that 
the  sportsman  will  be  likely  to  meet  with. 

Hares  are  grey,  or  brown,  but  their  specific  distinctions  are  so 
slightly  marked,  that  it  requires  the  eye  of  a  practiced  naturalist 
to  distinguish  between  two  nearly  allied  species.  For  this  reason 
no  detailed  description  is  given  of  the  different  species  and  varie- 
ties above  mentioned.  Of  all  those  of  which  we  have  spoken,  but 
three,  to  |.  j  mentioned  hereafter,  turn  white  in  winter. 

Among  all  the  numerous  representatives  of  the  Leporida, 
which  are  found  in  every  section  of  our  country,  we  have  no  true 
rabbit.  Hares  are  common  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States  and 
the  British  Provinces,  but  they  all  differ  in  essential  particulars 
from  the  Rabbit  proper,  Lepus  cuniculus  of  Europe.  Briefly,  some 
of  the  distinctive  traits  are  as  follows,  and  may  be  classed  roughly 
under  two  heads  : — first,  anatomical  differences,  secondly,  differ- 
ence in  habit.  Of  the  first,  it  is  unnecessary  to  speak  at  length, 
for  its  truth  is  well  known  to  such  as  have  examined  the  structural 
features  of  both.  In  habit,  there  is  also  a  wide  difference.  Hares 
do  not  live  in  burrows,  as  is  the  case  with  the  rabbit,  but  lie  in 
a  form,  in  bush,  or  thicket,  a  slight  depression  in  the .  ground  fre- 
quently serving  for  a  nest,  or  occasionally  they  select  a  hollow 
stump  or  the  under  side  of  a  detached  ledge  of  rock  as  a  domicile. 
The  young  when  they  first  make  their  appearance  are  covered  with 
hair,  their  eyes  are  open,  and  they  are  able  almost  immediately  to 
support  themselves.  On  the  other  hand,  the  rabbit  is  born  naked, 
with  closed  eyes,  and  requires  the  constant  attention  of  the  mother 
for  some  time. 

The  Hares  are  not  so  prolific  as  the  Rabbits,  the  female  bring- 
ing forth  but  from  three  to  five  leverets  at  a  litter,  the  Lepus  cu- 
niculus bearing  from  five  to  eight.  Hares  feed  generally  at  night, 
lying  in  their  forms  in  some  bush  or  copse,  during  the  ^eater  part 
of  the  day.  The  Rabbit,  on  the  contrary,  generally  remains  en- 
sconced in  the  warmest  corner  of  the  burrow  during  the  dark  hours. 

Of  the  principal  representatives  of  the  genus  in  this  country 


94  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

may  be  mentioned  the  following,  Leptts  sylvaticus,  the  ubiquitous 
cotton  tail  found  generally  distributed  throughout  almost  all  sec- 
tions of  the  United  States.  L.  americanus,  the  common  large 
Hare  of  the  east  and  north-east,  which  changes  its  coat  in  spring 
and  fall.  L.  timidus  var.  arcticus,  the  great  northern  Hare,  L. 
cafnpestris,  the  "  Jack  Rabbit "  of  the  plains,  L.  callotis,  the  "  Jack 
Rabbit  of  Texas  and  California,  and  two  southern  swamp  species, 
L.  palustris  and  L.  aquatkus.  Of  these,  the  species  which  change 
color  on  the  approach  of  winter  are  L.  americanus,  L.  campestris, 
and  L.  timidus  var.  arcticus.  Pending  the  complete  change  from 
the  summer  brown  to  the  snowy  white  coat  of  winter,  the  animal 
presents  a  very  singular  mottled  appearance. 

Hares  are  becoming  a  ver)'  important  article  of  commerce,  and 
during  the  winter  season  tons  of  them  are  daily  shipped  to  our 
principal  markets  from  all  quarters.  They  are  sold  at  cheap  rates, 
and  are  frequently  peddled  around  the  streets  by  the  cart  load  at 
astonishingly  low  figures. 

The  methods  of  pursuit  and  capture  of  these  anim.als  are  very 
numerous,  but  of  the  most  common  and  successful,  three  may  be 
mentioned ;  viz. :  trailing  in  the  snow  with  dogs,  hounding,  and 
coursing.  To  trail  hares  in  the  winter,  one  must  have  dogs  with 
fair  noses,  and  a  light  fall  of  from  two  to  four  inches  of  snow  must 
have  been  deposited  the  night  previous  to  an  early  morning  start. 
Two  or  more  hunters  start  out  equipped  thus  with  dogs  and  guns. 
Thickets  of  elder  and  blackberry  are  sought  where  the  game  is 
known  to  lie.  A  hunter  skirts  each  border  of  a  patch  and  the 
dogs  are  sent  in.  As  soon  as  the  hares  are  started,  the  dogs  fol- 
low the  trail  and  drive  them  from  cover,  and  on  emerging  from  the 
brush  they  give  the  gunner  the  best  of  chances.  We  have  known 
of  forty  hares  having  been  killed  in  following  in  this  manner,  a  mile 
of  hedge.  Where  the  ground  is  rocky,  they  will  try  to  hide  by  run- 
ning into  any  hole  or  crevice  which  may  offer  an  asylum. 

Hounding  hares  is  generally  carried  on  in  much  the  same  man- 
ner as  deer  driving.  The  hunters  are  stationed  at  various  points 
on  the  paffcs,  for  hares,  like  deer  and  foxes,  follow  regular  beaten 
tracks.  The  hounds  start  the  game  from  belts  of  pine,  cedar  or 
hemlock.  Each  hunter  waits  for  the  animals  to  pass  his  station, 
and  in  case  he  is  in  a  lucky  place  the  shot  is  lired  as  bunny  goes 


HARES. 


95 


by  at  full  run.  He  is  bag-ged  and  the  position  taken  again.  It 
might  be  added  en  passant  that  this  ability  to  tunmble  a  hare  at  full 
speed  with  the  shot-gun  is  no  mean  accomplishment.  Bags  of 
twenty  and  thirty  are  sometimes  made  in  this  way  in  the  course  of 
a  morning. 

Of  trapping  and  snaring  there  are  so  many  methods  and  appli- 
ances that  it  is  unnecessary  to  attempt  a  detailed  description  of  these 
various  engines  of  destruction.  They  are  principally  employed  by 
pot-hunters,  and  many  make  it  their  sole  business  during  the  win- 
ter months.  Coursing  hares  is  carried  on  to  some  extent  in  the 
West  by  garrison  officers  who  are  the  ow  ners  of  grey  or  deer- 
hounds.  The  animal  pursued  is  the  "Jack  Rabbit,"  whose  dis- 
proportionally  great  ear-development  has  earned  him  this  title,  Jack 
being  jackass  in  brief.  The  topographical  lay  of  the  land  is  highly 
favorable  to  this  sport,  but  the  legs  of  the  hare  frequently  discom- 
fit both  horse  and  hound. 

The  two  Southern  varieties  of  the  hare  tribe  L.  aquaticus  and 
L.  palustris,  are  hunted  a  good  deal  by  the  darkies,  but  every  man 
has  his  way  of  catching  the  "  varmint,"  and  owing  to  their  habits 
they  are  not  systematically  pursued.  Of  the  Great  Arctic  Hare 
not  much  is  known.  It  inhabits  the  white  wastes  and  snowy  soli- 
tudes of  the  far  North.  Its  companions  are  the  snowy  owl,  the 
Caribou,  and  the  Musk  Ox.  Unlike  the  prairie  marmot  and  bur- 
rowing owl,  however,  who  are  fast  friends,  the  rodent  of  the  North 
and  the  great  white  owl  are  not  congenial  comrades.  In  short  the 
bird  loves  the  beast  too  fondly,  and  her  caresses  are  generally  car- 
ried to  such  an  extent  that  within  an  hour  after  the  commencement 
of  one  of  their  little  seances,  bunny  finds  himself  in  a  semi-digested 
state  in  the  membranous  stomach  of  Nyctea  nivea. 


SQUIRRELS. 

Sciurus  vulpinus.—GmeWn.    The  Southern  Fox  Squirrel. 
Sciurus  cinereus.— Linn.    The  Cat  Squirrel. 
Sciurus  /udovtcianus.—Cxistis.    The  Western  Fox  Squirrel. 
Sciurus  carolinensis. — Gmelin.    The  Grey  or  Elack  Squirrel. 

THE  Southern  Fox  Squirrel  inhabits  the  Southern  States  from 
North  Carolina  to  Texas.  It  is  the  largest  and  finest  of 
our  North  American  Squirrels.  The  length  of  the  head  and  body 
is  twelve  inches,  and  that  of  the  tail  fifteen.  Its  color  is  oftenest 
grey  above  and  white  below,  but  it  is  also  found  of  all  shades  of 
fulvous,  and  is  sometimes  a  deep  shining  black.  Its  ears  and  nose 
are  always  white. 

The  Cat  Squirrel  is  found  in  New  Jersey  and  Virginia,  and  west 
to  the  Alleghanies.  It  is  about  the  length  of  the  preceding  species, 
but  is  more  heavily  built,  and  has  a  somewhat  shorter  tail.  In 
color  too,  it  resembles  the  Southern  Fox  Squirrel,  but  its  ears  and 
nose  are  never  white. 

The  Western  Fox  Squirrel  occurs  in  the  Mississippi  Valley. 
It  is  about  twelve  inches  long,  with  a  tail  of  about  the  same  length. 
Its  color  is  rusty  grey  above  and  bright  ferruginous  below.  Ears 
and  nose  never  white. 

The  Grey  or  Black  Squirrel  is  found  throughout  the  wooded 
portion  of  the  United  States  east  of  the  Missouri  River.  It  is 
about  ten  inches  long  to  the  root  of  the  tail,  which  number  ex- 
ceeds by  about  an  inch  the  length  of  the  head  and  body.  The 
usual  color  is  pale  grey  above,  and  white  or  yellowish  white 
beneath,  but  the  individuals  of  the  species  grade  from  this  color 
through  all  the  stages  to  jet  black. 

The  above  mentioned  varieties  of  the  Squirrel  tribe  are  the 
only  ones  which  are  followed  for  the  bag  or  pot.  The  Fox  and 
Cat  Squirrel  are  never  met  with  in  the  Eastern  States,  but  are  the 
common  species  of  the  Mississippi  bottom  lands,  and  the  southern 


SQUIRJ^ELS.  97 

sections  of  the  country.  Grey  and  black  squirrels  are  often  found 
associating  together.  They  are  in  every  respect  alike,  in  the  anat- 
omy of  their  bodies,  habits,  and  in  every  detail  excepting  the  color, 
and  by  many  sportsmen  they  are  regarded  as  distinct  species. 
Naturalists,  however,  at  present  agree  that  the  two  are  identical, 
and  that  the  black  form  is  merely  due  to  melanism,  an  anomaly 
not  uncommon  among  mammals. 

Squirrels  feed  in  the  early  morning  just  after  sunrise,  and  dis- 
appear soon  after  eight  or  nine  o'clock,  retreating  to  their  holes 
or  nests,  there  to  remain  during  the  midday  hours.  They  appear 
again  in  the  late  afternoon  to  feed,  and  may  be  heard  and  seen 
playing  and  chattering  together  till  twilight.  They  are  very  shy 
and  are  not  easily  approached,  but  one  may  seat  himself  in  full 
view,  and  if  he  remains  without  motion,  the  squirrels  will  reappear, 
and  take  little  notice  of  the  intruder  ;  at  the  slightest  movement, 
however,  they  are  off'.  This  fact  is  taken  advantage  of  by  the 
sportsman,  and  be  he  at  all  familiar  with  the  runways  of  the  squirrels 
at  any  particular  locality,  he  may  sit  by  the  path  and  shoot  a  goodly 
number.  We  have  known  of  eighteen,  both  grey  and  black,  hav- 
ing been  secured  at  the  entrance  to  a  cornfield  by  two  individuals 
in  this  way  during  the  first  hours  of  morning.  Grey  and  black 
squirrels  generally  breed  i\V\ct  during  the  spring  and  summer. 
They  have  several  young  at  a  litter.  The  young  mature  in  Au- 
gust and  September,  and  the  season  for  shooting  is  fall  and  winter, 
although  a  great  many  are  killed  during  August  when  young  and 
very  tender. 

The  migrations  of  Squirrels  have  never  been  satisfactorily  ex- 
plained. What  instinct  brings  together  such  immense  droves  of 
these  animals  from  all  parts  of  the  country,  and  causes  them  to 
move  with  solid  phalanx  to  distant  localities,  overcoming  all 
opposing  obstacles  ?  A  few  years  since,  there  was  witnessed  a 
wonderful  sight  by  the  inhabitants  of  Pike  County,  Pennsylvania. 
An  immense  army  of  Grey  Squirrels  arrived  at  Lhe  banks  of  the 
Delaware  River  late  one  night,  and  commenced  its  passage  by 
swimming  the  following  morning.  The  whole  population  turned 
out,  and  boys  and  men,  equipped  with  large  grain  sacks  and  clubs, 
killed  them  by  thousands.  They  kept  coming  in  a  continuous 
stream  throughout  the  morning,  and   passed  on  to  the  woods 

s 


98  GAME  ANIMALS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

beyond.  Nothing  could  deflect  them  from  their  course,  and  they 
were  evidently  bound  for  a  fixed  point.  A  similar  instance  occurred 
not  long  ago  in  the  west,  where  a  vast  assemblage  crossed  the 
Mississippi  and  were  killed  in  great  numbers  in  the  back  yards  of 
the  village  houses.  Of  course,  the  first  and  most  obvious  explana- 
tion is,  that  these  migrations  are  caused  by  scarcity  of  food,  but 
it  is  probable  that  this  is  not  the  only  motive  which  induces  them 
to  undertake  such  extensive  journeys. 

As  with  the  pursriit  of  Hares,  there  are  numberless  devices 
for  accomplishing  the  capt'  re  of  squirrels.  Sportsmen  who  are 
fond  of  this  department  of  La  venerie,  use  either  rifle  or  shot-gun, 
as  their  skill  in  handling  one  or  the  other  may  warrant,  but  the 
important  factor  in  this  animal  pursuit  is  the  small  cur-dog  trained 
for  the  purpose.  He  will  run  ahead  through  bush  and  wood,  tree 
a  squirrel,  and  after  barking  sharply,  wait  for  the  master  to  put 
in  an  appearance.  A  squirrel  thus  treed  will  run  up  the  trunk  a 
short  distance,  and  curling  himself  down  on  a  limb,  will  watch  his 
canine  pursuer,  unmindful  of  the  approach  of  the  death  dealing 
biped.  When  the  squirrels  are  quite  young  and  inexperienced,  a 
good  bag  can  sometimes  be  made  without  a  dog.  Seat  yourself 
near  the  point  where  the  woods  skirt  the  cornfield  or  wheat  stub- 
ble in  the  earliest  morning— or  perhaps  among  the  beech  trees, 
where  at  this  season  the  mast  is  tender  and  succulent,  and  the 
animals  will  give  you  plenty  of  chances.  Still  they  are  not  very 
generally  hunted  till  the  later  months.  When  treed  by  the  hunter 
they  are  very  skilful  in  secreting  themselves  from  view,  and  the 
grey  species  particularly,  being  so  near  in  color  to  the  bark  of 
many  of  our  forest  trees,  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  detect,  and  both 
he  and  his  black  brother  are  always  careful  to  keep  the  tree  trunk 
between  themselves  and  the  intruder.  A  dog's  presence,  how- 
ever, seems  utterly  to  upset  all  calculations  of  concealment,  and 
they  will  sit  on  a  limb  and  not  attempt  to  hide,  knowing  the  ina- 
bility of  the  cur  to  do  them  harm.  The  cruel  method  of  smoking 
out,  is  often  made  use  of  in  squirrel  hunting  by  the  farmers'  sons 
in  winter  time,  when  the  animals  are  snugly  curled  up  in  their 
nests.  A  squirrel  tree  is  selected  which  has  two  or  three  holes 
above,  and  is  partially  hollow  to  the  foot.  An  axe  soon  makes  an 
opening  below,  into  which  straw,  leaves,  and  grass  or  green  twigs 


SQUIRRELS. 


99 


are  introduced.  This  is  then  fired,  and  the  hollow  trunk  acting 
as  a  chimney,  creates  a  draft  and  the  smoke  is  soon  seen  curling 
lazily  from  every  hole  and  crevice.  The  poor  inmates,  some- 
times to  the  number  of  six  or  eight,  endure  the  torture  as  long  as 
possible,  and  are  finally  forced,  singed  and  smoking,  to  seek  safety 
in.  flight  from  their  wood-locked  home.  The  yelling  demons  be- 
Jow,  armed  with  guns,  sticks,  clubs,  and  all  manner  of  destructive 
implements,  soon  finish  the  half  roasted  creatures,  who  are  so 
confused  on  reaching  the  open  air,  that  they  do  little  more  than 
drop  to  the  earth.  Sometimes  they  remain  so  long  in  the  tree, 
that  their  claws  are  burned  off  and  being  unable  to  hold  to  any 
thing,  they  fall  helpless  to  the  ground,  and  the  horde  of  savages 
pounce  upon  the  unfortunates.  The  charge  of  shot  from  the  old 
Queen  Ann,  or  flintlock  musket,  is  saved  this  time  for  the  next 
victim,  who  may  not  be  quite  so  much  cooked  and  helpless. 


OPOSSUM. 


Dideiphys  virgintana.    Shaw. 

THE  Opossum  is  the  only  member  of  its  order,  the  Marsu- 
pialia,  which  inhabits  North  America.  It  is  confined  to  the 
southern  portion,  its  range  not  reaching  much  north  of  the  Ohio 
River  on  the  west  or  New  Jersey  on  the  east.  It  is  probably  never 
found  east  of  the  Hudson  River.  Other  species  of  the  genus  in- 
habit South  and  Central  America,  and  one,  doubtfully  distinct  from 
that  of  the  Southern  States,  occurs  in  California  and  Arizona. 

This  animal  is  about  twenty  inches  long  to  the  root  of  the  tail, 
which  appendage  is  fifteen  inches  in  length.  The  color  is  pale 
greyish,  the  hair  being  nearly  white  with  brown  tips.  The  tail  is 
nearly  naked  and  is  prehensile ;  and  the  general  aspect  of  the 
creature  is  rat-like. 

It  is  with  a  certain  feeling  of  sadness  that  we  chronicle  the 
dying  out,  one  by  one,  Oi"  old  customs  and  habits.  Each  year  old 
usages  give  place  to  new,  and  the  change  certainly  in  very  many 
cases  is  not  for  the  better. 

The  Opossum  can  hardly  be  classed  among  the  game  animals 
of  America,  yet  its  pursuit  in  the  South  in  old  plantation  days  used 
to  afford  the  staple  amusement  for  the  dusky  toilers  of  the  cotton 
States.  It  was  the  custom  in  ante-bellum  times,  as  often  as  the  re- 
volving year  brought  round  the  late  fall  days  with  their  ripened 
fruit  and  golden  grain,  for  the  dark  population  of  the  plantation, 
occasionally  accompanied  by  young  "  massa,"  to  have  a  grand 
'Possum  hunt  a  la  mode.  This  custom,  through  desuetude  and 
change  of  circumstances,  has  been  well-nigh  consigned  to  oblivion, 
and  we  cannot  but  regret  its  death.  The  opossum  is  not  often 
found  north  of  Maryland  and  Virginia,  but  is  rather  abundant 
south  of  these  States. 

Its  food,  upon  which  it  becomes  fat  and  toothsome  to  the  dusky 


OPOSSUM. 


lOI 


palate,  is  persimmons  and  wild  jjrapes,  together  with  the  various 
berries  and  fruits  that  abound  in  the  Southern  States.  After  the 
first  hoar  frost  has  whitened  the  hills  the  'possum  is  most  eagerly 
sought  for  by  Cassar,  Pluto,  and  Mars.  At  night  the  darkies  start 
forth  en  masse,  armed  to  the  teeth  with  every  available  weapon, 
and  accompanied  by  a  number  of  nondescript  dogs,  generally  well 
trained  for  'Possum  or  Coon  hunting.  These  dogs  have  some 
hound  blood  in  their  composition,  and  understand  the  require- 
ments of  the  occasion  perfectly.  Some  ancient  shade  of  Dis  with 
snowy  hair  is  selected  a?  leader,  and  he  controls  the  dogs  and 
manipulates  the  horn.  The  favorite  haunts  of  the  "  varmint  "  are 
familiar  to  the  negroes,  and  the  "meet"  is  generally  held  on  the 
borders  of  the  swamp  where  persimmons  abound,  or,  if  the  moon 
shine  too  brightly  for  the  game  to  venture  far  from  cover,  in  the 
darker  vales  where  the  luscious  grapes  run  wild  and  plenty. 

The  dogs  range  far  from  the  party,  and  the  moment  one  of 
them  strikes  the  "  trail  ob  an  ole  'Possum  "  he  gives  the  signal 
note  to  the  expectant  party  by  a  short  yelp.  This  sets  the  sable 
hunters  wild  with  e  .citenient ;  they  listen  for  the  second  sound, 
sure  to  come,  which  will  betoken  that  the  varmint  is  treed.  They 
are  not  long  kept  in  suspense,  for  faint  away  down  in  the  valley 
comes  the  joyful  bay,  and  at  the  signal  the  whole  party  stampede, 
spite  of  all  "Ole  Uncle  Caesar's"  attempts  to  restrain  them,  and 
rush  pellmell  through  bush  and  brake  in  the  direction  of  the 
sound.  They  arrive  panting  and  breathless  from  the  wild  race, 
in  twos  and  threes,  and  are  soon  all  assembled  at  the  foot  of  a 
small  sapling,  in  the  branches  of  which  the  'Possum  has  taken 
temporary  refuge  from  his  pursuers. 

Soon  a  nimble  young  buck  shins  the  tree,  and  the  marsupial 
is  shaken  off  after  some  difficulty,  for  he  clings  with  the  utmost 
tenacity  to  the  limb,  using  the  tail  not  the  least  in  this  battle  for 
freedom.  The  anxious  dogs  below  await  his  fall,  and  his  death  is 
compassed  in  less  time  than  it  takes  to  tell  it.  This  is  the  only 
method  employed  in  the  capture  of  the  Opossum,  and  this  is 
rapidly  becoming  traditional. 


GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


WILD  TURKEY. 

S^  Meleagris  gallopavo .—\J\aa, 

THE  Wild  Turkey  is  by  many  regarded  as  the  finest  game  bird 
on  this  continent.  Large,  with  burnished  plumage,  spurred 
and  bearded,  he  is  a  magnificent  fowl.  The  flesh  is  tender  and 
juicy,  and  as  gamey  in  flavor  as  a  partridge.  His  endless  variety 
of  food  makes  it  always  procurable,  and  in  season  he  is  never  found 
thin  in  flesh.  To  hunt  him  successfully  in  regions  where  he  is  much 
sought  after  and  shot  at,  requires  the  utmost  skill  and  tact  on  the 
part  of  the  hunter,  and  an  intimate  knowledge  of  all  the  habits  of 
the  bird.  Exceedingly  shy,  with  a  keen  eye,  an  acute  sense  of 
hearing,  a  quick  flight  and  a  fleet  foot,  he  is  extremely  hard  to  get 
within  range  of.  After  many  hours  spent  in  calling  or  stalking  him, 
just  at  the  moment  you  think  he  is  safe  for  a  "  bag,"  a  slight  move- 
ment or  exposure  of  part  of  the  body  of  the  hunter,  the  breaking 
of  a  dry  twig  or  the  cocking  of  your  gun,  is  sufficient  to  alarm  him, 
and  he  is  off"  instantly. 

In  the  spring  when  they  "  pair  off,"  is  perha|)s  the  most  favora- 
ble season  for  hunting  them.  Many  are  often  killed  in  the  autumn 
before  they  are  fully  grown,  when  they  become  comparatively  an 
easy  prey  to  the  hunter,  who  coolly  knocks  them  off  from  the  trees 
in  which  they  will  alight  when  frightened.  They  are  occasionally 
hunted  by  parties  who,  obtaining  sight  of  a  flock,  watch  them  care- 
fully so  as  not  to  disturb  or  frighten  them  until  they  go  to  roost, 
and  deliberately  pick  them  off;  but  this  hardly  seems  to  be  sport. 
The  necessary  equipments  for  stalking  are  a  good  gun,  a  turkey 
call,  clothing  as  near  the  color  of  dead  leaves  as  possible,  and 
some  knowledge  of  the  habits  of  the  game. 


104 


GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


Time  was  when  this  most  delicious,  as  it  is  the  largest,  of  all 
our  gallinaceous  game,  might  have  been  taken  in  almost  any  State 
east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  ;  but  now,  the  would-be  Wild  Turkey 
hunter  must  seek  his  game  in  the  Southern  and  Western  portions 
of  our  Union,  In  the  Southern  States,  especially  Florida,  any  one, 
even  the  veriest  pot-hunter,  may  secure  his  bird  provided  he  has 
money  enough.  The  sudden  appearance  of  a  fleck  of  Wild  Tur- 
keys upon  the  banks  of  the  St.  Johns,  as  the  steamer  rounds  some 
wooded  point,  is  not  of  uncommon  occurrence. 

Their  relative  abundance  in  any  particular  locality  depends  upon 
the  supply  of  their  favorite  mast — nuts,  acorns,  etc.,  and  the  seed  of 
the  palmetto,  wherever  found.  Their  presence  is  indicated  to  the 
experienced  hunter  by  their  "  scratching  places,"  and  he  can  tell 
by  the  freshness  of  these,  and  the  character  of  the  surrounding 
forest,  where  to  look  for  them.  In  October,  the  males  have  in  a 
great  measure  recovered  their  strength  and  plumpness,  the  females 
their  good  condition,  and  the  young  are  able  to  take  care  of  them- 
selves, and,  withal,  are  tender  and  juicy.  Then  according  to  Au- 
dubon, the  males  and  females  hunt  in  separate  parties.  At  this 
time  the  gobblers  may  be  enticed  within  shot  by  the  hunter  lying 
concealed  and  imitating  the  clucking  sound  of  the  hen.  Of  the 
various  methods  employed,  probably  this  is  the  most  successful, 
though  even  this  may  be  better  used  in  spring.  Old  hunters  are 
adepts  in  the  art  of  calling,  and  their  peculiar  inimitable  call  is 
somediing  the  gobbler  is  hardly  proof  against,  provided  the  liunter 
lies  close.  Sometimes,  however,  he  will  answer  the  call  without 
putting  in  an  appearance,  thus  depriving  the  worthy  hunter  of  his 
meal.  The  best  call,  by  the  way,  is  made  from  the  wing-bone  of 
the  turkey  itself;  though  tolerably  good  ones  may  be  obtained 
from  dealers  in  sporting  goods. 

The  old  style  of  trapping  the  bird  in  pens,  is  of  course,  out  of 
the  question,  except  to  residents  in  a  good  turkey  country. 

Shooting  by  moonlight,  also,  is  only  to  be  indulged  in  by  the 
occupants  of  turkey-haunted  sections  ;  though  those  favored  be- 
ings whose  lives  are  cast  in  such  places,  may  depopulate  an  entire 
neighborhood  in  a  short  time. 

Probably  the  most  sportsman-like  method  of  procedure  would 
be  to  hunt  v;ith  dogs,  though,  even  then,  the  sport  savors  of  pot- 


WILD    TURKEY. 


lo: 


hunting,  as  it  is  rarely  a  wing  shot  can  be  procured,  for  the  turkey 
soon  takes  to  tree,  and  must  be  sought  out,  Hke  the  ruffed  grouse 
when  in  similar  position.  Like  the  grouse,  too,  it  remains  per- 
fectly immovable,  and  is  overlooked. 

It  is  in  early  spring,  and  early  in  the  morning,  when  the  gob- 
blers are  saluting  each  other  from  the  different  tree-tops,  that  a 
good  hunter  may  expect  sport.  Then  his  success  depends  upon 
his  skill  in  threading  the  tangled  thicket  without  noise,  and  in 
nearing  the  wary  bird  unperceived.  If  he  wishes  to  bring  that  bird 
to  bay,  he  must  move  with  the  rapidity  of  a  deer,  when  necessary, 
and  at  times  stand  motionless  as  a  ^tump  ;  for  there  is  no  more 
suspicious  bird  than  an  old  gobbler  that  knows  that  he  is  inform- 
ing a  whole  forest  of  his  presence.  It  may  be  unsportsmanlike  ; 
it  may  be  pot-hunting  ;  but  there  is  a  deal  of  satisfaction  in  seeing 
a  plump  fifteen-pounder  drop  from  his  airy  perch  at  the  report  of 
your  gun — especially  when  you  need  his  presence  in  camp.  Frank 
Forester  says,  "  that,  though  he  is  always  delighted  to  see  a  well 
roasted  turkey  on  the  board,  especially  if  well  stuffed  with  truffles 
and  served  up  with  well  dressed  bread  sauce,  he  would  not  give 
the  least  palatable  mouthful  of  him — no,  not  his  ungrilled  gizzard 
— to  pot-hunt  a  thousand  in  such  a  style."  But  then  he  never 
shot  one.  The  weight  of  the  hen  turkey,  full  grown,  should  be 
about  ten  pounds.  Gobblers,  from  fifteen  to  twenty ;  though  in- 
stances are  related  of  the  capture  of  thirty-five  pounders.  Though 
a  full  grown  bird  will  carry  away  a  heavy  load  in  the  body,  a 
charge  of  an  ounce  and  a  half  of  number  two  shot,  backed  by 
three  drachms  of  good  powder,  well  placed  in  the  neck  or  head, 
will  always  prove  effective.  Even  number  eight  shot  have  proved 
too  much  for  young  males,  though  hunters  generally  prefer 
buck-shot. 

When  full  grown,  the  wild  turkey  averages  probably  twenty 
pounds  in  weight,  and  he  not  unfrequently  is  found  weighing  as 
high  as  twenty-five  or  six. 

The  plumage  is  very  dark,  nearly  black  in  many  cases,  and 
glossy ;  the  usual  color  is  a  bronze  deepening  into  greenish  black. 
The  hens  are  duller  in  color  than  the  gobblers. 

A  pair  of  turkeys  raise  from  ten  to  twenty  young  in  a  season. 
So  wary  and  watchful  are  they  that  it  is  seldom  an  opportunity 


I06  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA.  >  . 

can  be  obtained  in  which  to  observe  them  when  in  their  ucmestic 
relations.  Their  habits  are  therefore  unknown  to  many.  Severe 
battles  often  take  place  between  the  gobblers  to  determine  which 
shall  be  the  happy  spouse  of  some  hen  that  watches  without 
seeming  ir.terest  the  struggle  going  on  for  her  sake.  The  vic- 
torious hero,  strutting  proudly  by  the  side  of  the  well  pleased  hen, 
becomes  so  much  excited  over  his  victory,  that  the  red  and  white 
of  his  head  and  neck  assume  a  deep  purple.  With  tail  spread  to 
its  utmost  extent,  and  one  wing  sweeping  the  ground,  an  old  gob- 
bler presents  a  fine  picture  of  self-satisfaction  and  pride. 

A  spot  in  the  far  off  mountain  is  selected  under  a  sheltering 
log  or  jutting  rock,  the  dried  leaves  and  grasses  of  the  last  fall  are 
scooped  out,  and  in  the  hollow  thus  formed  the  eggs  are  deposited. 
These  number  from  ten  to  twenty,  and  are  most  carefully  guarded 
by  the  mother.  In  leaving  or  approaching  the  nest,  she  always 
makes  use  of  a  circuitous  route,  and  the  eggs  when  left  alone  are 
always  covered  with  dead  leaves  to  protect  then,  from  the  prying 
eyes  of  prowling  opossum  or  crow,  who  would  make  short  work 
of  the  clutch  if  the  opportunity  offered. 

As  soon  as  the  young  are  hatched,  a  spot  easier  of  access  is 
sought  where  the  young  birds  may  obtain  food  more  readily. 
Both  parents  take  great  interest  in  the  growth  and  progress  of 
their  young  family.  The  wild  turkey  is  more  hardy  than  its 
domestic  cousin,  and  the  rains  of  spring  and  the  early  summer 
months  affect  the  health  of  the  young  brood  much  less  than  our 
tame  and  domesticated  varieties.  A  dry  season  is  preferable  for 
their  rapid  development.  At  one  month  old  the  real  trials  and 
dangers  of  the  young  family  begin.  At  this  age  there  is  sufficient 
good  eating  in  the  young  turkey  to  make  the  chops  of  Reynard, 
water  with  delight,  and  the  numerous  hawks  are  not  insensible  of 
their  delicious  flavor. 

The  young  birds  are  exposed  to  the  greatest  amount  of  danger 
in  the  latter  part  of  August  and  the  first  of  September  ;  they  are 
then  about  the  size  of  a  common  barn-yard  hen,  and  are  an  easy 
prey  for  the  hunter.  A  flock  of  half  grown  turkeys  startled  by  the 
approach  of  any  one,  will  take  immediately  to  the  nearest  trees, 
and  can  be  shot  one  after  another  from  their  perches.  This  mode 
of  slaughtering  the  poor  birds  is  poor  fun  and  a  disgrace  to  a  true 


WILD    TURKEY.  IO7 

sportsman.  Five  turkeys  at  that  season  will  about  equal  one  good 
one  killed  during  the  months  of  November  and  December.  The 
two  last  named  months  are  the  ones  in  which  the  turkey  ought  to 
be  hunted. 

In  the  morning  after  the  snnw  has  covered  the  ground  to  the 
depth  of  an  inch  or  two,  is  the  best  time  to  start  upon  a  hunt  for 
wild  turkeys.  They  will  then  be  actively  searching  for  food,  and 
every  movement  and  turn  may  then  be  traced  in  the  snow.  Great 
caution  is  necessary  in  approaching  them  ;  their  sight  is  excellent, 
and  their  hearing  good.  Many  a  fine  gobbler  is  lost  by  the  crack- 
ing of  a  twig  or  the  movements  of  the  hunter.  Every  precaution 
should  be  taken  to  see  as  far  ahead  as  possible  without  being  seen. 
If  provided  with  a  turkey  caller,  it  is  well  every  now  and  then  to 
see  if  an  answering  "  keouk  "  cannot  be  obtained.  If  the  hunter 
be  fortunate  enough  to  get  within  shooting  distance,  let  him  take 
deliberate  aim  at  the  head  (if  provided  with  a  rifle).  But  the  pos- 
sessor of  a  shot  gun  should  aim  to  cover  the  whole  body.  After 
being  mortally  wounded,  a  turkey  will  frequently  run  or  fly  for 
half  a  mile,  but  in  a  straight  line.  And  very  many  turkeys  are 
thought  to  have  escaped  injury,  when  by  a  careful  search  they 
might  have  been  found  dead  a  short  distance  from  the  place  where 
they  received  the  fatal  shot. 

The  "  call  "  which  is  used  to  entice  the  gobbler  within  shoot- 
ing distance  is  made  in  a  variety  of  different  ways.  The  small 
bone  from  the  wing  of  the  turkey  makes  a  very  good  caller  by  put- 
ting one  end  into  the  mouth  and  drawing  the  air  through  it,  but 
the  best  one  can  be  obtained  by  sawing  about  two  inches  from 
the  end  of  a  cow  horn,  then  cut  a  piece  of  a  shingle  so  as  to  fit 
the  small  end  of  the  piece  sawed  off,  bore  a  hole  in  the  middle  of 
the  shingle,  and  insert  a  stick  about  the  thickness  of  a  ten  penny 
nail,  allowing  the  end  of  the  stick  to  come  through  the  piece  of 
horn  and  to  project  a  short  distance  beyond  the  open  end.  Put 
the  end  of  the  stick  thus  projecting  upon  a  piece  of  slate  and  the 
sound  produced  thereby  is  the  best  imitation  of  the  "  keouk  "  of  a 
turkey  known. 

October  is,  all  things  considered,  the  best  month  for  "  calling  " 
Wild  Turkeys,  although  some  sportsmen  prefer  the  spring.  Now, 
as  all  the  devices  which  man  employs  to  allure   and  ensnare  the 


I08  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

victims  he  pursues  are  but  imitations  of  what  nature  has  riven 
her  creatures  for  specific  purposes,  "t  becomes  us  to  inquire  and 
understand  the  character  of  these  peculiarities  and  learn  why  they 
are  bestowed  ;  and  by  our  investigations  to  determine  the  periods 
when  game  is  in  season.  For  instance,  the  call  of  the  turkey 
may  be  either  the  warning  note  of  the  mother  to  her  collective 
brood,  as  in  the  autumn,  or  the  invitation  and  response  of  the 
wooing  as  in  the  spring.  At  the  latter  season,  all  birds  are  full 
grown,  ^"''  the  yearlings  are  in  their  prime.  In  October  the 
flocks  have  not  yet  scattered ;  the  young  turkeys,  though  large 
and  strong  of  wing,  are  not  fully  grown,  and  the  family  circle  re- 
mains unbroken.  In  both  cases,  it  is  apparent,  the  birds  are  noble 
and  legitimate  game.  A  turkey-call  is  easily  imitated  by  using 
the  hollow  of  the  two  hands  placed  together ;  but  these  devices 
can  only  be  learned  by  careful  attention  and  practice.  The  early 
morning  is  the  best  time  of  day  for  calling,  as  indeed  it  is  for  all 
manner  of  hunting. 

Beside?  the  ordinary  method  of  capturing  the  turkey,  detailed 
above,  '.ht  e  are  others  only  to  be  -employed  where  the  birds  are 
very  abundant.  In  Texas  and  the  "  Nation,"  as  the  Indian  Ter- 
ritory is  often  called,  they  are  shot  at  night  from  their  roosts  in 
considerable  numbers.  They  are  also  trapped  in  the  following 
way.  A  spot  must  first  be  found  where  the  Turkeys  are  d  ,':s- 
tomed  to  "  use."  This  will  Uwaysbe  found  to  be  an  unfrequented 
place  and  near  some  swimpy  or  large  forest  growth,  where  they 
may  find  high  trees  to  resort  to  when  alarmed  by  the  approach  of 
huntsmen  and  to  roost  in  at  night.  Having  found  such  haunts  and 
feeding  grounds,  the  baiter  scatters  peas,  wheat,  or  corn  about 
in  small  quantities  in  different  mar'<ed  places,  and  occasionally 
visits  are  made  to  the  places  to  see  if  the  bait  has  been  eaten.  If 
so,  and  by  turkeys,  it  is  easily  determined  by  the  signs  of  scratch- 
ing away  of  the  leaves  in  all  directions  in  sea,  ch  of  more  food.  If 
the  bait  has  been  eaten,  re-bait  at  once.  They  will  soon  begin  to 
resort  to  such  places  for  food.  Having  once  gotten  them  to  do  so, 
then  make  a  pen  of  old  weather-beaten  fence  rails,  or  something 
of  the  sort,  using  nothing  to  make  the  pen  of  new  or  fresh  cut 
stuff,  as  they  are  very  cautious  and  will  not  venture  near  it.  Hav- 
ii^g  gotten  the  rails  on  the  spot,  dig  a  trench  eighteen  inches  deep 


WILD    TURKEY.  I09 

and  about  as  wide,  and  four  or  five  feet  long  with  a  slope  from 
the  outer  end,  deepening  to  the  middle  ;  then  lay  across  it  the  rail. 
Lay  one  rail  as  the  width  of  the  pen  and  two  rails  as  ihe  length 
(ordinary  fence  rails,  ten  to  eleven  feet  long),  building  the  height 
of  eii;ht  or  ten  rails,  and  covering  it  over  with  the  same  sort  of 
stuff,  sufficiently  close  to  prevent  the  turkeys  from  getting  out 
when  once  in.  A  few  cross  rails  as  weight  to  keep  the  top  down 
is  always  necessary,  for  when  alarmed  at  the  approach  of  the 
trapper  it  will  take  a  good  amount  of  weight  to  keep  them  in 
prison.  Now,  having  completed  your  pen,  take  care  to  remove 
and  cover  up  every  vestige  of  the  freshness  of  your  operation, 
throwing  in  a  light  covering  of  dry  leaves  in  the  trench  you  have 
made  under  the  pen.  Then  scatter  more  of  the  same  kind  of 
grain  before  baited  with,  under  the  fence  and  a  larger  quantity  in 
the  pen.  It  may  be  some  days  before  the  turkeys  will  venture  up 
— but  they  will,  if  not  often  visited  by  the  huntsmen.  When  they 
have  made  themselves  somewhat  familiar  with  it,  and  get  up 
courage  and  get  on  the  train  of  bait  leading  to  the  mouth  of  the 
trench,  with  heads  down  eagerly  picking  up  the  grain,  they  will 
thus  go  under  the  fence  in  quest  of  food,  not  raising  up  till  inside. 
Once  inside  (perhaps  a  half  dozen),  they  begin  to  look  up  for  a 
way  of  escape,  never  for  a  mon^ent  looking  down  for  a  place  to 
get  out.  Not  seeming  to  know  how  they  got  in.  they  walk  round 
and  round,  and  frequently  walk  or  hop  over  the  trench  through 
which  they  entered.  The  trapper  then  has  them  at  his  will  and 
may  take  them  at  his  pleasure.  Another  mode  is  to  get  them  to 
a  bait.  Build  a  blind  of  old  brush  and  cover  for  the  hunter  to  sit 
in,  entirely  concealed  from  all  quarters  ;  making  a  straight  line  of 
bait,  and  all  in  a  circumscribed  distance  from  the  blind,  so  as  when 
the  turkeys  come  to  feed  all  will  be  in  a  line,  which  they  will  do  if 
the  bait  is  properly  laid.  When  they  are  picking  up  the  food  he 
watches  his  opportunity  to  get  as  many  heads  together  as  possible 
while  down,  and  using  No.  6  shot  he  may  get  several  at  a  shot. 

Yet  another  mode  of  hunting  is  in  use,  viz  :  hunting  with  dogs 
— pointers  or  setters  are  best,  because  more  easily  trained.  The 
dogs  find  and  flush  the  turkeys.  Taking  to  the  high  trees,  keeping 
an  eye  on  the  dogs  while  they  are  running  around  barking  at  the 
turkeys  up  the  tree,  they  being  so  much  engaged  in  watching  the 


MO  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

clogs,  the  huntsman  can  come  up  m  shooting  distance  and  kill 
his  game.  Take  it  whatever  way  they  may,  a  good  fat  Wild  Tur- 
key is  no  mean  game  to  take  home,  whether  aftttr  patient  waiting 

or  a  long  tramp. 

All  of  these  methods,  however,  have  so  strong  a  fla/or  of  pot- 
hunting  about  them,  that  the  sport  of  turkey  killing,  unless  the 
arm  employed  be  the  rifle,  or  the  bird  be  shot  on  the  wing,  would 
probably  present  but  few  charms  to  many  of  our  readers.  Still, 
old  turkey  hunters,  and  some  of  the  best  and  keenest  sportsmen 
of  the  South  and  Southwest  come  under  this  head,  are  wonder- 
fully enthusiastic  about  this  sport,  and  declare  that  there  is  no 
game  bird  equal  to  the  Wild  Turkey. 

It  is  from  the  bird  of  the  extreme  Southwest,  New  Mexico, 
Arizona,  and  Mexico,  that  the  domestic  Turkey  seems  to  be  de- 
scended. It  differs  from  the  Eastern  variety  in  the  coloration  of 
the  tips  of  the  upper  and  lower  tail  coverts  and  tail  feathers,  these 
being  white  in  the  former  while  they  are  fulvous  or  chestnut  red 
in  the  latter.  Dr.  Coues  has  determined  the  two  former  to  be 
merely  varieties  of  the  same  species,  the  Eastern  race  having  been 
called  Meleagris  gallopavo  var.  Americana,  and  the  Western 
Meleagris  gallopavo  var.  gallopavo. 


GROUSE. 


C"^  ROUSE  are  beyond  all  question  the  finest  game  birds  of 
_y  which  we  have  any  knowledge.  They  are  large  birds,  of 
delicate  flavor,  are  swift  flyers,  often  hard  to  hit,  and  above  all 
they  give  out  a  strong  scent  and  usually  lie  well  to  a  dog.  The 
true  grouse  are  confined  to  the  northern  hemisphere,  and  attain 
their  greatest  development  in  North  America,  no  less  than  nine 
well-marked  species  being  natives  of  this  country.  This  family 
includes  also,  half  a  dozen  species  of  Europe  and  Asia,  the  Cock 
of  the  Woods  ( Tetrao  urogaUiis),  the  analogue  of  our  Sage  Grouse 
{Cenirocercus  urophasiaiius),  the  Black  Cock  {Tetrao  tetrix),  the 
Siberian  Pine  Grouse  {T.  falcipcnnis)  the  Bonasa  betulina  of 
Europe  and  Asia,  an^  several  species  of  Ptarmigan  closely  related 
to  those  of  our  own  country.  The  Grouse  may  be  distinguished 
from  any  of  their  relatives  by  the  more  or  less  dense  feathering  of 
the  tai-sus  and  the  groove  for  the  nostril,  by  the  presence  above 
the  eye  of  a  strip  of  naked  yellow  or  red  skin,  and  by  the  pectinated 
margins  of  the  toes.  In  addition  to  these  peculiarities  several 
species  possess  curious  tufts  of  feathers  on  the  side  of  the  neck, 
and  some  have  under  these  feathers,  air  sacks  which  are  capable 
in  the  breeding  season  of  great  distention. 

Canace  canadensis. — Reich.    Canada  Grouse,  Spruce  Partridge. 

The  Canada  Grouse  is  a  northern  species  nowhere  very  abun- 
dant. Its  favorite  haunts  are  the  dense  swamps  of  Canada,  Northern 
Maine  and  the  Adirondack  region,  where  grow  the  pine,  spruce 
and  tamarack,  on  the  buds  and  leaves  of  which  it  feeds.  These 
swamps  are  so  wet  and  soft,  and  the  mud  in  them  is  so  deep  that 
it  is  often  impossible  for  man  to  traverse  them  ;  the  Canada  Grouse, 
however,  runs  lightly  over  the  green  moss  which  carpets  the  ground, 
and  is  here  secure  from  the  pursuit  of  any  but  winged  enemies. 
This  species  is  therefore,  scarcely  or  not  at  all  hunted  except  during 
the  winter  when  the  extreme  cold  of  the  regions  which  it  inhabits 


112  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

has  frozen  the  ground,  and  has  furnished  a  secure  footing  for  the 
sportsman.  The  Spruce  Partridge  is  said  to  be  very  much  more 
gentle  and  unsuspicious  than  any  of  its  congeners,  and  does  not 
seem  to  recognize  man  as  an  enemy. 

The  male  of  this  species  is  about  sixteen  inches  in  length.  The 
prevailing  color  of  the  plumage  is  black  or  blackish,  marked  below 
with  numerous  white  bars  and  streaks,  and  waved  above  with  dark 
grey  ;  a  broad  band  of  orange  brown  extends  across  the  extremi- 
ties of  the  tail  feathers.  The  female  is  somewhat  smaller,  and  her 
plumage  is  waved  with  black,  brown  and  buff.  Variety  franklini 
of  the  northern  Rocky  Mountains,  differs  from  the  Eastern  bird  in 
lacking  the  broad  terminal  orange  bar  on  the  tail,  and  in  having 
the  upper  tail  coverts  which  are  black  in  canadensis  spotted  with 
white.     It   is  but   little   known.  ': 

Canace  odscura.— Bon.    Dusky  Grouse,  Blue  Grouse,  Grey  Grouse,  Mountain 
Grouse,  Pino  Grouse,  Fool-hen. 

This  species  is  certainly  one  of  the  finest  birds  of  its  family. 
Its  flesh  is  almost  entirely  white  ;  as  much  so  as  the  ruffed  grouse 
or  the  quail,  and  has  a  peculiar  tenderness  and  flavor.  The 
breast  is  remarkably  full,  and  the  whole  body  compact  and  plump. 
The  feathering  is  close  and  thick,  wings  and  tail  short  and  square, 
the  latter  a  beautiful  fan  when  spread,  like  that  of  the  rufifed  grouse. 
Its  food  and  habits  are  nearly  the  same  as  those  of  the  latter  bird, 
consisting  of  insects  and  the  berries  and  seeds  of  the  pine  cone, 
the  leaves  of  the  pines,  the  buds  of  trees,  etc.  It  has  also  the  same 
habits  of  budding  in  the  trees  during  deep  snows  as 'the  ruffed 
grouse,  which  are  so  often  shot  while  thus  engaged  on  winter 
moonlight  nights  in  the  orchards  of  New  England.  With  the 
blue  grouse,  however,  this  habit  of  remaining  and  feeding  in  the 
trees  is  more  decided  and  constant,  and  in  winter  they  will  fly  from 
tree  to  tree,  and  often  be  plenty  in  the  pines  when  not  a  track  can 
be  found  in  the  snow.  If  a  trail  ends  it  is  time  to  begin  to  look  in 
the  trees,  and  look  sharp,  too,  for  it  takes  keen  and  practiced  eyes 
to  find  them  in  the  thick  branches  of  the  pines.  They  do  not  squat 
and  lie  closely  on  a  limb  like  the  quail,  but  stand  up,  perfectly  still, 
and  would  readily  be  mistaken  for  a  knot  or  a  broken  limb.  If 
they  move  at  all  it  is  to  take  flight,  and  with  a  sudden  whirr  they 


GROUSE,  113 

are  away,  and  must  be  looked  for  in  another  tree  top.  One  may 
sometimes  shoot  half  a  dozen  times  with  a  rifle  at  the  same  bird, 
aiming  at  the  head  to  avoid  tearing  the  flesh,  but  there  will  be  no 
sign  of  motion  unless  hit.  When  there  are  several  upon  the  same 
tree,  if  the  lowest  is  first  shot  the  others  are  not  disturbed,  and  may 
be  picked  off  one  by  one  ;  but  if  an  upper  one  falls  past  them  they 
are  instantly  off.  In  autumn,  when  nearly  or  quite  grown,  and  the 
pack  are  unbroken,  if  met  with  in  open  ground,  they  lie  well  before 
a  dog,  and  furnish  excellent  sport.  When  flushed,  their  flight  is 
swift  and  straight,  and  they  are  easily  shot,  but  if  timber  is  near 
they  are  sure  to  make  for  it,  and  when  in  the  trees  a  sitting  shot 
is  the  only  sure  one.  Should  they  fly,  a  single  glimpse  through 
the  thick  pine  branches  would  probably  give  the  only  chance. 

In  common  with  the  ruffed  grouse,  the  packs  have  a  habit  of 
scattering  in  winter,  two  or  three,  or  even  a  single  bird,  being  often 
found  with  no  others  in  the  vicinity,  their  habit  of  feeding  in  the 
trees  tending  to  separate  them.  The  size  of  the  blue  grouse  is 
nearly  twice  that  of  the  ruffed  grouse,  a  full  grown  bird  weighing 
from  three  to  four  pounds.  Its  plumage  is  very  beautiful ;  indeed, 
that  of  the  male  in  winter  and  spring  is  perfectly  magnificent.  The 
feathers  are  very  thick,  and  upon  the  neck,  back,  and  wings  a  lus- 
trous blue  black,  glistening  like  salm.  Beneath  the  color  is  a  dusky 
brown,  but  whitish  under  the  throat,  the  legs  fully  clad,  and  the 
feathering  extending  into  the  toes.  It  seems  fitly  dressed  to  en- 
dure the  rigor  of  its  habitat,  which  is  the  Rocky  Mountain  and 
Sierra  Nevada  country  only,  and  in  the  pine  forests  from  five  to 
ten  thousand  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  latter  height  is 
generally  about  the  snow  line  in  these  regions,  and  at  this  latter 
elevation  is  found  the  ptarmigan  {Lagopiis  leucuriis),  rarely  seen 
because  his  home  is  rarely  visited.  Although  the  weather  in  the 
mountains  is  often  mild  and  pleasant  in  winter,  and  especially 
healthy  and  agreeable  from  the  dryness  and  purity  of  the  atmos- 
phere, yet  the  cold  is  sometimes  intense. 

The  nests  of  the  Dusky  Grouse  are  upon  the  ground,  usually 
well  hidden  in  a  thicket,  and  the  broods  about  one-third  larger 
than  those  of  the  sage  hen,  generally  from  twelve  to  fifteen  in 
number.  The  eggs  are  of  a  creamy  white  color,  speckled  all  over 
with  dots  of  chocolate-brown. 


114  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NOHTll  AMERICA, 

The  females  with  their  young  usually  pass  the  night  in  the 
creek-bottoms,  and  it  is  in  such  places  that  thty  must  be  looked  for 
early  in  the  morning  and  late  in  the  afternoon.  About  nine  or 
ten  o'clock  A.  M.,  they  proceed  on  foot  to  the  uplands,  where  they 
remain  until  about  two  hours  before  sunset,  when  they  come  down 
to  the  stream  to  drink,  and  remain  all  night.  In  returning  from 
the  hills,  they  always  fly.  The  young,  when  alarmed  or  uneasy, 
have  a  fashion  of  erecting  the  ff.*athers  of  the  sides  ol  the  neck 
just  below  the  head,  which,  when  seen  at  a  little  distance,  gives 
them  a  very  odd  appearance.  The  female,  when  the  young  birds 
are  nearly  approached  or  captured,  makes  no  attempt  to  draw 
away  the  enemy  by  any  of  the  artifices  employed  by  Bonasa  um- 
bellus,  but  contents  herself  with  wandering  anxiously  about  at  a 
short  distance,  holding  the  tail  quite  erect,  and  clucking  after  the 
manner  of  the  domestic  hen  under  similar  circumstances.  The 
young  when  well  grown  are  delicious  eating.  When  a  brood  has 
been  scattered,  the  individuals  which  compose  it  lie  well  and  fur- 
nish fair  shooting.  Though  swift  fliers,  they  are  easily  killed  in  the 
open.  The  birds  will  often  allow  one  to  approach  within  three  or 
four  feet  of  them  before  rising,  and  they  are  beautiful  objects  as 
they  crouch,  waiting  for  the  sportsman  to  take  one  more  step 
toward  them.  The  body  flattened  out  on  the  ground,  the  head 
and  neck  straight  and  pressed  against  the  earth,  the  tail  slightly 
elevated,  and  all  the  while  the  bright  brown  eye  watching  for  the 
slightest  sign  that  the  bird's  presence  is  discovered,  together 
make  up  a  most  attractive  picture. 

The  Blue  Grouse  is  more  op  less  abundant  throughout  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  extending  northward  to  Alaska,  and  south 
nearly  to  Mexico.  It  is  perhaps  nowhere  more  numerous  than  in 
Montana,  in  which  territory  one  may  sometimes  see  twenty  broods 
in  a  day's  travel. 

The  true  Dusky  Grouse  has  a  broad  terminal  band  of  grey  on 
the  tail,  which  variety  Richurdsonii  lacks;  the  two  forms  are, 
however,  very  similar,  and  grade  into  one  another  in  the  Central 
Rocky  Mountains.  The  length  of  the  male  of  this  species  is  about 
twenty  inches,  the  female  being  somewhat  smaller,  and  being 
varied  above  with  black  and  tawny.  Mr.  Ridgway  has  recently 
described  a  third  variety  from  Alaska  under  the  name  variety 


GROUSE. 


115 


fuliginosits.    This  form  is  much  darker  than  either-of  the  pre- 
ceding, but  is  otherwise  similar. 

It  would  be  interestinj:^  to  test  the  acclimatization  of  this  beau- 
tiful bird  in  the  pine  forests  of  the  east.  Though  too  wild  and 
shy  to  be  domesticated,  it  is  not  more  so  than  the  ruffed  grouse, 
and  if  protected,  there  is  no  reason  why  it  might  not  live  and  thrive 
in  any  pine  lands  where  the  latter  bird  is  found.  Its  present  hab- 
itat is  so  vast,  and  much  of  it  so  inaccessible,  that  its  numbers  are 
not  likely  to  be  materially  lessened  by  sportsmen,  and  its  natural 
winged  and  four  footed  enemies  will  be  as  much  or  more  exposed 
to  destruction  by  man,  so  that  we  may  look  upon  it  as  a  per- 
manency in  its  present  home,  and  since  the  mountain  passes  are 
becoming  threaded  with  railroads,  and  miners,  herders,  anc'  other 
settlers  are  scattering  through  the  country,  it  will  be  far  easier 
than  it  has  been  to  secure  and  transport  live  birds  or  their  eggs. 
It  is  to  be  hoped  the  experiment  will  be  tried. 

Centrocercus  urophasianus. — Swainson.    Sage  Grouse,  Cock  of  the  Plains. 

This  species  is  the  largest  of  the  North  American  Grouse,  and 
yields  in  size  only  to  the  giant  Cock  ot  the  Woods,  or  Capercailzie 
of  Europe.  In  the  early  season,  that  is  in  August  and  the  first 
half  of  September,  it  furnishes  fine  sport,  for  it  lies  well,  and  when 
it  rises  flies  so  straight  and  steadily  that  it  is  very  easily  secured. 

The  male  bird  is  over  two  and  one-half  feet  long,  and  weighs 
seven  pounds  or  more  ;  indeed  specimens  are  sometimes  said  to 
attain  a  weight  of  over  ten  pounds.  The  upper  parts  are  varie- 
gated with  black,  brown  and  yellowish  grey ;  the  sides  of  the  lower 
part  of  the  neck  are  whitish  and  are  furnished  with  curious  stiff 
feathers,  each  of  which  terminates  in  a  long  hair  or  bristle.  The 
lower  part  of  the  breast  and  the  abdomen  are  black.  The  females 
and  young  males  of  the  first  autumn  are  smaller  and  lack  the  stiff 
neck-feathers  of  the  old  males.  Such  in  brief  are  some  of  the 
principal  characteristics  of  this  fine  Grouse. 

The  Sage  Grouse  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  high  drj*  plains  of  the 
interior,  which  are  covered  with  a  more  or  less  thick  growth  of 
the  sage  brush  {Artemisia  iridentatd).  On  the  leaves  and  buds 
of  this  shrub  the  Grouse  chiefly  feed,  sometimes  varying  their  diet 
with  grasshoppers  and  berries  or  the  buds  of  the  willow  and 


Il6  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

greasewood.  This  peculiar  diet  is  said  by  some  to  affect  the  taste 
of  the  meat,  as  the  pine  buds  on  which  the  Spruce  Grouse  feeds 
do  its  flesh.  We  have  never  noticed  the  disagreeable  llavor  re- 
ferred to,  and  it  is  probable  that  it  will  never  be  noticed  if  the  fol- 
lowing course  be  adopted  with  the  game.  Immediately  after  kill- 
ing draw  the  bird,  thoroughly  removing  the  intestines  and  their 
contents,  but  delaying  all  other  dressing  till  camp  is  reached. 
Treated  in  this  manner  it  has  no  disagreeable  taste.  This  is  what 
we  should  expect  when  it  is  recollected  that  in  all  animals,  the 
peculiarities  of  food  pass  off  by  secretions  through  the  natural 
channels.  The  milk  and  butter  of  a  cow  feeding  upon  wild  garlic, 
cabbage,  rag-weed,  etc.,  will  be  tainted  with  their  peculiar  quali- 
ties, but  the  flesh  is  not.  So  when  the  bird  is  dead  the  operations 
of  the  body  cease,  absorption  commences  and  the  contents  of  the 
intestines  begin  to  affect  the  flesh.  The  power  of  life  to  resist 
absorption  and  decay  are  wonderful,  A  live  fish  in  salt  water  con- 
tinues fresh.  The  rubbing  of  sail  upon  a  live  hog's  back  would 
hardly  cure  the  meat,  but  when  slaughtered  it  takes  up  the  salt 
through  skin  and  flesh  alike.  But  perhaps  too  much  upon  this 
familiar  principle,  unless  it  serves  to  redeem  this  magnificent  bird 
from  its  unlucky  reputation.  The  flesh  is  quite  dark  and  rather 
dry,  but  when  the  bird  is  about  two-thirds  grown,  with  the  bitter 
taste  prevented  in  the  manner  described,  it  is  not  easy  for  a 
hungry  man  to  find  fault  with  it,  especially  in  camp. 

During  the  summer  and  autumn,  the  Sage  Grouse  congregate 
in  packs  of  from  ten  to  twenty,  usually  all  members  of  the  same 
brood.  At  the  approach  of  winter,  however,  the  packs  become 
very  large,  several  hundred  being  sometimes  found  together.  At 
this  season  they  are  very  wild,  and  will  often  fly  a  mile  at  the  first 
flushing.  They  get  up  rather  hurriedly,  and  when  fairly  started 
fly  with  great  swiftness  and  for  a  considerable  distance.  After 
being  put  up  once  they  prefer  running  or  hiding  to  flying  a  second 
time,  and  will  lie  very  close. 

:  Ordinarily  it  lies  well  to  a  dog  and  where  there  is  good  cover 
its  conduct  in  that  respect  is  better  than  that  of  the  Pinnated 
Grouse,  But  the  peculiarities  of  its  habitat  do  not  give  the  dog  a 
fair  chance  to  work,  or  to  do  himself  or  the  game  justice.  The 
artemisia  grows  only  upon  barren  prairies  from  four  to  tep  thqu- 


GROUSE. 


i\7 


sand  feet  above  the  level  of  the  ocean,  where  the  soil  is  composed 
of  dry  sand,  alkaline  clay,  granite  rocks,  etc.,  with  little  other  vege- 
tation but  stunted  shrubs,  cactus,  and  an  occasional  clump  of  wild 
grass ;  where  rains  rarely  occur  and  there  is  little  moisture  in  the 
air  or  upon  the  ground.  It  is  a  tough,  sprawling,  crooked  ever- 
green, or  rather  evergrey  shrub,  from  six  inches  to  six  feet  high, 
partly  deciduous,  in  appearance  much  like  the  garden  sage,  and 
when  thick  very  difficult  for  man,  horse  or  dog  to  get  through.  Still 
where  the  plants  are  low  and  thick,  and  advantage  can  be  taken 
of  the  wind,  one  may  have  cnpital  sport  over  pointers  and  setters. 
For  this  work,  however,  the  setter  is  preferable,  as  he  suffers  less 
from  the  cold  and  from  sore  feet  and  scratched  skin. 

The  Sage  Cock  is  a  good  skulker  and  runner,  and  not  easily 
flushed  if  it  can  hide.  It  gets  up  heavily  like  the  Wild  Turkey, 
laboring  hard  with  the  wings  until  a  proper  height  is  reached  and 
speed  is  obtained,  when  it  sails  rapidly  away,  and  if  alarmed  often 
goes  from  half  a  rrale  to  a  mile  before  dropping.  As  it  rises  it  ut- 
ters a  curious  cackling  note.  In  sections  where  it  has  not  been 
much  persecuted,  the  Sage  Grouse  is  painfully  tame  and  unsuspi- 
cious. The  writer  has  seen  a  brood  of  a  dozen  well-grown  birds 
walk  innocently  along  ^^efore  two  men  who  were  trj-ing  to  shoot  their 
heads  off  with  rifle  balls,  until  half  their  number  had  been  killed. 
At  each  report,  the  poor  birds  would  stretch  up  their  necks  and 
gaze  about  as  if  to  find  out  whence  the  noise  proceeded  and  would 
then  move  on  toward  the  hills.  When,  however,  a  ball  touched  one 
of  them  without  killing  it,  and  it  rose  from  the  ground  or  fluttered, 
the  whole  flock  became  alarmed  and  took  to  flight  at  once. 

The  broods  pass  the  night  on  the  uplands,  coming  down  to  the 
water  morning  and  evening,  and  retiring  to  the  higher  ground  again 
without  much  delay.  The  Sage  Grouse  are  said  to  spend  the  night 
upon  the  ground,  roosting  together  much  after  the  manner  of  the 
common  quail. 


Pedicecetes  phasianellus  van  columUcinus. — Coues.    Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  Sprig 

Tail,  Pin  Tail,  White  Belly. 

The  range  of  the  Sharp-tailed  Grouse  is  quite  extended,  for  it  is 
found  from  Alaska  on  the  north  to  Kansas  on  the  south,  and  from 
Michigan  to  the  Sierra  Nevadas  and  the  Cascade  Range.    The 


Il8  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Arctic  form  of  this  species,  the  true  P.  phasianellus  does  not  ex- 
tend south  of  latitude  49  degrees,  but  is  replaced  in  the  United 
States  territory  by  the  paler  niore  southern  bird,  variety  colum- 

biamis.  .'.^..i^  :.••',■,.- ,■,,.:■.    . ;  ,■.,•,.-.-:,:,.,;:-..-'",. 

The  prevailing  colors  of  the  Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  are  a  clear 
dusky  black  above,  and  pure  white  beneath  ;  upper  parts  varie- 
gated, with  transverse,  rather  zigzag  spots  of  yellowish  brown  ; 
wing  coverts  with  large  rounded,  and  outer  webs  of  primaries 
with  smaller  and  more  quadrate,  spots  of  pure  white  ;  breast  thickly 
covered  with  broad  V  shaped,  and  the  sides  with  less  numerous, 
sagittate  marks  of  uniform  clear  slaty  or  dusky  ;  legs  densely 
feathered  ;  throat  thickly  spotted  with  dusky  ;  the  two  middle 
feathers  of  the  tail  one  inch  longer  than  the  others. 

In  size,  this  species  about  equals  the  well  known  Prairie 
Chicken  or  Pinnated  Grouse,  and  altogether  it  is  one  of  our  finest 
g^.me  birds.  It  lies  splendidly  to  a  dog,  is  strong  and  swift  on  the 
wing,  and  is  surpassed  by  none  of  our  birds  in  the  delicacy  and 
excellence  of  its  flesh. 

In  addition  to  its  table  qualities,  this  bird  is  hardy  and  a  good 
breeder,  and  we  strongly  advocate  its  introduction  into  localities 
from  whence  the  Pinnated  Grouse  has  been  exterminated.  The 
barrens  and  scrub  oaks  of  Long  Island,  if  the  outrageous  poaching 
which  prevails  there  could  be  stopped,  would  be  admirably 
adapted  to  the  propagation  of  this  bird  ;  so  also  would  certain 
portions  of  New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania.  The  lowest  limit  of  its 
habitat  is  at  present  set  down  as  latitude  41°.  The  time  is  com- 
ing when  we  shall  have  to  breed  our  game  as  they  do  pheasants 
in  England,  or  conserve  it  as  closely  as  are  the  grouse  of  the 
British  moors.  The  present  indiscriminate  netting  and  slaughter 
will  soon  finish  the  Pinnated  Grouse,  but  the  Sharp-tails  have  as 
yet  escaped  the  pot-hunter,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  before  war 
is  declared  upon  them,  sufficient  numbers  can  be  obtained  for 
breeding  in  localities  where  they  can  be  protected. 

In  the  breeding  season  this  species  is  said  to  select  some  lonely 
place,  where  a  covey  meets  every  morning  and  runs  around  in  a 
circle  of  about  twenty  feet  in  diameter,  so  that  the  ground  is  worn 
quite  bare.  If  any  one  approaches  this  circle,  the  birds  squat 
close  to  the  ground,  but  if  not  alarmed  by  a  too  near  approach, 


■     V    •  GROUSE.      v>:        ■■-^_-  119 

they  soon  stretch  out  their  necks  to  survey  the  intruder,  and  re- 
sume their  circular  course,  some  running  to  the  right,  and  others 
to  the  left,  meeting  and  crossing  each  other.  The  males  ruffle  up 
their  feathers  and  circle  around  each  other  as  if  about  to  commence 
a  furious  battle,  while  the  females  make  up  the  audience.  Blood, 
however,  is  rarely  or  never  spilled,  and  after  a  week  or  two  of  this 
sort  of  amusement,  the  covey  separates  to  commence  preparations 
for  nesting.  The  nest  of  the  Sharp-tailed  Grouse  is  placed  upon 
the  ground,  and  consists  merely  of  a  slight  hollow,  lined  with  a 
few  blades  of  grass.  The  eggs  vary  in  number  from  ten  to  fifteen, 
and  are  greenish  white  in  color,  with  some  dots  of  dark  olive.    ■•.\ 

An  interesting  fact  in  the  history  of  this  species,  is  that  it  seems 
to  retire  before  the  advance  of  the  settlements,  while  its  p'lace  is 
taken  by  the  Pinnated  Grouse.  Thus  in  Minnesota,  where  for- 
merly the  White-bellies  abounded,  and  the  Prairie  Chicken  was 
unknown,  the  former  are  now  becoming  each  year  more  scarce, 
and  the  latter  more  abundant.  The  Pinnated  Grouse  seems  to 
follow  the  husbandman,  and  to  be  far  less  wild  and  untamable 
than  the  Sharp-tailed. 

It  is  said  that  in  entering  a  wheat  field,  the  Sharp-tailed  Grouse 
always  flies,  and  thus  cannot  be  trailed  by  a  dog,  but  must  be 
winded,  while  the  ^ .  ...'ie  Chicken  always  goes  to  feed  on  foot,  and 
may  thus  be  roaded  up  by  a  dog.  -     .,  .-    ;  , 

Cupidonia  cupido. — Baird.    Pinnated  Grouse.    Prairie  Chicken. 

No  member  of  the  Grouse  family  is  better  known  than  the 
Prairie  Chicken  of  the  Western  States,  and  none  is  more  numerous 
or  more  eagerly  sought  for  by  sportsmen.  This  species  is  from 
eighteen  to  twenty  inches  in  length.  Its  color  is  blackish  brown, 
varied  above  and  below  with  tawny ;  the  under  tail  coverts  and 
vent  are  white,  and  the  throat  buff.  The  sides  of  the  neck  are 
ornamented  with  little  wing-like  tufts  of  feathers  (whence  the 
name  pinnated),  and  beneath  these  are  two  naked  bare  spaces, 
which  in  the  breeding  season  during  the  "  tooting  "  of  the  male 
bird,  are  distended  until  they  reach  the  size  of  an  orange.  The 
"  tooting  is  the  call  of  the  male  bird,  and  is  only  heard  during 
the  early  spring.  At  this  season  the  Grouse  are  great  fighters, 
dashing  at  each  other  with  more  display  than  effect,  and  with  little 


120 


GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 


or  no  damage  clone  on  either  side.  This  bird  is  found  in  open 
plains  on  which  are  few  trees,  but  sometimes  takes  to  the  scrub 
oak  for  shelter.  The  nest  is  composed  of  grasses  and  leaves,  built 
on  the  ground  under  the  shelter  of  a  bush.  The  eggs  are  brown- 
ish white,  often  somewhat  spotted,  and  from  ten  to  fifteen  in  num- 
ber. The  great  increase  of  this  description  of  bird  is  in  a  measure 
owing  to  the  immense  wheat  fields  which  have  been  sown  during 
the  last  ten  years  in  the  West,  where  they  assemble  in  packs,  and 
are  the  gleaners  of  the  harvest. 

The  "  prairie  hen,"  or  Pinnated  Grouse,  is  lawful  game  in  most 
of  the  States  between  the  middle  of  August  and  the  first  of  Janu- 
ary, but  the  season  closes  in  reality  about  the  first  of  November, 
because  the  birds  by  that  time  have  become  so  wild,  that  but  few 
care  to  hunt  them.  But  for  the  sportsman  who  does  not  mind 
working  for  his  game,  and  who  delights  in  trying  his  own  skill 
and  the  excellence  of  his  gun  on  a  full-grown  bird  at  long  range, 
there  are  occasionally  days  on  which  the  sport  is  splendid.  You  get 
up  some  morning  and  find  it  clear  and  frosty,  but  you  know  it  will 
be  warm  and  still  for  three  hours  during  the  middle  of  the  day  ; 
so  by  sun  up  or  a  little  later  you  are  on  some  knoll  on  the  edge  of 
the  prairie  watching  ;  you  see  Grouse  flying  everywhere,  from  one 
alone  to  perhaps  a  thousand  together  ;  they  alight  in  the  cornfields 
mostly,  though  some  come  down  on  the  prairie  again.  Look  ! 
yonder  come  a  dozen  ;  they  will  fly  right  over  you  ;  no,  they  swerve 
fifty  yards  to  one  side  and  pass  you  like  bullets,  single  out  your 
bird,  hold  four  feet  in  front  of  him,  and  when  he  is  barely  oppo- 
site, cut  loose.  Following  the  crack  of  the  gun  you  hear  a  sharp 
whack  as  the  shot  strike,  and  you  have  tumbled  an  old  cock  into 
the  grass.  You  have,  of  course,  marked  down  as  many  of  the 
birds  as  possible  ;  let  them  feed  an  hour  and  then  drive  them  up. 
They  will  rise  very  wild  and  the  only  object  in  flushing  them  is  to 
see  them  down  where  they  will  take  their  noon-day  siesta.  Now 
you  may  go  to  the  house — or  more  likely  to  your  wagon — rest  and 
get  through  with  your  lunch  so  as  to  be  in  the  field  by  twelve 
o'clock,  sharp.  You  go  direct  to  where  you  marked  some  birds 
down  in  the  morning.  At  about  fifty  yards  ahead  up  spring  the 
birds  with  a  terrible  clucking  and  rushing  of  wings.  Quick  !  no 
time  for  parley  now  !   cover  and  shoot  as  quickly  as  you  can  I 


,      .  GROUSE.  ,  121 

There, you  have  winged  one  and  hurt  another  one  that  will  fly  out 
of  sight  and  die. 

If  you  use  a  muzzle-loader  you  will  get  no  more  shots  there, 
but  you  can  load  a  breech-loader  before  the  few  that  still  stick 
will  rise.  When  you  get  these  up  let  the  dog  hunt  the  ground  for 
a  hundred  yards  all  around  where  they  rose,  and  he  will  probably 
get  you  a  half  dozen  shots  at  a  thirty  yards  rise  ;  and  if  your  gun 
is  good  and  you  are  any  sort  of  a  shot,  you  will  get  every  one. 
Now  go  for  that  pack  of  five  hundred  you  saw  down  on  yonder 
hill-side  a  mile  away.  You  get  half  way  there  when  your  dog, 
which  is  a  hundred  yards  in  advance,  flushes  one.  Serves  you 
right  for  not  keeping  him  in  ;  they  won't  He  to  dogs  now.  You 
go  a  little  furtiier,  when  up  gets  one  right  under  your  feet.  Hold 
on  !  you'll  miss  entirely  or  cut  him  to  shreds  if  you  don't  give  him 
at  least  twenty  yards.  At  the  crack  of  your  gun  there  is  a  cloud 
of  feathers  and  the  bird  has  disappeared  ;  but  there  goes  another 
crossing  you  forty  yaids  ahead  ;  aim  two  feet  ahead  and  you  will 
bring  him.  The  grass  seems  to  be  literally  alive  with  them,  and 
they  get  up  faster  than  you  can  take  them,  till  you  have  bagged 
seven  or  eight.  You  can  go  on  till  you  get  within  three  or  four 
hundred  yards  of  "  that  big  pack,"  when  they  go  off  in  a  body  and 
don't  give  you  a  shot.  It  is  now  nearly  two  o'clock  and  the  birds 
are  getting  hungry  again.  However,  if  you  are  not  too  tired  you 
can  find  some  more  scattered  ones  that  will  add  a  few  to  your  bag  ; 
but  after  three  o'clock  it  is  useless  to  pursue  them  ;  besides  you 
have  now  bagged  ten  or  twelve  brace  and  ought  to  be  satisfied. 

Iowa  is  probably  the  best  shooting  ground  for  the  Pinnated 
Grouse,  within  easy  reach  of  the  East.  Here  this  game  is  abun- 
dant over  most  of  the  western  half  of  the  State.  From  Des  Moines 
northwest,  one  may  stop  at  Grand  Junction  or  Gowrie,  north  ot 
there,  or  at  almost  any  station  west  of  Grand  Junction.  Going 
west  from  Des  Moines,  stop  at  Stuart,  and  take  stage  line  to  Fon- 
tanelle,  twelve  miles  out,  where  there  are  excellent  shooting  con- 
venience s.  Twelve  miles  west  from  Stuart  is  Casey.  Take  stage 
from  there  to  Fontanelle,  twenty-four  miles.  Almost  ever)'  foot 
of  the  way  abounds  with  "  Chickens,"  and  at  almost  any  station 
west  of  Casey  good  sport  can  be  had.  In  most  cases  it  will  be  nec- 
essary to  go  from  four  to  ten  miles  from  the  railroad,  as  the  birds  are 
6 


122  GAME  B/A'DS   OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

kept  "  cleaned  out  "  near  the  towns,  but  in  most  places  a  mail  route, 
which  carries  passengers,  extends  to  some  country  post-ofifice.  On 
the  route  northwest  from  Des  Moines  good  sport  is  to  be  had  after 
ducks  about  the  numerous  ponds,  wading  in  the  shallow  water  and 
"jumping  them  up."  About  August  20th  they  begin  to  resort  to 
the  stubble  fields  morning  and  evening,  and  make  good  shooting 
there.  Sand  hill  and  white  cranes  are  also  there,  but  veiy  shy. 
The  other  route  abounds  in  high,  rolling  ground,  affording  splen- 
did views,  and  is  absolutely  free  from  malaria,  and  in  almost  every 
hollow  clear  pure  water  is  found.  No  game  there  but  Grouse — 
and  rattlesnakes.  There  are  hundreds  of  other  places  just  as  good 
as  those  mentioned  above.  The  best  shooting  is  from  August  1 5th 
to  September  15th.  If  you  have  a  good  dog  by  all  means  bring 
him  with  you.  A  dog  that  has  only  hunted  quail  and  cock  will 
frequently  flush  chickens,  as  they  do  not  lie  very  well.  A  good 
ruffed  grouse  dog  is  just  the  thing  if  he  will  only  range  far  enough, 
Breech-loaders  should  bring  full  supplies  of  everything  except 
powder  and  shot,  say  1,000  rounds  for  a  three  weeks'  shoot. 

Now,  supposing  you  are  snugly  quartered  at  some  farm  house. 
After  an  early  breakfast  you  take  thirty  or  forty  cartridges  and 
start  for  a  wheat  stubble  that  is  bordered  by  the  open  prairie. 
Walk  about  thirty  yards  from  the  edge  and  keep  your  gun  ready 
for  instant  action.  If  the  dog  is  not  used  to  "  Chickens  "  "  steady  " 
him  as  soon  as  he  scents  the  game.  The  probability  is  that  a 
number  of  the  birds  have  been  running  in  all  directions  through 
the  stubble,  and  if  the  dog  is  a  novice  he  gets  confused,  and  will 
put  them  up.  A  good  chicken  dog  always  stops  at  the  first  scent 
and  waits  for  the  gunner  to  come  up.  If  the  birds  are  somewhat 
scattered  they  will  frequently  get  up  gradually,  and  by  the  rapid 
use  of  a  breech-loader  most  of  the  pack,  from  six  to  twenty,  may 
be  bagged.  If  they  all  get  up  at  once,  try  to  mark  them  down  on 
the  open  prairie,  and  when  you  see  them  down,  be  sure  you  mark 
the  spot  by  some  bunch  of  weeds  or  other  object ;  for  if  you  do  not 
the  grass  is  all  so  near  alike  that  you  can  never  find  the  spot  after 
once  taking  your  eyes  off  it.  If  there  be  a  slough  with  grass  in  it 
running  through  the  stubble,  you  may  be  almost  sure  of  a  find 
along  its  sides  particularly  in  the  evening.  The  birds  always  seem 
to  prefer  the  low  ground  in  a  field.     By  ten  o'clock  the  birds  have 


.  T      \      V  •   < 


GROUSE. 


123 


mostly  filled  their  crops  and  gone  to  the  grass  and  cornfields, 
where  they  remain  till  three  in  the  afternoon.  During  the  middle 
of  the  day  they  are  hard  to  find,  as  they  do  not  move  about  much. 
At  this  time  of  day  hunt  in  the  grass  along  the  edge  of  the  stubble 
not  more  than  eighty  rods  from  the  edge,  and  along  the  hill-sides 
and  on  windy  days  always  on  the  leeward  slope.  Many  may  be 
shot  in  the  cornfields  by  keeping  the  dog  well  in  and  taking  a  snap 
shot  as  the  bird  tops  the  tall  corn.  When  a  large  number  go  down 
in  the  grass  they  run  off  in  every  direction,  and  make  fine  trailing 
for  the  dog.  They  always  try  to  alight  on  some  spot  out  of  sight 
from  where  they  rise.  They  generally  fly  over  one  rise  of  the 
prairie,  and  stop  two-thirds  of  the  way  up  the  next,  or  fly  round  one 
point  and  stop  on  the  ner.t.  After  a  little  experience  one  can  gen- 
erally tell  from  the  lay  of  the  land  where  they  stopped. 

No  one  can  have  any  idea  what  Grouse  shooting  is  in  North- 
west Iowa  without  going  there.  TI\e  prairie  is  bright  and  beau- 
tiful, and  the  breeze  bracing.  Although  the  thermometer  often 
shows  140°  in  the  sun,  yet  on  the  knolls  you  always  have  a  de- 
licious breeze.  In  the  Northern  and  Middle  States  the  Pinnated 
Grouse  is  nearly  extinct.  In  1850  there  were  a  few  on  Long 
Island  and  in  New  Jersey.  On  Jersey  plains  the  last  were  killed. 
The  pot  hunter  finished  the  sport  and  doomed  the  Grouse  through 
these  regions  by  killing  them  before  the  law  allows  their  being 
killed.  In  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  Indiana,  Illinois  and  Ohio  there 
are  a  few  birds  left,  still,  it  is  a  hard  day's  work  for  three  guns  to 
bag  forty  head  during  the  morning  and  evening,  the  middle  of  the 
day  being  too  warm  for  pleasure.  In  the  cornfields  of  Iowa  and  Min- 
nesota hundreds  of  Grouse  will  rise  in  a  pack  during  the  months  of 
November  and  December ;  and  in  August,  September  and  Octo- 
ber, when  you  flush  a  brood  they  either  go  for  a  cornfield  or  tho 
tall  grass  near  the  water,  and  commence  running  in  every  direc- 
tion. The  Grouse  is  only  fit  for  the  table  during  the  latter  part  of 
August,  September,  and  October. 

Old  birds  should  not  be  shot  if  the  sportsman  can  make  a 
choice,  as  they  are  tough  and  stringy,  far  inferior  for  culinary  pur- 
poses, to  their  juniors.  As  a  general  thing  this  Grouse  selects  a 
dry  situation,  and  shows  no  disposition  to  travel  like  the  Ruffed 
Grouse  or  Quail,  very  seldom  drinking  from  a  running  stream,  but 


BS 


124  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA.   - 

generally  satisfied  with  a  sip  of  the  morning  dew.  For  this  reason 
the  sportsman  will  be  forced  to  carry  v/ater  in  a  barrel  in  the  wagon 
for  the  dogs.  This  Grouse,  when  flushed,  rises  with  a  whirring  sound. 
Their  flight  is  regular  and  swift,  frequently,  in  October,  flying  sev- 
eral miles,  then  dropping  down  in  the  long  grass.  They  fly  less 
rapidly  than  the  Ruffed  Grouse,  but  like  them,  make  a  cluck  just 
before  starting.  They  resort  to  their  feeding  ground  about  day- 
light, and  retire  by  the  cornfields  or  fresh  plowed  fields  to  dust 
themselves,  and  come  for  their  evening  meal  about  four  o'clock. 
They  roost  within  a  few  feet  of  one  another  all  the  year,  seldom 
roosting  on  trees,  but  generally  taking  an  open  field,  and  some- 
times on  the  fences.  In  the  early  fall  their  flesh  is  light,  but 
after  a  few  frosts  the  flesi  becomes  dark,  and  loses  its  delicate  fla- 
vor. Unlike  the  Ruffed  Grouse,  they  can  be  domesticated,  and  will 
I)air  and  breed  during  imprisonment,  and  do  not  migrate  like  the 
other  varieties.  The  Grouse  in  the  spring  commences  about  April 
to  "  toot,"  and  can  be  heard  nearly  a  mile. 

In  the  Southwest  and  especially  in  Texas  is  found  a  paler  and 
somewhat  smaller  form  of  this  species,  which  Mr.  Ridgway  has 
caWtA  \'^r\Q.iy  palh'dzcmctus. 

Bonisa  umbellus.—Sieyihens.    Ruffed  Grouse.  Partridge  of  the  East  and  North. 
Pheasan*  of  the  South  and  Southwest. 

The  Ruffed  Grouse  is  of  all  our  game  birds  the  most  difficult 
to  kill,  least  domestic  in  its  habits,  and  most  particular  as  to  the 
haunts  which  it  fre(juents.  The  range  of  this  Grouse  extends  over 
the  whole  breadt'i  of  our  Continent,  wherever  there  is  wooded 
country,  northward  as  far  as  the  fifty-sixth  parallel,  and  southward 
to  Texas.  Audubon  says  that  there  are  portions  of  South  Carolina 
in  which  it  ne^er  existed,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  it  is  found  in  the  ex- 
treme southeast  at  all.  Its  flesh  is  white  and  very  tender.  It  is 
said  by  some  that  their  flesh  is  poisonous  after  they  have  eaten  the 
leaves  of  the  laurel  (Kalmia  latifoUa)  ;  but  Audubon  appears  to 
doubt  this.  It  is  the  only  one  of  the  genus  that  produces  the 
"  drumming  "  or  thunder-like  noise,  in  the  localities  where  it  ex- 
ists. It  is  very  shy,  and  takes  wing  at  the  slightest  intrusion. 
Should  a  sportsman  ever  be  fortunate  enough  to  see  one  strutting 
and  drumming,  he  would  ever  after  remember  the  sight.     It  may 


....  GKOUSE.  125 

be  safely  said  that  they  arc  not  only  the  proudest,  but  the  hand- 
somest game  bird  on  this  Continent. 

Doubtless,  in  point  of  flavor  and  delicacy,  the  Ruffed  Grouse  may 
be  awarded  the  palm  above  all  other  birds  of  the  gallinaceous  tribe, 
but  on  account  of  its  extreme  wariness  and  the  almost  impenetra- 
ble nature  of  the  grounds  it  frequents,  its  pursuit  when  no  other 
game  is  sought  is  accompanied  by  extreme  labor  and  fatigue,  re- 
quiring likewise  a  thorough  knowledge  of  its  habits  before  even  a 
passable  bag  can  be  made. 

The  wide  extent  of  country  which  the  Ruffed  Grouse,  (or,  as 
they  will  call  it.  Pheasant,  in  Pennsylvania,  and  Partridge  in  New 
England),  inhabits,  causes  it  to  be  well  known  in  almost  every 
section  of  the  United  States,  and  there  are  few  sportsmen  who 
have  not  toiled  and  been  tantalized  in  its  pursuit.  Early  in  April 
the  cock  grouse  begins  his  wooing,  and  perched  upon  some  fallen 
log,  commences  his  amatory  drumming,  calling  to  his  side  the  un- 
fortunate mate  whose  family  duties  he  will  soon  refuse  to  share. 
Unlike  the  quail,  who  assists  his  partner  in  hatching  and  rearing 
her  young,  the  Ruffed  Grouse  deserts  his  better  half  after  she  has 
finished  her  nest  and  completed  her  laying,  to  seek  the  company 
and  enjoy  the  society  of  just  such  other  lazy  and  selfish  fellows 
as  himself;  thus  he  leads  a  life  of  ease  until  his  progeny  have  be- 
come almost  as  large  as  the  mother,  when  the  packs  of  grass  wid- 
owers are  broken  up,  and  all  mingle  indiscriminately  with  the 
broods  of  grown  birds.  By  the  middle  of  May  the  eggs  are  usu- 
ally all  deposited.  For  incubation  the  most  retired  situations  are 
chosen,  such  as  an  old  stump,  beneath  an  old  log,  or  among 
small  bushes  and  very  frequently  in  the  angle  of  the  worm  fence 
between  the  stakes.  The  hen  lays  from  ten  to  fifteen  eggs  of  a 
dark  yellowish  color,  often  dotted  with  minute  spots  of  bright  red- 
dish brown  ;  they  are  about  the  size  of  a  bantam's  tgg.  The  nest 
is  oftentimes  robbed  by  the  fox  and  crow,  and  other  enemies  that 
are  always  on  the  alert  for  a  spring  meal.  If  the  eggs  are  de- 
stroyed the  hen  again  seeks  the  company  of  the  cock ;  they  build 
a  new  nest  and  the  hen  lays  about  the  same  number  of  eggs.  If 
the  eggs  of  the  first  nest  are  hatched.,  she  does  not  lay  again  until 
the  following  spring. 

The  young  birds  leave  their  nest  almost  immediately,  and  will 


» » 


126  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

keep  with  the  hen  during  the  clay,  seeking  food  ;  if  startled  at  any 
time  they  hide  under  the  leaves,  or  in  the  grass  like  the  young 
quail.  The  mother  bird,  during  this  time,  is  resorting  to  stratagem 
to  draw  the  intruder  away  from  her  brood.  When  the  brood  is 
ten  days  old  they  have  sufficient  strength  to  fly  from  twenty  to 
thirty  yards,  and  as  soon  as  they  drop  hide  instantly  among  the 
dead  leaves  and  grass.  The  hen  is  never  assisted  by  the  cock  in 
caring  for  her  young.  The  cocks  club  together  until  the  latter 
part  of  August,  when  they  all  again  join  the  hen  and  brood.  In 
the  latter  part  of  March  and  all  through  April  and  May,  in  the  gul- 
lies where  the  hemlocks  and  pines  are  the  most  dense,  the  cock 
grouse  can  be  found  standing  upon  an  old  moss-grown  log,  drum- 
ming. With  this  peculiar  music  he  draws  the  female  to  his  side. 
While  drumming,  his  form  is  erect,  and  his  feathers  appear  to 
stand  upon  end,  grander  and  more  delicate  than  the  turkey  cock. 
His  head  is  posed  over  the  end  of  his  wing,  within  four  inches  of 
his  tail.  The  tail  is  spread  like  an  open  fan,  making  a  half-circle, 
showing  the  many  beautiful  tints.  His  ruff",  which  is  on  each  side 
of  his  neck,  is  raised,  showing  the  beautiful  jet  it  contains.  The 
delicate  curve  of  the  wing  lies  close  to  the  feet,  almost  hiding  them. 
See  him  now,  as  he  whirls  right  and  left,  and  struts  upon  his  fa- 
vorite log.  In  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  he  closes  the  whole  of  his 
feathers,  and  of  a  sudden  he  stretches  himself,  beats  his  wing  in 
the  air  close  to  his  sides,  after  the  manner  of  the  dunghill  cock,  but 
more  clearly  and  with  lightning  rapidity  ;  these  rapid  strokes  pro- 
duce a  sound  resembling  the  rumbling  of  thunder  in  the  distance. 
One  may  often  hear  it  six  hundred  yards,  and  in  clear  weather  with 
wind  favorable  it  can  be  heard  at  a  much  greater  distance.  The 
cock,  if  not  disturbed,  will  every  morning  drum  upon  the  same  log 
during  the  breeding  season ;  the  proof  is  the  excrement  and  fine 
feathers  that  can  be  found  at  the  spot.  In  the  mating  season  they 
frequently  have  fierce  battles.  The  cock  has  generally  from  two 
to  six  hens  under  his  protection.  In  some  parts  of  Ohio,  Penn- 
sylvania, Kentucky  and  Dakota  is  the  best  ruffed  grouse  shooting 
in  the  States  ;  but  this  bird  is  found  in  alrtnost  every  section  of  our 
country.  In  many  places  near  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi  and 
Missouri  Rivers  the  shooting  is  very  fair,  and  on  the  Columbia 
River  also.    All  through  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  and  Virginia  Ruffed 


GROUSE. 


127 


Grouse  were  at  one  time  very  abundant.  The  Ruffed  Grouse 
derives  its  name  from  the  jetty  plumage  upon  its  neck,  on  either 
side  a  space  being  left  destitute  of  feathers,  but  covered  over 
by  an  erectile  ruff  of  elongated  feathers,  of  which  the  upper  are 
silky,  shining,  and  curved  forward  at  the  end,  which  is  very  l)road 
and  rounded.  His  local  appellations  in  the  different  States  are — 
in  the  Western,  pheasant ;  Eastern,  partridge  ;  Middle,  pheasant ; 
and  Southern,  ruffed  grouse.  In  many  States  no  one  would 
know  of  what  you  were  speaking,  and  in  lact  we  have  met  many 
sportsmen  that  did  not  recognize  the  Ruffed  Grouse  by  name. 
This  species  flies  with  great  ease,  and  never  hesitates  about  cross- 
ing a  river  or  valley  ;  like  nearly  all  the  gallinaceous  order,  when 
flushed  it  flies  with  a  whirring  noise,  generally  in  a  direct  course 
from  one  to  three  hundred  yards.  They  often,  however,  get  up 
quite  silently,  and  it  is  only  when  alarmed  that  the  peculiar  rush 
and  rattle  of  their  wings  is  heard.  Being  a  solitary  bird  naturally, 
he  is  very  seldom  found  in  packs,  but  generally  in  pairs.  The  for- 
est that  is  the  most  secluded  and  dense  is  his  home.  These  birds 
may  often  be  seen  at  a  very  early  hour — say  at  eight  o'clock — busy- 
ing themselves  scratching  and  dusting  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
barnyard  fowls.  They  are  xtxy  fond  of  buckwheat,  corn,  beans, 
grapes,  strawberries  and  blackberries,  and  they  often  wander  half 
a  mile  from  the  hemlocks  for  these  delicacies.  In  the  winter  and 
spring  they  feed  upon  the  buds  of  apple  trees.  In  the  severe  win- 
ters they  are  driven  to  great  extremes  for  food,  and  will  eat  chest- 
nuts and  acorns,  and  sometimes  laurel.  In  the  low  spruce  by  the 
side  of  a  log  or  stump  this  bird  generally  roosts.  He  invariably 
makes  a  long  flight  and  then  a  short  one,  previous  to  settling  for 
the  night.  When  the  snow  lies  upon  the  ground  he  settles  in  the 
lower  limbs,  or  else  in  the  topmost  branches,  where  it  is  so  thick 
the  hunter  cannot  see  him,  and  if  seen  the  tree  would  be  so  tall 
that  No.  8  would  not  disturb  him.  Many  of  the  small  hawks  de- 
stroy the  young.  The  mink  and  weasel  catch  the  old  birds,  while 
the  fox  kills  the  young. 

In  winter,  however,  it  is  a  rare  thing  for  Reynard  to  make  a 
meal  off  a  full-grown  ruffed  grouse.  The  Grouse  seems  incapable 
of  burying  itself  in  the  snow,  while  standing  upon  it,  and  invariably 
does  so  by  hurling  itself  into  it  from  a  height,  and  striking  it  at  an 


128  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

acute  angle,  so  as  to  project  itself  about  two  feet  horizontally  and 
eight  or  ten  inches  vertically  from  the  point  of  entrance. 

No  matter  how  carefully  one  may  approach  their  holes  in  the 
snow,  the  Grouse  will  be  off  before  he  is  near,  even  though  the 
fleecy  snow  gives  forth  no  sound  perceptible  to  human  ears.  In 
the  North,  one  of  the  most  formidable  enemies  of  this  species  is  the 
great  horned  owl,  which,  winging  its  way  noiseless,  and  observant, 
on  moonlight  nights  or  in  the  gloaming,  snatches  many  a  savory 
meal  from  out  of  the  trees  and  under  the  overhanging  branches. 

A  good  grouse  dog  is  a  rarity  ;  he  should  be  thoroughly  up  to 
his  work,  long  accustomed  to  it,  staunch,  careful,  and  satisfied 
with  a  point  the  instant  he  catches  scent.  The  fast  ranging,  busy 
youngster,  no  matter  how  fine  he  may  be  on  other  game,  had  bet- 
ter be  left  at  home,  for  he  will  certainly  do  more  damage  than  good. 

All  experienced  sportsmen  know  how  seldom  it  is  that  we  meet 
with  a  i;ood  snipe  dog.  Those  only  are  good  which  have  been 
raised  and  broken  on  that  game,  and  thus  it  is  with  dogs  to  be 
worked  on  the  Ruffed  Grouse.  A  dog,  in  order  to  understand 
and  work  properly  on  this  game,  must  be  broken  specially  for  the 
purpose,  and  such  dogs,  instead  of  dashing  over  the  ground  with 
a  regular  beat,  at  a  high  rate  of  speed,  as  soon  as  they  enter  the 
cover  will  settle  down  to  slow,  cautious  work,  frequently  using 
their  eyes  to  spy  out  the  spots  where  the  Grouse  generally  lie,  and 
then  getting  themselves  quietly  to  leeward,  will  approach  very 
cautiously  with  their  noses  to  the  wind,  stopping  the  instant  they 
get  the  faintest  scent  of  the  game  ;  and  then,  as  there  is  a  perfect 
miderstanding  between  the  shooter  and  his  dog,  the  former  is 
enabled  to  get  in  position  to  shoot  in  vjase  the  bird  will  not  lie  to 
point,  as  is  often  the  case.  At  the  first  rise,  when  the  bird  starts 
before  the  sportsman  can  get  within  shot,  or  it  is  missed,  its 
course  should  be  marked  with  accuracy  by  the  shooter.  In 
the  Jlast,  the  Ruffed  Grouse  are  extremely  wary,  and  it  is  a  good 
thing  that  they  are  so,  for  if  they  were  not,  they  would  only  be 
found  in  private  collections  and  museums.  It  requires  a  great 
deal  of  perseverance  on  the  part  of  the  sportsman  to  make  a  de- 
cent bag.  Sometimes  when  come  upon  suddenly,  they  squat  and 
lie  close  for  the  dog,  but  far  more  frequently  they  will  not  admit 
of  approach  and  make  off  at  the  first  intimation  of  danger,  run- 


*     .'  •      •  GROUSE,  '  r.  129 

ning  and  taking  vviiij^  to  some  tree  where  they  rem;iin  closely  con- 
cealeil  under  the  branches  near  the  butt,  until  the  sportsman  has 
passed.  When  the  Ruffed  Grouse  is  young,  however,  they  lie 
better,  but  at  all  times  silence  sliould  be  observed  when  the  near 
proximity  of  j^ame  is  suspected,  .as  it  will  more  reailily  bear  the 
approach  of  the  dog  than  the  sound  of  the  human  voice,  or  the 
noisy  footstep  of  the  shooter.  The  most  favorite  resorts  of  the 
Grouse  are  the  side?  of  hills  overgrown  with  hemlock  and  cedar, 
with  undergrowth  of  laurel.  In  level  countries  they  frequent 
swampy  coverts  and  scrub  oak  patches,  and  if  such  places  have  a 
briery  bottom,  they  will  lie  all  the  better,  as  this  impedes  their 
running. 

When  a  Grouse  is  put  up  at  the  foot  of  a  hill  he  will  most 
likely  asc*nd  it  in  his  flight,  and  if  not  alighting  on  its  side,  can 
generally  be  found  directly  over  the  summit,  and  will  lie  better 
and  give  a  closer  shot  than  when  first  disturbed.  One  may  usu- 
ally have  some  success  when  he  can  find  a  swamp  or  thicket  at 
the  base  of  a  mountain  to  which  the  birds  come  in  the  morning 
to  feed,  and  posting  yourself  between  the  hill  and  their  feeding 
place,  while  a  companion  starts  the  Grouse,  laay  obtain  fair  shots 
as  they  pass  near.  ^   •.      • 

Fully  two-thirds  of  the  Ruffed  Grouse  we  see  in  the  markets 
are  either  snared,  trapped  or  killed  by  professionals,  who  tree 
them  by  the  aid  of  small  dogs  trained  for  the  purpose;  and  while 
the  poor  bird  is  gazing  at  what  he  most  probably  takes  for  a  fox 
beneath  him,  the  pot-hunter  murders  him  as  he  sits. 

In  many  localities  we  may  now  walk  for  hours  through  the 
most  attractive  covers,  where  Grouse  were  once  abundant,  and 
see  nothing,  hear  nothing  of  the  noble  bird.  The  familiar  drum- 
ming, the  sudden  whirr  and  flash  of  wings  as  he  passes  swiftly 
before  us,  and  is  lost  in  the  leafy  mazes  of  the  glade,  all  gone  ; 
nothing  remains  to  tell  that  this  splendid  game  was  once  a  denizen 
of  the  forest,  save  the  broken  brush  fence  with  its  deceptive  open- 
ing. One  to  whom  forest  nature  is  dear,  cannot  but  be  painfully 
affected  by  such  scenes.  It  should  be  made  a  felony  to  capture 
with  snares  any  of  our  game  birds. 

The  Ruffed  Grouse  often  takes  refuge  from  the  sportsman 
amidst  the  thickest  cripples,  deepest  gullies  and  densest  foliage, 
6* 


130  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

where  it  is  impossible  to  get  at  them,  remaining  perfectly  still 
until  the  danger  is  over.  When  the  birds  are  scarce  one  must  be 
lively  to  bring  them  to  bag.  When  started  on  a  hill  they  fly  for 
its  base,  and  then  turn  usually  to  the  right  or  left  very  short,  and 
very  few  sportsmen  understand  their  flight. 

In  the  far  West  they  lie  much  better  in  the  early  part  of  Sep- 
tember, but  in  New  England  they  lie  best  in  December.  The 
flesh  of  this  bird  is  tender  and  delicious,  though  much  of  its  ex- 
cellence depends  upon  the  cooking.  Of  course,  if  the  cook  is  not 
scientific  the  delicacy  is  lost.  You  can  make  it  tough  and  dry,  or 
juicy.  If  the  nets  and  nooses,  traps  and  pot-hunters  were  attended 
to  in  the  early  season,  this  bird  would  be  very  soon  abundant  in 
every  State. 

'  The  human  voice  will  often  cause  this  species  to  rise  at  the 
distance  of  one  hundred  yards.  We  have  known  a  single  word  to 
flush  a  brood.  On  their  feeding  grounds  they  act  very  like  the 
woodcock.  When  preparing  for  his  flight,  the  bird  generally 
v/alks  from  six  to  ten  feet,  very  erect  and  stately,  with  his  tail 
spread  fan-like,  and  in  an  instant  he  is  off  with  a  whirr  one 
does  not  forget.  Though  generally  difficult  to  approach,  they  will 
sometimes  lie  very  close,  and  then  rise  almost  from  under  your 
feet.  Their  flight  is  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred 
and  fifty  yards.  One  v  ly  singular  fact  is,  that  you  seldom  find 
the  brood  two  days  succc.  •  ely  in  the  same  neighborhood.  It  is 
the  most  difficult  of  all  the  game  birds  to  kill,  often  dropping  dead 
after  an  extended  flight,  and  when  wounded  it  is  difficult  to  find, 
hiding  in  holes  and  hollow  tree  trunks,  and  frequently  baffling  the 
best  retrievers  and  the  patience  of  the  most  persevering  sportsman. 
None  but  those  who  have  a  steady  nerve,  quick  eye,  and  good 
judgment  of  distances,  will  ever  be  able  to  make  a  large  bag. 
This  species  is  sometimes  hunted  with  Cockers  instead  of  setters, 
and  we  believe  with  most  satisfactory  results. 

What  a  pity  it  is  that  we  have  not  distinctive  popular  names  of 
our  native  game  birds.  The  Ruffed  Grouse  is  called  "  Partridge  " 
in  New  England  and  New  York,  and  "  Pheasant  "  in  the  Middle, 
Western  and  Southern  States.  Our  choice  little  Bob  White,  who, 
in  spite  of  all  his  enemies,  will  remain  and  increase  as  cultivation 
widens,  for  he  loves  the  field    better  than  the   forest,   is  called 


GROUSE.      •     v,  '3^ 

"  Quail  "  in  the  northeast  and  "  Quail  "  and  "  Partridge  "  indis- 
criminately in  other  portions  of  the  country ;  and  yet  each  are 
entirely  different  from  the  plieasant,  partridge  and  quail  of  Europe. 
To  be  understood,  we  are  obliged  to  describe  each  with  an  alias, 
and  after  all  be  incorrect,  and  sure  to  mislead  a  foreigner.  It  is 
probably  too  late  to  remedy  this  confusion. 

The  Rocky  Mountain  form  of  the  Ruffed  Grouse  has  been  dis- 
tinguished from  the  Eastern  bird,  under  the  varietal  name  umbel- 
hides  ;  it  is  somewhat  greyer  than  the  common  form,  but  is  other- 
wise similar.  The  bird  of  the  Pacific  Coast  is  redder  again,  and  is 
called  variety  sahinci.  The  different  forms,  however,  grade  into 
one  another,  and  the  differences  are  often  extremely  slight. 

Lagopus  albus. — Audubon.    Ptarmigan,  Willow  Grouse,  Partridge  of 

Newfoundland. 

The  various  species  of  Ptarmigan  are  all  alpine  birds,  and  are 
only  found  in  the  North,  and  o\\  the  highest  mountain  ranges. 
They  are  to  be  distinguished  from  all  our  other  members  of  the 
Grouse  family,  by  the  dense  feathering  of  the  tarsus  and  toes,  by 
turning  white  in  winter,  and  by  the  possession  of  only  fourteen 
rectrices  or  tail  feathers.  The  bill  of  this  species  is  very  stout ; 
the  tail  is  always  black.  In  summer,  the  foreparts  are  rich  chestnut 
or  orange  brown,  variegated  with  blackish,  the  upper  parts  and  sides 
are  barred  with  black,  tawny  and  white,  other  parts  are  mostly  white. 
Its  length  is  about  sixteen  inches.  This  species  is  confined  almost 
entirely  to  the  British  Possessions,  although  a  few  are  found  in 
winter  in  the  northernmost  counties  of  Maine,  New  Hampshire, 
Vermont  and  New  York.  The  Ptarmigan  is  quite  equal  as  a  game 
bird  to  the  Scotch  Grouse,  and  indeed  resembles  it  so  closely, 
that  it  is  difficult  to  make  out  any  specific  difference  between  the 
red  grouse,  gorcock,  or  moorcock  of  Scotland,  and  the  ptarmigan 
of  this  country.  They  are  a  most  delicious  article  of  food,  whether 
roasted,  stewed,  or  in  white  soups.  All  visitors  to  Newfoundland 
admit  that  the  flavor  qf  a  plump  partridge,  well  cooked,  is  unsur- 
passed in  richness  and  delicacy.  They  are  of  respectable  propor- 
tions, a  brace  of  them  in  season  weighing  from  three  pounds  to 
three  pounds  and  a  half.  When  the  sporting  season  opens  on  the 
first  of  September,  they  are  in  prime  condition,  after  feeding  on 


132  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

the  wild  berries,  the  partridge  berry  and  cranberry  being  tlieir 
favorite  food. 

They  are  to  be  found  in  all  parts  of  the  island,  but  the  bare 
highlands,  where  they  are  covered  with  berr)'- bearing  plants,  are 
their  favorite  localities.  In  clear  weather  they  are  found  about  the 
skirts  of  the  woods  and  in  the  tucking  bushes,  and  are  then  very 
wild  and  difficult  to  reach.  When  the  weather  is  fogg;, ,  however, 
they  come  out  on  the  barrens  and  marshes,  and  are  then  very 
tame,  merely  Hying  a  few  yards  even  when  shot  at,  before  they 
alight  again.  It  is  quite  customary  there  to  despatch  a  box  of 
partridges  in  a  frozen  state  to  friends  in  Scotland  and  England 
about  Christmas  ;  and  a  most  acceptable  present  they  prove. 
Owing  to  the  great  number  of  sportsmen  who  go  in  pursuit  of  the 
partridges,  they  are  becoming  every  year  scarcer  in  the  neiglibor- 
hood  of  St.  Johns,  and  to  get  a  thoroughly  good  day's  shooting  it 
is  necessary  to  travel  many  miles. 

In  certain  localities  they  are  very  abundant,  and  to  the  sports- 
man there  can  be  nothing  finer  than  a  day's  partridge-shooting 
over  the  breezy  "  barrens  "  of  Newfoundland  during  the  fine  au- 
tumn weather.  The  air  is  then  cool  and  exhilarating,  and  the 
bright  skies,  the  weird  and  charming  scenery,  varied  by  countless 
lakes  ;  the  low,  rounded  hills,  covered  to  the  summit  with  the 
tapering  firs  ;  the  lakelets  bright  with  the  white  and  yellow  water 
lilies  ;  the  woods  assuming  everywhere  the  golden  tints  of  autumn, 
the  wild  flowers  still  abundant,  the  bold  headlands  along  the  coast 
through  whose  summits  glimpses  of  the  restless  Atlantic  are  ob- 
tained— all  these,  with  the  excitement  of  the  sport,  combine  to  fur- 
nish to  the  lover  of  nature  a  day  of  rapturous  enjoyment.  It  is  a 
thrilling  moment  to  the  genuine  sportsman  when,  gun  in  hand  and 
dog  at  foot,  he  finds  himself  among  the  partridge  coverts.  His 
faithful  Rover  scents  the  game  ;  every  nen-e  in  his  frame  quivers 
as  step  by  step  he  thoughtfully  and  cautiously  advances  toward 
the  unseen  covey  :  then  suddenly  pausing,  with  one  fore  paw  bal- 
anced lightly,  and  every  limb  and  muscle  rigid  as  iron,  the  beau- 
tiful animal  is  at  once  transformed  into  a  marble  statue.  Pres- 
ently a  whirr  is  heard,  and  with  a  loud  "ca,  ca,  ca,"  a  magnificent 
old  cock  rises  on  the  wing.  Crack  goes  the  gun  and  down  tumbles 
the  great  bird,  the  scarlet  tips  over  his  eyes  glistening  like  rubies, 


GROUSE.  133 

as  with  a  thud  that  gladdens  the  sportsman's  heart,  he  strikes  the 
earth.  Or  perhaps  a  whole  family — father,  mother  and  children — 
rise  at  once,  and  the  double  barrels  bang  at  them  right  and  left, 
bringing  down  two  or  three  brace.  At  times  a  late  covey  is  started 
the  chickens  of  which  are  only  two  or  three  weeks  old,  just  able 
to  run  smartly  along  the  ground.  It  is  a  touching  sight  then  to 
see  the  cock  fearlessly  exposing  himself  to  save  the  lives  of 
his  offspring.  He  tumbles  along  the  ground  a  few  yards  in  ad- 
vance of  the  dogs,  rolling  there  in  order  to  decoy  the  sportsman 
from  the  brood  which  the  hen  is  anxiously  calling  into  the  thicket. 
No  more  touching  instance  of  paternal  affection  could  be  witnessed  ; 
no  more  touching  proof  among  the  lower  creation  of  self-sacrifice, 
prompted  by  love.  The  poor  feeble  bird  would  almost  attack  dogs 
and  men  in  his  efforts  to  save  his  children.  No  true  sportsman 
would  harm  a  bird  under  such  circumstances.  Only  a  brute  would 
fire  upon  it.  The  dogs  are  called  off,  and  father  and  mother  Ptar- 
migan are  soon  rejoicing  over  their  rescued  family. 

After  a  day's  sport  over  the  hills  a  supper  of  roast  ptarmigan, 
with  wild  strawberry  tart  as  an  accompaniment,  is  "  a  feast  fit  for 
the  gods."  When  the  frost  sets  in,  the  brownish  grey  of  the 
Ptarmigan's  plumage  gradually  disappears,  as  in  the  Alpine  hare, 
and  at  length  when  the  snow  falls  it  is.  almost  pure  white.  One 
peculiarity,  however,  in  the  Newfoundland  bird  is,  that  the  middle 
pair  of  tail  coverts  is  rarely  found  entirely  white  in  winter.  These 
remarkable  changes,  effected  as  in  the  northern  hare  without  loss 
of  substance,  fit  it  admirably  for  its  situation  ;  as  the  sportsman, 
if  he  have  not  a  dog  used  to  the  game,  may  also  walk  over  the  bird 
without  putting  it  up.  It  is  feathered  and  haired  down  the  legs 
and  between  the  toes,  and  may  be  distinguished  at  a  considerable 
distance  by  the  red  about  the  eye.  These  birds  are  widely  diffused 
over  the  island  and  it  is  no  uncommon  thing  for  a  sportsman  to  bag 
in  a  day  from  a  dozen  to  twenty  brace. 

The  food  of  the  Ptarmigan  consists  chiefly  of  the  buds  and 
tender  shoots  of  birch,  alder,  black  spruce,  juniper,  etc.,  but  in  the 
berry  season  they  feast  on  partridge  berries  and  cranberries.  They 
almost  invariably  roost  on  the  ground,  but  are  often  shot  feeding 
on  the  tops  of  birch  and  alder  trees. 

At  times,  in  some  districts,  they  are  so  tame  that  they  can  be 


134  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

killed  with  a  stick,  and  at  others  so  wild  that  they  will  not  allow 
you  to  approach  within  gun  shot,  and  such  is  generally  the  case  in 
winter,  when  the  snow  is  hard  and  crusty,  and  the  noise  made  in 
approaching  them  alarms  them.  They  are  shot  at  all  times  by  the 
population  in  the  more  distant  districts,  but  a  close  time  is  now 
fixed  by  law,  which  will  have  a  good  effect  where  the  law  can  be 
enforced. 

Lagopns  rupestris, — Leach.    Rock  Ptarmigan.    Mountain  Ptarmigan. 

This  species  is  still  more  boreal  in  its  habitat  than  the  preceding 
and  but  little  is  known  concerning  it.  In  size  it  is  somewhat  less 
than  the  Willow  Grouse  and  its  bill  is  more  slender.  The  tail  is 
black.  The  male  has  at  all  seasons  a  black  stripe  running  through 
the  eye.  The  summer  plumage  is  irregular  banded  with  black, 
yellow  and  white.  This  species  is  never  found  within  the  limits  of 
the  United  States.  In  winter  however  it  is  found  in  Labrador 
along  the  coast  on  the  hills  from  which  the  wind  has  swept  the 
snow  ;  here  it  feeds  on  maples  and  lichens,  and  on  the  few  twigs 
and  buds  that  are  to  be  found.  In  Newfoundland  it  is  quite  rare 
and  is  seldom  found  below  the  line  of  stunted  black  spruce  except 
in  the  depths  of  winter,  when  they  descend  to  the  low  lands  and 
feed  on  the  buds  of  dwari"  trees,  sometimes  in  company  with  the 
Willow  Grouse.  The  settlers  here  call  this  the  "  mountain  par- 
tridge." .:■     :  ...^.   •  ^      .,:■..: 

This  species  is  said  to  occur  in  Melville  Peninsula  and  in  the 
Barren  Grounds,  rarely  going  even  in  winter  south  of  latitude  63" 
in  the  interior  though  passing  much  farther  to  the  southward  along 
the  shores  of  Hudson's  Bay.  It  is  said  to  breed  in  the  open 
country,  differing  in  this  respect  from  the  Willow  Grouse,  which 
nests  in  the  wooded  land.      ^     .-■  'i"  {  •  -        '   '* 

Lagopus  ieucurus.—^\sz:xa.%QVi.     White-tailed  Ptarmigan.  White  Quail. 

The  White-tailed  Ptarmigan  may  be  distinguished  from  all 
others  of  the  genus  by  having  the  tail  white  at  all  seasons.  It  is 
•the  smallest  of  our  Ptarmigan,  and  it  is  the  only  one  of  regular 
occurrence  within  the  territory  of  the  United  States.  In  winter 
this  species  is  pure  white  throughout,  but  the  summer  plumage  is 
curiously  mottled  with  dark  brown  and  tawny  and  white  ;  the  eye 


GROUSE. 


135 


IS  hazel,  the  superciliary  membrane,  red  ;  toes,  feathered  half  their 
length  in  summer,  and  entirely  covered  with  hair-like  feathers  in 
the  winter ;  claws  blackish — lighter  at  their  tips,  long,  broad  and 
strong,  rounded  above,  concave  beneath,  arched,  edges  sharp,  and 
in  some  individuals  the  claws  are  notched  on  the  sides. 

This  species  is  found  only  on  the  highest  peaks  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  During  the  summer  months  they  are  found  in  pairs 
near  the  snow  banks  on  the  bare  tops  of  the  mountains.  Their 
Bests  are  generally  placed  in  some  little  cavity  among  the  loose 
rocks,  and  are  constructed  of  dried  grasses.  Their  nests  are  small 
and  scantily  built,  merely  a  little  hollow  in  the  ground  lined  with  a 
few  blades  of  grass  and  perhaps  a  feather  or  two  from  the  mother's 
breast.  The  eggs  are  probably  from  eight  to  twelve  in  number, 
though  about  this  there  seems  to  be  some  doubt.  In  all  likelihood, 
however,  this  bird  does  not  differ  materially  from  the  other  mem- 
bers of  its  family  in  the  number  of  young  which  it  rears.  When 
with  its  young,  this  species  makes  valiant  fight  against  any  enemy 
which  ventures  to  attack  its  family,  flying  so  near  as  to  hit  one  with 
their  wings,  in  their  endeavors  to  protect  their  chickens.  Both  male 
and  female  are  equally  courageous,  and  will  defend  their  young. 
In  the  summer  they  are  very  taine,  and  when  approached  will  run 
among  the  rocks  or  in  the  dwarf  willoivs,  a  few  yards  from  the 
hunter,  and  squat  and  will  not  continue  their  retreat  until  the 
hunter  is  upon  them.  When  started  they  fly  in  a  straight  line  for 
seventy-five  or  a  hundred  yards,  and  alight  on  some  elevated  rock, 
stretching  out  the  neck  its  full  length  to  see  if  they  are  followed,  and 
if  nothing  is  seen  to  excite  their  suspicion,  they  walk  off  from  the 
rocks  and  commence  to  feed  as  usual.  During  deep  snows  in  the 
winter  the  Ptarmigan  descend  from  the  mountains  and  feed  in  the 
edges  of  the  timber  and  on  the  hill  sides. 

This  species  goes  through  a  continued  moult  which  lasts  during 
the  summer  months,  and  the  variation  in  their  plumage  is  so  great 
•that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  find  two  individuals  in  the  same  dress. 
During  the  months  from  April  to  September  their  plumage  is  very 
scant  and  ragged ;  but  when  in  their  full  winter  plumage  their 
feathers  are  heavy  and  compact,  which  gives  them  a  much  larger 
appearance  than  when  seen  in  the  summer  dress,  mottled  with 
blown  and  greyish  white.     They  are  generally  known  in  Colorado 


136  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

as  White  and  Mountain  Quails  by  the  hunters,  miners  and  ranch- 
men. The  White-tailed  Ptarmigan,  though  the  least  in  size,  is  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  of  our  grouse,  but  as  it  nowhere  exists  in  suf- 
ficient numbers  to  repay  the  sportsman  for  hunting  it  systematic- 
ally, it  will  probably  continue  to  be  little  known  to  any  excepting 
the  naturalist. 


QUAIL. 

THE  Continent  of  America  is  amply  provided  with  gallinaceous 
birds,  and  these  are  found  here,  not  only  in  unusual  numbers 
as  regards  species,  genera  and  families,  but  also  in  the  greatest 
variety  as  to  size,  delicacy  of  flavor  and  the  game  qualities  so 
highly  prized  by  the  sportsman.  From  the  Wild  Turkey,  weigh- 
ing perhaps  twenty-five  pounds,  to  the  little  Quail  which  turns  the 
scale  at  a  few  ounces,  is  certainly  a  long  step,  and  between  the  two 
we  have  nine  species  of  Grouse  and  over  forty  species  of  the 
OdontophorincB,  the  sub-family  to  which  the  Quails  belong.  The 
latter,  it  is  true,  are  by  no  means  all  inhabitants  of  the  United 
States,  having  by  far  their  greatest  development  in  Mexico  and  in 
Central  and  South  America.  Still,  three  at  least  of  these  South- 
ern species  are  found  to  the  north  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  are 
properly  to  be  included  within  the  limits  of  this  chapter.  Besides 
these,  there  are  the  Mountain  and  the  Valley  Quail  of  California, 
the  former  sometimes  found  at  an  elevatic>n  of  over  six  thousand 
feet,  and  last  but  by  far  the  most  highly  esteemed  by  the  brother- 
hood of  sportsmen,  our  own  little  Bob  White.  This  bird  is  the 
only  one  of  all  those  above  mentioned  which  lies  well  to  a  dog. 
The  western  and  south-western  species  have  not  as  yet  been  edu- 
cated up  to  this  point ;  they  all  prefer  to  run,  after  having  once 
been  flushed,  and  as  they  choose  the  most  impenetrable  thickets 
of  chapparal  and  mesquite  through  which  to  pass,  it  is  often  quite 
impossible  to  start  them  from  the  ground  a  second  time.  The 
species  belonging  to  the  sub-family  Odontophortnce.  which  are 
found  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States  are  as  follows  : 

Ortyxvirginianus. — Bon.    Quail  (of  the  North)  ;  Partridge  (of  the  South) ;  Bob 

White. 

Inhabits  the  Eastern  United  States  to  the  high  central  plains ; 
introduced,  and  doing  well  in  Utah.     Description  ;  feathers  of  the 


I3S  GAME   BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

crown  somewhat  lengthened,  and  capable  of  being  erected  into  a 
slight  crest ;  forehead,  a  line  over  the  eye  and  the  throat  white 
bordered  with  black ;  crown,  neck  and  front  of  breast  brownish 
red,  other  under  parts  white  marked  with  crescentic  black  bars ; 
sides  streaked  with  brownish  red,  upper  parts  varied  with  chest- 
nut, black,  grey  and  tawny.  In  the  female  the  forehead,  throat 
and  line  over  the  eye  are  buff  instead  of  white,  and  her  colors 
throughout  are  somewhat  paler  than  those  of  the  male  ;  she  is 
also  a  little  smaller  than  the  male.  The  ordinary  Quail  of  Florida 
is  regarded  by  most  competent  authorities  as  a  variety  of  the  Quail 
of  the  north.  It  is  smaller  and  its  colors  arc  darker,  approaching 
the  Cuban  form  Ortyx  cubajieusis.  Dr.  Coues  has  named  it  var. 
Floridanus.  Variety  texanus,  Lawrence,  is  about  the  size  of  Flor- 
idaniis  but  is  even  paler  and  greyer  than  our  northern  bird.  It  is 
the  common  Quail  of  Texas. 

Oreortyx  picttis.—^MxA.     Mountain  Quail  of  California.        ;  ' 

This  is  a  beautiful  species,  the  largest  Quail  known  to  the 
United  States,  being  quite  a  foot  long.  The  wings  and  tail  and 
the  posterior  half  of  the  body  above  are  rich  olive  brown,  some  of 
the  inner  quills  being  edged  with  white  on  the  inside.  The  pos- 
terior half  of  the  body  below  is  purplish  chestnut  barred  with 
white,  black  and  tawny ;  fore  part  of  body  a  rich  slate  blue  ;  chin 
and  throat  purplish  chestnut.  A  long  crest,  consisting  of  two  slen- 
der keeled  feathers  which  rise  from  the  crown,  sometimes  attains 
a  length  of  three  or  four  inches  in  the  male.  This  beautiful  species 
inhabits  the  mountain  regions  of  Oregon  and  California,  and  is 
never,  we  believe,  found  or.  the  low  lands.  They  will  usually  run 
before  a  dog,  are  only  flushed  with  much  trouble,  and  often  take 
to  the  trees  after  being  started.  '  •■••  ■ 

Lophortyx  cali/ornica.—^o'Ci.    Valley  Quail,  Meadow  Quail, 

The  Valley  Quail,  as  its  name  implies,  is  a  lowland  species,  and 
is  rarely  found  high  up  on  the  mountain  sides.  It  is  smaller  than 
the  preceding,  but  its  plumage  is  no  less  beautiful.  Its  head  is 
adorned  with  a  fine  crest  of  from  six  to  ten  keeled  clubbed  black 
feathers,  sometimes  an  inch  in  length,  and  bent  forward,  giving  to 
the  bird  a  very  jaunty  air.     Male  with  a  small  white  line  from  bill 


'.  '    ■  QUAIL.       .'..^    ,      A\'  •  139 

to  eye  ;  forehead  whitish  with  black  lines  ;  occiput  smoky  brown  ; 
nuchal  and  cervical  feathers  with  very  dull  edginjjs  and  shaft  lines, 
and  tine  whitish  speckling  ;  general  color  of  upper  parts  ashy  with 
strong  olive  brown  gloss,  the  edging  of  the  inner  quills  brownish 
orange  ;  fore  breast  slaty  blue  ;  under  parts  tawny,  deepening 
centrally  into  rich  golden  brown  or  orange  chestnut,  all  the  feath- 
ers sharply  edged  with  jet  black ;  sides  like  the  back  with  sharp 
white  stripes ;  vent,  flanks  and  crissum  tawny  with  dark  stripes. 
Besides  lacking  the  definite  head  markings,  the  female  wants  the 
rich  sienna  color  of  the  under  parts  which  are  whitish  or  tawny, 
with  black  semicircles  as  in  the  male  ;  the  breast  is  olive  grey.  In 
size  this  species  about  equals  our  Bob  White. 

The  California  Quail  is  usually  found  in  large  flocks,  sometimes 
containing  hundreds  of  birds.  They  frequent  hill-sides  and 
wooded  gulches  or  arroyos,  where  such  are  to  be  found,  and  the 
dense  masses  of  chapparal  which  affords  them  cover.  In  culti- 
vated districts  they  are  to  be  found  near  or  in  vineyards  and  occa- 
sionally in  wheat-fields.  Unlike  their  Eastern  brethren,  who 
appear  to  squat  on  the  ground  at  night,  they  roost  in  the  thick  and 
almost  impenetrable  cover  of  a  scrub  oak  or  thorn  bush.  Setting 
aside  the  fact  of  the  birds  being  so  much  more  numerous,  the 
shooting,  owing  to  the  openness  of  the  ground,  is  much  more  dif- 
ficult than  in  the  East.  California  is,  comparatively  speaking, 
destitute  of  wood  except  on  almost  inaccessible  mountain  sides, 
and  cafions.  The  birds,  in  the  fall  of  the  year  after  the  different 
broods  have  packed,  are  found  on  the  plains,  where  they  feed  on 
the  seeds  of  the  alfilleria  and  burr  clover.  When  driven  to  cover 
and  scattered  they  begin  almost  immediately  to  call  with  a  whistle 
not  unlike,  though  more  prolonged,  than  that  of  our  bird. 

I  Loi>hortyx  gambeli. — Nuttall.    Gambel's  Partridge,  Arizona  Quail. 

This  species,  which  somewhat  resembles  the  Valley  Quail  just 
referred  to,  is  confined  to  a  portion  of  our  south-western  territory, 
bounded  on  the  north  by  the  thirty-fifth  parallel  of  latitude,  on  the 
east  by  the  Pecos  River,  and  on  the  west  by  the  Colorado  ;  south- 
ward, its  ranges  extend  into  Mexico.  It  is  most  abundant  in 
New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  and  is  found  in  equal  numbers  on  the 
parched  deserts  and  the  rocky  mountain  sides. 


'■', 


M 


140 


GAME  nrRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 


The  male  lacks  the  white  basal  line  of  the  Valley  Quail :  "  lore- 
head  black  with  whitish  lines  ;  occiput  chestnut  ;  nuchal  and  cer- 
vical feathers  with  dark  shaft  lines,  but  few  dark  edj;ing  or  none, 
and  no  white  specklings ;  general  color  of  upper  parts  clear  ash, 
the  edging  of  the  inner  quills  white  ;  forebreast  like  the  back  ; 
under  parts  whitish,  middle  of  belly  with  a  large  jet  black  patch  ; 
sides  rich  purplish  chestnut,  with  sharp  white  stripes  ;  vent,  flanks 
and  crissum  white  with  dusky  streaks.  Besides  lacking  the  defi- 
nite head  markings,  the  female  wants  the  black  abdominal  area, 
where  the  feathers  are  whitish  with  dark  lengthwise  touches." 

Callipepla  squafnata.—GTKy,    Scaled  Partridge,  Blue  yuail. 

The  Blue  Quail,  like  all  the  other  western  and  south-western 
species  with  which  we  have  to  do,  prefers  to  trust  for  safety  to  its 
powers  of  running,  rather  than  those  of  flight.  Indeed  there  is  no 
difficulty  whatever  in  getting  pot  shots  at  any  of  these  uneducated 
birds,  the  great  trouble  being  to  start  them  from  the  ground.  This 
species  is  about  the  size  of  our  eastern  quail,  but  differs  widely 
from  it  in  color.  It  has  a  short  full  crest,  is  greyish  blue  above, 
paler  below,  the  sides  striped  with  white,  and  the  whole  plumage 
marked  with  semicircular  black  edgings  of  the  feathers,  which 
give  it  a  scaled  appearance  ;  the  inner  edges  of  the  inner  quills, 
and  the  end  of  the  crest  are  white.  The  under  tail  coverts  red- 
dish brown  with  dark  streaks.  The  Blue  Quail  is  found  very 
abundantly  in  Texas,  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  and  to  the  southward. 

Cyrtonyx  massena. — Gould.    Massena  Quail. 

This  most  beautiful  species  is  also  by  far  the  most  gentle  and 
unsuspicious  of  our  Quails,  and  will  permit  a  very  close  approach 
by  man,  showing  little  or  no  fear  of  what  most  animals  know  so 
well  to  be  their  m  deadly  enemy.  While  feeding,  the  Massena 
Quail  keep  close  together,  and  constantly  utter  a  soft  clucking 
note  as  though  talking  to  one  another. 

This  species  is  about  the  size  of  our  Quail  of  the  East.  Its 
head  is  ornamented  with  a  beautifully  full  soft  occipital  crest. 
The  head  of  the  male  is  singularly  striped  with  black  and  white  ; 
the  upper  parts  are  varied  with  black,  white  and  tawny,  and  with 
paired  black  spots  on  the  wings.     The  under  parts  are  velvety 


QUAIL.  141 

black,  purplish  chestnut  along  the  middle  line,  and  with  numerous 
circular  white  spots.  The  female  is  smnller,  and  is  quite  different 
in  color,  but  may  be  recoj^nized  by  the  generic  characters.  The 
tail  is  short  and  full,  and  the  claws  very  large. 

The  following  remarks  apply  altogether  to  the  Common  Quail, 
the  typical  game  bird  of  North  America.  The  Quail  breeds  in 
almost  every  State  in  the  Union,  and  there  is  a  diversity  of  opinion 
among  naturalists  and  sportsmen,  whether  it  regularly  hatches 
two  broods  a  year.  Both  sides  have  strong  advocates,  but  the 
matter  is  probably  entirely  dependent  upon  the  character  of  season 
and  climate.  In  latitudes  where  spring  and  summer  are  short, 
very  likely  but  one  is  raised  as  a  rule  ;  but  in  more  southern  sec- 
tions, probably  two  are  often  reared.  If  the  parent  birds  are  suc- 
cessful in  the  hatching  period,  and  the  nest  and  young  have  not 
been  destroyed,  they  remain  with  the  brood  and  do  not  hatch  a 
second  ;  but  on  the  other  hand,  if  any  mishap  befalls  their  eggs  or 
young  in  early  summer,  undoubtedly  the  hen  begins  another  nest 
and  hatches  again.  This  may  account  for  the  great  diversity  in 
the  size  of  Quail  in  different  coveys  we  so  often  notice  in  Maryland, 
Delaware  and  Virginia.  As  late  as  the  middle  of  November  the 
writer  has  found  them  too  young  to  be  killed,  plainly  showing  that 
they  were  brought  forth  late  in  the  summer,  and  it  is  always  to  be 
observed  that  a  great  number  of  half-grown  coveys  are  seen  in 
seasons  which  follow  wet  and  cold  springs. 

The  Quail  makes  a  simple  nest  on  the  ground,  under  the  edge 
of  some  old  log,  or  in  the  thick  grass  on  the  prairie,  lined  with 
soft  and  well  dried  grass  and  a  few  feathers. 

The  female  lays  from  fifteen  to  twenty-four  eggs,  white  as 
hens'  eggs  and  shaped  much  like  them,  only  a  little  more  blunt  at 
one  end,  and  a  little  more  peaked  at  the  other.  She  sits  three  weeks, 
and  so  far  as  our  observation  goes,  hatches  nearly  all  the  eggs, 
be  they  more  or  less  than  twenty.  The  young  brood,  as  soon  as 
they  are  fairly  out  of  the  shell,  leave  the  nest,  and  seem  abundantly 
strong  to  follow  the  parent,  though  they  are  no  bigger  than  the 
end  of  your  thumb — covered  with  down.  They  follow  as  chickens 
do,  and  the  moment  the  old  bird  sounds  an  alarm,  they  instantly 
scatter  in  all  directions  and  hide  from  observation  and  remain  hidden 
till  the  voice  of  the  parent  announces  the  prudence  of  coming  forth. 


142  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

When  a  do}^  approaches  a  young  family  of  Quails,  the  note  of 
alarm  is  sounded,  and  the  mother  bird  feigning  to  be  wounded, 
flutters  just  before  the  dog,  but  is  careful  to  keep  out  of  reach,  but 
she  usually  succeeds  in  taking  the  dog  a  long  way  from  her  brood, 
when  by  a  circuitous  route  she  returns  and  gathers  together  the 
scared  fugitives,  and  proceeds  to  hunt  for  food  for  her  growing 
family.  ■ .    .  .  .       .     -     ,     ■    -   .  .    ,       •■    .  ■ 

They  are  both  grain  and  insect  eating  birds,  and  occasionally 
indulge  in  a  dessert  of  berries.  They  are  very  much  averse  to  be- 
coming domesticated,  yet  they  come  around  the  house  and  out- 
buildings in  search  of  food.  We  have  seen  a  statement  that  some- 
times, when  hatched  out  by  hens,  they  would  run  with  her  and 
winter  with  the  barnyard  fowls,  but  would  invariably  leave  in  the 
spring,  under  the  irrepressible  instincts  of  their  nature,  implanted 
by  its  Creator. 

Eggs  of  the  hen  have  been  placed  under  the  Quail  and  hatched 
by  her,  and  in  one  instance,  at  least,  the  chickens  ran  with  the 
Quail  till  they  were  larger  than  the  Quail.  They  were  then  lost 
sight  of — were  probably  caught  by  hawks,  or  some  wild  animal 
whose  epicurean  tastes  were  partial  to  birds.  Though  they  raise 
many  young,  the  ravages  of  the  remorseless  hunters  and  the  money- 
loving  trappers,  together  with  hard  winters  and  deep  snows  long 
continued,  thin  out  their  ranks  continually.  They  are  a  remarka- 
bly plump  bird,  and  their  flesh  furnishes  delicate  morsels  to  the 
fastidious  lover  of  wild  game. 

In  the  summer  when  his  mate  is  sitting,  and  in  the  early  fall 
the  Quail  sits  on  the  fence  or  a  low  tree,  and  whistles  Bob  White 
for  an  hour  at  a  time.  They  have  quite  a  variety  of  notes,  which 
they  utter  when  several  of  them  meet,  as  if  in  social  converse,  are 
pleasant  and  agreeable  companions,  and  decidedly  the  farmers' 
friends,  for  they  eat  quantities  of  those  dreaded  chinch  bugs,  whose 
little  suckers  lay  waste  our  wheat  fields.  No  sport  is  more  de- 
lightful than  Quail  shooting,  and  there  is  only  one  legitimate 
method  by  which  this  bird  can  be  taken  ;  that  is  over  dogs.  It  is, 
too,  one  of  the  most  healthful  of  all  our  field  sports,  as  it  can  only 
be  indulged  in  after  the  heat  of  the  summer  has  passed,  and  when 
man  needs  the  bracing  and  life-giving  influence  of  the  pure  frosty 
air  for  the  purpose  of  recuperating  his  exhausted  system. 


QUAIL.  143 

Quail,  as  every  sportsman  is  aware,  are  formed  into  coVeys,  and 
in  some  parts  of  the  country,  arc  large  enough  to  shoot  early  in 
October,  but  most  of  the  States  have,  by  legislative  enactment, 
prohibited  the  shooting  of  them  until  the  first  of  November.  They 
are  to  be  found  in  almost  every  State  of  the  Union,  but  are  most 
eagerly  sought  after  in  the  Middle  and  Southern  States,  especially 
in  Delaware,  Maryland  and  Virginia,  where  immense  num[)crs  of 
them  are  killed  every  year. 

(2uail  are  almost  everywhere  protected  by  law  at  certain  seasons, 
but  there  is  a  wide  difference  in  the  dates  at  which  the  close  seasons 
begin  and  end  in  the  various  States  of  the  Union.  We  can  have 
no  better  law  in  regard  to  the  quail  than  the  jiresent  one  of  Penn- 
sylvania, which  protects  them  from  January  ist  until  November; 
'  but  in  Kent  county,  Delaware,  quail  shooting  is  tolerated  until  Feb- 
ruary 15th,  and  certainly  nothing  could  be  more  damaging  to  the 
increase  and  preservation  of  the  bird,  especially  if  deep  snows  cover 
the  ground  after  the  first  of  the  year,  and  shooting  continues.  All 
persecution  at  this  time  should  cease,  and  the  quail  be  allowed  to 
seek  what  little  food  there  is  for  them  during  such  periods.  In 
Maryland  October  20th  is  given  as  the  opening  day  for  the  sports- 
man, which  is  almost  two  weeks  sooner  than  it  should  be. 

In  fair  weather,  the  favorite  feeding  ground  of  the  Ouail  is  on 
the  wheat  stubble,  especially  if  it  be  grown  up  with  "  rag  weed," 
and  generally  not  far  from  a  brook  or  slough,  if  there  be  one  in  the 
field.  During  the  middle  of  the  day  he  will  be  found  along  the 
fences  of  the  stubble  fields,  if  there  be  blackberry  or  other  bushes 
for  cover ;  also  on  newly  cleared  land  that  has  never  been  cultivated. 
In  rainy  weather  they  take  to  the  bushes  and  remain  there  all  day, 
and  if  possible  elude  pursuit  by  running.  Frequently  the  sports- 
man has  to  follow  a  covey  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile  before  he  can  get 
near  enough  to  flush  them.  Also,  in  snowy  weather  they  go  to  the 
timber,  but  in  a  day  or  two  after  the  storm  come  back  to  the  fields 
again.  After  there  has  been  sunshine  sufficient  to  melt  the  snow 
from  the  northern  banks  of  the  brooks,  if  the  weather  turn  cold  and 
clear,  every  covey  that  rises  in  that  vicinity  will  be  found  sunning 
themselves  on  the  banks  which  are  bare  of  snow.  We  recently 
found  four  large  coveys  within  as  many  hundred  yards  along  a 
small  brook,  when  on  ordinary  occasions  that  would  be  considered 


144  GAME   BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

a  j^ood  half-day's  find.  When  a  covey  has  been  flushed  and  gone 
down,  if  there  be  thick  weeds  or  grass,  they  will  hide  at  once,  and 
are  easily  found  by  the  dog.  If  they  come  down  near  piles  of 
brush  they  are  almost  sure  to  run  into  them,  but  a  kick  or  two  will 
generally  get  them  out.  If.they  fly  to  thick  bushes  they  will  prob- 
ably run  together,  and  get  away  as  fast  as  they  can  run,  and  it  is  a 
singular  fact  that  a  dog  which  had  no  difficulty  in  trailing  them 
before  they  were  put  up  will  be  totally  unable  to  do  it  now,  and 
so  it  is  useless  to  follow  them  unless  there  is  snow,  and  even  then 
it  is  doubtful  if  you  get  a  shot,  for  they  will  travel  faster  through 
the  brush  than  you  can  follow.  Possibly  it  is  generally  known  to 
sportsmen  that  quail  will  double  unatr  such  circumstances  like  a 
hare,  but  this  trait  ha  '  een  noted  repeatedly.  We  have  also 
noticed  that  a  dog  can  smell  but  very  little  whtn  the  weather  is 
cold  and  the  ground  covered  with  fine  dry  snow.  In  fact  a  dog  is 
at  a  disadvantage,  if  not  thoroughly  broken.  If  a  covey  be  flushed, 
and  on  coming  down  one  of  them  gives  a  call  or  two,  you  may  look 
for  them  to  fly  again  almost  immediately.  They  occasionally  do 
this  when  they  happen  to  come  down  where  the  cover  does  not 
suit  them.  In  the  early  part  of  the  season  one  can  irequently  learn 
where  the  scattered  ones  are  by  imitating  their  call,  which  every 
one  can  do  with  a  little  practice.  Later  in  the  season  this  will  not 
succeed  till  near  sundown.  In  Florida  the  quail  are  very  fre- 
quently found  in  gardens  or  clearings  along  the  borders  of  pal- 
metto scrub.  If  the  garden  or  field  be  fenced,  let  the  dog  and  one 
gunner  take  the  field,  and  another  gunner  work  the  outside,  taking 
the  birds  as  they  fly  over  into  the  scrub.  Once  in  this  cover  they 
are  safe,  for  neither  dog,  man,  nor  double-plated  pachydermata 
can  follow  them. 

The  early  days  of  the  season  are  not  so  good,  for  shooting,  as 
a  month  later  ;  for,  after  being  shot  into  a  few  times,  the  coveys 
become  shy  and  wild  and  take  to  che  woods,  where  they  find  plenty 
of  food,  such  as  acorns,  etc.,  and  resort  to  the  stubble  fields  only 
very  early  in  the  morning  and  late  in  the  afternoon ;  and  during 
the  intervening  part  of  the  day,  especially  if  the  weather  is  warm, 
they  are  generally  scattered  along  the  banks  of  water-courses  or 
branches  of  creeks  which  run  through  the  woods.  As  the  season 
advances,  towards  the  first  and  middle  of  December,  when  the 


QUAIL.  145 

ground  is  frozen,  and  food  becomes  scarce  in  the  woods,  they  re- 
sort more  to  the  open  stubble  fields  in  search  of  grain,  and,  when 
flushed,  generally  scatter  among  the  high  grass,  or  along  some  old 
ditch-bank  overgrown  with  brier  bushes,  and  will  lie  well  to  the 
dogs,  and,  in  many  instances,  nearly  an  entire  covey  may  be  picked 
up  singly  by  a  good  shot,  if  he  has  a  firm,  staunch  dog,  who  is  not 
too  eager,  but  will  carefully  hunt  over  the  whole  ground.  When 
a  covey  is  first  flushed,  they  should  be  carefully  marked  when  they 
settle,  and  the  shooter  need  be  in  no  particular  hurry  to  follow  them 
if  they  are  in  good  cover,  as  they  have  been  supposed  to  have  the 
faculty  of  withholding  their  scent,  so  that  the  best  dogs  are  very 
often  at  fault.  Dr.  Lewis,  in  his  "  American  Sportsman,"  speaks 
of  this  supposed  power,  and  publishes  a  letter  of  Dr.  Samuel 
Smith,  of  Baltimore,  in  which  the  Doctor  says  that  many  noble 
dogs  have  been  censured  for  carelessness,  when  it  was  manifest 
that  the  fault  did  not  lie  with  them,  but  that  this  power  was  given 
to  the  birds  by  their  Creator  to  preserve  them  from  their  ruthless 
destroyers. 

Even  Wilson,  the  great  ornithologist,  never  gave  this  matter 
sufficient  study,  as  the  Doctor  mentions  the  fact  of  being  in  his 
company  upon  one  occasion,  when  a  well  appointed  party  of  gen- 
tlemen were  shooting  "  partridges  "  in  a  stubble  field  adjoining  a 
woods,  where  he  and  Wilson  were  gathering  specimens.  He 
says :  "  The  stubble  field  in  which  this  party  was  shooting,  had 
small  patches  of  briers  and  low  bushes  in  several  places.  From 
one  of  these  was  flushed  a  very  large  covey  of  partridges,  which, 
after  having  been  vigorously  fired  upon,  settled  nearly  in  the  centre 
of  the  field,  in  a  place  slightly  depressed,  where  the  stubble  was 
unusually  high,  with  rank  clover  underneath.  The  sportsmen  pur- 
sued with  due  caution,  giving  the  proper  instructions  and  ample 
time  to  the  dogs.  Some  of  the  birds  were  put  up  and  killed,  but 
not  near  as  many  as  had  taken  refuge  there.  After  consider- 
able search  the  party  left  the  ground.  Why  so  few  birds  were 
roused  puzzled  me  exceedingly,  and  I,  in  common  with  every  one, 
censured  the  dogs.  On  our  return  from  the  woods,  where  Mr. 
Wilson  had  been  watching  and  studying  the  habits  of  some  small 
birds,  we  crossed  the  stubble  directly  past  the  spot  where  the  par- 
tridges had  been  hunted  by  the  sportsmen.     As  we  approached  it 

7 


146  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

a  bird  flew  up,  and  soon  after,  another  and  another,  until  five 
went  off.  I  expressed  my  surprise  to  Mr.  Wilson,  who  dismissed 
the  matter  by  supposing  that  the  stronger  scent  from  the  feet  of 
so  many  men  had  transcended  that  of  the  birds,  and  bewildered 
the  dogs." 

After  starting  a  covey,  and  scattering  the  birds,  no  doubt  every 
observant  sportsman  has  noticed  the  same  thing,  namely,  how 
difficult  it  has  been  for  his  dog  to  find  the  single  quail,  although 
directly  marked  to  a  particular  spot.  This  habit  of  the  bird  to  lie 
until  almost  trodden  upon,  and  to  seemingly  baffle  the  nose  of  the 
finest  setter  or  pointer,  has  given  rise  to  the  question  whether  it 
can  voluntarily  withhold  it;,  o^ent,  but  there  is  no  reason  for  at- 
tributing to  it  such  powers,  and  it  is  readily  to  be  explained. 
After  being  flushed  and  shot  at,  the  covey,  in  its  flight,  scatters  in 
every  direction,  making  all  haste  to  escape  from  danger,  and  each 
quail  pitches  into  whatever  cover  offers  the  best  concealment — 
crouching  into  the  smallest  possible  space,  with  feathers  pressed 
tightly  to  its  body,  permitting  little  if  any  scent  to  pass  off  for  a 
time,  or  at  least  until  they  move  and  suppose  danger  has  passed. 
Thus  it  is  not  a  will  power  on  the  part  of  the  bird,  but  resulting 
entirely  from  the  body  (from  whence  their  scent  issues,)  being  so 
firmly  pressed  by  the  quail  with  its  plumage  in  its  endeavors 
to  hide. 

The  Quail  is  most  unquestionably  to  be  preferred  to  any  other 
bird  to  break  our  dogs  on ;  and  when  once  broken  to  this  kind  of 
shooting,  they  will  seek  after  and  find  any  other  game  bird,  such 
as  woodcock,  snipe,  pheasant,  or  grouse,  as  no  bird  feeds  more 
widely  nor  leaves  so  long  a  trail  of  scent  behind  them,  which, 
when  the  wind  is  blowing  strong,  is  carried  a  considerable  dis- 
tance. We  have  frequently  seen  dogs  catch  the  scent  of  a  covey 
a  hundred  yards  off,  and  trail  them  straight  to  their  hiding  place. 
They  thus  learn  caution  and  ease  in  approaching  them,  knowing 
the  punishment  they  will  receive  if  they  flush.  How  beautifully 
Gay  has  described  this  in  his  "  Rural  Sports  :  " 

"  Against  the  wind  he  takes  his  prudent  way, 
I    ■;  While  the  strong  gale  directs  him  to  the  prey ;  •  , 

Now  the  warm  scent  assures  the  covey  near ; 
He  treads  with  caution  and  he  points  with  fear.  ' 


QUAIL.  147 

Old  birds  are  up  to  all  manner  of  tricks,  and  are  extremely 
cautious,  and  very  often  will  not  lie  to  the  dog  ;  they  run  away  as 
soon  as  they  observe  his  approach,  and  frequently  fly  up  before  the 
dogs  get  within  fifty  or  a  hundred  yards  of  them,  and  take  imme- 
diately to  the  thick  cripples,  or  disappear  over  the  tops  of  the 
highest  trees  ;  and,  often  when  they  are  hit  hard,  will  carry  off 
several  pellets  of  shot,  if  not  struck  in  some  vital  part,  and,  with  a 
broken  wing,  will  run  so  fast  as  to  escape  the  dog  and  huntsman. 

About  the  beginning  of  October,  Quail  frequently  abandon  the 
high  ground  where  they  are  hatched  and  reared,  and  resort  in 
large  numbers  to  the  river  banks  and  other  water  courses,  and 
about  the  first  of  November  return  to  their  old  haunts.  This  is 
called  their  running  season,  and  at  this  period  they  will  not  lie  to 
the  dog,  and  to  follow  them  is  so  much  lost  time,  as  it  is  impos- 
sible to  keep  up  with  them.  Hundreds  of  birds  are  often  found  in 
these  companies,  and  they  very  seldom  fly,  but  run  as  fast  as  a 
dog,  and  scatter  through  the  brier  bushes  and  thick  undergrowth, 
where  it  is  impossible  for  the  dogs  to  follow  them.  The  cause  of 
these  movements  has  never  been  satisfactorily  explained.  Some 
attribute  it  to  a  scarcity  of  food,  but  that  cannot  be  the  cause, 
as  they  return  again  to  their  old  haunts  after  the  lapse  of  a  few 
weeks. 

In  clear,  frosty  weather  Quail  will  be  found  in  stubble-fields,  or 
even  in  corn-fields,  if  they  lie  contiguous  to  a  wood,  and  also  in 
buckwheat  patches,  as  they  are  very  partial  to  this  kind  of  grain, 
and  prefer  it  to  all  others.  They  generally  feed  until  about  eleven 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  then  resort  to  some  quiet  nook  along 
the  banks  of  a  stream,  or  lie  under  the  sunny  side  of  the  trunk  of 
a  fallen  tree,  where  they  scratch  and  preen  themselves.  It  is 
about  as  well  for  the  sportsman,  during  this  part  of  the  day,  to 
rest  from  his  labors,  and  refresh  himself  and  his  dogs.  The  time 
so  occupied  will  not  be  wasted,  as,  after  a  couple  of  hours  of  rest, 
both  himself  and  his  dogs  will  be  in  better  condition  for  work; 
and  even  if  he  retraces  his  steps  over  the  ground  where  he  hunted 
in  the  morning,  he  will  often  find  fresh  coveys  of  birds,  and  those 
which  he  has  shot  into  in  the  morning  will  have  had  time  to  col- 
lect together,  and  will  often  be  found  scattered  over  the  stubble 
peacefully  feeding. 


148 


GAME   BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


Quail  invariably  roost  in  the  open  fields,  but  not  on  their  feed- 
ing grounds,  as  the  treacherous  trail  which  they  leave  would  soon 
be  discovered,  and  followed  up  by  the  dogs  ;  but  after  having  fed 
until  dark,  they  take  a  short  flight  to  an  adjoining  field,  and  drop 
suddenly  down — avoid  running  about,  and  settle  themselves  for 
the  night.  To  prevent  surprise,  and,  no  doubt,  for  better  security, 
they  roost  in  a  circle,  with  their  heads  out,  so  as  to  present  a 
guard  on  every  side,  and,  when  flushed,  each  is  thus  enabled  to 
rise  and  fly  without  interfering  with  the  other.  If  undisturbed, 
they  will  resort  to  the  same  field  several  nights  in  succession. 

Most  sportsmen  use  for  Quail  shooting  No.  8  shot,  which  we 
regard  as  two  sizes  too  large,  unless  the  birds  are  very  wild.  One 
ounce  or  one  and  an  eighth  ounces  of  No.  10,  with  threo  ^f-achms 
of  powder,  will,  we  believe,  taking  the  season  through.  &  \  more 
birds,  and  kill  them  cleaner  than  any  other  arge ;  this  for  an 
ordinary  seven  or  eight  pound  gun. 

Man  is  not  the  only  enemy  the  Quail  has  to  fear,  as  there  are 
several  animals  that  feast  and  prey  upon  these  birds,  such  as  wea- 
sels, foxes,  raccoons  and  serpents,  but  none  are  more  destructive 
than  hawks.  They  keep  them  in  a  constant  state  of  fear,  as  they 
give  no  warning  of  their  approach,  but  skim  along  the  top  of  the 
stubble  or  grass,  and  pounce  upon  a  covey  of  these  weak,  inof- 
fensive little  creatures,  and  sinking  their  sharp  talons  into  their 
bodies,  bear  them  off  to  their  haunts  in  the  woods,  and  devour 
them  at  their  leisure.  We  invariably  make  it  a  rule  to  kill  these 
pirates  whenever  and  wherever  we  can  come  up  with  them.  They 
not  only  destroy  the  birds,  but  keep  them  in  such  a  constant  state 
of  alarm,  that  they  will  not  lie  to  the  dogs,  but  run  and  flush  to 
the  least  alarm,  and  after  they  are  scattered,  they  are  afraid  to  call 
each  other  together,  as  the  treacherous  call-note  would  betray 
them  to  their  enemies. 


)  1 


PLOVER. 

THE  family  of  plovers  CharadriidcB,  includes  perhaps  six 
species  familiar  to  our  eastern  and  central  sportsman,  and 
two  peculiarly  western  varieties.  We  shall  take  them  in  their  orni- 
thological arrangement.     The  first  we  meet  is  : 

Squaiarola   helvetica. — Brchni.      Black-bellied    Plover.    Bullhead.    Ox-eye. 

Bottlehead. 

This  species  is  not  uncommon  on  our  coast  and  on  the  plains 
of  the  Western  States  and  indeed  is  found  all  over  the  world.  A 
cursory  description  is  as  follows  :  Face  and  under  parts  black,  upper 
portions  variegated  with  black,  white  and  ashy,  tail  barred  with 
black  and  white.  Young,  below  white  shaded  with  grey,  throat 
and  breast  spotted  with  dusky,  above  blackish,  speckled  with  white 
and  yellowish,  the  rump  white  with  dark  bars,  legs  dull  blue. 
Owing  to  the  great  difference  in  plumage  at  different  seasons, 
many  confound  the  above  with  the  familiar  Golden  Plover,  the  two 
being  often  found  in  the  same  localities.  They  are  however,  to  all 
familiar  with  both,  quite  distinct  and  not  liable  to  be  confused. 


Charadrius  /ulvus^    var.    virginicus. — Coues.    Golden    Plover.    Whistling 
Plover.    Frost  bird.  Bull  head. 

North  America,  migratory,  abundant  in  the  United  States,  is  a 
smaller  bird  than  the  last  but  is  equally  prized  for  the  table.  It  is 
found  in  Illinois  in  immense  flocks  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  where  it 
feeds  on  the  prairie  and  sandbars  in  the  rivers.  This  is  a  fine-game 
bird,  confined  neither  to  the  interior  nor  to  the  coast  alone.  Colors 
about  as  follows  :  Plumage  speckled  al)ove  ;  in  nesting  season 
black  below  as  in  the  last,  many  of  the  spots  bright  yellow,  hence 
the  name  Golden  ;  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts  like  the  back,  fore- 
head and  line  over  the  eye  white,  tail  greyish  brown  with  imperfect 
white  or  ashy  bars,  in  the  fall  only  similar  to  helvetica.     No  bird 


I50 


GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


on  our  list  seems  to  be  more  generally  known,  for  it  is  scattered 
apparently  over  the  whole  face  of  the  land — from  the  fur  countries 
to  the  gulf,  and  from  ocean  to  ocean.  Though  not  numerous  in 
the  older  States  of  the  East,  probably  from  the  greater  scarcity 
of  its  principal  fare,  the  grasshopper,  throughout  the  unlimited 
tracts  of  prairie,  plain  and  pasture  of  the  Western  States  as  far  as 
the  Rocky  Mountains,  it  is  found  in  countless  thousands,  more 
particularly  during  its  pilgrimages  to  its  breeding  grounds  in  the 
north. 

In  Kansas,  Nebraska,  and  the  wide  extent  of  plain  west  of  the 
Mississippi,  where  the  grasshopper  becomes  a  scourge  to  the  rest- 
less pioneer,  these  birds  are  at  home.  Here  they  can  be  found  in 
all  their  glory ;  here,  until  the  eye  wearies  with  the  monotony,  their 
well-filled  battalions  can  be  seen  sweeping  over  the  country*  in 
their  journeyings,  gathering  in  a  harvest  of  the  pests  which  have 
become  such  a  scourge  to  the  hardy  cultivators  of  this  land  of 
promise.  This  locality  is  thus  held  with  the  same  apparent  te- 
nacity by  the  Golden  Plover  as  the  great  mast  region  of  our  heavily 
timbered  country  is  held  by  the  common  passenger  pigeon  of 
America. 

The  Golden  Plover  breeds  to  the  north  of  the  United  States. 
These  birds,  though  naturally  timid,  and  usually  very  shy  of  the 
approach  of  man,  are  easily  reached,  provided  the  proper  precau- 
tions are  used  by  the  hunters,  who  generally  resort  to  the  more 
convenient  means  of  a  wagon,  I'rom  which  they  carry  on  a  whole- 
sale slaughter  into  their  well-stocked  ranks  ;  and  from  the  appar- 
ent inattention  which  is  usually  paid  to  their  enemies  thus  equipped, 
it  would  seem  that  their  fear  of  humanity  is  limited  to  man  in  his 
primitive  condition  only,  for  after  volley  upon  volley  has  been  poured 
into  their  ranks  with  deadly  effect,  each  shot  leaving  its  score  or 
more  dead  and  wounded,  they  pass  along  in  unbroken  line  only  to 
receive  another  cross  fire  in  their  next  circuit  of  flight,  as  they  pass 
over  a  favorite  feeding  place  of  newly  plowed  ground,  or  in  a 
grasshopper  range. 

In  the  autumn,  and  more  particularly  after  a  protracted  drouth 
to  which  the  vast  tracts  of  prairie  or  plain  of  the  West  is  subject 
at  this  season  ;  and  when  the  many  ponds  and  sloughs  are  dry, 
these  birds,  after  a  day  spent  upon  the  newly  plowed  lands,  resort 


.:*,,:,  PLOVER,      f  V  ^S^ 

regularly  to  the  sand  bars  of  the  nearest  streams  for  the  purpose 
of  sanding,  washing,  and  quenching  their  thirst. 

From  the  regularity  of  the  visits  of  these  birds  in  former  years, 
to  the  sand  bars  of  the  upper  Illinois  and  Kankakee,  they  have 
been  called  by  the  resident  shooters  Kankakee  Bar  Plover,  in  that 
locality.  And  from  the  great  numbers  which  sweep  over  the 
prairies  in  spring  and  fall  they  have  for  years  passed  under  the 
common  name  of  Prairie  Pigeons  among  the  grangers  and  those 
not  up  in  ornithology. 

As  the  flock  comes  in  sight  from  the  direction  of  the  north  or 
south  prairies,  a  shrill  whistle  is  usually  the  first  welcome,  then  the 
chorus  of  a  hundred  voices  chimes  in  as  though  rejoicing  at  the 
sight  of  the  liquid  element.  Such  is  their  apparent  ecstasy  as  they 
wheel  around  over  their  favorite  bar^  and  such  their  utter  disregard 
of  the  heavy  booming  of  guns  that  hundreds  are  dropped  upon  the 
water  fluttering  in  every  direction,  while  the  column  wheels  into 
line  again  right  over  the  spot  where  its  dead  and  wounded  com- 
panions lie,  only  to  be  thinned  again  and  again,  until  finally  driven 
away.  Ordinary  precautions  seem  forgotten  or  abandoned  by 
these  birds  when  approaching  a  favorite  watering  place,  and  when 
met  with  under  such  circumstances  it  is  conclusive  evidence 
that  they  have  not  been  long  from  the  breeding  grounds,  and 
that  most  of  them  are  young  and  inexperienced.  The  Chicago 
markets,  in  spring  and  fall,  teem  with  this  game  bird,  and  while 
their  flights  last  they  furnish  a  cheap  article  of  diet. 

/Egialitis  voci/erus. — Bon.    Killdeer  Plover. 

The  Killdeer,  so  called  from  its  peculiar  note,  is  an  abundant 
migrating  species  of  North  America,  found  on  the  plains  in  great 
numbers,  breeds  anywhere ;  color,  rump  tawny,  tail  white  with 
orange  brown  through  part  of  its  length  with  from  one  to  three 
transverse  black  bars,  secondaries  white,  primaries  with  a  white 
space,  forehead  white,  black  bar  across  the  crown,  two  broad 
black  bands  on  neck  and  breast,  bill  black,  feet  greyish  blue. 
These  birds  are  found  flying  swiftly  along  the  borders  of  streams  in 
pairs  and  small  wisps  or  bunches  in  the  East,  but  are  seen  in  great 
numbers  on  the  plains  of  the  west  feeding  around  the  borders  of 
sloughs  and  ponds  associated  with  others  of  the  genus.    They 


152  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

become  very  fat  in  the  fall  and  are  generally  very  fair  eating,  but 
often  a  fishy  flavor  is  present  which  detracts  from  their  table 
merit. 

Msialitis  lf^i7sonius,—C9.ssm.    Wilson's  Plover. 

This  is  a  sea  coast  species  common  as  far  north  as  New  Eng- 
land, and  sometimes  further.  Color :  pale  ash  brown  running  into 
fulvous  on  the  neck,  black  bar  in  the  crown,  a  broad  belt  across  the 
throat,  no  bright  ring  about  the  eye,  legs  flesh  color,  bill  dark,  large 
and  stout.  These  birds  are  seen  mingUng  with  the  numerous  va- 
rieties of  bay  birds  found  along  our  coasts,  and  as  the  tide  recedes 
they  follow  it  to  pick  up  the  shells  and  insects  stranded  by  the 
falling  waters. 

Mgialitis  semipalmatus .—^or\..    Semipalmated  Plover.    Ring-neck. 

North  America,  common.  This  bird  resembles  the  Killdeer 
closely  in  color,  but  in  size  is  about  one-third  as  large  as  the 
former.    It  also  has  the  bright  orange  eyelid  wanting  in  vociferus. 

The  "  Ring-necks  "  abound  everywhere  in  great  numbers,  and 
are  found  upon  sandy  beaches  and  muddy  flats,  in  loose  straggling 
parties  of  from  five  to  six  to  a  dozen  or  more,  and  frequently  with 
the  Semipalmated  and  Bonaparte's  Sand-pipers.  They  scatter 
widely  apart  while  searching  for  food,  running  swiftly  and  grace- 
fully over  the  sand  with  head  lowered.  They  are  at  such  times 
usually  silent,  except  when  disturbed,  when  they  utter  a  clear  mel- 
low whistle  on  taking  flight.  They  are  tame,  and  when  surprised, 
run  but  a  few  yards,  and  then  stand  perfectly  still.  The  young  run 
about  as  soon  as  hatched.  Birds  of  the  year  may  at  all  times  be 
distinguished  from  the  adults  by  the  black  of  the  bands  being  re- 
placed by  dull  dirty  ash. 

MgialUis  »te/odus.— Bon.    Piping  Plover.    Ring  Plover. 

Eastern  and  Middle  States  common,  resembles  the  last,  but 
paler  in  color,  as  hypredominating,  also  lacking  the  semipalmation. 
They  are  found' associated  with  various  beach  birds  and  sand-pip- 
ers ;  they  become  exceedingly  fat  during  the  latter  part  of  the 
summer. 


I 


PLOVER, 


»53 


■^eialUis  cant  tana. —CowG^.    Snowy  Plover. 
This  species  is  found  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  is 
common  all  along  the  coast  of  California. 

Eudrotniasmontanus.—\\2,x\:m^.    Mountain  Plover. 

The  Mountain  Plover  is  common  from  Kansas  to  the  Pacific 
Coast.  It  feeds  on  grasshoppers  especially,  and  seems  to  be  en- 
tirely independent  of  water.  Here  also  may  be  mentioned  the  re- 
markable Surf  bird  of  the  Pacific  Coast.  Aphrz^a  virgata,  appar- 
ently a  Plover,  being  a  connecting  link  between  the  Plover  and  the 
Oyster-catchers. 

All  the  Plover  have  a  singular  habit  when  alighting  on  the 
ground  in  the  breeding  time ;  they  drop  their  wings,  stand  with 
their  legs  half  bent,  and  tremble  as  if  unable  to  support  their 
bodies.  In  this  absurd  position  they  will  sometimes  stand  for 
several  minutes,  uttering  a  curious  sound,  and  then  seem  to  bal- 
ance themselves  with  great  difficulty.  This  singular  manoeuvre  is 
no  doubt  intended  to  induce  a  belief  that  they  may  be  easily  caught 
ana  so  turn  the  attention  of  the  egg-gatherer  from  the  pursuit  of 
the  eggs  to  themselves.  Plovers'  eggs  are  recognized  all  over 
the  world  as  a  great  delicacy. 

As  to  the  methods  employed  in  securing  the  smaller  Plover 
the  suggestions  in  our  account  of  the  larger  shore  birds  are  of 
course  applicable  to  the  former,  both  being  frequently  found  asso- 
ciated while  feeding.  These  birds  are  never  hunted  with  dogs 
owing  primarily  to  the  habits  which  bring  them  to  the  open  sand 
flats,  and  also  to  the  fact  that  they  have  little  or  no  scent  These 
remarks  are  not  applicable  to  the  Grass  Snipe  or  Pectoral  Sand- 
piper, which  in  some  respects  resembles  the  Wilson's  Snipe  bein^ 
often  found  in  wet  meadows  and  lying  well  to  a  dog. 


V  -V 


.i^: 


AMERICAN  WOODCOCK. 

Philohela  minor,— Gta.y.    Rlind  Snipe.    Bog  Sucker.    Wood  Snipe, 

Timber  Doodle. 

MIGRATORY,  eastern  portions  of  North  America.  Colors 
curiously  varied  ;  above,  blactc,  brown,  grey  and  russet  pre- 
dominate, below  warm  brown  and  reddish,  differs  from  the  English 
bird  in  being  lighter  in  weight,  the  latter  weighing  from  nine  to 
twelve  ounces,  the  American  but  from  five  to  eight. 

The  Woodcock  begins  its  yearly  migration,  from  its  southern 
winter  quarters  to  its  more  northern  breeding  grounds,  early  in  the 
spring,  and  makes  its  appearance  with  us  about  the  latter  part  of 
February  or  the  first  week  in  March,  when  the  winter  has  been 
open  and  mild,  but  in  seasons  that  have  been  blustery  and  cold, 
their  travellings  are  delayed  as  late  as  the  first  of  April.  They  ap- 
pear to  choose  the  progress  of  a  southeasterly  storm  on  which  to 
make  their  journeys,  and  frequently  after  such  rains,  are  found  in 
great  numbers  scattered  throughout  the  country. 

Very  soon  after  their  arrival  they  begin  laying,  and  hatch  their 
young  in  about  the  same  time  as  the  quail — three  weeks  being  the 
period  of  incubation  of  the  latter  bird — and  sometimes  when  sec- 
tions of  the  country  in  which  they  breed  are  visited  in  early  spring 
by  severe  freshets,  thousands  of  the  young  are  destroyed. 

As  a  rule  the  Woodcock  are  in  the  midst  of  their  family  cares 
about  the  first  of  May,  and  are  thus  the  first  of  our  migratory  birds 
to  commence  nesting.  They  waste  no  time  after  their  arrival,  and 
by  the  first  of  April  on  any  clear  moonlight  night,  at  all  hours,  the 
male  may  be  heard  from  every  quarter,  chanting  his  weird  and  un- 
musical song  to  the  object  of  his  affection.  This  note  so  closely 
resembles  that  of  the  night  hawk  as  to  be  easily  mistaken  for  it. 
If  one  is  ever  so  fortunate  as  to  approach  close  to  a  pair  of  cock 
unobserved  during  the  mating  season,  he  will  witness  the  most  re- 


AMERICAN    WOODCOCK.  1 55 

markable  and  grotesque  actions  ;  the  wooer  struts  around  with 
scraping  wings  and  spread  tail,  an  excellent  miniature  of  the  barn- 
yard turkey  gobbler,  the  female  looking  coy  and  willing  the  while. 
The  male  now  and  then  makes  one  of  his  remarkable  perpendic- 
ular flights  twenty  yards  into  the  air,  dropping  immediately  again  to 
her  side.  When  the  country  north  of  New  Jersey  is  visited  in 
backward  seasons  by  one  of  the  not  unusual  hard  frosts,  the  eggs 
or  very  young  birds  are  destroyed  in  large  numbers.  In  many  in- 
stances the  old  birds  begin  immediately  to  rear  another  brood. 
On  this  account  at  times  scarce  fledged  nestlings  are  killed  in  July. 
The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground,  the  old  birds  making  very  little 
preparation  for  the  reception  of  their  eggs.  The  latter  are  four  in 
number,  of  a  muddy  white  color,  splashed  and  blotched  with  choco- 
late. 

That  careful  observer  and  naturalist,  Mr.  Geo.  A.  Boardman, 
lately  in  Florida,  states  the  remarkable  fact  that  Woodcock  breed  in 
that  State,  and  we  have  still  more  recent  evidence  to  the  same  effect. 
In  both  instances  young  birds  fresh  from  the  shell  were  secured. 
It  has  been  heretofore  supposed  that  they  never  bred  south  of 
Virginia.  The  English  Woodcock  Scolopax  rusitcola,  is  accidental 
in  North  America,  and  stragglers  are  occasionally  secured  along  the 
eastern  coast ;  the  last  instance  on  record  was  in  1870,  we  believe. 

The  Woodcock  is  perhaps  the  most  highly  prized  of  all  our 
game  birds.  This  is  owing  in  a  great  measure  to  his  gamey 
nature  and  solitary  habits,  the  difficulty  of  securing  a  good  bag 
without  work,  and  the  skill  required  to  kill  the  bird  when  flushed. 

It  is  with  pleasure  that  we  notice  the  efforts  made  by  gentle- 
men sportsmen  of  the  country  at  large,  in  the  direction  of  Wood- 
cock protection,  and  the  prohibition  of  summer  shooting.  These 
efforts  have  been  attended  with  success  in  some  parts  of  the 
country,  but  until  the  law  becomes  universal,  a  great  deal  of  its« 
usefulness  is  rendered  «//.  This  subject  is  so  trite,  however,  that 
we  need  only  touch  it  here  in  passing. 

Granting  that  Woodcock  four  years  out  of  five  are  in  condition 
to  be  shot  in  July,  how  much  better,  how  much  more  sportsman- 
like, would  it  be  to  allow  them  to  remain  unmolested  until  autumn, 
when  no  doubt  can  exist  of  their  being  in  full  plumage,  strong  and 
vigorous  on  the  wing,  and  without  the  cares  of  a  family  ? 


isc 


GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


Summer  cock  shooting,  when  the  mercury  stands  among  the 
nineties,  and  in  swampy  thickets  where  moscjuitoes  and  Hies  are 
swarming  in  myriads,  cannot  possibly  be  compared  to  autumn 
shooting  of  the  same  bird.  In  the  former  season,  we  have  it 
hardly  two-thirds  grown,  often  becoming  tainted  before  we  reach 
home,  while  in  the  latter  we  find  it  a  far  more  difficult  object  to 
bring  down,  much  more  puzzling  in  its  flights,  and  worthy  of  the 
sportsman's  skill. 

About  the  middle  of  August,  the  Woodcock  leave  their  old 
haunts  in  low  wet  localities,  apparently  almost  in  a  mass,  to  seek 
higher  and  more  mountainous  sections,  where  they  can  pass  un- 
disturbed their  moulting  season,  and  to  remain  until  early  frosts 
drive  them  to  more  sheltere  "  and  warmer  feeding  grounds.  It  is 
believed  by  many  that  they  cake  to  the  corn-fields  to  moult,  but 
we  think  it  safe  to  say  they  are  only  attracted  thither  in  wet 
seasons  for  their  usual  food.  We  have  shot  them  in  such  places 
quite  frequently  in  July  and  the  first  of  August,  but  have  always 
noticed  the  ground  was  moist  enough  at  the  time  to  admit  of  their 
boring  in  search  of  worms,  the  larvae  of  insects,  etc. 

As  has  been  noticed,  the  birds  retire  to  the  uplands  to  moult, 
but  it  is  very  probable  that  they  descend  at  evening  to  their  feed- 
ing grounds  where  the  earth  is  soft  and  can  be  probed  with  ease, 
and  there  spend  the  night,  retiring  again  to  the  hills  at  break  of 
day.  Their  migrations  are  performed  i)y  nig'it.  In  this  connec- 
tion, it  may  be  mentioned  that  the  Woodcock,  during  their  migra- 
tions, pursue  a  direct  course,  no  obstacle  seemingly  being  able  to 
deflect  them  from  their  line  of  flight.  On  three  distinct  occasions 
have  we  observed  them  at  dusk  flying  through  the  streets  of  New 
York  in  some  of  the  most  populous  districts,  and  others  have  made 
like  observations.  They  fly  low  and  swiftly  over  the  country 
singly,  or  in  loose  twos  or  threes,  and  morning  always  finds  them 
in  their  favorite  haunts.  Whether  they  fly  during  the  whole  night 
or  not  is  undetermined,  but  it  is  probable  that  unless  a  sudden  and 
severe  frost  hastens  them  on  beyond  their  wonted  speed,  they  take 
it  leisurely,  stopping  and  feeding  on  the  route. 

Setter  dogs  seem  to  be  the  favorites  for  woodcocking.  The 
nature  of  the  ground  where  the  birds  are  found,  renders  the  use  of 
the  pointer  disagreeable  to  both  the  dog  and  the  man,  as  the  tan- 


AMERICAN    WOODCOCK.  15/ 

gled  cat-brier  and  blackberry  thickets,  in  the  midst  of  which  the 
summer  birds  are  often  found,  lacerate  the  ill  protected  body  of 
the  pointer,  and  the  dog,  after  one  day  in  such  cover,  will  return 
home  entirely  used  up,  and  may  refuse  thereafter  to  enter  the 
brush.  The  thick  coat  of  the  setter  can  easily  withstand  this  in- 
convenience. ' 

Nineteen  out  of  twenty  sportsmen  shoot  Woodcock  over  set- 
ters and  pointers,  and  although  (with  dogs  that  are  under  perfect 
command)  they  show  great  sport,  we  cannot  think  them  fully  cal- 
culated for  this  work,  and  we  are  glad  to  see  that  the  sporting 
papers  are  now  speaking  favorably  of  the  spaniel  not  only  for  cock 
shooting,  but  for  covert  work.  The  little  cockers,  almost  unknown 
to  this  country,  are  the  best  dogs  for  this  covert  shooting,  as  they 
are  trained  to  hunt  close,  and  being  so  small  can  force  themselves 
almost  anywhere. 

To  insure  success  in  autumn  cock  shooting,  the  sportsman 
should  select  a  dog  that  will  work  carefully  and  slowly  in  cover, 
and  be  not  too  anxious  to  be  close  to  the  bird  he  is  pointing,  for 
although  Woodcock  lie  well,  they  differ  from  the  quail  in  not  being 
quite  so  stubborn  in  their  hiding. 

In  beating  for  quail  in  November,  we  should  never  neglect 
working  out  the  hill  sides  of  second  growth  timber,  or  saplings 
adjacent  to  swampy  bottoms,  which  come  in  our  path  for  Wood- 
cock. Black  alder  margins  of  streams  running  through  woodlands 
should  be  visited,  for  if  any  flights  of  birds  have  come  on  we  will 
certainly  find  them  in  such  places.  Were  all  sportsmen  million- 
aires, a  special  gun  for  this  particular  shooting  would  be  conve- 
nient ;  one  with  short  twenty-six  to  twenty-eight  inch  barrels  to  be 
easily  and  rapidly  moved  in  the  thick  cover.  One  ounce  No.  12 
shot  or  possibly  No.  10  for  the  late  shooting,  two  and  one  half  to 
three  drachms  of  C.  and  H.  or  Dupont's  powder.  A  '''oodcockis 
easily  dropped  when  touched  with  the  shot,  and  it . .  rare  for  one 
to  carry  away  a  load. 

When  the  golden  days  of  October  are  upon  us  with  their  ac- 
companying delights  of  dog  and  gun,  then  is  the  st^sow  par  excel- 
lence for  cocking.  Ah  !  Sportsmen,  think  of  the  increased  satisfac- 
tion to  be  derived  from  woodcock-shooting  if  you  would  but  forego 
the  summer  pursuit  of  this  bird.    Let  them  grow  strong  and 


158  GAME  BIKDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

swift  of  wing,  larger  in  size,  more  palatable  to  the  taste.  Then 
will  no  longer  be  seen  the  slow  flip  flap  of  the  summer  bird  up 
through  the  leafy  glades,  but  the  swift  whirr  of  the  Timber  Doodle 
from  the  side  hill  and  mellow  ground.  A  keener  eye,  a  quicker 
hand  will  then  be   needed  behind  the  true  and  tried   Scott  or 

Greener. 

Certainly  cock-shooting  is  fine  sport  where  the  birds  abound, 
and  as  it  possesses  peculiar  charms  for  some  sportsmen,  and  as 
they  are  held,  by  epicures  and  the  sporting  fraternity  in  general, 
at  the  head  of  the  list  of  our  game  birds,  it  is  well  worth  the  while 
of  American  sportsmen  to  see  that  they  are  not  entirely  exter- 
minated. 


i 


WILSON'S  SNIPE. 

GaliiMago  IVilsom't :  BonsLpsLTte.    English  Snipe.    American  Snipe.    Jack  Snipe. 

Shad  Spirit. 

A  MIGRATORY  species,  North  America.  Crown  black  with 
a  pale  central  stripe,  hack  variegated  with  black,  bright  bay 
and  tawny,  the  latter  forming  two  lengthwise  stripes  on  the  scap- 
ular, neck  and  breast  spotted  with  brown  and  dusky,  tail  barred 
with  black,  white  and  chestnut. 

This,  the  most  universally  distributed  of  all  our  game  birds,  is 
also  the  only  one  we  believe,  excepting  some  varieties  of  our  ducks, 
found  on  both  sides  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  That  remarkable 
range  which  has  separated  species  more  effectually  than  either 
ocean,  has  yet  proved  an  insufficient  barrier  against  the  general 
diffusion  of  this  species.  There  has  been  a  deal  of  discussion  in 
regard  to  the  identity  of  this  bird  with  one  of  the  European  repre- 
sentatives of  the  genus,  but  our  bird  is  now  decided  to  be  a  distinct 
variety  although  very  similar. 

The  arrival  of  the  Wilson's  Snipe  with  us  in  the  spring  is  very 
uncertain,  and  depends  entirely  upon  the  state  of  the  season.  If. 
after  a  cold  and  blustering  winter,  March  suddenly  opens  warm 
and  genial,  which  is  seldom  the  case,  and  the  frost  is  drawn  from 
the  ground  by  the  sun's  rays,  we  may  expect  the  bird  soon  to  be 
on  our  meadows  ;  but  not  often  does  he  reach  us  before  the  middle 
of  the  month,  and  then  in  small  numbers,  uneasy  in  its  habits,  and 
scarcely  lying  to  the  dog.  By  the  last  of  March,  or  the  first  of 
April,  the  great  flight  of  birds  arrives  from  the  Southern  States, 
and,  like  the  woodcock,  the  prevalence  of  a  warm  rain  appears  to 
be  chosen  for  the  migration.  The  average  appearance  of  the  Snipe 
from  Delaware  eastward  may,  in  favorable  seasons,  be  set  down  as 
about  April  first,  but  frequently  when  the  spring  is  late,  and  winter 
has  lingered  into  April,  we  find  it  passing  hurriedly  northward, 


l6o  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

scarcely  visiting  our  meadows,  and  directing  its  flight  to  its  breed- 
ing grounds.  We  have  always  thought  xYz  Snipe,  after  tarrying 
with  us  until  May,  are  mated,  and  leave  us  in  pairs  ready  to  begin 
nesting.  In  fact,  we  have  on  several  occasions  killed  and  found 
in  them  fully  formed  eggs  as  early  as  the  20th  of  April,  and  for 
this  reason  oppose  the  shooting  of  Snipe  during  their  spring  pas- 
sage northward. 

On  their  return  from  the  North  with  their  young,  they  pay  us  a 
visit  before  moving  South,  reaching  us  in  September  and  October, 
the  first  cool  weather  having  prompted  them  to  seek  winter  quar- 
ters. They  make  their  autumnal  migrations  southward  in  stages 
in  advance  of  hard  freezing,  stopping  and  resting  on  the  route. 
This  bird  is  rarely  if  ever  found  on  salt  meadows,  confining  itself 
to  the  low-lying  boggy  fields  bordering  fresh  water  streams  where 
their  favorite  food,  the  succulent  worm,  is  abundant.  These  are 
secured  by  probing  with  their  long  bill  after  the  manner  of  wood- 
cock. It  is  very  doubtful  whether  the  sense  of  smell  aids  at  all  in 
determining  the  presence  of  their  food,  as  some  have  averred.  The 
bill  is  very  sensitive,  and  a  bird  by  probing  can  fcelihe.  worm. 

On  the  meadows  of  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States,  a  good  dog, 
thoroughly  understanding  his  business  in  this  particular,  is  invalu- 
able ;  but  in  some  portions  of  the  Southern  and  Western  country 
the  bird  is  so  numerous  that  a  setter  or  pointer  is  of  very  little  use 
unless  he  be  kept  at  heel  and  used  as  a  retriever. 

The  Snipe  lies  best  to  the  dog  on  warm,  sunny  days,  when 
gentle  winds  are  blowing,  and  if  feeding  in  high  tussock  meado  's 
will  not  take  flight  until  almost  trodden  upon.  But  during  blus- 
tery weather,  especially  if  the  wind  is  from  the  northeast,  they  are 
very  loth  to  allow  even  the  most  steady  dog  to  come  within  thirty 
or  forty  yards  of  them.  This  is  more  noticeable  in  the  spring, 
when  the  birds  have  first  arrived,  and  are  in  whisps  or  bunches, 
than  in  autumn,  when  they  appear  to  have  made  up  their  minds 
to  stay  for  awhile  previous  to  moving  southward. 

Sometimes,  particularly  on  a  dark  drizzling  day,  which  is  the 
weather  they  prefer  for  their  flights,  the  flushing  of  one  bird  will 
be  the  signal  for  every  snipe  in  the  field  to  rise  with  a  sharp 
"  skeap  "  "  skeap,"  and  the  air  will  be  filled  with  their  bleating  and 
their  irregular  flights.    Perhaps  they  join  in  a  flock  and  fly  beyond 


IVILSOiY'S  S.VIPE.  l6l 

the  range  of  vision,  or  again  individual  birds  may  drop  with  their 
peculiarly  rapid  descent  until  all  have  settled  again.  There  is  no 
difficulty  in  marking  down  a  snipe,  their  quick,  dropping  motion  is 
unmistakable. 

Beating  for  Snipe  with  the  wind  at  one's  back,  has  been  always 
advised  by  experts,  as  the  bird  invariably  rises  against  wind, 
and  flies  at  an  angle  towards  you,  either  to  the  right  or  left,  thus 
presenting  a  more  easy  shot  than  when  going  straightaway  in  a  zig- 
zag course.  Sometimes,  however,  on  account  of  the  many  ditch 
drains  that  interrupt  us  in  our  tramps  over  the  meadows,  we  can- 
not find  it  nearly  as  convenient  to  take  the  wind  at  our  backs,  and 
are  compelled  to  breast  it ;  but  we  should  bear  in  mind  that  far 
better  chances  are  given  to  kill  if  the  above  advice  is  carried  out, 
and  always  endeavor  to  follow  it. 

Snipe  in  the  spring,  not  unfrequently  take  to  swampy  thickets 
of  black  alder,  and  what  are  known  as  "willow  gardens,"  with 
springy  bottoms,  for  shelter  and  food,  when,  after  their  arrival  from 
the  south,  the  country  is  visited  with  a  snow  squall  and  a  touch  of 
the  past  winter.  We  have  on  two  occasions  found  them  in  such 
localities  lying  like  stones,  making  capital  shooting,  and  fully 
as  expert  in  twisting  their  way  through  the  sprouts  and  alders  as 
their  larger  cousin,  the  woodcock. 

Frequently  when  flushed,  a  bird  will  dart  away,  flying  low  at 
first,  but  gradually  rising  will  soon  seem  but  a  speck  in  the  sky, 
and  then  disappear  from  view,  let  the  hunter  keep  for  a  few 
moments  his  position,  howeyer,  and  quick  as  flash  the  bird  may 
drop  do,. .  to  within  a  few  yards  of  his  former  resting  place.  This 
is  not  always  the  case,  as  often  the  snipe  may  leave  not  to  return. 
The  probable  explanation  of  this  is,  that  in  the  first  case  the 
ground  from  which  the  bird  was  driven  afforded  good  food  and 
cover,  and  the  snipe  was  loth  to  desert  so  attractive  a  spot.  Of 
the  common  names  applied  to  this  bird,  that  of  "  shad  spirit "  is 
the  most  peculiar.  It  is  given  them  by  the  fishermen,  who,  while 
in  spring  time  drawing  their  seines  for  shad  at  night,  often  start  the 
snipe  from  the  grassy  meadows.  Hearing  the  unknown  bird  get 
up  Defore  them,  and  associating  it  naturally  with  their  shad  fishing, 
they  apply  to  it  the  sobriquet  of  "  shad  spirit."  The  snipe  remains 
with  us  frequently  as  late  as  the  latter  part  of  November.   About  the 


ll 


1 62  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

breeding  of  the  snipe,  little  is  known,  as  it  takes  place  for  the  most 
part  beyond  the  limits  of  the  United  States.  He  is,  however,  a 
resident  of  Washington  Territory  the  year  through.  In  the  fall 
and  winter  he  inhabits  the  tide  lands  about  the  delta  of  the  Skagit, 
and  the  sedgy  flats  at  the  head  of  Seattle  Bay.  But  as  the  April 
showers  approach,  and  the  season  of  mating  begins,  we  miss  the 
long-billed  gentleman.  He  has  gone  to  the  mountain  marshes, 
the  soft,  mucky  meadows  along  the  slope  of  Mounts  Rainier  and 
St.  Helens.  He  flits  from  one  tussock  to  another,  probing  the 
mud  with  his  delicate  bill  for  grubs  and  worms  to  feed  his  patient 
spouse,  who  has  her  little  nest,  with  four  spotted  eggs  in  it,  at  the 
foot  of  yonder  red  willow.  Here,  in  sight  of  eternal  snow,  he  en- 
joys cool  weather  when  the  valley  below  smokes  with  the  glow  of 
harvest,  and  a  cloud  of  dust  arises  from  the  thresher.  Here  he 
struts  about  on  fallen  logs  with  trailing  wings  and  ruffled  neck, 
for  the  admiration  of  his  mate  as  she  sits  on  her  nest  and  figures 
out  the  probabilities  of  the  next  Snipe  census.  And  it  is  at  this 
season  that  the  male  practices  the  habit,  peculiar  also  to  the  ruffed 
grouse,  called  drumming  in  the  air,  by  which  he  beats  a  perfect 
reveille  with  his  wings,  as  he  hovers  over  the  nest  of  his  spouse. 
The  grouse  (or  as  they  are  called  here,  "pheasant,")  does  this 
while  standing  upon  a  log,  while  the  Snipe  plays  his  tune  when 
poised  in  the  air.  His  drumming  is  not  so  audible  at  a  distance 
as  that  of  the  ruffed  grouse,  but  it  continues  longer  and  the  notes 
are  just  as  distinct. 

In  our  estimation  no  sport  is  comparable  to  an  October  day  with 
the  snipe,  if  they  be  tolerably  plenty,  and  the  additional  requisite 
of  a  brace  of  good  dogs  is  not  wanting.  Undoubtedly  the  perfec- 
tion of  snipe  shooting  is  had  in  Florida  during  the  winter  months. 
Among  the  legions  of  our  summer  birds  who  here  find  shelter  and 
protection  from  the  rigors  of  the  north  may  be  seen  plentifully  dis- 
persed this,  the  Wilson's  Snipe.  In  some  places  so  thickly  do  they 
rendezvous,  that  a  dog  is  an  impediment  rather  than  a  help,  but 
in  many  districts  good  use  can  be  made  of  setter  or  pointer,  and 
the  nleasure,  we  think,  is  greatly  enhanced  by  one  or  more  canine 
companions,  fully  understanding  you  and  their  duties.  Than  the 
Wilson's  Sni[)e,  no  inore  delicious  bird  can  be  found,  and  the 
premium  if  divided  at  all  should  be  awarded,  we  think,  in  equal 
parts  to  the  Snipe  and  Woodcock. 


. 


BEACH    BIRDS. 

Order  Limicol<e.    The  Shore  Birds. 

NATURE  has  been  so  lavish  o  us  of  North  America  in  her 
supply  of  shore  birds  or  Limicolce,  and  they  form  so  im- 
portant a  portion  of  our  avi-fauna,  that  it  may  be  well  to  preface 
the  general  account  of  this  order  here  given,  by  a  short  descriptive 
scheme  as  follows  : 

Tibia  more  or  less  naked  below  (sometimes  very  slightly) ;  legs, 
and  usually  neck  also,  elongated  ;  hind  toe  free  and  elevated,  often 
wanting.  Head  globose,  abruptly  sloping  to  the  base  of  the  bill, 
completely  feathered  ;  gape  short ;  bill  weak,  flexible,  more  or  less 
soft-skinned,  and  therefore  sensitive,  blunt  at  tip,  without  hard  cut- 
ting edges — fitted  for  probing  in  the  mud  ;  nostrils  slit-like,  sur- 
rounded by  soft  skin,  never  feathered ;  body  never  strongly  com- 
pressed or  depressed  ;  nature  precocial.  Birds  of  medium  or  small 
size,  more  or  less  aquatic  ;  found  in  most  regions  ;  very  abundant 
in  America. 

Special  Characteristics  :  I.  Toes  lobate  ;  tarsus  notably 
compressed,  Phalaropodidcc,  II.  Toes  not  lobate  ;  tarsus  not 
specially  compressed.  Legs  exceedingly  long ;  tarsus  as  long  as 
tail ;  bill  much  longer  than  head,  slender,  acute,  and  curved  up- 
wards ;  feet  four-toed  and  palmate,  or  three-toed  and  semipalmate  ; 
Recurvirostridce,  Bill  usually  shorter  than  head,  pigeon-like  ;  the 
broad  soft  base  separated  by  a  constriction  from  the  hard  tip  ;  head 
subglobose,  on  a  short  neck  ;  tarsus  reticulate ;  toes  three  (except 
in  Squatarold) ;  Charadriidce.  Bill  usually  longer  than  head, 
mostly  grooved,  but  not  constricted,  softish  to  its  tip ;  tarsus 
scutellate  ;  toes  four  in  number  (except  in  Calidris) ;  Scolopa- 
cidcp.  Not  as  above ;  bill  hard,  either  compressed  and  truncate 
or  acute;  feet  four-toed  and  cleft,  c:  three-toed  and  semi- 
palmate  ;  Hce)natopodid(2. 


164  GAATE  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

The  Charadriidcc  having  been  noticed  in  a  previous  chapter, 
are  not  here  further  discussed. 

Very  many  different  species  of  Shore  Birds  may  often  be  found 
associated,  and  frequently  those  whose  relationship  to  one  another 
ir-  Quite  distant,  as  for  instance  the  Willets  and  Curlews.  Many 
of  the  smaller  sandpipers  so  closely  resemble  each  other  tiiat  one 
is  quite  likely  to  confuse  them,  the  distinctions  being  in  some  cases 
very  minute  and  trivial,  dependent  perhaps  on  the  shape  of  a  foot 
or  bill.  In  many  species  too  the  color  varies  with  the  season,  and 
a  bird  that  is  grey  in  winter  may  be  red  in  summer.  This 
fact  has  given  rise  to  a  habit,  among  sportsmen  and  amateur  nat- 
uralists, of  multiplying  the  species  of  this  order  to  an  almost  in- 
definite extent.  All  the  species  of  waders  found  on  our  coast  from 
Florida  to  Labrador  are  denominated  by  most  of  those  who  shoot 
them,  as  Bay  Birds.  Among  these  are  included  the  Godwits, 
Willets,  Plovers,  Greater  and  Lesser  Yellowlegs,  Curlew  and  the 
numerous  tribe  of  Sand-pipers.  Taken  in  ornithological  order, 
first  of  our  Shore  birdsj  after  the  plover,  comes 

Hamatopus  palUatiis. — Temm.    Oyster-Catcher. 

The  name  of  Oyster-catcher  is  derived  from  their  habit  of  pry- 
ing open  the  shells  of  bivalve  mollusks,  but  it  is  doubtful  whether 
an  oyster  proper  was  ever  caught  in  this  way.  The  bird  is  of  a 
sooty  black  or  brown  color  above,  under  parts  below  the  breast 
white,  as  is  also  the  rump  and  a  ring  around  the  eye  ;  bill  red  or 
orange,  in  shape  something  compressed  and  knife-like,  legs  flesh 
color.  This  bird  is  found  on  the  shores  of  both  oceans,  but  is  no- 
where very  plenty.  He  is  not  prized  for  food  and  is  rarely  shot  or 
hunted  by  sportsmen. 

Strepsilas  inter^res, — lUiger,    Turnstone.    Brant-bird.    Calico-back.    Chicaric. 

Chickling.    Sand-runner. 

Of  these  names,  that  of  Turnstone  is  applied  on  account  of  the 
curious  habit  these  birds  have,  by  dexterously  inserting  their  bills 
beneath  stones  and  pebbles  along  the  shore,  of  securing  what  in- 
sects, or  prey  of  any  kind,  may  be  lurking  beneath.  The  names 
Chicaric  and  Chickling  have  reference  to  their  rasping  notes,  that 
of  Calico-back,  to  the  curiously  variegated  plum-^.ge  of  the  upper 


.^.      :..     BEACH  BIRDS,  •  1 6$ 

parts.  In  summer  the  adult  is  oddly  pied  above  with  black,  white, 
brown  and  chestnut-red,  the  latter  color  wanting  in  winter  and  in 
young  birds,  below  from  the  breast  (which  is  black)  white,  bill 
black,  feet  orange.  This  is  a  common  bird  on  both  coasts  during 
migrations.  ,  ,  ,.^        ^^        ^ 

Recurvirostra  americana. — Gmel.     American   Avocet.     Blue  Stocking.     White 

Snipe.  - 

A  common  species  of  temperate  North  America,  more  abundant 
m  the  interior  than  on  the  coast.  Color  white,  back  and  wings  with 
much  black,  head  and  neck  cinnamon-brown  in  the  adult,  ashy  in 
the  young,  bill  black,  legs  blue,  eyes  red,  well-known  by  its  long 
and  slender  legs  and  extremely  slender  bill  which  has  frequently  an 
upward  curve.  • 

Himantopus  nigricollis. — Vieillot.     Stilt.     Long  Shanks.    Lawyer. 

Glossy  black  above  with  forehead,  sides  of  head  and  neck,  rump 
and  under  parts  white,  bill  black,  legs  carmine.  A  common  species 
of  the  United  States,  found  plentifully  in  Florida  during  the  winter 
months,  but  not  very  highly  prized  by  sportsmen. 

Steganopus  Wilsonii. — Coues.    Wilson's  Phalarope. 

A  common  North  American  species  found  most  plentifully  in 
the  West,  around  small  pools  and  sloughs,  where  they  breed  in 
numbers.  Color  of  adult,  ashy  above,  under  parts  white,  a  black 
stripe  from  the  eye  down  the  side  of  the  neck,  spreading  into  rich 
chestnut,  which  also  variegates  the  back  and  throat.  The  bill  is 
easily  distinguished  from  that  of  any  of  our  other  shore  birds,  be- 
ing very  slender,  acute  and  awl-shaped. 

Lobipes  hyperboreus. — Cuv.     Northern  Phalarope. 

A  more  northern  species  and  less  known  to  the  gunner.  The 
color  is  greyish  black,  back  varied  with  tawny,  upper  tail  coverts 
and  under  parts  mostly  white,  side  of  head  and  neck  with  broad 
stripe  of  chestnut,  the  young  lacking  the  chestnut. 

Phalaropus  fulicarius. — Bon.    Red  Phalarope. 

The  best  known  of  our  three  representatives  of  the  family.  It 
is  in  color,  above  variegated  with  ashy  and  tawny,  below  purplish- 


l66  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

chestnut,  white  in  the  young,  the  bill  is  comparatively  stout,  with 
lancet-shaped  tip.  It  is  a  smallish  bird  noted  for  its  beauty  and 
elegance  of  form,  its  grace  and  activity  of  movement.  Their  lobed 
feet  make  them  entirely  at  home  on  the  water,  and  they  are  often 
seen  a  considerable  distance  from  land.  They  occur  like  the 
Northern  Phalarope  in  the  United  States  only  during  their  migra- 
tions, and  breed  to  the  north.  Classed  under  the  snipes  proper 
and  a  very  snipe-like  bird,  we  come  next  to  the 

Macrorhamphus  griseus. — Leach.    Red-breasted  Snipe.     Grey  Snipe.    Brown- 
back.    Dowitcher.    Driver. 

The  color  is  in  summer  brownish  black  above,  variegated  with 
bay,  below  brownish-red,  variegated  with  dusky,  a  tawny  super- 
ciliary stripe,  and  a  darker  one  from  the  bill  to  the  eye.  In  winter, 
plain  grey  above  and  on  the  breast,  with  no  trace  of  black  and 
bay,  belly  v/hite.  This  bird  differs  essentially  from  the  true  snipe 
in  habits,  they  flying  in  large  compact  flocks  like  the  sandpipers, 
and  for  the  most  part  inhabiting  the  shores  of  bays  and  estuaries, 
rather  than  the  wet  meadows.  They  are  shot  on  the  shores  of 
Long  Island  in  August  in  great  numbers ;  they  are  a  migratory 
United  States  species.      •-    >    ••     ,  ..^ 

Microjialama  kimantopus.—'R9.\rd.    Stilt  Sandpiper. 

Not  a  common  bird,  but  is  found  in  the  United  States  in  limited 
numbers  during  their  migrations.  It  occurs  in  the  West  India 
Islands  during  the  winter ;  in  color  it  much  resembles  the  last 
species.  :;.'".•■,/.•..•,>,•.(;-  "ffi  ■  ^■'■.•■.':  „^\;. 

Breuneies  pustHus. —Cassin.    Semipalmated  Sandpiper.    Peep.    Oxeye. 

An  exceedingly  abundant  little  bird,  too  common  and  well 
known  to  merit  a  description.  In  the  later  summer  they  throng 
our  shores,  and  form  staple  sport  to  the  youthful  and  city  tyros. 
They  are  quickly  distinguished  in  the  hand  from  minutilla  by  the 
semipalmation. 

Tringa  fm'nuit'Ua.—Vieill.    The  Least  Sandpiper.    Peep. 

The  smallest  of  the  Sandpipers,  in  color  it  resembles  the  last, 
but  has  rather  more  bay  on  the  upper  parts.  These  two  species 
are  always  found  associated,  and  are  often  confounded. 


BEACH  BIRDS.  1 6/ 


Trtnga  Bairdii. —Coues.    Baird's  Sandpiper. 

This  species  is  almost  exactly  similar  in  color  to  mi?iutilla, 
but  is  larger.  It  is  rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  but  is  found  in  both 
North  and  South  America. 

Tringa  wa<:M/a/«.—Vieill.— Pectoral   Sandpiper.    Marsh   Plover.    Jack  Snipe. 

Grass  Snipe. 

The  color  is  greyish,  variegated  with  chestnut  above,  somewhat 
resembling  the  Wilsons  or  English  Snipe,  Gallinago  Wilsonii,  but 
of  course  instantly  distinguished  from  the  latter  by  the  shape  of 
the  bill.  The  species  is  seldom  if  ever  seen  on  open  sandy  beaches, 
as  it  prefers  at  all  times  the  low  muddy  flats  laid  bare  by  the  tide, 
the  pools  and  ditches  which  intersect  them,  and  the  salt  marshes 
by  which  they  are  bordered.  They  are  not  restricted  to  salt  water, 
but  frequent  low  wet  meadows  and  fields  at  a  great  distance  from 
any  large  body  of  water.  When  they  rise  from  the  grass  to  alight 
again  at  a  short  distance,  thoy  fly  slowly  and  evenly  with  the  wings 
deeply  incurved.  When,  however,  they  are  frightened,  by  being 
repeatedly  forced  up  by  the  sportsman,  or  when  they  are  suddenly 
startled,  they  spring  up  vigorously,  emitting  loud  rapidly  repeated 
notes,  and  fly  in  a  quick  zigzag  manner.  They  are  then  equally 
difficult  to  shoot  with  the  Wilsons  Snipe.  Sometimes  they  mount 
with  a  loud  cry  very  high  into  the  air,  and  circle  overhead  for  sev- 
eral minutes,  fly  ng  with  great  rapidity  and  in  perfect  silence. 
When  about  to  alight,  which  they  often  do  at  the  very  spot  from 
which  they  rose,  they  barely  close  their  wings  and  dart  suddenly 
down  in  an  almost  perpendicular  direction.  This  species  is  found 
in  pairs  or  singly,  and  never  in  flocks  of  any  great  extent.  They 
are  excessively  fat  in  the  month  of  October  and  delicately  flavored, 
and  afford  delicious  eating.  They  are  abundant  from  Washington 
to  New  Hampshire.    Very  little  is  known  of  their  breeding,  places. 

Tringa  Bona/ariet—Schleg.    White-rumped  Sandpiper.    White-tailed  Stib. 

This  bir.";  is  very  similar  in  colo*^  and  size  to  T.  Bairdii,  the 
upper  tail  coverts  are  white  however,  and  hence  the  name.  This 
bird  is  the  Schinzes  Sandpiper  of  Audubon.  It  is  common  to  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and  is  abundant  along  the  Atlantic  coast. 


1 68  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 


Tringa  maritima. — Briinn.     Purple  Sandpiper. 

This  is  a  rather  common  bird  on  our  Atlantic  coast.  They 
confine  tiiemseives  to  the  rocky  shores  and  jutting  promontories, 
and  are  for  this  reason  not  frequently  secured  by  sportsmen. 
The  color  of  the  upper  parts,  ashy  black  with  purplish  reflections, 
line  over  the  eye,  and  under  parts  white,  breast  like  the  back  but 
lighter  in  color ;  in  winter  the  colors  are  much  duller,  being  a 
dark  slaty  grey.    The  young  are  mottled  with  dusky  below. 

Tringa    aipina   var.  americana.—Qvi'^^m..    American    Dunlin.      Black-bellied 
Sandpiper.    Red-backed  Sandpiper,    Stib. 

A  North  American  species.  Color  of  the  adult  in  summer, 
above  chestnut,  each  feather  with  a  central  black  field,  and  most 
of  them  white  tipped,  under  parts  white,  belly  with  a  broad  black 
area,  breast  streaked  with  dusky,  adult  in  winter,  pale  ashy  grey. 

Tringa  subarquata. — Temm.    Curlew  Sandpiper. 

An  extremely  rare  bird  in  this  country,  but  stragglers  have 
been  picked  up  along  the  Atlantic  coast. 

Tringa  canutus.—Umxi.    Red-breasted  Sandpiper.    Ash-colored  Sandpiper.    Red 
breast.    Grey-back.    Robin-snipe.   Knot. 

An  abundant  species  found  along  the  shores  of  Long  Island 
and  New  Jersey  in  numbers  ;  colors  above,  brownish-black,  the 
feathers  tipped  with  ashy-white,  below  brownish  red,  much  the 
same  as  in  the  familiar  robin ;  young,  above  clear  ash  with  numer- 
ous black  and  white  semicircles,  below  tinged  with  reddish 
speckled  on  the  breast.     In  winter  plain  grey.  , 

Calidris  arenaria. — lUiger.    Sanderling.    Ruddy  Plover.    Skinner. 

The  hind  toe  of  most  other  shore  birds  lacking,  the  color  of  the 
adult  in  summer  is  as  follows :  upper  parts  varied  with  black,  ashy 
and  bright  reddish,  below  from  the  breast  pure  white ;  adult  in 
winter  without  the  reddish  tinge,  the  upper  parts  speckled  and 
marked  with  white  and  black,  below  white.  This  is  an  abundant 
bird  along  our  coasts.  The  name  of  Skinner  has  reference  prob- 
ably, to  the  fact  of  the  bird's  breast  bursting  open  on  striking  the 


BEACH  BIRDS.  1 69 

ground  or  water  when  shot  in  the  fLill.  This  is  the  result  of 
their  great  fatness,  and  the  bursting  is  called  skinning — the  bird  a 
skinner. 

Limosa  /edoa. — Ord.    Great  Marbled  Godwit.    Marlin.    Humility. 

Found  in  the  United  States,  and  breeding  to  the  north,  although 
a  few  remain  with  us  for  that  purpose.  They  are  quickly  distin- 
guished among  the  thousands  of  birds  that  throng  the  shores  of 
our  Atlantic  seaboard  by  their  large  size  and  coloration.  General 
plumage  rufous  or  cinnamon-brown,  above  variegated  with  black, 
brown  and  grey,  bill  from  four  to  five  inches  in  length,  flesh-color- 
ed, and  tijjped  with  black.  This  Godwit,  commonly  called  "  Mar- 
lin," is  becoming  scarcer  every  year.  It  is  a  very  noisy  bird,  and 
has  an  odd  shrill  cry  that  sounds  like  "gmtio"  rapidly  repeated; 
they  are  very  strong  on  the  wing,  and  feed  in  bogs  and  marshes 
near  the  sea  shore,  have  four  eggs,  and  are  very  delicious  as  a 
table  bird. 

Limosa  hudsonica. — Swaiuson.    Hudsonian  Godwit,    White-tailed  Marlin. 

Humility. 

Colored  as  follows :  Tail  black,  largely  white  at  the  base  ;  under 
parts  in  the  breeding  season  intense  rufous,  variegated  with  dusky, 
head,  neck,  and  upper  parts  brownish  black,  variegated  with  grey, 
reddish  and  sometimes  whitish  speckling,  young  and  winter  plum- 
age of  the  adult,  grey  and  pale,  with  less  of  the  ruddy  tinge.  This 
is  a  more  northerly  inhabitant  of  the  continent  than  the  last,  and 
not  so  abundant ;  it  is  also  smaller  than  the  other  God  wits. 

Totamts  semipalmatus. — Temm.    Willet.    Semipalraated  Tattler. 

To  gunners  this  is  a  widely  known  species,  being  found  in 
great  plenty  along  our  sea  coast  and  in  the  marshes.  They  may 
be  called  residents  of  the  United  States.  Being  a  large  bird  they 
are  shot  extensively,  but  as  a  table  bird  are  not  highly  esteemed. 
The  bird  in  summer  is  grey  above  with  numerous  black  markings, 
below  white,  throat,  breast  and  sides  streaked  and  marked  with 
dusky.  In  winter  these  markings  are  lacking,  and  the  bird  is  of 
a  general  ashy  grey  color.  The  legs  are  large  and  strong,  the 
toes  semipalmated. 


170  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NOKriI  AMERICA. 


Totanui  tnelanoleHcus.—V\Q\\\.    Greater  Tell-tale.    Greater  Yellow-shanks.    Big 
Yollow-legs.    Stone  Snipe.   Tftttler.    Large  Cucu. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  familiar  of  our  Bay-birds,  his  larjje  size, 
yellow  legs,  peculiar  cry  and  usual  wariness  making  him  an  object 
of  eager  pursuit  to  the  city-bred  sportsman.  They  are,  nowever, 
universally  disliked  by  gunners  on  account  of  their  watchful 
and  noisy  nature.  They  will  stand  motionless  and  in  silence; 
carefully  regarding  the  sportsman  with  watchful  attention  until  he 
is  nearly  within  shooting  distance,  when  at  a  single  note  from  one 
of  the  flock,  all  instantly  take  flight,  emitting  loud  clear  whistles 
of  rejoicing  at  his  discomfiture.  Later  in  the  season,  however, 
they  seem  to  be  less  wary,  and  numbers  can  be  procured  without 
difficulty.  Though  found  in  all  situations  near  the  water,  their 
favorite  localities  are  muddy  flats  laid  bare  by  the  ebbing  tide,  the 
salt  marshes  adjoining  them,  and  the  pools  which  dot  these 
marshes.  They  are  generally  lean  and  little  valued  for  the 
table. 

A  description  of  this  bird  is  superfluous,  as  he  is,  next  to  the 
Peep,  our  most  common  shore  bird  among  the  hordes  that  popu- 
late our  coasts,  and  is  unmistakable. 

Toianus yiavt'/es.  —VieWl.    Lesser  Yellow-legs.   Lesser  Tell-tale. 

An  exact  miniature  of  the  last  in  coloration  and  its  habits  are 
similar,  the  two  are  found  associated,  sometimes  both  being 
brought  down  by  the  same  discharge  ;  what  applies  to  one  is  true 
of  the  other. 


Tring;a  solitarius. — Aud.    Solitary  Tattler. 

A  familiar  species  to  most  gunners.  It  is  for  the  most  part  a 
resident  of  the  wet  woods  and  marshes,  rather  than  the  sea  shore. 
In  early  fall  one  or  two  may  invariably  be  found  feeding  by  any  se- 
cluded pool  or  pond,  not  necessarily  near  salt  water  ;  when  fright- 
ened suddenly  they  are  silent  in  their  flights,  but  at  other  times 
emit  a  shrill  and  not  unmusical  call.  The  color  is  dark  lustrous 
olive-brown  above,  below  white,  sides  of  neck  and  head  streaked 
with  dusky,  the  tail  is  beautifully  marked  with  black  and  white. 
These  birds  are  common  to  North  America  in  general.     A  rather 


•V>''-v        BEACH  BIRDS.     ^     i'    ."  171 

shy  species,  breeding  in  some  of  the  mountainous  portions  of  the 
United  States  and  north. 


Tringoides  macularius.— Gray.    Spotted  Sund-plper.    Tip-up.    Teeter.    Sand 

lark.    Pcetweet. 

This  is  one  of  our  very  common  and  abundant  shore  birds, 
ivnown  to  all.  They  are  not  found  in  compact  flocks,  but  in  loose 
companies  of  from  five  to  ten.  Color  of  adult,  aljove,  olive  with  a 
coppery  lustre,  below  pure  white,  throat  and  breast  thickly  spotted 
with  distinct  black  markings,  these  are  wanting  in  the  young, 
whoso  breast  is  white  with  perhaps  an  ashy  suffusion  ;  they  be- 
come enormously  fat  in  the  autumn,  but  are  poor  eating  owing  to 
the  fishy  nature  of  their  food.  The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground 
often  in  field  or  orchard,  hut  always  near  some  body  of  water,  and 
is  a  slight  affair,  merely  a  collection  of  dried  grasses  ;  the  eggs 
are  four  in  number,  of  a  muddy  color,  blotched  with  blackish. 

Actiturus  bartramius. — Bon.     Bartramian  Sandpiper.  Upland  Plover.  Field 

Plover. 

An  abundant  migratory  bird  throughout  North  America.  It 
is  an  esteemed  game  bird,  and  is  seen  in  flocks,  in  fields,  not  ne- 
cessarily near  the  water,  their  principal  food  being  insects.  In 
color  they  are  blackish  above,  variegated  with  tawny  and  whitish, 
below  pale  tawny,  breast  and  sides  with  bars  and  arrowheads  of 
blackish,  bill  and  legs  pale.  This  species  is  far  more  abundant 
on  the  plains  of  the  Missouri  River  region  than  on  any  other  sec- 
lion  of  our  country.  It  is  found  on  the  high  dry  plains  any  where, 
and  when  fat,  as  it  generally  is,  from  the  abundance  of  its  favorite 
food,  the  grasshopper,  is  one  of  the  most  delicious  morsels  ima- 
ginable. They  breed  everywhere  throughout  this  country,  laying 
four  spotted  eggs  in  a  rather  deep  hollow  in  the  ground,  the  nest 
being  composed  merely  of  a  few  grass  blades. 

.     .  Tryngites  ru/escen:  —Ca,h.    Butf-breasted  Sandpiper. 


In  color  much  like  the  Bartramian  Sandpiper ;  it  is  a  smaller 
bird  however,  and  will  not  be  confounded  with  Bartramius.  They 
do  not  seem  to  be  an  abundant  species,  but  are  found  generally 
distributed  throughout  the  open  country  of  North  America. 


172  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Heteroscelus  uica.  ?/j.— Coues.    Wandering  Tattler. 

Peculiar  to  the  islands  and  coasts  of  the  Pacific,  where  they  are 
known  by  a  dozen  names.  The  plumage  is  generally  a  uniform 
lead  grey  above,  below  white,  shaded  and  barred  with  grey. 

Numenius  longirostris. — Wilson.    Long-billed  Curlew.    Sickle-bill.    Sabre-bill. 

A  common  resident,  distinguishable  to  gunners  from  all  other 
birds  by  the  great  length  of  its  bill,  which  measures  from  five  to 
nine  inches.  The  coloration  is  much  like  that  of  the  Marlin,  the 
general  tone  of  the  bird  being  rufous,  thickly  marked  with  arrow- 
heads pnd  bars  of  blackish. 

Nutnenius  hudsonicus. — Lath.    Hudsonian  Curlew.  Jack  Curlew. 

Also  abundant  in  the  United  States  and  breeds  in  British 
America.  The  color  is  like  that  of  the  last  species,  but  a  shade 
paler.  It  is  a  much  smaller  bird  and  its  bill  is  shorter,  being  but 
three  to  four  inches  in  length. 

Numenius  borealis. — Lath.    Esquimaux  Curlew.    Dough  Bird. 

Like  the  former  in  color  but  still  smaller,  the  bill  measun.,g 
Uiider  three  inches. 

Curlew  are  generally  very  abundant  and  breed  in  high,  hilly,  and 
sandy  grounds.  The  nest  is  ver"  sligh  and  usually  contains  four 
eggs,  placed  with  the  small  ends  toge.  jr.  These  birds  have  a 
singular  way  of  just  keeping  out  of  gun-shot,  and  rise  with  a  mourn- 
ful cry,  alarming  every  bird  within  hearing,  thus  spoiling  the  sport 
among  the  Willets,  as  at  certain  seasons  they  frequently  associate 
with  one  another.  The  best  decoy  is  to  tie  a  dark  bandanna  hand- 
kerchief on  the  top  of  a  small  stick,  the  gunner  lying  concealed  be- 
hind ;  ome  dry  drift-wood,  waving  the  decoy  and  imitating  their 
cry  from  time  to  time.  It  is  not  thought  highly  of  as  a  table  bird, 
but  when  properly  cooked  with  a  little  lemon,  and  good  cayenne,  it 
is  not  to  be  despised. 

An  almost  endless  varitiy  of  the  Limi'colce  are  found  on  the 
shores  of  Lon-j  Island,  these  localities  seemingly  being  esppTially 
adi.pted  to  this  family  and  furnishing  to  them  an  inexhaustible  sup- 
ply of  food.        » 


BEACH  BIRDS.  .     "^ 

There  are  but  a  few  methods  employed  in  the  puisuit  of  these 
birds  as  the  habits  of  most  of  the  species  are  identical.  We  have  thus 
thought  best  to  close  the  chapter  with  a  few  words  on  this  point. 

The  best  feeding  grounds  are  Pelican  Bar,  South  Bay;  Egg 
Harbor,  Montauk  Point,  Forked  River  near  Bamegat,  seveiral 
promontories  near  Stonington,  Conn.,  Currituck  Inlet,  N.  C, 
and  Cobb's  Island  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Virginia.  At  the 
two  latter  named  places,  shooting  commences  eaHy  in  Sep- 
tember, and  at  the  former  early  in  August.  To  one  contem- 
plating a  visit  to  any  of  these  resorts,  with  the  view  of  enjoying 
Bay  bird  shooting,  we  would  give  the  following  advice :  If 
possible,  go  out  very  early  in  the  morning  on  a  high  flood  tide, 
taking  care  to  select  a  long  narrow  sand-bar  that  is  not  covered  at 
high-water,  and  one  that  juts  out  from  the  mainland  ;  gather  some 
dry  drift-wood  and  build  a  small  blind,  scooping  out  the  sand.  You 
can  then  put  out  a  few  stools  about  twenty-five  yards  from  the 
blinds  on  the  edge  of  high-water,  and  coinmence  to  imitate  the 
whistle  of  any  bay  bird  with  whose  note  you  have  become  familiar ; 
if  the  wind  should  be  blowing  on  shore  and  the  tide  likely  to  be 
very  high,  the  sand-bars  will  be  all  covered  and  the  birds  having 
no  place  to  alight,  fly  backwards  and  forwards  across  this  point 
waiting  for  the  tide  to  recede.  Never  pick  up  the  wing-tipped 
birds,  as  they  act  as  decoys  ;  they  flutter  their  wings,  uttering  shrill 
whistles,  and  bring  down  hundreds  of  others  to  see  "  what  is  the 
matter."  As  the  flocks  wheel  around  over  the  stools  and  at  the 
instant  when  during  one  of  their  circlings,  they  show  their  white 
bellies,  is  the  time  to  touch  the  trigger.  You  may  then  secure  a 
dozen  biids  at  a  single  discharge. '  Wh  :g  down  certain  kinds 
of  beach  birds  to  decoys  is  practised  successfully  by  old  gunners 
who  are  adepts  in  this  art.  Novices  had  better  trust  to  their  de- 
coys. Another  plan  is  to  sail  leisurely  down  on  the  birds  as  they 
are  feeding  on  the  bars ;  but  if  there  are  any  Curlew  there,  it  is 
necessary  to  remain  perfectly  still  and  hide  yourself.  The  slight- 
est oversight  on  the  part  of  the  sportsman  to  observe  these  laws, 
will  cause  the  Curlew  instantly  to  give  the  alarm  and  your  sport  is 
vil.  With  everytiung  in  your  favor,  tides,  wind,  slightly  foggy 
weather,  the  shooting  of  Curlew  is  generally  at  long  range.  Now 
and  then  you  may  get  a  shot  at  them  as  they  fly  over  at  forty  yards 


f 

f 


1 

f 


Li  .1.. 


174  C/fyl/i?  B/l!DS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

or  so.  Your  clothes  should  be  of  a  marsh-grass,  or  sedge  color. 
Always  have  the  barrels  of  your  gun  well  "  browned  ;  "  use  a  ten- 
bore,  four  and  a  half  drachms  of  powder,  and  one  and  a  quarter 
ounces  of  No.  7  shot,  a  pair  of  long  rubber  boots  and  a  light  rub- 
ber blanket.  For  the  smaller  bay  snipe  you  can  use  No.  10  shot 
and  upwards,  according  to  their  size.  For  Plover,  if  you  have  a 
fine  retrieving  spaniel,  he  will  be  of  service. 

By  these  methods  are  shot  Willets,  Large  and  Small  Yellow- 
le^s,  Dowitchers,  Killdeer,  Robin-snipe,  Turnstonri  and  very  many 
of  the  smaller  Sand-pipers  and  Plover.  The  sport  is  much  enjoyed 
by  many,  and  with  us  of  the  Eastern  coasts  it  has  the  additional 
advantage  of  being  so  convenient  and  accessible  from  the  city,  that 
many  business  men  can  easily  and  at  short  notice  reach  the  shoot- 
ing ground,  where  circumstances  prohibit  a  long  sojourn  from  the 
city.  In  our  opinion,  however,  the  pleasures  of  Bay  bird  shooting 
should  not  be  spoken  of  in  the  same  sentence  with  cocking  or  snip- 
ing. The  birds  after  being  secured  are  not  gamey,  and  the  man- 
ner of  securing  them  is  tame  compared  with  the  inspiriting  hunt 
of  the  Quail,  Woodcock,  Grouse  or  Snipe,  where  the  accessory  of 
a  brace  of  good  dogs  is  not  wanting. 


RAIL  AND   REED  BIRDS. 

FEW  of  our  birds  are  as  little  known  to  the  unscientific,  as 
the  species  which  are  comprised  in  the  family  of  the  RallidcB. 
Migrating  altogether  by  night,  and  passing  their  lives  among  the 
wet  meadows  and  marshes,  they  are  rarely  disturbed,  except  by 
the  ornithological  collector,  and  for  perhaps  a  month  in  the  au- 
tumn by  the  sportsman. 

Yet  they  are  very  interesting  little  birds,  active,  energetic,  and 
above  all  inquisitive.  At  high  water  they  may  often  be  seen  in 
considerable  numbers  running  rapidly  about  over  the  floating 
sedge,  the  head  well  thrown  back  and  the  short,  pointed  tail  erect 
and  brought  as  far  forward  as  possible.  At  such  times,  if  the  ob- 
server will  but  remain  perfectly  motionless  the  nimble  little  feeders 
will  approach  within  a  few  feet  of  him,  and  he  may  note  each  de- 
tail of  form  and  coloring.  At  the  least  movement,  however,  all 
the  birds  take  the  alarm  and  run  back  to  the  shelter  of  the  stand- 
ing grass  or  rushes  whence  they  came.  Their  swiftness  of  foot  is 
surprising,  and  they  splash  along  over  the  floating  reeds  and  grass 
in  a  most  reckless  and  noisy  race. 

That  they  are  not  badly  frightened,  however,  is  shown  by  the 
fact  that  if  all  becomes  quiet  once  more  they  will  emerge  from 
their  hiding-place  almost  immediately  to  inspect  the  object  which 
alarmed  them,  and  after  having  satisfied  their  curiosity,  will  re- 
commence feeding  in  their  former  jaunty  and  unconcerned  man- 
ner. While  thus  engaged  they  do  not  confine  themselves  wholly 
to  satisfying  their  appetites  ;  they  are  not  so  eager  for  food  that 
they  cannot  find  time  to  stop  for  a  little  chatter  and  gossip  with 
one  another.  Indeed  they  often  indulge  in  quite  protracted  con- 
versations, sometimes  in  the  shrillest  and  most  argumentative 
tones,  and  at  others  in  low  whispered  chuckles  that  can  hardly  be 
heard  at  the  distance  of  ^  few  feet.  Often  the  birds  can  be  called 
from    their  grassy  hiding-p'aces  by  an   imitation   of  their  shrill 


176  (14 ME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

cries,  and  we  have  sometimes  drawn  a  dozen  birds  to  the  edge  of 
the  rushes,  \vl)ere  they  would   stand  and  peer  about  until  some 
slight  movement  drove  them  back  to  their  cover. 

Ordinarily  they  seem  very  much  averse  to  using  their  wings, 
and  prefer  to  trust  for  safely  to  their  powers  of  running  and  hid- 
ing. If  possible  they  will  always  run  to  the  thick  grass  or  "  cat- 
tails," which  the  sportsman's  boat  cannot  penetrate.  When  they 
have  not  time  to  reach  such  places  of  refuge  they  may  usually  be 
forced  to  fly,  though  they  will  sometimes  hide  in  a  bunch  of  grass, 
and  permit  the  boat  to  be  pushed  directly  over  them.  Wounded 
birds  resort  to  every  expedient  of  diving,  swimming  under  water 
and  hiding,  and  unless  the  situation  is  exceptionally  favorable  for 
the  marker,  they  are  more  often  lost  than  secured.  We  have 
known  them  to  cling  for  several  minutes  to  the  grass  at  the  bot- 
tom, and  it  is  believed  that  they  sometimes  drown  in  this  way, 
rather  than  expose  themselves  to  the  chance  of  being  captuied. 
One  of  their  commonest  modes  of  concealment  is  to  sink  in  the 
water  near  a  clump  of  grass,  leaving  only  the  bill  exposed  above 
water,  and  this  small  object  partially  concealed  by  the  surrounding 
grass  is  easily  overlooked. 

Rallus  longirostris. — Bodd.    Clapper  Rail.    Salt-water  Marsh-hen.    Mud-hen. 

Colors  above  variegated  with  dark  olive-brown  and  pale  olive- 
ash,  which  edges  the  feathers  ;  below,  dull  ochre-brown  whitening 
on  the  throat,  often  ashy  on  the  breast,  flanks,  fuscous-grey,  with 
white  bars,  eyelids  and  short  superciliary  stripe  whitish.  Young 
Lirds  are  dirty-white  below.  The  length  is  about  fourteen  to  six- 
teen inches.  It  inhabits  the  salt  marshes  of  our  Atlantic  coast, 
as  far  north  as  Massachusetts,  although  comparatively  rare  north 
of  Connecticut.  They  art  exceedingly  averse  to  Hying,  and  prefer 
to  seek  safety  by  their  powers  of  concealment,  which  are  sometimes 
marvellously  exhibited.  When,  however,  a  dog  follows  the  scent, 
and  there  are  no  convenient  holes  into  which  they  may  creep,  they 
take  to  llight,  making  a  very  clumsy  figure  on  the  wing,  dropping 
suddenly  into  the  grass,  and  scampering  off  as  fast  as  possible. 
Their  flesh  is  poor,  and  the  capturing  of  this,  as  well  as  the  two 
following  species,  is  a  matter  of  chance.  The  Clapper  Rail,  how- 
ever, is  only  so  difficult  to  secure  in  the  Middle  States.    P^urther 


RAIL  AND  RKB.D  BIRDS.  1 7/ 

south,  especially  in  the  Carolinas,  they  are  found  and  shot  in  num- 
bers. Audubon  speaks  of  fifty  to  a  hundred  birds  beinji^  killed 
during  a  tide. 

Rallus  elegans, — Aud.    King-Rail.    Fresh-water  Marsh-hen. 

In  markings,  this  bird  resembles  longirostris,  but  ihe  colors 
are  mucli  brighter.  It  is  also  a  larger  bird.  It  is  an  inhabitant 
of  the  fresh  w^ter  marshes  of  the  United  States,  although  they 
are  occasionally,  during  migrations,  found  in  salt  or  brackish- 
water  marsh-lands  ;  a  better  table  bird  than  the  last,  but  rarely 
seen  or  shot  by  gunners,  on  account  of  their  reluctance  to  fly ;  they 
are  sometimes  flushed  by  boats,  when  after  Sora,  the  birds  having 
ventured  too  far  from  their  impenetrable  cat-tails,  while  feeding 
upon  the  wild-oats,  the  special  food  of  the  genus. 

Rallus   VirgiHianus.—\Jm.n,    Virginia  Rail.  Red  Rail.  Corn-crake. 

Coloration  as  in  elegans  of  which  it  is  a  perfect  miniature ; 
length  eight  and  one-half  to  ten  and  one-half  inches ;  a  common 
migrating  species  of  the  United  States,  sometimes  found  beyond 
the  line.  This  bird  is  well  known  to  Sora  hunters,  being  shot  in 
the  same  situation  and  localities ;  it  is  not,  however,  so  peculiarly  a 
fresh  water  bird,  being  in  early  summer,  and  sometimes  late  fall, 
found  in  the  great  salt  meadows  ;  they  are,  however,  more  fond  of 
thick  cover  than  the  Carolina  Rail,  and  seldom  venture  far  from 
such  places.  When  the  moon  is  at  its  full  in  Septenioer  or  Octo- 
ber, and  the  perigee,  or  in  "  shover  "  parlance  "  Pagy,"  tides  take 
place,  the  afternoon  high-water  sometimes  almost  outtops  the 
cat-tails,  and  it  is  at  these  times  that  most  of  the  Virginia  Rail  are 
secured,  for  the  skiff  of  the  gunner  may  then  be  pushed  through 
these  ordinarily  insurmountable  barriers,  and  the  inmates,  two  or 
three  Virginia  Rail,  perhaps  a  Least  Bittern  or  rarer  still  a  Florida 
Gallinule  may  be  thus  started.  Still  for  every  fifty  Sora,  not  more 
than  one  Virginia  Rail  is  boated. 

Porzana  Carolina.— Ciys&\n.    Carolina  Rail.    Sora.    Ortolan. 

Olive  brown  above,  varied  with  black  and  numerous   sharp 
white  streaks  and  specks,  flanks  barfed  With  black  and  whitish ; 
adult,  face  and  central  line  of  throat  black,  rest  of  the  throat,  line 
8* 


178  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

over  the  eyes,  and  especially  breast,  slaty  or  bluish  grey.  This  is 
the  most  common  and  universally  known  of  all  the  Rallidcc  ;  later 
in  this  account  we  shall  describe  the  manner  of  its  pursuit. 

Porzana  no7'e6oracensis. —Cass'm.    Yellow-breasted  Rail.    Little  Yellow  Rail. 

Above  varied  with  blackish  and  ochre-brown,-  thickly  marked 
with  narrow  white  semicircles  and  transverse  bars,  betow,  pale 
yellowish-brown  fading  on  the  belly,  deepest  on  breast,  flanks  dark 
with  numerous  white  bars,  small,  about  six  inches  in  length.  This 
little  bird  is  not  supposed  to  be  a  common  species  ;  confined  to 
Eastern  North  America.  On  account  of  its  secluded  habits  and 
extreme  dislike  to  take  wing,  they  are  very  rarely  secured. 

We  were  fortunate  enough  a  year  since,  during  the  month  of 
October,  to  make  some  observations  on  the  habits  of  P.  navcbora- 
ccnsis  which  deserve  to  be  briefly  noticed.  While  working  a  young 
puppy  on  snipe  over  a  wet  meadow,  we  were  somewhat  annoyed 
by  the  dog's  often  making  what  we  supposed  false  points.  We 
were  unable  to  start  any  birds  from  before  him,  and  several  times 
called  him  away,  supposing  that  he  was  standing  on  the  scent  of 
a  bird  that  had  recently  been  there.  At  length,  however,  the  dog 
was  seen,  after  standing  for  a  moment,  to  reach  down  and  grasp 
at  something  in  the  grass  before  him,  and  immediately  afterwards 
a  small  Rail  rose  and  flew  a  short  distance.  Recognizing  it  as  a 
Rail,  and  seeing  that  it  was  very  different  from  anything  which  we 
are  accustomed  to  see  in  this  vicinity,  we  shot  the  specimen,  and 
when  it  was  retrieved  were  surprised  and  pleased  to  find  that  it 
was  a  Yellow-breasted  Rail. 

Subsequent  examination  of  the  meadows  proved  that  the 
species  was  quite  common,  and  we  did  no  small  injury  to  our  dog's 
training  by  allowing  him  to  hunt  the  birds  after  his  own  method. 
The  little  creatures  were  astonishingly  tame,  and  would  hide 
among  the  bogs  on  the  meadow,  or  creep  into  holes  in  the  ground, 
from  which  the  dog  would  draw  them  forth  in  his  mouth.  We 
caught  one  in  our  hands,  and  killed  another  with  a  dog  whip.  A 
third  flew  against  the  legs  of  one  of  the  party,  and  then  dropped 
down  into  the  grass  again.  In  all,  about  a  dozen  specimens  (of 
which  nine  were  preserved)  were  taken  in  an  hour  or  two,  and  no 
doubt  had  more  time  been  at  our  command,  this  number  might 


RAIL   AND  REED  BIRDS.  1 79 

have  been  materially  increased.  It  was  apparent  that  the  species 
was  migrating  in  considerable  numbers,  and  that  its  supposed 
rarity  is  in  a  great  measure  due  to  its  retiring  habits  and  to  its 
propensity  for  hiding  when  it  can  instead  of  Hying.  It  is  evident 
that  a  collector  familiar  with  these  habits  would  have  no  difficulty 
in  securing  a  goodly  number  of  specimens. 

The  facts  just  related  would  seem  to  indicate  that  if  collectors 
did  but  know  where  and  at  what  time  to  look  for  them,  some  of 
the  migrating  birds  now  considered  rare  in  certain  localities  might 
be  found  there  in  considerable  numbers ;  and  that  as  our  knowl- 
edge of  bird  life  and  habits  becomes  more  and  more  extended,  the 
so-called  rare  species  will  gradually  be  eliminated  from  our  lists, 
until  finally  the  time  will  come  when  we  shall  know  just  where 
and  when  to  look  for  any  given  species. 

Porzana  yamaiceMst's.— Cassia,    Black  Rail. 

Color  blackish,  head  and  under  parts  dark  slaty,  paler  on 
throat,  above  speckled  with  white,  upper  portion  of  back  varied 
with  dark  chestnut,  flanks  white-barred.  A  very  small  bird,  about 
five  and  a  half  inches  in  length — found  in  South  and  Central 
America  and  West  Indies,  rare  in  the  United  States.  There  are 
a  few  instances  on  record  of  this  bird  having  been  secured  in  the 
Middle  States,  notably  the  finding  of  one  in  Massachusetts  in  1869. 
It  was  during  the  migrating  season,  and  the  bird  was  found  on 
the  ground  beneath  the  telegraph  wires.  What  was  said  at  the 
close  of  our  remarks  on  the  Little  Yellow  Rail  about  their  sup- 
posed rarity,  may  apply  equally  well  to  this  species. 

Gallinula  £^cUettta.~Bon.    Florida  Gallinule.    King  Rail. 

Head,  neck  and  under  parts  greyish  black,  darkest  on  head, 
paler  or  whitening  on  the  belly,  back  brownish  olive,  wings  and 
tail  dusky,  edge  of  wing,  stripes  on  the  flanks  white,  bill  and 
frontal  plate  red,  the  former  tipped  with  yellow,  length  twelve  to 
fifteen  inches.  An  inhabitant  of  the  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
States,  occurs  occasionally  north  to  Massachusetts. 

Porphyrio  mariim'ca.—Tcmm.    Purple  Gallinule, 

Head,  neck  and  under  parts  purplish  blue,  above  olivaceous- 
green,  frontal  shield  blue,  bill  red  with  yellavv  tip,  legs  yellowish  ; 


i8o 


GAME    BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 


young  with  head,  neck  and  lower  part  of  back  brownish,  under 
parts  whitish,  length  ten  to  twelve  inches.  South  Atlantic  and 
Gulf  States,  north  rarely  to  New  England. 


Fu/ica  americana. —Gmelin.    Coot,    Sea  Crow. 

Color,  dark  slate,  paler  below,  blackening  in  the  head  and  neck, 
tinged  with  olive  on  the  back,  edge  of  wing  and  tips  of  secondaries 
w^hite,  bill  whitish  marked  with  reddish  black  near  the  tip,  feet 
dull  green,  length  fourteen  inches.  The  feet  of  the  Coot  are 
widely  lobed  like  the  Phalaropes,  and  they  are  more  at  home  on  the 
water  than  on  the  land.  They  feed  along  the  shores  of  fresh 
water  creeks  and  rivers,  and  numbers  are  yearly  taken  by  Rail 
hunters. 

By  far  the  most  abundant  of  the  Rail  in  the  Middle  States, 
especially  during  the  migrations,  is  the  so-called  Sora  {Porzana 
Carolina) ;  next  in  abundance  come  the  Salt  water  Marsh-hen 
(Ralhis  lo7igirostris),  and  the  Virginia  Rail  or  Corncrake  (R.  vir- 
gi7iianus),  the  latter  a  bird  most  unwilling  to  use  its  wings,  and 
ordinarily  not  to  be  started  from  the  ground  except  by  the  aid  of  a 
dog.  The  Coot  (Ftdica  amcricana)  is  rather  abundant  in  the 
middle  districts,  and  from  its  size  and  habits  is  perhaps  more  gen- 
erally known  than  the  other  members  of  the  family.  The  Florida 
gallinule  (GaUinula  galcata)  is  rare,  but  we  have  occasionally 
taken  it.  This  family  contains  two  or  three  speties  which  are 
quite  rare,  and  which  are  eagerly  sought  after  by  ornithological 
collectors.  The  yellow-breasted  rail  (Porzana  navcboracensis)  is 
one  of  these  and  the  black  rail  (P.  ja?naiccnsis)  another,  the  latter 
being  regarded  as  one  of  the  rarest  of  North  American  birds.  The 
European  Corncrake  (Crex  pratensis)  is  only  found  on  this  conti- 
nent as  an  accidental  visitor. 

Rail  shooting  is  a  sport  enjoyed  almost  exclusively  by  Philadel- 
phians  ;  certainly  in  no  other  city  is  it  followed  so  regularly,  and 
with  so  much  zest.  The  season  occurs  between  times,  as  it  were, 
and  after  the  two  long  summer  months  of  July  and  August,  when 
there  has  been  little  or  no  shooting,  it  is  no  wonder  that  September 
first  is  hailed  with  delight  by  the  sportsman. 

The  numerous  flats  and  islands  in  tiie  Delaware  River  at  this 
season  of  the  year  are  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  wild  oats, 


RAIL   AND   REED  BIRDS.  l8l 

or  reed,  as  it  is  commonly  called,  shooting  up  from  the  oozy  bottom, 
alternately  bare  and  flooded  with  water  three  or  four  feet  at  each 
succeeding  rise  and  fall  of  the  tide.  As  the  reed  begins  to  ripen 
about  the  middle  or  latter  part  of  August,  the  Rail  arrive  and  soon 
become  very  fat,  the  wild  oats  imparting  to  them  a  delicious  flavor' 
when  served  for  the  table.  Countless  numbers  of  reed  or  rice 
birds  dock  to  the  same  feeding  ground,  and  although  not  proper 
game,  are  much  persecuted,  more  on  account  of  the  dainty  dish 
they  offer  than  the  pleasuie  they  afford  in  shooting. 

Several  varieties  of  the  Rail  are  killed  on  the  Delaware  ;  by  far 
the  most  common  is  the  Por::ana  Carolina,  or  Sora.  The  Ralhts 
virginianiis,  or  Red  Rail,  a  few  years  ago  was  more  frequently  met 
with  than  latterly.  The  Ralliis  elcgans,  or  King  Rail  is  compara- 
tively rare,  but  at  times  shot,  and  the  Rallus  longlrostris,  Clapper 
Rail,  or  Mud-hen,  so  far  leaves  his  home  of  the  salt  meadows  as  to 
sometimes  fall  a  victim  to  his  wanderings.  The  common  Coot, 
likewise  of  the  same  family  oi  Rallidce,  or  Rail,  maybe  considered 
a  rare  bird  here. 

At  most,  rail  shooting  does  not  last  longer  than  three  hours 
during  a  day,  and  much  depends  upon  the  extent  of  the  tide,  and 
indeed  a  great  deal  on  the  wind  and  the  moon,  for  it  is  well  known 
that  a  full  moon,  occurring  during  the  prevalence  of  a  northeast- 
erly or  southeasterly  wind,  will  bring  on  a  "  high  water,"  which  is 
most  favorable  for  rail  shooting.  The  more  tide  the  most  Rail, 
always. 

And  now  to  the  modus  operandi  of  rail  shooting.  Fully 
equipped,  with  plenty  of  ammunition  —  one  hundred  and  fifty 
rounds  at  least — (it  is  best  to  have  enough,  and  not  run  short  as 
we  did  on  one  occasion,  contenting  ourself  with  "  low  boat  "  while 
our  companions  were  knocking  the  bird"  right  and  left  around 
us.)  Your  pusher  will  row  you,  we  will  say  from  the  landing  at 
the  Lazaretto,  two  or  three  hours  before  high  water,  to  the  upper 
end  of  Tinnicum  Island,  in  the  centre  of  the  river,  where,  if  the 
tide  is  to  be  a  high  one,  the  water  will  allow  the  boat  to  be  pushed 
first  on  to  a  flat  on  the  Jersey  shore  called  "Clemmel,"  which  is 
the  lowest  on  the  Delaware.  Standing  a  little  forward  of  ann'd- 
ships  you  brace  yourself  while  your  attendant  on  the  decked  end 
of  his  clinker-built  skiff  begins  his  work  ;  and  it  is  work,  this  push- 


l82  GAME  BIRDS  Of  NORTH  AMERICA. 

ing  without  cessation,  of  man  and  boat  through  masses  of  standing 
reed  for  two  or  three  hours.  As  the  skiff  is  i)ropeiled,  the  rail, 
forced  to  tly  by  the  rising  tide  and  the  quicic  approach  of  the 
shooter,  presents  an  easy  and  simple  mark,  the  polenian  aliracting 
the  sportsman's  attention  by  a  "  mark  right  "  or  "  mark  left,"  as  the 
direction  may  be,  the  recovering  being  the  most  difficult,  owing  to 
the  great  sameness  of  the  surrounding  reed.  But  such  is  the  skill  of 
these  pushers  in  marking  down  with  their  white  wooden  blocks,  of 
which  four  to  six  are  always  at  hand,  the  birds  as  they  fall,  that,  we 
have  known  five  birds  to  have  been  killed  before  one  was  boated, 
and  all  were  recovered.  Seldom,  if  ever,  is  a  dead  Rail  lost  by  any 
of  these  men. 

Shifting  to  grounds  that  allow  the  ingress  of  the  boat  at  a  later 
state  of  the  tide  the  sport  is  continued,  and  shot  after  shot  is 
had  in  quick  succession,  each  pusher  striving  to  outdo  his  fellows, 
until  the  ebb  drives  the  shooter  from  the  flats  to  count  his  head  of 
birds,  and  to  learn  who  the  lucky  "  high  boat  "  is,  for  be  it  known 
a  great  honor  is  attached  to  the  gun  and  to  the  pusher  of  the  for- 
tunate skiff. 

Frequently  one  hundred  Rail  are  killed  during  a  tide.  Some- 
times one  hundred  and  twenty,  and  never  less  than  fifty,  if  there 
is  any  water  at  all.  It  is  common  while  being  pushed  through  the 
weeds  to  have  shots  at  teal  and  larger  ducks  as  they  jump  from 
some  ditch  or  pool  on  the  flats,  and  it  is  best  always  to  have  a  spare 
gun  with  No.  5  or  6  shot  for  them.  As  for  rail,  we  use  Nos.  10 
and  12.  A  breech-loading  gun  is  invaluable  for  rail  shooting,  and 
the  "  high  boat  "  is  generally  found  to  be  the  possessor  of  one  of 
these  improved  arms.  Last  season  Rail  were  unusually  plenty,  and 
shooting  lasted  well  into  the  latter  part  of  October,  but  we  had  very 
few  very  high  tides,  one  hundred  and  seven  rail  being  the  greatest 
number  of  birds  shot  in  a  single  day. 

Before  breech-loaders  were  adopted  it  required  considerable 
care  in  fixing  up  all  things  necessary  for  the  rapid  loading  ot  muz- 
zle-loaders, such  as  "  rail  boxes,"  shot  cartridges,  loading  rods, 
etc.  But  now  with  a  breech-loader,  which  can  be  secured  from  a 
friend,  or  hired  at  a  gun  store,  and  with  from  one  hundred  to  one 
hundred  and  fifty  properly  loaded  shells,  say  with  two  drachms  of 
powder  and  three-quarters  of  an  ounce  of  No.  12  shot,  one  is  pre- 


RAIL   AND  REED  BIRDS.  1 83 

pared  to  strike  out  for  Chester  or  the  Lazaretto,  wlicrc  good,  clean, 
tight  boats  and  the  most  skillful  pushers  may  at  any  time  be  ob- 
tained. As  this  kind  of  shooting  is  done  altogether  from  a  clean, 
dry  boat  the  shooter  requires  no  special  change  of  clothing. 

To  show  in  what  vast  numbers  this  bird  is  sometimes  found  on 
these  reedy  flats,  we  will  relate  an  experience  of  our  own.  A  few 
years  ago,  while  we  were  li\  ing  in  Phila(U-'li)hia,  we  ran  down  to 
Chester,  secured  a  pusher,  and  started  out  with  about  twenty  other 
boats.  As  all  shooting  ceases  when  the  tide  begins  to  fall,  the 
boats  return  about  the  same  time.  By  actual  count,  we  found  that 
the  number  of  rail  killed  amounted  to  fifty  per  boat,  making  full 
one  thousand  birds  killed  at  one  tide,  giving  a  little  over  three 
hours'  shooting.  On  that  occasion  we  killed  one  hundred  and 
three  birds,  and  one  or  two  other  boats  did  a  trifle  better. 

In  order  to  have  the  best  show  for  a  shoot  it  will  be  better  to 
secure  a  pusher  beforehand,  which  can  always  be  done  by  applica- 
tion at  the  gun  stores  of  Mr.  John  Krider,  corner  of  Second  and 
Walnut  streets,  or  Mr.  Abm.  Peterman,  in  Dock  street,  above 
Walnut,  Philadelphia. 

There  is  no  law  in  this  State  protecting  rail.  Fair  shooting 
may  be  obtained  on  the  Hackensack  meadows,  especially  in  what 
used  to  be  known  as  the  English  Neighborhood. 

Dolichonyx  orizyvorus. — Swainson.    Bobolink.    Reed-bird.    Rice-bird.    Butter- 
bird. 

Colors  in  fall,  yellowish-brown  above,  brownish  yellow  below  ; 
crown  and  back  conspicuously  streaked  with  black,  rump  and  sides 
less  broadly  so  ;  crown  with  a  median  and  lateral  light  stripe  ;  wings 
and  tail  blackish,  pale  edged  ;  length  about  seven  inches.  This  well 
known  species  is  found  throughout  the  Eastern  sections  of  our  coun- 
try in  the  greatest  abundance.  In  the  spring  time  he  is  the  Bobo- 
link of  the  Middle  and  Eastern  districts  and  then  does  he  appear 
in  his  most  showy  dress.  He  is  accounted  the  champion  song- 
ster of  the  meadows.  During  the  month  of  August  the  males  lose 
their  song,  begin  to  moult  and  assume  the  plumage  of  the  female 
as  described  above.  By  the  first  of  September  they  have  finished 
moulting,  and  retire  to  the  fields  of  wild  oats  in  immense  numbers 
to  feed  upon  the  ripening  seeds.     At  this  ::eason  they  are  known 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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v: 


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V 


1 84  GAAfE  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

by  the  name  of  Reed-bird.  Now  they  are  more  plenty  on  the 
meadows  of  the  Delaware  and  Schuylkill  than  elsewhere,  and  the 
Philadelphia  markets  teem  with  the  delicious  little  birds.  Sports- 
men do  not  hunt  them  ;  perhaps  when  railing  a  few  shots  may  be 
fired  into  their  dense  ranks,  as  they  whirl  by,  but  the  markets  are 
supplied  by  pot-hunters  exclusively.  As  the  cooler  weather  drives 
them  further  south  they  find  still  another  name,  being  known  as 
Rice-birds  and  sometimes  Ortolan.  In  the  West  Indies  where 
they  winter  in  great  numbers  they  are  called  Butter-birds.  T^hey 
can  hardly  be  called  a  game  bird,  but  are  highly  prized  by  epicures 
the  country  through. 


SWANS. 

BUT  two  species  of  Swans  inhabit  North  America,  and  only 
one  of  these  is  known  to  the  gunners  of  our  Eastern  Coast, 
Cygmis  buccinator,  being  found  only  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  and 
to  the  Westward.  Swans  being  the  largest  and  most  beautiful  of 
our  wild  fowl,  are  highly  esteemed  and  eagerly  sought  for  by  the 
sportsman,  but  owing  to  their  rarity  and  their  extreme  wariness, 
but  few  are  killed.  Notwithstanding  their  great  size,  they  fly  with 
wonderful  swiftness,  and  the  thick  covering  of  feathers  and  down 
with  which  they  are  protected,  will  turn  the  largest  drop  shot. 
The  sportsman  then,  who  has  killed  his  Swan,  has  reason  to  con- 
gratulate himself,  not  only  on  his  skill  in  bringing  the  bird  to  bag, 
but  on  his  good  fortune  in  getting  a  shot  at  it. 

Cygnus  hucctnator. —KichaxAson.    Trumpeter  Swan. 

As  has  been  remarked,  the  Trumpeter  Swan  is  scarcely  or  not 
at  all  found  east  of  the  Mississippi,  and  it  is  perhaps  most  abun- 
dant in  California,  Oregon  and  Washington  Territory,  especially 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  River ;  even  here,  however,  it  is  not 
common,  being  greatly  outnumbered  by  the  Whistling  Swan.  It 
occurs  somewhat  sparingly  during  its  migrations  all  over  the  Mis- 
souri River  region,  and  is  not  uncommon  on  the  waters  of  the 
Mississippi  River. 

The  Trumpeter  Swan  is  pure  white  in  color,  with  the  exception 
of  the  bill  and  feet,  which  are  black.  The  tail  is  composed  of 
twenty-four  feathers,  and  this  character  will  serve  to  distinguish  it 
from  the  Whistling  Swan,  which  has  only  twenty.  The  bill  is 
longer  than  the  head,  and  the  bird  measures  in  total  length,  from 
four  to  five  feet,  and  weighs  usually  about  twenty  pounds.  Audu- 
bon mentions  one,  however,  which  weighed  thirty-eight  pounds, 
and  had  a  spread  of  wings  of  ten  feet.     The  Swan  is  only  able  to 


1 86  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

rise  from  the  water  against  the  wind,  and  even  then  is  obliged  to 
flap  and  run  along  the  surface  for  many  yards,  before  it  can  gain 
way  enough  to  rise  into  the  air.  The  expert  sportsman,  if  he  dis- 
covers a  flock  feeding  in  a  creek,  narrow  river,  or  pond,  will  take 
advantage  of  this  fact,  and  may  often  thus  make  a  successful  shot 
at  them.  This  species  reaches  the  interior,  from  the  North,  just 
before  the  first  hard  frosts.  During  the  day,  it  rests  in  security 
on  large  bodies  of  open  water,  and  at  night  resorts  to  the  shoals, 
or  to  neighboring  grassy  ponds,  for  the  purpose  of  feeding.  Some 
are  killed  while  passing  from  one  feeding  ground  to  another,  at 
which  times,  if  the  wind  is  strong  and  against  them,  they  fly  low 
enough  to  be  within  reach  of  shot.  Sometimes,  too,  they  fly 
within  range  of  points  of  land  where  the  hunters  are  concealed, 
and  are  killed  in  this  way.  In  shooting  at  birds  of  this  g^nus,  the 
sportsman  will  do  well  to  aim  at  the  head  or  neck  of  the  bird  that 
he  has  selected,  as  the  body  is  so  admirably  protected  by  its  cov- 
ering of  feathers,  that,  unless  his  gun  be  loaded  with  very  large 
shot,  the  bird,  even  if  hit,  may  fly  far  out  of  reach  before  falling. 
The  cygnets  of  this  species  are  pale  grey  in  color,  and  are  much 
smaller  than  the  full  grown  birds  ;  they  are,  however,  delicious 
eating,  while  the  white  individuals  are,  as  a  rule,  tough  and 
stringy,  in  fact  quite  uneatable. 

About  the  breeding  habits  of  this  species,  little  or  nothing  is 
known,  save  that  the  young  are  produced  in  the  far  North.  It  is 
not  improbable,  however,  that  a  few  may  breed  in  the  high  moun- 
tains of  Montana  and  Idaho,  as  the  species  has  been  observed 
during  the  summer  on  the  Yellowstone  Lake  by  recent  explorers. 

Cygnus  aw^r?Va««j.— Sharpless.    American  Swan.    Whistling  Swan. 

This  species  is  much  more  widely  distributed  than  the  pre- 
ceding. It  is  found  throughout  the  whole  breadth  of  the  Conti- 
nent, as  far  south  as  the  Carolinas  on  the  eastern  seaboard,  and 
beyond  the  southern  boundaries  of  the  United  States  on  the 
western.  In  northern  New  England,  however,  it  apparently  does 
not  occur,  and  it  is  probable  that  in  its  migrations  it  passes  over 
the  land,  instead  of  following  the  coast  lines,  as  do  most  of  our 
wild  fowl. 

This  species  is  somewhat  smaller  than  the  foregoing,  but  is 


SWANS.  187 

similarly  colored,  except  as  to  the  bill,  which  is  usually  marked  at 
the  base  with  a  spot  of  bright  yellow.  The  nostrils,  too,  are  me- 
dian, instead  of  being  as  in  the  Trumpeter,  in  the  basal  half  of  the 
bill.     The  young  are  grey. 

This  species  was  found  by  Mr.  Dall,  breeding  in  large  numbers 
on  the  great  marshes  near  the  mouth  of  the  Yukon  in  Alaska. 
The  eggs  are  generally  two  in  number,  yellowish  white  in  color, 
and  measure  from  four  to  four  and  one  half  inches  in  length,  and 
from  two  and  one  half  to  two  and  three-quarters  in  breadth.  In 
July,  when  the  Swans  are  moulting  and  cannot  fly,  the  Indians  of 
Alaska  destroy  great  numbers  of  them  by  spearing  them  with 
'.heir  bone  tridents.  The  few  Swans  that  are  annually  secured  on 
the  Atlantic  coast,  are  for  the  most  part  killed  on  the  Chesapeake 
Bay  or  at  Currituck.  They  are  not  systematically  pursued,  but  are 
generally  captured  by  carelessly  flying  too  close  to  gunners  who 
are  lying  in  wait  for  ducks  or  geese. 

Except  the  Whiteheaded  and  Golden  Eagles,  the  Swan  has  no 
enemies  except  man,  for  it  is  so  large  and  powerful,  and  so  wary  a 
bird,  as  not  to  fear  the  attacks  of  any  animal. 


WILD   GEESE  AND   BRANT. 

"AS  silly  as  a  goose,"  is  an  expression  which,  though  entitled 
/~\_  to  very  great  respect  on  account  of  its  antiquity,  has  long 
gone  out  of  favor  with  those  gunners  who  have  given  much  time 
or  attention  to  the  pursuit  of  these  birds,  for  they  are  certainly  the 
shyest  and  least  easily  imposed  upon  of  any  of  our  wild  fowl. 

Yes,  Wild  Geese,  notwithstanding  all  references  to  their  un- 
gainly movement  and  doltish  intellect,  still  maintain  their  exalted 
position  in  the  sportsman's  estimation,  and  he,  if  keen  of  observe - 
tion,  will  learn  from  them  many  things  that  will  materially  entitle 
them  to  advancement  in  the  mental  grade,  and  prove  the  truth  of 
another  very  old  adage,  which  specifies  that  you  cannot  judge  of 
things  by  their  outward  appearance.  A  goose,  waddling  around 
the  ^  arnyard,  may  not  present  a  very  graceful  appearance,  nor 
seem  anything  above  an  idiotically  obtuse  bird  mentally,  yet  that 
ungainly  creature,  when  in  its  natural  state,  has  an  ease  of  motion 
in  flight  which  will  compare  with  any  of  the  feathered  tribe,  and 
evinces  a  knowledge  of  the  means  of  defence,  and  of  escaping  the 
attacks  of  its  enemies  that  few  can  excel.  There  is  probably  no 
bird  more  cautious,  vigilant,  and  apprehensive  of  danger  than  this, 
and  these  qualities  alone  should  entitle  it  to  more  respect  than 
writers  unacquainted  with  its  habits  have  shown  when  speaking 
of  it,  for  few  cirry  the  objection  as  far  as  the  table.  Around, 
plump  Wild  Goose  makes  a  delicious  morceau  for  the  palate  ;  and 
all  the  trouble  of  hunting  after  it  through  marshes,  morasses,  or. 
lakes  is  amply  repaid  when  its  succulent  flesh  appears  upon  the 
table. 

No  less  than  eight  well  determined  species  of  Geese  and  Brant 
inhabit  North  America,  including  the  Blue  Goose  Anser  ca-nt- 
lescens,  long  regarded  as  a  doubtful  species,  and  considered  by 
older  writers  the  young  of  the  Snow  Goose,  A.  hyperborens.  Be- 
sides these  there  are  four  varieties,  so  that  the  list  of  our  geese  in 


WILD   GEESE  AND  BRANT.  1 89 

all  includes  about  a  dozen  forms.  In  addition  to  the  true  geese,  two 
species  of  Dendrocygna  are  found  occasionally  near  the  southern 
boundary  of  the  United  States.  This  genus  consists  of  somewhat 
duck-like  tree-inhabiting  geese  of  tropical  distribution.  They  serve 
to  connect  the  Anserina:  with  the  Anatina:. 

Besides  the  other  very  obvious  differences  which  exist  between 
them,  the  Geese  are  readily  distinguishable  on  the  one  hand 
from  the  Swans,  by  having  a  strip  of  feathered  skin  between  the 
eye  and  the  bill,  and  on  the  other  from  the  ducks,  by  having  the 
tarsus  entirely  reticulate. 

Anser  aibi/romvax.gamieli.—Conts.    White-fronted  Goose.    Brant. 

Speckle-belly. 

The  White-fronted  or  Laughing  Goose  has  reddish  legs  and 
bill ;  feathers  at  the  side  of  bill  and  on  the  forehead,  white  ;  mar- 
gined behind  with  blackish  brown  ;  remainder  of  neck  and  head 
greyish  brown,  but  paler  on  the  jugulum.  The  back  is  bluish 
grey ;  the  feathers  anteriorly  tipped  with  brown  ;  the  breast  and 
belly  are  greyish  white,  blotched  with  black ;  the  anal  region, 
flanks,  under  and  upper  tail  coverts,  white ;  greater  wing 
coverts  edged  with  white.  Tail,  sixteen  feathers,  and  colored 
brown,  with  white  tips ;  axillars  and  under  surface  of  wings 
ashy  plumbeous. 

This  species  is  by  no  means  abundant  on  our  Atlantic  seaboard, 
and  the  few  that  are  exposed  for  sale  in  our  markets  during  the 
spring  and  fall  come,  for  the  most  part,  from  the  Western  States. 
The  bird  is  found  in  considerable  numbers  on  the  prairies  of  the 
Mississippi  Valley,  and  is  there  called  Prairie  Brant  by  marketmen 
and  gunners.  It  is  on  the  Pacific  Slope,  however,  that  the  White- 
fronted  Goose  is  to  be  found  in  greatest  abundance.  In  Oregon 
and  Northern  California  the  species  is  very  abundant  in  the  autumn, 
and  some  remain  all  winter ;  but  the  greater  number  go  farther 
South.  At  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  River,  and  in  the  valley  of 
the  Willamette,  it  can  be  found  in  large  flocks,  but  it  seems  to  be 
quite  scarce  along  Puget  Sound.  It  appears  to  prefer  the  grassy 
patches  along  streams  flowing  into  the  ocean,  or  the  tidewater  flats 
so  abundant  in  several  parts  of  Oregon  and  Washington  Territory. 
In  this  section  the  Speckle-bellies,  as  they  are  there  called,  feed  in 


IQO  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

company  with  the  Snow  Goose,  and  are  pursued  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  that  species.  The  White-fronted  Goose  breeds  in  great 
numbers  in  the  wooded  districts  north  of  the  sixty-seventh  parallel. 
It  is  also  abundant  in  Alaska  during  the  summer,  breeding  along 
the  Yukon  River  in  companies.  It  lays  from  seven  to  ten  eggs  in 
a  depression  in  the  sand,  no  nest  being  formed. 

A  nser  kyptrboreus. — Pallas.    Snow  Goose.    White  Brant.  ' 

Bill  and  feet  pink,  the  lamina^  of  the  former  very  prominent,  so 
that  the  bird  looks  as  though  it  were  showing  its  teeth  ;  claws  dark. 
Color  pure  white,  except  the  primaries  which  are  black-tipped, 
specimens  often  show  a  wash  of  rusty  on  head  and  neck.  Length 
thirty  inches,  wing  seventeen  to  nineteen  inches.  Variety  albatus 
is  colored  as  above,  but  is  somewhat  smaller,  measuring  only 
twenty-five  inches  in  length. 

Although  this  species  is  distributed  over  the  whole  continent, 
it  does  not  seem  to  be  abundant  east  of  the  Missouri  River. 
Stragglers  are  occasionally  taken  on  the  Atlantic  seaboard,  but 
they  are  rare.  In  the  Missouri  River  region  this  species  becomes 
more  numerous,  and  when  we  reach  the  great  Interior  Basin  they 
begin  to  appear  in  flocks  of  enormous  numbers.  As  with  the  pre- 
ceding species,  however,  the  Pacific  Slope  is  the  favorite  winter 
home  of  the  Snow  Goose.  Here  it  frequents  the  sand-bars  of  the 
Columbia  and  Willamette  Rivers  in  countless  numbers  in  the  au- 
tumn, especially  during  the  night  and  dry  weather,  the  plains  being 
preferred  during  the  cool  of  the  day,  or  in  rainy  weather.  The 
usual  mode  of  hunting  it  is  to  lie  in  ambush  behind  a  fence  on  the 
prairie,  and  as  the  waddlers  approach  to  give  them  both  barrels, 
heavily  laden  with  No,  i,  or  buckshot ;  this  is  sure  to  leave  half  a 
dozen  hors  de  combat,  and  very  often  double  the  number.  If  the 
hunter  does  not  show  himself,  he  is  likely  to  get  several  volleys  at 
them,  as  the  noise  frightens  them  only  for  a  few  moments.  Should 
their  suspicion  be  aroused,  they  rise  upward  slowly  in  a  dense 
cloud  of  white,  and  sound  their  alarum  notes ;  but  they  may  not 
go  over  fifty  yards  ere  they  alight  again,  so  that  the  amusement 
may  be  continued  without  much  toil  or  inconvenience.  Another 
mode  is  to  mount  a  horse  and  approach  them  as  closely  as  possi- 
ble, then  give  them  the  contents  of  your  barrels,  and,  if  they  do 


WILD   GEESE  AND  BKANT.  IQI 

not  fly,  to  draw  still  nearer,  and  give  them  smaller  shot  at  from 
forty  to  sixty  yards. 

Sometimes  they  are  stalked  behind  trained  cattle,  which  feed 
gradually  toward  the  flock,  the  hunter  keeping  himself  well  con- 
cealed behind  his  ox.  In  this  way  great  numbers  are  secured,  for 
the  goose  shooters  of  the  West  coast  use  demi-cannons,  and  load 
them  with  all  that  they  will  bear. 

In  Oregon  the  sportsmen  hunt  on  the  prairies  during  wet  or 
lowering  weather,  but  resort  to  the  sand-bars  of  ihe  rivers  during 
moonlight  nights  and  sunny  days.  Some  excellent  sport  can  be 
enjoyed  by  shooting  the  birds  on  the  bars  as  they  return  from  their 
feeding  grounds  late  in  the  evening,  taking  them  on  the  wing 
as  they  fly  past.  A  favorite  method  for  hunting  them  at  night  is 
to  light  a  fire  on  the  river  bank,  or  bar,  so  that  its  glow  may 
illumine  the  bewildered  birds  near  at  hand,  and  then  to  pour  volley 
after  volley  into  them  as  they  rise  in  the  air  to  escape  the  unusual 
apparition,  or  to  study  its  meaning  and  purpose. 

No  matter  in  what  way  the  birds  are  killed,  there  seems  to  be 
no  diminution  in  their  numbers  at  the  return  of  each  season,  as 
they  are  reported  abundant  everywhere,  from  the  Pacific  Ocean  to 
the  Missouri  River.  This  species  winters  in  Southern  California, 
Texas,  and  Arizona,  reaching  its  grounds  about  the  first  of  De- 
cemiber,  though  of  course  many  arrive  at  their  southern  home  a 
couple  of  months  before  that  time. 

Of  the  breeding  habits  of  the  Snow  Goose  veiy  little  is  known, 
beyond  the  fact  that  they  nest  in  the  far  North.  Their  eggs  are 
of  a  yellowish  white  color,  and  are  but  little  larger  than  those  of 
the  Eider  Duck.  According  to  Mr.  Dall  this  species  does  not  breed 
on  the  Yukon  River  in  Alaska,  and  is  only  seen  there  for  a  few 
days  in  spring  on  its  way  to  more  northern  latitudes. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  were  a  systematic  attempt  made  to  do- 
mesticate the  Snow  Goose,  it  would  be  in  the  highest  degree  suc- 
cessful, and  when  we  consider  the  excellence  of  its  flesh,  it  would 
seem  that  it  might  well  repay  our  California  sportsmen  to  preserve 
their  wing-tipped  or  only  slightly  wounded  birds,  for  the  purpose 
of  trying  the  experiment.  Mr.  Ridgway  in  the  American  Nat- 
uralist has  given  us  an  interesting  account  of  the  voluntary  domes- 
tication in  Illinois  of  a  bird  of  this  species. 


192  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


Anser  row//.— Baird.    Ross'  Goose.    Hornea  Wavy. 

"  Bill  stutlded  at  the  base  with  numerous  elevated  papillae." 
Colored  exactly  like  the  Snow  Goose,  but  much  smaller ;  less  than 
two  feet  long,  the  body  being  about  the  size  of  that  of  a  Mallard 
Duck. 

This  is  a  long  lost  species,  recently  rediscovered,  about  which 
little  is  known.  It  is  an  inhabitant  of  Arctic  America,  entering 
the  United  States  in  winter,  but  apparently  not  in  very  great  num- 
bers. It  has  been  tak  jn  near  San  Francisco,  California,  and  prob- 
ably enters  the  Missouri  River  region  in  winter.  Of  its  habits 
nothing  is  known.  It  is  perhaps  more  abundant  in  the  fall  in  the 
Red  River  country  than  anywhere  else,  and  shooting  Wavies  on 
the  little  lakes  with  which  this  region  is  dotted,  is  said  to  be  a 
favorite  amusement  of  the  sportsmen  of  that  section. 

A  nser  cesrulescens. — Vieillot.    Blue  Goose.    Bald-headed  Brant. 

The  Blue  Goose  was  for  a  long  time  regarded  as  simply  the 
young  of  the  Snow  Goose,  which  species  it  very  closely  resembles 
in  all  details  of  form  and  structure.  At  present,  however,  our 
ornithological  authorities  have  decided  that  it  is  a  perfectly  good 
species. 

The  head,  upper  neck  and  tail-coverts  and  most  of  the  under 
parts  white ;  remaining  plumage  ashy  grey  varied  with  dark 
brown. 

The  Blue  Goose,  or  as  it  is  called  in  some  parts  of  the  West, 
the  White  or  Bald-headed  Brant,  is  distributed  during  its  migra- 
tions over  the  greater  portion  of  the  United  States.  Like  its  con- 
geners, however,  it  is  rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  is  found  in 
greatest  abundance  on  the  Pacific  Slope,  where  it  associates  with 
the  Snow  Goose  and  the  White-fronted  Goose.  But  little  is 
known  of  its  habits. 

Philacte  canagica. — Bonn.    Emperor  Goose.    Painted  Goose. 

This  handsome  species  is  confined  to  Alaska  and  the  North- 
west coast,  and  is  scarcely,  or  not  at  all,  known  to  sportsmen.  In 
size,  it  about  equals  the  White-fronted  Goose.  The  head,  hind- 
neck  and  tail  are  white,  the  former  often  with  a  wash  of  rusty 


WILD   GEESE  AND  BRANT. 


193 


yellow  ;  remaining  parts  wavy  bluish  grey,  varied  with  pale  lilac, 
and  sharply  marked  here  and  there  with  crescent-like  black  spots. 
Throat  black,  speckled  with  white,  quills  black  and  white.  This 
bird  is  abundant  in  Alaska. 

Branta  leuca/sts. —Bonn.    Barnacle  Goose. 

A  European  species  which  has,  it  is  believed,  been  taken  in  this 
country  but  three  times  ;  Hudson's  Bay,  Amcrkan  Naturalist,  vol. 
ii.  p.  49.  North  Carolina,  ibid.  vol.  v.  p.  10,  and  Long  Island, 
Forest  and  Stream,  vol.  vii.  pp.  181,  245,  277;  also  Nut  tall  Bul- 
letin, January,  1877.  This  species  is  somewhat  less  in  size  than 
the  Canada  Goose,  being  intermediate  between  that  species  and 
the  common  Brant  B.  bernicla.  Its  length  is  about  twenty-eight 
inches,  wing  seventeen.  Tail  coverts,  sides  of  rump,  forehead, 
sides  of  head  and  throat  white  ;  back  scapulars  and  wing  coverts 
bluish  grey  ;  under  parts  greyish  white,  other  parts  black.  Goose 
shooters  should  be  on  the  constant  lookout  for  this  very  rare  bird. 

The  genus  Branta,  under  which  this  and  the  remaining  species 
of  North  American  Geese  fall,  are  always  to  be  distinguished  from 
the  two  preceding  genera  by  having  the  bill  and  legs  black,  and 
the  head  and  neck  black  with  white  spaces.  We  have  but  three 
species  to  be  placed  here,  with  three  more  or  less  well  marked 
varieties. 


Branta  herntcla,—ScoT[).    Brant  Goose.    Black  Brant. 

The  true  B.  bernicla,  is  the  common  bird  of  the  East  Coast, 
but  is  "  rare  or  casual  "  on  the  Pacific,  where  it  is  replaced  by  var. 
nigricans,  the  Black  Brant,  which  is  not  found  on  the  Atlantic. 
The  Brant  is  about  two  feet  in  length,  and  is  but  little  larger  than 
a  good-sized  Mallard  Duck.  Its  head,  neck,  body  anteriorly, 
quills  and  tail,  are  black.  Upper  tail  coverts,  streaks  on  sides 
of  neck,  upper  eyelid  and  sometimes  touches  on  throat,  white ; 
back  and  under  parts  brownish  grey,  the  latter  fading  posteriorly 
into  white,  on  the  belly  and  under  tail  coverts.  Black  of  neck 
well  defined  against  the  brown  of  the  breast.  In  variety  nigricans 
the  black  of  the  lower  neck  extends  backward  over  most  of  the 
lower  parts,  gradually  fading  out  behind.  The  white  neck 
patches,  too,  are  large  and  generally  meet  in  front.    The  differen- 


194  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

ces  in  size  and  plumage  between  the  males  and  females  of  this 
species  are  very  slight.  The  young  birds  are  a  shade  paler  brown 
than  the  old  ones,  and  have  the  wing  coverts  more  deeply  mar- 
gined with  white.  Brant  are  exclusive  and  reserved  in  their  habits, 
never  consorting  with  other  fowl.  They  hiss  at  one  approaching 
as  other  geese  do,  and  their  "  ruck,  ruck,"  and  "r-r-ronk,  r-ronk," 
when  trilled  off  by  an  expert,  is  not  altogether  unmusical.  The 
domestic  life  of  the  Brant,  the  order  of  the  family,  the  food  of  the 
young,  their  growth  and  development,  are  entirely  unknown.  No 
one  has  at  any  time,  we  presume,  studied  their  habits  from  birth 
to  maturity,  and  consequently  that  great  field  for  studying  charac- 
ter— the  home — is  lost  to  us. 

Although  at  many  points  on  our  coast  live  birds  of  this  species 
are  kept  as  decoys,  we  believe  that  in  no  case  have  they  shown 
any  disposition  to  breed  when  confined,  in  this  respect  differing 
widely  from  the  Canada  Goose.  While  in  bondage,  they  drink 
fresh  water,  but  in  a  normal  condition,  if  they  drink  at  all,  it  is  of 
salt  water.  Their  food  is  almost  wholly  vegetable,  consisting  of 
eel  grass  and  other  marine  growths.  They  are  said  to  feed  also, 
on  the  "  sand  worm,"  but  it  is  doubtful  if  they  ever  partake  of  fish. 
Their  excrementary  deposits,  too,  iiid'cate  a  diet  almost  ertirely 
vegetable,  and  as  they  never  dive  except  when  wounded  and  pur- 
sued, they  must  feed  where  the  water  is  less  than  two  feet  deep. 
Corn  alone  constitutes  the  bill  of  fare  of  the  decoys.  At  Cape 
Cod,  in  ordinary  seasons.  Brant  begin  to  arrive  and  depart  early  in 
March,  and  they  continue  coming  and  going  till  the  end  of  April. 
At  times  there  are  immense  numbers  on  the  feeding  ground. 
They  are  too  wise  to  set  out  upon  a  long  voyage  in  the  teeth  of  a 
northeasterly  storm,  but  let  the  wind  haul  to  southwest,  and  one 
will  see  those  nearest  shore  gobble  a  quantity  of  sand — "  take  in 
ballast,"  as  the  natives  say — lift  up  and  swing  round,  often  two  or 
three  times  to  get  the  proper  altitude,  then  strike  out  over  the 
beach  in  an  E.  N.  E.  direction,  and  with  such  precision  as  to  pro- 
voke the  remark  that  each  leader  must  carry  a  compass  in  the  top 
of  his  head  to  steer  by.  There  is  no  day  during  the  season  above 
named,  when  there  are  not  more  or  less  Brant  at  this  point,  and 
with  proper  appliances  and  skillful  management,  large  numbers  of 
them  may  be  slaughtered,  but  no  sport  is  more  dubious  than  this 


IVILD   GEESE  A.VD  BRANT,  195 

Brant  shootinjr.     The  tides,  wind,  weather,  all  have  their  influ- 
ence,  and  the  birds  are  often  very  freakish  and  do  not  decoy  well. 

The  course  they  lay  in  departing  is  further  on,  somewhat  de- 
flected, so  as  to  bring  them  into  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  up  which  they 
pass,  lifting  over  the  narrow  neck  of  land  to  Northumberland 
Straits,  where  again  they  find  shoal  water  and  good  feeding 
ground.  Here,  and  along  the  shore  of  Prince  Edward's  Island, 
they  "  feed  and  batten,"  till  the  end  of  May  or  fore  part  of  June, 
when  they  push  along  still  further  North.  Between  Cape  Cod 
and  Prince  Edward's  Island,  they  rarely  stop  except  when  com- 
pelled to  do  so  by  hard  winds  or  a  storm,  nor  have  they  at  any 
time  ventured  far  inland  or  out  to  sea.  Here,  however,  with  an 
accumulation  of  strength  and  adipose  matter,  they  are  prepared 
for  the  long,  tedious,  and  possibly  somewhat  dangerous  journey 
that  is  before  them.  Leaving  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  they  pro- 
ceed along  to  westward  of  the  Island  of  Anticosti,  and  at  65"  or 
66°  west  longitude,  strike  out  boldly  over  the  land  in  a  north- 
westerly direction  to  the  Arctic  Ocean.  Navigators  on  Hudson's 
Bay  have  not  spoken  of  seeing  them  in  such  numbers  as  to  war- 
rant the  belief  that  they  make  any  considerable  stop  there.  Their 
line  c.  flight  from  the  St.  Lawrence  to  the  Arctic  is  not  definitelj 
known,  and  yet  it  is  certain  they  pass  north  between  Boothia  and 
Victoria  Land,  and  between  Melville  Island  and  North  Devon. 

That  they  arrive  in  the  vicinity  of  Melville  Island  in  vast  num- 
bers, and  that  they  pass  along  Wellington  Channel  and  other  Arc- 
tic waters  to  still  more  northern  feeding  and  breeding  grounds,  is 
well  authenticated.  Brant  then,  take  a  widely  different  route  from, 
and  go  much  further  north  than  the  great  mass  of  other  migratory 
birds.  What  we  know,  all  we  know,  in  fact,  of  the  birds  away  up 
in  this  inhospitable  region  is  gathered  from  the  fragmentary  narra- 
tion of  Arctic  explorers,  and  from  the  birds  themselves.  That  they 
do  go  north  of  seventy  degrees,  or  even  eighty-two  degrees  north 
latitude,  and  go  in  large  flocks,  is  well  ascertained.  Not,  of  course, 
that  all  the  Brant  go  north  of  eighty-two  degrees,  but  that  nearly 
all  that  intend  to  reproduce  their  young  do.  Some  from  weakness 
or  weariness,  caused  by  the  long  journey,  or  possibly  from  the  pres- 
sure of  the  *t^g  for  extrusion,  or  other  causes,  may  drop  out  of  the 
flock  and  hence  be  seen  in  summer  south  of  seventy  degrees  north 


196  GAME   BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

latitude.  Again,  some  may  linger  with  no  intention  of  breeding,  as 
do  the  other  geese.  Sir  John  Richardson  says  of  geese  (vol.  i,  p. 
251:)  "  There  are  a  considerable  number  „ho  do  not  breed,  but 
keep  in  small  bands  and  are  called  barren  geese.  Of  these  we  saw 
several  flocks."  The  voice  of  the  Brant  is  by  no  means  so  sono- 
rous as  that  of  the  larger  geese,  and  when  flocks  are  flying  over  at 
night  one  can  readily  detect  this  species  by  its  vocal  peculiarity. 
Another  means  of  distinguishing  it  in  the  air  is  that  it  does  not 
often  adopt  the  V  shape  in  flight,  and  that  the  flocks,  in  their  mi- 
grations, are  much  smaller  in  numbers  than  the  other  varieties  or 
species. 

The  methods  o*"  capturing  the  Brant  are  precisely  similar  to 
those  employed  with  its  more  important  relative  the  Canada  Goose, 
and  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  account  of  that  species  for  infor- 
mation on  this  point.  '  " '     *  "     '  '• '     ■        :    • 

Brania  canadensis. — Gray.    Canada  Goose.    Common  Wild  Goose.    Grey  Goose. 

In  color  greyish  brown,  below  paler,  whitish  grey  fading  out 
posteriorly  ;  head  and  neck  black,  with  a  broad  white  patch  on  the 
throat  extending  behind  the  eye.  Tail  black  with  white  coverts. 
Length  three  feet,  tail  feathers  eighteen.  North  America  at  large. 
Variety  leticopareia.  Like  the  preceding,  but  black  of  neck  bound- 
ed below  by  a  white  collar  ;  under  parts  darker  than  in  B.  cana- 
densis, and  well  defined  against  the  white  of  the  lower  neck  an'J 
under  tail  coverts.  Chiefly  Northwest  coast.  Var.  Hutchinstt,  tail 
with  but  sixteen  feathers.  Colored  exactly  like  the  Canada  Goose, 
but  smaller  ;  only  two  and  one-half  feet  long.  Chiefly  West  and 
North  ;  Pacific  Coast  in  winter.  The  Canada  Goose  is  by  far  the 
most  abundant  and  universally  distributed  of  our  North  American 
Geese,  and  in  one  or  other  of  its  varieties  is  found  in  all  the  States 
and  Territories  of  our  country  except  perhaps  Florida  and  the  Gulf 
States.  In  Ttixas,  however,  ii  is  abundant  duilng  the  winter 
months.  Although  by  far  the  greater  portion  of  the  wild  geese 
which  pass  the  winter  with  us,  go  north  to  breed,  still  in  suitable 
localities,  young  are  reared  all  over  the  United  States  from  North 
Carolina  to  Canada.  They  nest  in  the  wilder  parts  of  Maine,  and 
are  especially  numerous  in  Newfoundland  near  the  secluded  pools 
and  slreams  so  abundant  throughout  that  island. 


WILD   GEESE  AND  BRANT.  I97 

There,  remote  from  man,  they  breed  undisturbed  on  the  edges 
and  islands  of  the  ponds  and  lakes.  The  geese  moult  soon  after 
their  arrival  in  the  spring  ;  and,  owing  to  the  loss  of  their  pinion 
feathers,  are  unable  to  fly  during  the  summer  or  breeding  seasons  ; 
but  they  can  then  run  faster  than  a  man  on  the  marshes,  and  if 
surprised  at,  or  near  a  pond,  they  will  plunge  in  and  remain  under 
water  with  their  bills  only  above  the  surface  to  permit  of  breathing 
until  the  enemy  has  passed  by.  They  feed  on  berries — preferring 
that  of  the  Empctrwn  nigrum,  and  the  seeds  of  grasses.  Both 
the  old  and  young  become  enabled  to  fly  in  September  ;  and  as 
soon  after  that  as  the  frost  affects  the  berries,  and  causes  the  seeds 
of  the  grasses  on  the  marshes  and  savannas  to  fall  to  the  earth,  or 
otherwise  when  the  snow  falls  and  covers  the  ground,  they  collect 
in  flocks,  and  fly  off  to  the  Southern  shores  of  the  island,  and 
from  thence  to  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence.  They  remain  there  until 
December,  and  then  assembled,  take  flight  in  immense  flocks  to 
the  southern  parts  of  America,  to  return  in  the  spring. 

The  Canada  Goose  also  breeds  in  great  numbers  on  the  Mis- 
souri River  and  its  tributaries,  and  in  this  region  often  places  its 
nest  in  trees,  choosing  generally  a  cottonwood  stub  not  more  than 
thirty  feet  in  height.  The  young  are  said  to  be  carried  from  the 
nest  to  the  water  in  the  mother's  bill,  as  are  the  young  of  the 
Wood  Duck.  The  writer  has  seen  many  broods  of  young  goslings 
apparently  not  more  than  two  or  three  weeks  old,  when  ascending 
the  Missouri  on  a  steamboat  in  July.  The  eggs  of  this  species  are 
from  seven  to  eleven  in  number,  and  are  of  a  yellowish  white  color. 
t  The  Wild  Goose  may  readily  be  domesticated,  and  in  many 
portions  of  our  country  they  are  bred  in  considerable  numbers. 
It  seems  to  be  established  by  recent  letters  printed  in  Forest  ami 
Stream,  1877,  January  to  April,  that,  in  confinement  at  least,  the 
young  do  not  lay  until  they  are  three  years  old.  They  then  pro- 
duce four  or  five  eggs,  and  the  number  is  said  to  increase  some- 
what as  the  bird  grows  older.  ;     , 

This  Goose  is  extremely  abundant  on  all  high  plateaus  between 
the  Missouri  River  and  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  rears  its  young  on 
many  of  the  streams  which  drain  this  country.  It  is  exceedingly 
al)undant  throughout  the  West  from  the  first  of  October  to  the 
middle  of  December.    On  the  plains  of  Nebraska  flocks  number- 


GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

ing  thousands  are  found  along  the  Platte  River  late  in  the  autumn, 
and  large  numbers  of  these  are  killed  by  both  sportsmen  and 
pot-hunters.  The  favorite  method  of  hunting  here,  is  to  dig  a  hole 
in  the  stubble  fields  frequented  by  the  geese,  cover  it  with  straw, 
and  lie  in  wait  until  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  birds 
return  to  feed,  then  shoot  into  them  as  they  fly  over,  awd  in  this 
way  the  hunter  manages  to  return  home  each  evening  heavily 
laden  with  his  spoils.  Wounded  or  dead  geese  are  often  used  as 
decoys,  and  prove  valuable  auxiliaries  to  the  sportsman.  Shoot- 
ing them  on  the  sand  bars,  as  they  return  to  their  sleeping  grounds, 
is  also  practiced  extensively,  and  generally  with  excelleat  success. 

When  these  birds  return  south  at  the  commencement  of  winter, 
they  are  generally  very  thin  and  poor,  being  quite  worn  out  by 
their  long  journey.  They  soon  recuperate  however,  and  ere  long 
become  fat  and  very  delicious  eating. 

The  methods  employed  in  capturing  the  Canada  Geese  are 
very  numerous  and  vary  in  different  sections  of  the  country.  In 
the  west  it  is  sometimes  possible  for  the  gunner,  having  carefully 
trimmed  his  boat  with  reeds  and  grass,  or,  if  it  be  in  winter,  with 
cakes  of  ice,  to  scull  on  to  the  flock  down  wind  so  that  in  rising 
they  will  give  him  a  fair  shot.  This  plan  is  never,  we  think,  suc- 
cessful here  in  the  East,  as  the  geese  are  so  much  persecuted  that 
they  take  the  alarm  at  the  sight  of  any  large  floating  object,  even 
though  it  may  have  no  resemblance  to  a  boat.  In  Minnesota, 
where  the  geese  gather  in  enormous  flocks  in  spring,  to  feed  on 
the  young  wheat,  they  may  sometimes  be  approached  on  horse- 
back so  closely  that  the  rider  is  enabled  to  charge  among  the  flock, 
and  before  the  birds  can  rise  out  of  reach,  several  may  be  secured 
by  knocking  them  down  with  a  club.  This  method  is  also  em- 
ployed, and  with  much  greater  success  owing  to  their  greater 
numbers,  against  the  geese  in  California  and  further  south.  These 
birds  are  also  shot  in  considerable  numbers  as  they  fly  to  and 
from  their  feeding  grounds,  and  if  they  have  to  conti  iid  against  a 
strong  head  wind  they  usually  fly  low  and  give  the  gunner  the  best 
of  chances.  Brant,  and  sometimes  too,  Canada  Geese,  are  shot 
from  batteries  on  the  South  Shore  of  Long  Island  and  with  satis- 
factory results. 

By  far  the  most  successful  mode  employed  for  the  capture  of 


WILD   GEESE  AND  BRANT. 


199 


the  Wild  Goose  is  that  generally  in  vogue  along  the  South  Shore 
and  at  Currituck,  two  of  the  best  shooting  grounds  on  our  Atlan- 
tic seaboard,  viz. :  over  live  decoys  from  sink  boxes.     Sink  boxes 
are  oblong  water-tight  boxes  about  six  feet  in  length  by  two  and 
one-half  wide,  and  eighteen  inches  deep.     These  boxes  sunk  in  the 
sand  until  the  tops  are  just  flush  with  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
constitute  the  sportsman's  blind.    A  spot  is  chosen  on  the  sand- 
bars of  the  bay  where  the  geese  are  wont  to  resort  for  purposes  ot 
resting  or  feeding.     Here  the  boxes  are  sunk  and  the  live  decoys 
are  fastened  to  stakes  in  shoal  water.     The  hunter  lies  upon  his 
back  in  the  box,  and  watches  for  the  approach  of  the  flocks  of 
geese.     It  is  customary  to  allow  the  birds  to  alight  with  the  decoys 
and  to  give  them  one  barrel  on  the  water,  and  the  other  as  they 
rise.     In  some  parts  of  the  country  live  decoys  are  said  to   be 
used  with   success,  on   land,  calling    down  their  wild    brethren 
from  on  high  as  they  pass  to  and  from  their  feeding  grounds.     In 
such  cases  a  blind  of  corn  stalks  is  placed  near  the  decoys'  and 
from  this  place  of  concealment  the  sportsman  levels  his  death- 
dealing  tube. 


\  I 


l^- 1 


SHOAL-WATER   DUCKS. 

,,;:  ..:■•'  f   ^.  •»  ;•■    •■■•.■  ■  -  .  »    .•;■■■'    •; ' 

-]■:,■    ...,.■  •'  ;■  Anatinte.  .   ■• '  •  •■  ,,•    ■• '  ■  ,■    ■-•    ■,       ■  ■.:• 

OF  all  the  birds  which  during  spring  and  fall  traverse  our 
country,  probably  none  equal  the  ducks  in  point  of  size, 
numbers  and  economic  value.  This  group  is  confined  neither  to 
the  sea  coast,  nor  to  the  interior,  but  is  spread  out  over  the  whole 
breadth  of  the  continent,  in  summer  extending  its  migrations  to 
the  furthest  north,  and  in  winter  only  proceeding  so  far  south  as  it 
is  forced  to  by  the  freezing  of  the  waters  of  its  northern  home. 
The  great  numbers  of  ducks  with  which  spo*  ismen  are  familiar, 
may  be  conveniently  classed  under  two  distinct  divisions  or  heads, 
the  classification  being  drawn,  in  the  main,  from  their  habits,  but 
at  the  same  time  agreeing  with  their  ornithological  arrangement. 
The  first  class  may  be  termed  Fresh-water,  River  or  Shoal-water 
ducks,  and  includes  those  species  which  are  generally  found  on 
rivers,  lakes  and  ponds,  and  whose  food  consists  mostly  of  vegeta- 
ble matter.  Here  may  be  placed  Anas,  Chaulelastmis,  Dajila, 
Qucrquedula,  Spatula,  Marcca  and  ALx.  Among  these  are  in- 
cluded two  Old  World  birds  which  are  merely  accidental  and  very 
rare  on  this  side  of  water.  Some  of  the  distinctive  traits  of  the 
Anatina  are  as  follows.  None  of  the  family  are  extensively  mari- 
time as  are  the  Fiiligidince ;  they  are,  howevei,  by  no  means  con- 
fined to  the  fresh  water,  being  often  found  associated  with  the  sea 
ducks  in  large  numbers.  They  feed  along  the  shores  of  rivers  and 
creeks,  on  herbage,  seeds  and  succulent  grasses,  and  do  not  dive 
for  their  food.  The  females  are  also  almost  always  found  different 
in  color  from  the  males.  Of  the  River  ducks  the  first  on  our  list 
comes  the  familiar  Wild  Drake  so  well-known  throughout  the  land. 

Anas  boschas.—\Jmn.    Mallard.    Green  Head. 

A  bird  found  throughout  the  world  and  everywhere  domesti- 
cated.    It  is  particularly  abundant  in  the  United  States  in  its  wild 


SHOA  L-  WA  TER  D  UCKS.    "■'■  ■  201 

condition.  In  color  the  Mallard  resembles  almost  precisely  the 
barnyard  drake,  but  the  colors  are  purer,  more  marked,  and  the 
orange  of  the  feet  more  brilliant.  Length  about  twenty-four 
inches,  weight  two  and  one-half  to  three  pounds.  The  female  is 
in  color  dull  yellowish-brown  streaked  and  spotted  with  dusky, 
like  the  female  of  the  domestic  duck.  Mallards  breed  in  limited 
numbers  in  the  various  swamps  and  sloughs  of  our  Western  coun- 
try, but  by  far  the  greater  portion  continue  their  flights  to  the  far 
North.  They  appear  again  in  the  latter  part  of  August,  their 
numbers  multiplied  enormously  by  the  new  broods,  but  the  best 
of  the  shooting  does  not  commence  until  the  middle  of  September, 
and  continues  until  the  freezing  of  the  waters  drives  the  ducks  still 
further  south  to  genial  climes.  Their  habits  vary  in  the  different 
localities  they  frequent,  and  a  variety  of  methods  are  employed  in 
Mallard-shooting.  Common  places  of  resort  are  the  extensive  wild 
rice  marshes  which  abound  in  Wisconsin  and  Illinois.  The  seed 
of  this  plant  is  the  favorite  food  of  the  Mallard,  and  they,  with 
thousands  of  our  other  fresh  water  fowl,  repair  to  these  localities. 
As  colder  weather  approaches  and  ponds  begin  to  skim  over  with 
ice,  the  Mallards  betake  themselves  to  the  rivers  where  they  con- 
gregate in  vast  flocks.  At  this  time  they  frequently  make  journeys 
morning  and  evening  to  neighboring  corn-fields  and  the  like,  for 
food.  They  feed  principally  by  day ;  in  field  shooting  the  usual 
call  note  should  never  be  imitated  as  it  will  merely  serve  to  frighten 
the  birds ;  if  the  hunter  is  skillful,  and  can  at  these  times  imitate 
their  low  chattering  notes  he  maj  call  some  ducks  to  his  stand. 
Large  bags  are  sometimes  made  at  ice  holes  where  the  ducks  come 
to  roost  and  drink,  also  at  the  mouths  of  spring-creeks,  the  bottoms 
being  covered  with  gravel,  which  the  ducks  seek  to  aid  digestion, 
In  the  spring  time  when  the  heavy  timbered  "  bottom  lands  "  are 
inundated  by  the  rising  of  the  rivers.  Mallard  may  be  found  sitting 
in  large  bodies  both  night  and  day  in  the  depths  of  the  woods,  par- 
ticularly among  the  maple  and  willow  timber,  where  they  feed  on 
the  insects,  buds  and  vegetable  matter  floating  on  the  surface  of 
the  water.  On  being  routed,  instead  of  settling  in  some  other 
place  of  greater  security,  they  will  shortly  return  singly  or  in  small 
parties,  affording  most  excellent  sport.  If  the  sportsman  can  but 
find  some  cover — an  old  log,  stump,  or  clump  of  bushes  in  the 


I 


202  GAME  BIKDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

proper  location,  it  should  be  utilized  for  concealment,     Mr.  Long 
in  his  excellent  and  useful  book  on  wild  fowl  shooting  gives  an 
exhaustive  account  of  how  to  shoot  the  Mallard  at  all  seasons  and 
at  all  hours  of  the  day ;  we  cannot  do  better  here  than  give  a  few 
of  his  ideas.     He  divides  the  shooting  into  morning  shooting  among 
the  wild-rice  fields,  and  feeding  grounds,  which  is  carried  on  in  a 
boat  witli  or  without  a  retriever,  two  persons  generally  occupying 
each  craft,  one  to  paddle  and  the  bow  man  to  attend  to  the  shoot- 
ing.    Secondly,  into  midday  shooting  at  the  sloughs  and  ponds  to 
which  the  ducks  resort  after  being  driven  from  the  feeding  grounds. 
In  this  shooting  a  retriever  is  invaluable,  and  facility  in  imitating 
the  call  of  the  ducks  is  also  essential ;  perhaj^.  two  hunters  station 
themselves  on  opposite  sides  of  the  slough  or  pond  in  the  midst  of 
the  woods,  ?nd  as  the  ducks,  scared  from  their  feeding  grounds, 
drop  into  these  places  for  rest  and  refuge,  they  instantly  obey  the 
call.   The  hunter  should  leave  all  dead  ducks  to  act  as  decoys  and  he 
will  do  A'ell  to  fix  them  as  naturally  in  the  water  as  possible.    This 
is  accomplished  by  running  a  stick  sharpened  at  both  ends  into  the 
bottom  of  the  pond,  if  shallow  enough  to  allow  it,  and  inserting  the 
other  point  into  the  throat  of  the  duck,  or  soft  part  at  the  base  of 
the  lower  mandible  ;  this  will  keep  the  head  in  a  natural  position, 
and  if  possible  another  -/ack  with  perhaps  a  fork  in  the  upper  side 
may  also  be  placed  ir  like  manner  beneath  the  tail ;  these  make  de- 
coys much  superior  to  artihcial  ones.    Thirdly  comes  evening  shoot- 
ing which  is  practiced  in  tv\  o  ways,  by  following  the  same  plan  as 
in  morning  shooting  in  the  rice  iields,  or  by  standing  near  some  of 
the  passes  where  the  ducks  are  !:nown  to  fly  toward  their  roosting 
and  feeding  grounds.     Besides  these  methods,  one  quite  common  is 
the  shooting  during  the  late  fall,  perhaps  during  the  prevalence  of 
a  snowstorm,  in  the  corn-fields  ;  blinds  should  be  built  of  corn- 
stalks fixed  naturally  together,  the  hunter  should  dress  in  white  or 
some  very  light-colored  garments  and  here  also  the  dead  birds 
should  be  used  as  stools.     As  has  been  mentioned  too,  the  shoot- 
ing of  Mallard  and  the  various  ducks  with  which  they  are  found 
associated,  may  be  successfully  practiced  on  the  approach  of  winter 
at  the  ice  holes,  which  the  birds  keep  open,  and  scores  may  some- 
times be  thus  secured.    The  spring  timber  shooting  is  also  very 
attractive  sport. 


SHOAL-WATER  DUCKS.  203 

A  squawker  or  cluck  call  is  thus  described,  and  to  be  used  when 
one  is  not  proficient  with  the  means  nature  has  provided.  "  Take 
a  tube  of  wood  or  metal,  bamboo  cane  is  usually  the  best,  about 
three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter  inside,  and  four  to  eight 
inches  in  length.  A  plug  about  three  inches  long  is  fitted  to  one 
end,  and  after  being  t,plit  in  two,  one  half  is  grooved  to  within  a 
quarter  of  an  inch  of  its  smaller  end,  the  groove  being  perhaps  a 
quarter  of  an  inch  wide,  and  of  the  same  depth.  The  tongue  is 
simply  a  thin  piece  of  steel,  copper  or  brass,  which  should  be  ham- 
mered to  increase  its  elasticity;  it  should  be  about  two  and  a  half 
inches  long,  and  from  three-eighths  to  a  half  an  inch  wide,  at  one 
end,  which  should  also  be  thinner  than  the  other,  the  corners 
should  be  rounded.  The  tongue  is  then  placed  over  the  grooved 
half,  the  round  end  nearly  to  the  extreme  smaller  end  of  the  plug, 
and  the  tongue  completely  covering  the  groove.  The  other  half 
of  the  plug  should  be  shortened  about  an  inch  and  a  half  from  its 
smaller  end,  and  then  being  placed  on  the  grooved  half,  thus  hold- 
ing the  tongue  fast,  both  should  be  pushed  firmly  into  the  tube. 
IJy  blowing  in  the  other  end  of  the  tube  the  <"jli1  is  produced,  the 
tone,  degree  of  firmness,  etc.,  of  which,  is  regulated  by  the  shortened 
half  of  the  plug,  moving  it  in  or  out  as  a  finer  and  sharper  or 
lower  and  coarser  note  is  required."  Of  course  experience  and 
practice  are  required  to  become  skilful  in  the  use  of  this  instrument. 

Anas  abscura. — Gm^lin.    Black  Duck.    Dusky  Duck.    Black  Mallard. 

The  Black  Duck  is  about  the  size  of  the  Mallard,  and  resembles 
the  female  of  that  species  excepting  that  the  general  tone  of  the 
coloration  is  much  darker,  being  brownish  black  in  some  places, 
and  lighter  below.  Bill  yellowish  green,  feet  orange  red,  the  webs 
dusky,  length  twenty-four  and  a  half  inches,  weight  about  three 
pounds.  The  female  resembles  the  male,  but  the  colors  are  less 
clear,  and  the  bird  is  smaller. 

The  Dusky  Duck  seems  to  take  the  place  in  the  East  occupied 
by  the  Mallard  in  the  Western  States  and  Territories,  although  a 
few  are  always  found  associated  with  the  Mallards,  just  as  a  few 
Mallards  are  frequently  met  with  in  the  east,  in  resorts  common  to 
the  Blacik  Duck.  The  latter  is,  however,  rare  west  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, but  has  been  noticed  at  one  point  west  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 


204  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

tains,  havinj;  been  observed  by  Dr,  Yarrow,  at  Rush  Lake,  Utah. 
See  Zool.  of  Wheeler's  Survey,  vol.  5,  p.  473.  They  are  peculiar 
with  respect  to  their  partial  migrations,  for  they  have  been  tound 
breeding  in  Texas  and  Labrador  at  the  same  time,  and  they  are 
exceedingly  plentiful  in  New  England  in  winter,  whce  they  like- 
wise breed.  .... 

The  Black  Duck  is  a  very  wary  creature,  exceedingly  difficult 
of  approach,  and  stratagem  is  the  only  recourse,  if  we  hope  to  be 
successful.  They  are  rarely  found  in  great  numbers,  except  when 
congregated  on  salt  water,  five  to  ten  being  an  average  flock  started 
from  pond  and  feeding  ground. 

During  very  severe  winters,  when  every  sheet  of  water  is  bound 
in  with  a  thick  covering  of  ice,  the  Black  Duck  are  driven  to  warm 
spring  holes  where  the  water  never  freezes,  and  hunters  often  make 
large  bags  by  concealing  themselves  near  such  places.  The 
approach  of  evening  drives  the  ducks  from  the  bay  or  sound,  where 
they  have  been  sitting  during  the  day,  and  they  seek  these  open  inland 
spots  for  food  and  shelter.  Brush  houses  are  also  constructed  of 
sedge,  cedar  boughs,  etc.,  at  the  mouths  of  fresh  water  rivers  and 
creeks,  in  places  where  the  marsh  land  is  low  and  intersected  by 
branches  of  the  main  stream.  Here  the  ducks  come  to  feed  at  night, 
and  a  wholesale  fusillade  is  opened  upon  them  by  those  concealed. 
The  brush  house  is  left  standing,  and  the  ducks  soon  avoid  entirely 
this  locality,  and  feed  elsewhere.  This  brush  house  building  on 
feeding  grounds  cannot  be  too  severely  condemned. 

Still  another  method  is  pass  shooting ;  that  is,  standing,  on  blowy 
blustering  days  of  the  late  fall,  when  the  wind  is  the  southwest, 
in  belts  of  woods,  over  which  the  birds  fly  when  travelling  in  their 
afternoon  flights  to  the  roosting  and  feeding  grounds ;  the  ducks 
often  fly  low  and  give  good  chances.  Black  duck  feed  at  night, 
and  are  off  at  daybreak.  They  afford  delicious  eating  in  the  fall,  and 
are  a  great  market  bird.  They  are  almost  universally  known  in 
the  west  by  the  name  of  Black  Mallard.  The  use  of  decoys  in  the 
pursuit  of  the  Dusky  Duck  is  generally  futile.  Concealment  is  the 
primary  object.  The  hints  and  suggestions  in  our  account  of  the 
Mallard,  will  many  of  them  apply  equally  well  to  this  bird.  This 
is  also  true  of  all  our  shoal  water  ducks,  for  their  habits  are  very 
similar. 


SHOAL-WATER  DUCK'S.  20$ 

Dafila  acuta.— IJma,.    Pin-lail.    SpriR-tail.    Sharp-tail.    Water  Pheasant. 

Color ;  head  and  upper  neck  dark  brown  with  green  and  purple 
gloss,  sides  of  neck  with  along  white  stripe  ;  lower  neck  and  under- 
parts  white,  dorsal  line  of  neck  black,  passing  into  the  grey  of  the 
back,  which,  like  the  sides,  is  vermiculated  with  black.  Tail,  when 
fully  developed  with  the  central  feathers  much  projecting  and  nearly 
equaling  the  wing  in  length,  bill  black,  feet  greyish-blue. 

The  Pin-tail  Duck  is  everywhere  abundant  in  the  United  States, 
excepting  in  the  eastern  districts  where  their  favorite  food  is  inac- 
cessible to  them.  It  is  a  freshwater  species,  although  occasionally 
secured  in  the  creeks  and  bayous  of  the  coast.  They  move  in  very 
large  flocks,  and  seem  much  the  most  abundant  in  the  spring  season, 
associating  with  the  Mallard,  and  often  seeming  to  travel  and  feed 
with  the  same  flock  for  days.  They  are  exceedingly  fond  of  beech- 
mast  ;  but  in  spring  generally  resort  to  partially  submerged  corn- 
fields where  food  of  various  kinds  is  plenty. 

The  flight  of  the  Sprig-tail  is  much  more  rapid  than  that  of  the 
Mallard,  and  resembles  in  its  quick  darting  and  wheeling  motions, 
that  of  the  ubiquitous  Old  Squaw  or  Long-tailed  duck  of  the 
eastern  coasts,  Harelda  glacialis.  They  are,  perhaps,  the  most 
graceful  of  the  whole  duck  tribe.  They  are  secured  in  the  same 
situations  and  by  the  same  means  as  those  employed  in  Mallard 
shooting.  They  have  a  call-note,  a  low  plaintive  whistle  of  one 
tone,  two  or  three  times  repeated,  which  they  will  answer  readily 
upon  its  being  well  imitated  ;  Mallard  decoys  may  be  used,  and  the 
Mallard  call  described  heretofore.  Sprig-tails  are  very  plenty  in 
California.  . 

Chaulelasmus  streperus. — Gray.    Gadvvall.    Gray  Duck. 

The  color  of  the  Gadvvall  is  black  and  white,  or  whitish,  the 
plumage  being  barred  or  half-ringed  with  these  two  colors,  middle 
wing  coverts  chestnut,  greater  coverts  black,  speculum  white,  feet 
orange-yellow,  bill  bluish  black,  weight  about  two  pounds. 

This  large  duck  is  common  in  the  United  States,  although  very 
unequally  distributed.  It  is,  perhaps,  a  more  common  resident 
of  Tennessee  ^md  Missouri,  than  any  other  portions  of  the  coun- 
try. Gadwalls  are  classed  as  a  table  bird,  with  the  Mallard  and 
Redhead,  and  indeed  in  habit  they  much  resemble  the  former, 


20O  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

although  perhaps  bearing  a  still  nearer  affinity  to  the  Widgeon. 
They  stool  well  to  Mallard  decoys,  and  their  note  is  very  similar  to 
that  of  the  latter.  They  rarely  dive  except  when  wounded,  and 
they  then  cling  to  the  roots  at  the  bottom  for  a  long  time.  The 
methods  of  shooting  the  Gadwall  are  identical  with  those 
employed  in  hunting  Mallard  or  Sprig-tails. 

Mareca  peni'/tf/e.—Selby .    European  Widgeon. 

Head  and  neck  reddish-brown,  top  of  head  creamy  or  brown- 
ish-white, its  sides  with  mere  traces  of  green,  otherwise  similar 
to  the  next  species.  This  species  is  an  accidental  visitor  to  our 
coasts.  Gunners  should  always  be  on  the  lookout  for  such  birds, 
and  when  specimens  are  secured,  should  have  them  preserved. 

Mareca  americana. — Steph,    American  Widgeon.    Bald-pate. 

Head  and  neck  greyish,  dusky  speckled,  top  of  head  white,  its 
sides  with  a  broad  green  patch,  upper  parts  brownish-black  and 
light  brownish-red,  breast  brownish-red,  under  parts  white  ;  weight 
about  one  pound  fourteen  ounces. 

The  Widgeon  is  abundant  throughout  North  America,  although 
much  more  common  in  the  Western  States  than  along  our  sea- 
board. They  are  unusual  in  New  England,  although  occasionally 
shot  along  Long  Island  coasts.  They  are  plenty  in  Chesapeake 
Bay,  where  they  associate  with  the  canvas-back,  and  are  said  to 
liave  a  trick  of  stealing  from  the  latter  the  wild  celery  upon  which 
both  feed.  They  rarely  dive  themselves,  but  wait  for  the  canvas- 
back  to  reappear  with  the  succulent  roots,  when  the  Widgeon 
makes  at  him  and  snatches  away  the  morsel. 

The  call  of  this  bird  is  a  plaintive  whistle  of  two  tones  and 
three  notes  of  nearly  equal  duration.  They  stool  well  to  any 
shoal-water  duck  decoys,  and  answer  their  call.  The  Widgeon  is 
rather  more  shy  than  the  ducks  with  which  they  associate,  their 
flesh  is  excellent,  and  the  modes  of  shooting  the  same  as  those  al- 
ready detailed.        .      ■ 

Querquedula  crecca, — StepU.    English  Teal. 

No  white  crescent  in  front  of  wing,  long  scapulars,  black  ex- 
ternally, internally  creamy,  otherwise  like  carolinensis.  A  Euro- 
pean species  casual  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 


SHOAL- WATER  DUCKS.  207 

Quergueditla  cartlinensis. — Steph,    Green-winRcd  Teal. 

The  Green-winged  Teal  is  colored  as  follows :  Head  and 
upper  neck,  chestnut,  with  a  broad  glossy  green  band  on  each 
side,  whitish-bordered,  uniting  and  blackening  on  the  nape,  under 
parts  whitish,  the  fore  breast  with  circular  black  spots,  upper 
parts  and  flanks  closely  waved  with  white  and  blackish,  speculum 
rich  green,  hence  the  name,  bordered  in  front  with  the  buffy  tips 
of  the  greater  coverts,  behind,  with  the  white  tips  of  the  seconda- 
ries ;  weight  about  ten  ounces.     . 

The  Green-winged  Teal  is  a  more  hardy  bird  than  his  near  rela- 
tive the  Blue-wing,  the  former  remaining  much  later  in  the  season 
and  making  his  appearance  again  earlier  in  the  spring.  The  Green- 
wings  are  perhaps  not  quite  so  highly  prized  for  the  table  as  the 
others,  but  there  is  little  choice,  as  their  food  and  habits  are  the 
same.  ■"  ■    .  .  • 

In  the  spring  they  resort  to  overflowed  grassy  prairies  and  feed 
on  the  seeds  of  grasses,  and  so  forth,  which  float  on  the  surface 
of  the  water.  Their  call  can  be  imitated  but  perhaps  not  described. 
They  will  come  to  stools,  and  obey  an  imitation  of  the  call.  A  breech 
loading  gun  in  Teal  shooting  is  invaluable,  as  in  firing  into  a  dense 
flock,  many  are  crippled  and  unless  shot  again  will  escape.  Teal 
shooting  is,  however,  not  followed  to  any  extent  in  the  West,  as 
when  Teal  are  plenty,  the  larger  and  more  formidable  Mallard, 
Gadwall  and  Sprigtail  claim  the  sportsman's  attention,  and  the  little 
Teal  go  unmolested.  This  bird  is  more  a  maritime  species  than 
the  Blue-wing,  the  former  being  found  in  the  creeks  of  the  coast, 
the  latter  rarely  or  never. 

Querqnedula  discors. — Steph.    Blue-winged  Teal. 

Head  and  neck  blackish-plumbeous,  darkest  on  the  crown,  a 
white  crescent  in  front  of  the  eye,  back  brownish-black  glossed 
with  green,  wing  coverts  of  sky  blue  with  metallic  lustre,  lower 
parts  pale  reddish  orange,  shaded  on  the  breast  with  purplish 
red  and  thickly  spotted  with  black.  Length  about  sixteen  inches  ; 
weight  twelve  ounces. 

This  Teal  so  much  resembles  the  last  in  size,  habits,  and 
other  particulars  as  hardly  to  warrant  a  long  description.     They 


208  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NOKTir  AMERICA. 

are  found  chiefly  in  reedy  ponds  where  they  are  quite  unsuspicious. 
They  seem  everywhere  abund.mt  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
and  are  replaced  west  of  that  great  barrier  by  the  Cinnamon  or 
Red-breasted  Teal.  Q.  cyanoptera. 

The  flesh  of  the  Blue-wing  is  one  of  the  greatest  delicacies 
accorded  to  the  sportsman  or  epicure.  They  are  among' the  first 
of  the  ducks  to  make  their  appearance  in  their  migrations  from 
the  north,  and  at  this  season,  early  fall,  congregate  in  much  larger 
flocks  than  in  the  spring.  Their  principal  food  consists  of  wild 
oats,  g^ass,  mosses,  and  insects  found  in  and  along  the  ponds  and 
creeks.  They  may  frequently  be  found  at  mid-day  sitting  beneath 
the  leaves  of  large  aquatic  plants,  apparently  to  avoid  the  fierce 
noonday  sun.  They  rarely  feed  in  sandy  bottomed  ponds,  prefer- 
ring a  muddy  and  weedy  bottoined  slough. 

In  flight  they  are  swift  and  graceful,  skimming  low  over  the 
water,  and,  as  they  fly  in  closely  packed  masses,  a  number  may  be 
dropped  at  a  single  shot,  but  the  cripples  are  very  skilful  in  con- 
cealing themselves  and  may  escape  by  sinking  their  bodies  low  in 
the  water  and  paddling  rapidly  away  among  the  dense  vveetls  and 
brakes.  Number  six  or  eight  shot  is  a  convenient  size  for  Teal 
shooting.  They  stool  readily,  and  their  note,  which  is  a  feeble  imi- 
tation of  the  Mallard's,  will  immediately  call  them  down. 

Querquedula  cyanoptera. — Cassin.    Cinnamon  Teal.     Red-breasted  Teal. 

Head,  neck  and  underparts  rich  purplish  chestnut,  darkening 
on  crown  and  black  on  belly,  rather  larger  than,  but  othenvisc 
similar  to  discors. 

This  bird  as  already  noted,  seems  to  fill  the  same  ofifice  west  of 
the  Rocky  Mountains,  that  the  green  and  blue-winged  varieties 
occupy  on  the  eastern  half  of  the  continent.  The  habits  of  the 
Cinnamon  Teal  and  the  methods  to  be  employed  in  its  pursuit  arc 
identical  with  those  already  mentioned.  For  an  interesting  account 
of  this  species,  see  Coues'  "  Birds  of  the  North-west,"  p.  568. 

spatula  clypeata. — Boie.    Shoveller.    Spoon-bill.        ,,  »    .,,      . 

General  coloring  as  follows :  head  and  neck  green,  forebreast 
white,  belly  purplish-chestnut,  wing  coverts  blue,  speculum  green, 
bordered  with  white  and  black,  some  scapulars  blue,  others  green 


SHOAL-WATER   DUCKS.  20g 

white  striped,  bill  twice  as  wide  at  the  end  as  at  ihe  base,  feet  red. 

The  female  in  general  aspect  resembles  the  female  Mallard  but 

may  he  known  by  its  size  and    by  the  shape  of  the  bill.     The 

Spoonliills  are  rather  rare  in  New  England,  although  we  have 

taken  them  in  Connecticut.     They  are,  however,  abundant  in  the 

Middle  and  Southern  States,  and  are  also  found  in  large  numbers 

on  the  prairies  of  Illinois  and  Missouri,  associated  with  the  Mallard, 

and  generally  throughout  the  west. 

They  tly  thickly  together,  and  are  easily  killed  when  hit.     Like 

the  rest  of  the  shoal-water  ducks,  they  are  averse  to  diving  and  seek 

safety  when  woumled  in  concealment  above  the  water.    They  are 

never  difficult  to  approach,  and  stool  well. 
If 

A  t'x  s/oHsa. —Jiolc.    Wood  Duck.    Summer  Duck. 

Crested,  head  iridescent  green  and  purple,  with  prrallel  curved 
white  superciliary  and  postocular  stripes,  and  a  broad  forked  white 
throat  patch,  upjjer  parts  dark  reddish-brown  with  bronze  and 
purplish  reflections,  breast  and  abdomen  greyish  white,  sides  of 
neck  and  its  lower  part  reddish  purple,  each  feather  with  a  white 
tip,  feet  dull  orange,  bill  bright  red  at  base,  yellowish  on  the  sides, 
and  black  above. 

This  beautiful  and  familiar  bird  is  seen  in  all  the  fresh  waters 
of  North  America,  but  is  rarely  met  with  on  the  coast,  although 
occasionally  taken.  They  are  much  more  plenty  in  some  sections 
than  others.  They  are  rather  exclusive  in  habits,  not  mingling 
freely  with  others  of  the  duck  tribe,  but  found  frecjuently  feeding  on 
the  same  ground  with  the  teal.  They  are  peculiar  in  regard  to  their 
mode  of  nesting,  being  the  only  members  of  the  Anatina;  that  do 
not  build  on  the  ground.  They  select  as  a  domicile  a  hollow  tree, 
perhaps  an  old  woodpecker's  hole  or  some  natural  excavation,  and 
there  hatch  out  their  young,  who  soon  after  birth,  are  carried  in  the 
bill  of  the  parent  to  the  nearest  water.  It  seems  marvelous  at 
times  to  see  the  old  birds  enter  or  emerge  from  an  aperture 
apparently  scarce  large  enough  to  admit  a  bird  of  half  their  size. 
Their  resplendent  plumage  glinting  in  the  sunlight  as  they  dart 
to  and  fro  through  the  forest  aisles,  is  indeed  a  lovely  sight.  It 
seems  a  pity  at  times  to  murder  the  innocents,  but,  looking  at  it 
from  an  aesthetic  point,  their  flesh  is  really  a  bonne  bouche. 


2IO  gamp:   BTRDS  of  north  AMERICA. 

They  seldom  dive  for  their  food,  which  consists  of  acorns,  pond 
mosses,  wild  oats,  insects,  wheat  and  other  grain.  The  most  suc- 
cessful method  of  hunting  the  Wood  Duck  is  by  "jumping  "  them 
along  the  creeks  and  rivers  which  they  frequent.  The  best  season 
for  this  sport  is  the  latter  part  of  August  and  September;  they  are 
fond  of  sitting  on  old  logs  and  rat  houses  in  the  middle  of  the  day, 
preening  and  sunning  themselves.  Th^'.y  are  not  easily  decoyed, 
and  when  hit  generally  fall,  but  if  wounded,  run  up  the  banks  of 
pond  or  stream  and  conceal  themselves  deftly,  it  being  then  neces- 
sary to  put  a  dog  on  the  trail  in  order  to  discover  their  retreat. 
The  Wood  Ducks  are  also  prized  for  their  fine  plumes  and  feathers, 
which  form  quite  an  article  of  commerce.  No  better  trout  or 
salmon  flies  are  made  than  those  manufactured  from  these  feathers. 
The  account  of  this  species  found  in  Audubon's  "  Ornithological 
Biography,"  is  intensely  interesting,  and  gives  excellent  ideas  of 
the  habits  of  the  bird. 


SEA  DUCKS. 

THE  group  which  we  have  now  to  consider,  differs  widely  in 
many  points  of  structure  and  Iiabits  from  the  one  discussed 
in  the  preceding  chapter.  Sea  Ducks  may  ahvays  be  distinguished 
from  Fresh-water  Ducks,  by  having  the  hind  toe  lobate,  that  is, 
provided  Vv^ith  a  Httle  flap  of  skin  on  its  lower  side,  instead  of  sim- 
ple. The  legs  of  the  former  group  are  also  placed  farther  behind 
than  in  the  latter,  and  they  are  thus  better  fitted  for  swimming, 
though  not  so  well  adapted  for  progression  on  land.  The  feather- 
ing too  of  the  Sea  Ducks,  is  much  the  most  dense,  and  they  are  all 
provided  with  a  large  supply  of  thick  down  next  to  the  skin,  which 
in  many  species  is  of  no  small  commercial  value.  Owing  to  the 
foregoing  points  of  diversity  in  structure,  this  group  is  considered 
by  naturalists  as  a  sub-family  of  the  great  family  Anatidce,  and  is 
called  the  Fuliguli^'^e. 

In  habits  the  differences  between  the  Fresh-water  and  Sea 
Ducks  are  no  less  striking.  The  latter  dive  for  their  food,  which 
the  former  never  do  ;  they  are  chiefly  maritime  in  their  distribution, 
although  all,  or  nearly  all,  retire  to  fresh  water  lakes  to  rear  their 
young.  Their  food  is  chiefly  animal,  though  two  or  three  genera 
are  mixed  feeders,  devouring  indifferently  animal  or  vegetable 
matter.  As  a  rule  the  FiiUguhncc  are  not  highly  prized  for  the 
table,  owing  of  course  to  the  peculiarities  of  their  diet,  but  the 
birds  of  the  genus  Fuligula  v/hich  includes  the  Canvas-back,  the 
Red -head,  Broadbill,  and  others,  are  notable  exceptions,  being 
among  the  most  delicious  of  our  game  birds.  The  excellence  of 
*he  bird's  flesh  depends  entirely  upon  what  it  feeds  upon,  and  the 
Canvas-back  confined  to  a  diet  of  shell  fish  alone,  would  be  no 
better  than  a  Coot.  It  was  our  intention  at  first  to  have  separated 
the  Fuligidina:  into  two  classes,  mixed  feeders  and  animal  feeders, 
but  the  two  grade  into  one  another  so  gradually  that  it  is  difficult 


212  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

to  draw  the  line  between  them,  and  on  the  whole  it  seems  best  to 
treat  the  whole  group  together. 

FuUgula  marila. — Steph.    Greater  Scaup  Duck.     Big  Black-head.    Broad-bill. 
Blue-bill.    Raft  Duck.    Flocking  Fowl. 

In  the  male,  the  head,  neck  and  body  anteriorly  are  black,  the 
former  with  a  greenish  gloss ;  lower  back,  rump  and  tail  blackish  , 
under  parts  white  with  fine  wavings  of  grey  or  black  on  belly  and 
sides.  Wings  black,  a  patch  on  the  secondaries  (the  speculum) 
white ;  back  white  finely  waved  with  black.  Bill  bluish.  Length 
about  twenty  inches.  The  female  is  somewhat  smaller,  has  the 
face  white,  is  dull  brown  where  the  male  is  black,  and  has  the 
wavings  on  the  back  indistinct  or  lacking. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  of  our  Sea  Ducks,  and  during 
its  migrations  enormous  numbers  are  killed  in  the  West,  Driven 
to  the  seaboard  by  the  freezing  of  inland  waters,  it  is  shot  all 
through  the  winter  and  spring  by  gunners  along  the  coast.  It  is 
found  in  California  in  great  numbers  in  winter,  and  there  associates 
with  the  Mallards  and  Canvas-backs.  The  Broad-bill,  as  it  is  usu- 
ally called  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  comes  up  well  to  decoys,  and  it  is 
by  the  use  of  these  that  they  are  killed  in  the  greatest  numbers. 
Sometimes  they  fly  across  points  and  bars  during  their  passage 
from  the  roosting  to  the  feeding  grounds  and  back  again,  and  if 
the  gunner  should  find  himself  at  one  of  these  points  just  before 
daylight  or  sunset,  he  will  be  likely  to  have  good  shooting  for  an 
hour  or  two. 

Although  by  far  the  greater  number  of  the  Scaups  proceed  to 
the  North  to  breed,  still  there  are  a  few  which  make  their  summer 
home  in  the  upper  Missouri  region.  They  are  not  nearly  as  nu- 
merous here,  however,  during  the  summer,  as  is  the  next  species. 

FuUgula  «^«/f.— Eyton.    Lesser  Scaup  Duck.    Little  Broad-bill,  etc. 

Precisely  similar  in  color  to  the  preceding  species,  but  smaller, 
being  only  about  sixteen  inches  long.  In  habits  also  it  resembles 
the  larger  Broad-bill  with  which  it  is  constantly  associated. 

This  species  has  been  regarded  as  of  doubtful  validity,  but  is 
now  generally  accepted  as  a  good  one.  It  seems  to  be  a  smaller, 
more  southern  form,  and  in  its  migrations  proceeds  farther  south 


S/^A   DUCKS.  ■--•:.  213 

than  does  marila.    It  breeds  in  great  numbers  on  the  sloughs  and 
alkaline  pools  of  northern  Dakota  and  Montana. 

Fuligula  coi/aris.— Boa.    Ring-necked  Duck.    Tufted  Duck. 

With  a  general  resemblance  to  the  two  preceding  ;  an  orange- 
brown  ring  rouii  .  the  neck;  back  blackish  slightly  waved  with 
whitish.  The  female  resembles  that  oi  martin  but  lacks  the  white 
face  of  that  bird,  having  the  chin,  a  ring  round  the  eye  and  the 
lores  whitish.  In  height  it  is  about  eighteen  inches.  This  species 
is  not  very  common  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  though  a  few  are 
killed  now  and  then  mingled  with  the  great  flocks  of  Broad-bills 
that  throng  our  bays.  On  the  waters  of  the  Western  States,  how- 
ever, they  are  said  to  be  more  abundant  and  are  shot  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  preceding  species.  They  breed  in  small  numbers 
in  the  marshes  of  northeastern  Illinois,  but  the  great  body  proceed 
north  to  the  fur  countries  to  rear  their  young. 

Fuligula  ferina  var.  americana. — Coues.    Red-head.    Pochard. 

Feathers  of  the  head  rather  long,  giving  it  a  puffy  appearance. 
Bill  dull  blue  with  a  black  belt  across  the  end,  broad,  depressed, 
shorter  than  the  head  the  nostrils  within  its  basal  half.  Male  with 
head  and  neck  chestnut  red  with  bronzy  reflections  ;  foreparts  of 
body,  rump,  wings  and  tail  black,  under  parts  white,  speculum  blu- 
ish, back,  scapulars  and  sides  whitish  waved  with  black,  the  dark 
waved  lines  unbroken.  Iris  yellow.  Length  twenty  inches.  Fe- 
male everywhere  duller  in  color  than  the  male.  Always  to  be  dis- 
tinguished from  other  ducks  by  the  shape  of  the  bill. 

The  Red-head  is  not  common  along  the  coast  of  New  England, 
but  is  found  during  the  winter  months  in  considerable  numbers 
along  the  South  Shore  of  Long  Island.  From  this  point  so'ith  it  is 
extremely  abundant,  and  nowhere  more  so  than  in  the  Chesapeake 
Bay  and  at  Currituck,  where  immense  numbers  are  killed  each  sea- 
son. Its  flesh  is  excellent,  and  where  it  is  enabled  to  feed  on  the 
well-known  Vallisncria  it  is  fully  ecjual  in  point  of  flavor  to  that 
of  the  Canvas-back.  In  the  Western  States  the  Red-head  is  an 
■  enormously  abundant  migrant,  both  in  spring  and  fall.  It  gene- 
rally reaches  northern  Illinois  in  its  s|)nng  passage  about  the  last 
of  IViarch,  remaining  until  the  latter  part  of  April,  when  it  takes 


214  CAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

its  departure  for  its  breeding  grounds  in  the  far  North.  It  arrives 
on  its  return  journey  late  in  October,  and  remains  on  the  rivers, 
lakes  and  sloughs  until  the  cold  v^eather,  by  freezing  up  its  feeding 
grounds,  forces  it  to  go  further  south.  It  is  altogether  probable 
that  a  few  of  these  birds  breed  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region 
within  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  though  the  great  body  pass 
on  to  more  boreal  latitudes. 

The  diet  of  the  Red-head  is  by  preference  vegetable,  though  in 
default  of  a  sufficiency  of  food  of  this  nature,  they  will,  like  other 
ducks,  eat  frogs,  tadpoles,  and  various  mollusks.  In  the  West 
they  feed  largely  on  corn  and  wheat  which  they  glean  from  the 
fields,  and  on  wild  oats,  the  seeds  of  the  water  lily,  and  the  roots 
and  leaves  of  other  aquatic  plants.  While  feeding  they  mingle 
freely  with  other  ducks,  but  in  flight  they  keep  by  themselves. 
They  are  good  swimmers  and  divers,  though  by  no  means  as  ex- 
pert as  the  more  truly  maritime  ducks.  The  Red-heads  come  up 
well  to  decoys,  and  in  the  West  they  are  most  successfully  pursued 
by  shooting  from  a  blind  near  their  feeding  grounds.  The  decoys 
are  anchored  on  the  spot  where  the  ducks  feed,  and  the  gunner 
from  his  place  of  concealment  has  nothing  to  do  but  to  load  and 
fire.  On  our  Atlantic  coast  this  species  is  shot  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  the  Canvas-back  and  Broad-bill,  /.  <?.,  from  a  battery,  from 
points,  or  by  toling.  These  methods  will  be  referred  to  more  in 
detail  farther  on.  This  species  is  quite  abundant  on  the  Pacific 
coast  where  it  is  found,  during  winter  at  least,  associated  with  the 
flocks  of  Mallards,  Broad-bills,  Canvas-backs  and  other  ducks  so 
abundant  there  at  that  season. 

Fuligula  va/^i'sneria.—Steph.    Canvas-back  Duck. 

The  Canvas-back  is,  without  doubt,  the  most  sought  after 
and  widely  known  of  all  our  ducks,  and  in  localities  where  it  can 
obtain  the  food  to  which  it  owes  the  peculiarly  delicate  flavor  for 
which  it  is  so  famous,  its  reputation  for  excellence  is  well  deserved. 
When,  however,  it  is  obliged  to  content  itself  with  a  diet  chiefly 
of  animal  food,  it  becomes  merely  a  veiy  ordinary  table  bird. 

The  Canvas-back  is  colored  somewhat  like  the  Red-head,  but 
there  is  no  reason  for  the  confusion  which  exists  in  the  minds  of 
so  many  people  between  the  two  species.     A  careful  comparison 


SEA   DUCKS.  215 

of  the  descriptions  of  the  two  birds,  will  indicate  well  marked 
differences  in  shape  and  color,  by  which  they  may  always  be  dis- 
tinguished. The  male  of  the  present  species  has  the  head  and 
neck  of  a  deep  chestnut  color  more  or  less  obscured  with  dusky  ; 
colors  of  other  parts  like  the  preceding  species  but,  on  the  back 
the  white  predominates,  and  the  black  lines  are  faint  and  much 
broken  up.  The  iris  is  red.  Bill  longer  than  head,  narrow, 
high  at  base,  nostrils  median.  Length  about  twenty  inches.  To 
any  one  who  compares  specimens  of  the  two  birds,  the  differences 
will  be  very  apparent,  and  we  venture  to  say  that  no  one  who  has 
done  this  will  ever  again  mistake  one  species  for  the  other. 

The  Canvas-back  is  distributed  more  or  less  abundantly 
throughout  the  whole  of  Northern  America,  In  the  interior  it  is 
found  in  winter  as  far  south  as  New  Orleans,  but  on  the  Atlantic 
coast  probably  does  not  proceed  much  south  of  (}eorgia.  On  the 
Pacific  Slope  it  is  abundant,  extending  its  migrations  in  winter, 
nearly  or  quite  as  far  as  the  southern  boundary  of  the  United 
States.  In  Southern  California  tliey  are  especially  abundant  on 
small  lakes  and  pools,  seeming  to  confine  themselves  entirely  to 
fresh  water,  and  only  when  disturbed  and  driven  from  such  places, 
visiting  the  esieros,  where  the  water  is  brackish.  The  summer 
home  of  this  bird  is  in  the  far  North,  and  it  is  said  to  breed  in 
great  numbers  in  Alaska. 

Chesapeake  Bay  is  the  most  noted  ground  for  Canvas-backs  in 
the  country,  and  here  until  recently  they  were  frightfully  persecu- 
ted by  means  of  sink  boxes  and  swivel  guns. 

A  few  years  ago,  Canvas-backs  showed  a  marked  decline  in 
numbers,  and  their  absolute  slaughter  from  these  murderous  en- 
gines, led  to  the  enactment  of  stringent  laws  for  their  protection. 
Although  they  are  but  little  used  at  present,  a  brief  description  of 
the  sink-boat  may  interest  the  reader. 

The  sink-boat  or  battery  was  a  long,  narrow  box,  about  large 
enough  to  contain  a  man  and  two  or  three  guns.  It  was  loaded 
with  old  iron,  so  that  it  could  be  sunk  nearly  tlush  with  the  water's 
edge.  From  stem,  stern  and  sides  floating  wings  projected,  which, 
rising  and  falling  with  the  waves,  prevented  the  water  from  rush- 
ing into  the  battery.  The  unwieldy  machine  was  usually  towed  to 
a  place  on  the  flats  where  the  ducks  congregated,  and  the  shooter. 


2l6  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

after  loading  his  guns  and  placing  them  in  the  box,  with  their 
muzzles  resting  on  the  edge,  lay  down  on  his  back  in  the  bottom 
of  the  concern.  Numerous  decoys  were  anchored  in  the  water 
around  the  batteiy,  and  some  were  even  placed  on  its  broad  flats. 
Here,  unseen  by  the  ducks,  unless  they  were  immediately  over 
him,  and  patiently  gazing  into  the  dim  sky,  the  gunner  eagerly  lis- 
tened for  the  rustling  of  wings  or  the  splashes  that  denoted  the 
setding  of  the  doomed  birds.  Then,  barely  elevating  his  head 
above  his  prison-cell,  he  blazed  away. 

The  swivel-gun,  a  huge  blunderbuss-looking  affair,  secured  in 
the  bow  of  a  boat,  brought  down  whole  flocks  at  a  single  discharge, 
and  was  another  invention  of  the  sportsman's  enemy.  Be- 
tween this  and  the  sink-box,  ducks  in  the  Chesapeake  threatened 
to  become  as  rare  as  buffalo  will  soon  be  in  Kansas ;  but  the  good 
effects  of  their  partial  abolition  are  already  visible  in  the  increasing 
numbers  of  the  birds. 

Toling  is  also  practiced  here  to  a  considerable  extent  and  with 
success.  A  spot  is  selected  where  the  bottom  slopes  off  some- 
what abruptly,  for  the  birds  will  not  approach  near  to  the  shore 
except  by  swimming,  and  when  the  water  is  too  shoal  to  permit 
them  to  come  within  forty  or  fifty  yards,  the  gunner  can  get  no 
good  chance  to  shoot  at  them. 

Those  who  are  not  sportsmen  are  sometimes  skeptical  in  re- 
gard to  toling  ducks,  and  even  some  duck  shooters  scarcely  put 
credence  in  this  device.  Undoubtedly  the  plan  of  "toling  ducks" 
was  derived  from  the  Indians,  who  imitated  the  fox.  "  In  Norway 
and  Sweden,"  says  Mr.  Lloyd,  in  his  exhaustive  work  on  the  game 
birds  and  wild  fowl  of  these  countries,  "  ducks  collect  in  large 
flocks  in  the  neighboring  lakes  and  rivers,  the  strands  of  which 
are  in  general  flat.  The  fowler,  on  observing  the  birds,  walks  as 
near  to  them  as  he  can  in  safety  when,  falling  on  his  hands  and 
knees,  he  makes  his  further  approaches  slowly  and  cautiously.  In 
the  mean  time  he  causes  his  well-trained  dog,  who  should  be  of  a 
reddish  color,  to  gambol  before  him,  which  he  effects  by  every  now 
and  then  throwing  the  animal  a  crumb  of  bread  that  it  catches  in 
its  mouth.  The  ducks,  attracted  by  the  antics  of  the  dog,  grad- 
ually approach  the  strand,  and  thus  the  man  is  often  enabled  to  get 
sufficiently  near  them  to  fire  with  effect."    According  to  all  accounts 


SEA    DUCKS.  217 

it  was  from  seeing  the  way  in  which  the  fox  at  times  secures  his 
prey  that  men  were  induced  to  adopt  the  plan  spoken  of,  for  that 
cunning  animal  in  the  autumn  resorts  to  a  similar  ruse  to  capture 
young  ducks.  He  then  promenades  near  to  the  water's  edge, 
sometimes  vaulting  high  in  the  air,  and  at  others  crawling  on  his 
belly,  his  brush  meanwhile  trailing  along  the  ground.  These  ma- 
noeuvres of  his  so  excite  the  curiosity  and  tickle  the  fancy  of  the 
ducklings  that  they  gradually  swim  towards  him,  occasionally  so 
near,  it  is  said,  as  actually  to  seize  hold  of  his  tail  with  their  bills  ; 
but  they  usually  pay  dear  for  their  temerity,  for  the  wily  fellow 
seizes  his  opportunity,  and  pounces  on  one  or  other  of  them.  "  To 
the  devices  of  the  fox,"  says  a  Swedish  gentleman,  "I  have  been 
•an  eye  witness,  and  it  was  only  last  autumn  that  my  bailiff  shot 
one  of  these  animals  in  the  very  act  of  beguiling  young  ducks  in 
the  manner  described."  On  the  Chesapeake  these  birds  are  also 
shot  in  great  numbers,  from  points  or  bars,  near  or  over  which 
they  fly. 

On  the  Potomac,  when  it  freezes  over,  Canvas-backs  are  shot 
in  considerable  numbers  on  the  open  places  in  the  river,  spots 
where  from  one  cause  or  another,  ice  has  not  formed.  The  de- 
coys are  set  out  in  the  open  water,  and  the  sportsman  making  a 
bed  of  blankets  with  a  pillow  of  hay,  and  covering  himself  with  a 
white  sheet,  waits  for  the  birds.  The  ducks  do  not  notice  him,  for 
he  looks  like  a  hummock  of  ice.  The  pillow  raises  the  head  so 
that  the  gunner  is  not  obliged  to  make  any  movement  until  he 
rises  to  shoot.  Large  bags  are  often  made  in  this  way  and  the 
sport  may  continue  all  day,  as  the  ducks  fly  from  one  open  place 
to  another  almost  continually. 

The  legitimate  sportsmen  upon  the  Potomac  are  much  annoyed 
by  pot  hunters  who,  with  swivel  guns  and  from  batteries,  slaughter 
great  numbers  of  ducks  when  they  first  arrive  and  render  the  sur- 
vivors so  wild  that  it  is  quite  impossible  to  get  near  enough  to 
shoot  at  them  with  a  shoulder  gun.  Since  the  laws  in  reference 
to  these  engines  of  destruction  have  been  so  rigidly  enforced  on 
the  Chesapeake,  many  of  the  market  hunters  from  there  have  come 
to  the  Potomac,  where  they  make  great  havoc  among  the  birds. 

Although  the  battery  or  sink  boat  has  been  already  referred  to, 
a  more  detailed  description  may  not  be  out  of  place  here.     The 
10 


2l8  GAME  BIRDS   OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

sink  boat,  or  more  properly  box,  is  about  six  feet  three  inches  long, 
one  foot  two  inches  deep,  two  feet  wide  at  the  top,  one  foot  eight 
inches  at  the  bottom.  To  this  box  is  fastened  a  platform  about 
twelve  feet  long  and  seven  feet  wide,  and  to  this  i)latform  is  fas- 
tened a  frame  covered  with  muslin,  as  follows  :  width  at  head,  nine 
inches  ;  width  at  sides,  two  feet.  This  box  is  carried  to  the  shoot- 
ing grounds  by  placing  it  on  a  boat,  and  is  then  anchored  at  head 
and  foot,  head  towards  the  wind.  The  shooter  then  places  his 
decoys  at  both  sides  and  strings  them  towards  the  foot,  so  that  the 
decoys  will  form  a  V  shape,  anchoring  most  of  his  decoys  on  the 
left,  so  that  the  ducks  will  come  upon  that  side,  as  this  is  easiest 
shooting.  After  this  is  done,  the  shooter  gets  into  the  box  and 
places  weights  in  it,  so  that  it  will  be  sunk  even  to  the  water.  He- 
then  lies  down  in  the  box,  with  his  face  to  the  leeward,  so  that  he 
can  sec  every  dart  made,  and  thus  have  an  easy  shot.  When 
ducks  are  plenty  this  is  a  most  destructive  coutiivance,  as  the  ducks 
can  see  nothing  until  *hcy  get  over  the  decoys,  and  then  it  is  too 
late,  for  at  this  moment  the  shooter  rises  up  and  pours  in  his  deadly 
fire.  After  the  bunch  of  ducks  have  been  shot  at  under  these  cir- 
cumstances, they  fly  a  long  distance  and  do  not  alight  within  sight. 

Fortunately  the  laws  in  Maryland  and  Virginia  are  so  stringent 
that  they  are  seldom  violated  except  at  a  few  places,  and  these 
places  are  such  that  it  is  impossible  to  capture  the  violators,  as 
they  are  ever  on  the  lookout.  A  severe  law  should  be  passed  by 
Congress  on  this  subject,  and  that  speedily. 

There  are  plenty  of  ducks,  and  good  shooting  can  always  be 
had  at  a  very  slight  expense  of  time  or  trouble.  This  can  be 
accomplished  by  the  use  of  blinds.  The  blinds  are  made  as  fol- 
lows. Select  a  place  from  a  hundred  to  three  hundred  yards  from 
shore,  at  a  point  where  the  water  is  from  three  to  ten  feet  deep, 
and  at  good  feeding  grounds,  if  possible,  then  with  a  heavy 
hammer  drive  four  posts  at  a  distance  of  from  four  to  six  feet  apart, 
forming  a  square.  At  a  distance  of  about  a  foot  above  the  iiighest 
tides,  connect  these  posts  with  inch  stuff,  and  upon  this  lay  a  floor- 
ing ;  about  three  feet  above  this  flooring,  fasten  strips  both  on  the 
outside  and  inside  of  these  posts,  and  between  these  openings  put 
in  cedar  or  pine,  so  as  to  conceal  completely  all  the  vvoodwork; 
then  at  the  end  of  the  blind  nearest  to  the  shore  make  a  seat,  so 


SEA    DUCATS.  219 

that  when  the  shooter  is  seated  his  eyes  will  be  just  above  the 
cedar,  and  he  can  have  a  full  view  in  every  direction.  It  is  best 
to  leave  the  rear  end  of  the  blind  open,  so  that  it  will  be  easy  to 
get  in  and  out  of  it  from  a  boat.  Having  your  blind  made,  and 
wishing  to  shoot,  your  next  step  is  to  put  out  your  decoys — a  very 
simple  thing  when  you  understand  it,  but  unless  one  has  seen  it 
done  or  had  it  explained  to  him,  not  so  easy  as  it  appears.  It  is 
true  that  no  matter  how  you  put  them  out,  you  may  coax  up  a  stray 
duck  now  and  then,  but  you  will  soon  perceive  that  there  is  some 
defect,  for  it  will  be  noticed  after  a  little,  that  almost  all  the  ducks 
when  they  get  within  two  or  three  hundred  yards  of  your  blind, 
either  turn  aside  or  keep  on  the  course,  and  pay  no  attention  to 
your  decoys.  Let  us  suppose  that  the  wind  is  blowing  from  your 
right ;  in  this  case  all  the  ducks  will  come  up  on  your  left  or  to  the 
leeward,  as  all  ducks  when  they  alight  come  up  against  the  wind. 
To  your  right,  and  at  a  distance  of  about  thirty-five  yards,  and  on 
a  line  parallel  to  the  front  of  your  blind,  and  at  a  dis'ance  of 
thirty-five  yards  from  it,  place  a  leader  (decoy,)  and  from  ihis  point 
string  your  decoys  on  this  parallel  line,  one  each  side  of  it  towards 
your  blind  so  as  to  form  a  V  ;  when  directly  opposite  your  blind 
taper  off  your  decoys,  so  that  the  space  occupied  by  them  will  nearly 
resemble  a  diamond.  It  is  best  to  have  a  good  show  directly 
opposite  your  blind,  and  it  is  well  to  leave  several  spaces,  so  that 
the  ducks  will  select  these  points  to  alight  in.  If  the  decoys  have 
been  placed  properly,  your  blind  properly  constructed,  you  will  get 
a  dart  from  every  l)unch  of  ducks  that  may  pass  up  or  down  the 
river  in  a  reasonable  distance  from  you.  Never  allow  the  ducks 
to  alight,  but  shoot  them  when  they  are  hovering  to  alight,  as  at 
this  time  you  have  the  best  opportunity  and  your  fire  is  the  most 
destructive.  If  the  flock  is  very  large,  they  may  be  permitted  to 
alight ;  but  it  is  the  safer  rule  never  to  allow  them  to  do  so,  for  as 
soon  as  they  are  in  water  they  separate  and  commence  to  feed  im- 
mediately, and  shooting  under  these  circumstances  you  will  shoot 
some  of  your  decoys,  which  indicates  a  bad  sportsman.  Nothing 
looks  so  badly  to  our  mind  as  to  sec  a  person  with  his  decoys  filled 
with  shot ;  and  you  can  rely  upon  it  that  he  seldom  gets  one-fourth 
of  the  game  that  he  should.  Very  often  when  we  place  our  decoys 
out  it  is  a  dead  calm.     In  this  case  the  water  is  as  smooth  as  a 


220  GAME   niKDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

sheet  of  glass,  and  the  decoys  loom  up  to  almost  twice  their  usual 
size,  as  in  a  fog,  and  under  these  circumstances  the  ducks  will 
readily  discover  the  deception  long  before  they  come  near  to  you, 
and  will  either  turn  out  of  their  way  or  will  pass  by  beyond  gun 
shot.  Under  these  circumstances  we  can  easily  change  the  pros- 
pects and  have  good  shooting  with  but  littl'^  trouble.  To  do  this, 
select  two  or  three  of  your  largest  and  best  decoys  as  follows  : — 
say  two  on  the  outside  and  one  in  the  centre  of  the  decoys.  To  a 
loop  in  the  breast  of  each  decoy  run  a  string,  to  one  end  attach  a 
piece  of  lead,  iron  or  stone,  weighing  say  two  pounds,  then  carry 
your  strings  to  your  blind,  and  as  soon  as  you  see  a  bunch  of 
ducks  pull  these  strings  violently,  and  by  doing  this  the  decoys  will 
act  as  if  feeding  ;  and  not  only  this,  but  they  will  create  waves  that 
will  give  motion  to  all  other  decoys.  By  this  means  one  may  have 
good  shooting  even  when  it  is  quite  calm. 

The  blinds  are  built  in  the  fall  just  about  the  time  at  which  the 
ducks  arrive,  so  that  the  birds  are  accustomed  to  them  from  the 
first.  Often  too,  the  vicinity  of  the  blind  is  "  baited."  To  "  bait ' 
a  blind,  place  from  twenty-five  to  forty  yards  in  front  of  each  blind, 
two  or  three  bushels  of  corn  or  grain,  or  screenings.  Sooner  or 
later  a  bunch  of  ducks  will  find  this  out,  and  will  communicate  it 
somehow  or  other  to  every  duck  for  miles  around.  As  soon  as 
they  find  it,  you  can  rest  assured  that  the  ducks  will  remain  feeding 
on  this  grain  until  it  is  all  gone,  which  will  take  a  long  time  ;  but 
by  once  every  two  or  three  weeks  putting  out  another  bushel,  you 
will  have  ducks  until  they  leave  for  their  breeding  grounds.  It  is 
always  best  to  put  out  corn  at  first,  as  the  ducks  notice  this  so 
much  sooner,  and  after  this  bait  with  rye  or  wheat,  which  is  more 
difficult  for  them  to  get.  Now  this  shooting  will  be  all  right  as 
long  as  the  river  does  not  freeze,  or  the  ice  is  not  over  an  inch  or 
two  thick.  In  this  latter  case  you  must  break  the  ice  in  front  of 
the  blind,  so  as  to  have  a  space  about  forty  or  sixty  yards  square, 
and  then  by  placing  the  decoys  out  you  will  have  the  best  of  shoot- 
ing, as  this  will  be  the  only  water  open  in  the  vicinity,  and  by  plac- 
ing decoys  in  it  you  cannot  fail  to  draw  every  bunch  that  may  pass 
up  or  down.  But  in  case  the  ice  is  from  four  to  eight  inches  thick, 
and  freezing  all  the  time,  you  will  have  to  resort  to  another  method. 
In  all  freezes  there  are  air  holes  open  at  some  place  or  other 


SEA    DUCK'S.  221 

within  a  mile  or  two  of  our  Ijlind  or  of  our  house,  and  the  question 
is  how  to  jjet  our  boat  there  with  its  load  of  decoys.  It  may  be 
mentioned  here  that  in  duck  shooting  none  but  a  Hat  boat  should 
be  used,  as  this  is  the  only  one  that  can  go  in  shallow  water,  be 
hauled  on  shore  or  transported  without  trouble  in  a  wagon.  In 
order  conveniently  to  transport  your  boat  over  the  ice,  nail  two 
thin  strips  (about  an  inch  thick)  on  ihc,  bottom  of  the  boat,  as  run- 
ners, and  then  thin  them  from  the  centre  to  each  end,  so  as  to  form 
a  sort  of  oval.  To  these  runners  fasten  iron  about  an  inch  wide, 
and  let  this  iron  be  what  is  termed  half  oval,  (which  can  be  pro- 
cured at  any  hardware  store).  The  runners  should  be  as  long  as 
possible,  and  placed  about  three  or  four  inches  from  the  edge  of 
the  boat,  and  they  should  not  be  nearer  than  four  inches  to  the  end 
or  point  of  the  boat.  With  a  boat  tixed  in  this  manner,  the  least 
force  exerted  will  make  it  slide  rapidly  over  the  ice.  In  going  with 
a  boat  on  the  ice  from  one  place  to  another,  never  pull  it  with  a 
rope  by  walking  in  front  of  the  boat.  This  is  the  way  that  all 
novices  will  act,  but  it  is  dangerous,  from  the  following  reason, 
viz :  that  no  matter  how  thick  the  ice  may  be,  there  are  always 
some  thin  places,  and  these  will  give  away  as  soon  as  one  gets  on 
them  with  his  full  weight ;  in  such  a  case  you  will  get  a  good 
ducking  at  the  best,  and  run  the  risk  of  a  more  serious  disaster. 
To  avoid  all  these  risks,  you  should  push  the  boat  from  behind  by 
placing  your  hands  at  the  stern,  and  have  your  body  thrown  well 
forward  ;  in  this  case,  if  the  ice  gives  way,  you  can  easily  jump  into 
the  boat  without  risk,  or  at  the  most  have  only  a  wet  foot. 

It  is  still  better  to  remain  in  the  boat  and  to  be  provided  with 
a  short  pole  armed  at  the  end  with  a  sharp  hook,  which  you  can 
strike  into  the  ice  and  by  means  of  which  the  boat  is  easily  moved 
over  the  surface.  By  sitting  well  forward  in  the  boat  and  using 
this  hook  you  can  go  along  rapidly  with  very  little  exertion,  and  if 
the  ice  should  give  away  you  are  safe  in  the  boat.  In  case  you 
break  in,  it  is  easy  with  an  ice  hook  to  pull  your  boat  upon  strong 
ice.  On  arriving  at  the  place  where  you  wish  to  shoot,  you  can 
either  build  a  blind  out  of  ice,  or  use  the  boat  as  a  blind.  In  the 
former  case,  pile  up  cakes  of  ice  about  three  feet  high,  building  a 
semi-circular  wall,  and  then  by  placing  a  few  boards  on  the  ice, 
or  bags  of  straw,  you  have  a  comfortable  shooting  place.     If  the 


222  GAME   BIRDS  OF  NOKTH  AMERICA. 

boat  is  lo  be  used  as  a  blind,  then  all  you  have  to  do  is  to  place  it 
parallel  to  the  line  of  decoys  and  place  cakes  of  ice  on  the  side  of 
it  n(;xt  to  the  decoys,  so  as  to  make  the  boat  look  like  a  Inininiock 
of  ice.  Ikit  in  this  case,  it  is  necessary  to  wear  a  long  wliite  shirt 
and  have  one's  hat  white  by  usinj^  a  havelock.  Then  by  lilting  in 
the  boat  or  on  the  ice,  it  is  almost  impossible  for  the  ducks  to  see 
you,  provided  you  keep  quiet.  A  great  many  persons  in  shooting 
on  ice  whiten  their  gun  barrels  with  chalk,  as  a  black  barrel  is  very 
apt  to  be  noticed,  but  this  is  scarcely  necessary,  provided  the 
shooter  makes  no  sudden  movement. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say  that  the  shooting  on  the  Chesa- 
peake and  adjacent  waters  is  by  no  means  confined  entirely  to 
Canvas-backs.  Water  fowl  exist  here  not  only  in  vast  numbers 
but  in  the  greatest  variety.  Swans,  geese  of  several  species,  red- 
heads, black  ducks,  broad-bills,  widgeons,  teal  and  many  other 
species  less  prized  by  epicures,  make  these  waters  their  winter 
home,  and  may  be  shot  in  cpiantitics  from  October  to  April. 

In  the  Western  States  the  Canvas-back  makes  its  appearance 
about  the  middle  or  last  of  October,  and  remains  on  the  water  of 
these  States  until  freezing  weather  comes,  when  they  withdraw  to 
more  southern  localities  or  to  the  sea  coast.  In  the  interior  they  are 
chiefly  shot  over  decoys  which  are  placed  on  their  feeding  grounds, 
the  sportsman  being  concealed  in  a  blind  near  at  hand.  As  the 
birds  feed  to  a  great  extent  on  the  roots  of  an  aquatic  plant,  which 
does  not  grow  in  deep  water,  they  often  approach  cjuite  near  to 
the  shore  and  give  very  easy  shots.  On  rainy  days  these  birds  ap- 
pear to  be  uneasy,  and  fly  much  more  than  in  pleasant  weather. 
They  come  to  decoys  better,  too,  and  it  is  on  tucli  days  that  the 
best  bags  are  made.  The  Canvas-back  can  only  be  regarded  as 
a  straggler  on  our  New  England  coast. 

Bucephala  c^an^u/u.—Coues.    Golden-eye.    Garrot.    Whistler. 

The  Whistler,  as  it  is  most  commonly  called  on  our  coast,  is  a 
bird  of  very  wide  distribution,  being  a  European  species,  and 
found  also  throughout  the  whole  of  North  America.  Unlike 
the  majority  of  our  ducks,  this  species  never  congregates  in  very 
large  flocks,  and  it  is  not  much  sought  after  by  sportsmen.  It  is 
u  fair  table  bird,  much  superior  in  this  respect  to  the  majority  of 


SEA   DUCKS.  223 

our  sea  ducks.  It  takes  its  common  natne  from  the  fact  that  its 
\vinj;s  when  in  flij^ht  produce  a  loud  whist linj;  noise  which  can  be 
heard  at  a  considL-rabie  distance. 

In  the  interior  and  i)crhaps  at  some  points  on  the  coast,  the 
Golden-eyes  decoy  readily,  but  this  is  not  the  case  on  our  southern 
New  England  shore,  where  they  rarely  pay  the  slightest  attention 
to  the  stools.  This  species  is  said  to  breed  in  hollow  trees  like 
the  Wood  Duck,  the  mother  transporting  her  young  to  the  water 
in  her  bill. 

The  male  Wliistler  has  the  head  and  upper  neck  dark  glossy 
green,  a  roundish  spot  of  white  just  in  front  of  the  eye,  not  touch- 
ing the  bill  ;  lower  neck,  under  parts,  sides,  scapulars,  wing  coverts 
and  secondaries  white,  other  upper  parts  black  or  blackish.  The 
female  has  the  head  brown,  breast  and  sides  grey.  The  head  in 
the  male  is  quite  puffy,  in  the  female  less  so.  The  bill  is  high  at 
the  base,  shorter  than  the  head,  and  in  color  is  black,  paler  at  the 
tip.     Length  about  eighteen  inches. 

Bucephala  ulandica.—^^vdX.    Rocky  Mountain  GarroL    Barrow's  Golden-eye. 

A  rather  doubtful  species  which  closely  resembles  the  forego- 
ing, but  has  the  loral  spot  triangular  or  crescentic  touching  the  bill 
for  the  whole  length  of  one  of  its  sides,  white  on  the  wing,  divided 
by  a  black  bar.  Somewhat  larger  than  the  last.  This  bird  is 
everywhere  rare,  yet  it  has  been  taken  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  in  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and  on  the  Pacific.  If  a  good  species  it  is  more 
boreal  in  its  haliitat  than  the  common  Golden-eye.  It  occurs  with 
us  only  in  winter. 

Bucephala  albeohi.—)idi\xA.    Uuffle-head.    Dipper.     HuUer-ball.    Spirit  Duclc. 
Devil  Diver.    Salt-water  Teal. 

Every  one  is  familiar  with  the  little  BufBe-head,  for  he  is 
common  not  only  along  the  coast,  but  on  all  ponds  and  streams 
throughout  the  country,  from  ocean  to  ocean.  The  male  is  cer- 
tainly one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  our  ducks.  His  head  is  ex- 
tremely puffy,  and  shows  on  its  back  the  most  brilliant  iridescence 
of  purple,  green  and  gold.  Colors  like  those  of  the  Golden-eye, 
but  without  the  loral  patch  of  white,  and  with  an  auricular  patch 
of  that  color  which  meets  its  fellow-  behind.     The  female  has  the 


224  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

head  less  puffy,  the  auricular  patch  smaller,  and  is  full  black. 
Length  about  fourteen  inches.  This  species  sometimes  comes  well 
to  decoys,  but  is  so  small  that  it  is  not  much  shot.  Those  that 
are  killed  are  generally  secured  while  flying  over  points  or  bars.- 

Harelda  glacialis. — Leach.   Long-tailed  Duck.    Old-wife.  South-southerly.  Old 
Injun  (male).    Old  Squaw  (female).    Hound. 

An  extremely  graceful  and  beautiful  duck ;  one  too,  most  diffi- 
cult to  shoot  on  account  of  its  exceedingly  rapid  and  irregular  flight, 
but  for  the  table  almost  worthless.  Tail  of  fourteen  narrow 
pointed  feathers,  the  middle  ones  in  the  male  veiy  long,  sometimes 
equaling  the  wing.  Male  in  summer  with  back  and  long  narrow 
scapulars  varied  with  black  and  reddish  brown  ;  general  color 
blackish  below,  from  the  breast  white,  no  white  on  wing,  sides  of 
head  lead  grey.  In  winter,  the  head,  neck  and  fore  parts  of  the 
body  are  white,  a  dark  patch  on  the  neck  below  the  grey  cheek 
patch,  narrow  scapular  feathers  pearl  grey.  Bill  short,  nail  occu- 
pying its  whole  tip.  The  female  is  a  plain  grey  duck,  white  be- 
low, and  always  to  be  recognized  by  the  absence  of  white  on  the 
wing,  and  the  peculiarities  of  the  bill.  Length  fifteen  to  twenty 
inches,  depending  somewhat  on  the  development  of  the  tail. 

Old  Squaws  are  shot  in  great  numbers  along  the  New  England 
coast,  not  so  much  for  food,  as  because  from  the  peculiarities  of 
their  flight,  they  are  one  of  the  most  difficult  ducks  to  hit.  Under 
certain  circumstances  they  come  well  to  decoys,  and  are  easily  se- 
cured, but  they  are  mo.\  often  shot  while  flying  over  a  line. 
■Jlucking  in  line,  is  a  f:  ite  amusement  on  some  parts  of  our 
coast,  but  it  is  hardly  probable  that  the  reader  is  familiar  with  it 
and  it  may  therefore  be  here  described. 

A  number  of  boats,  perhaps  twenty,  each  containing  one  man, 
one  or  more  guns,  together  with  an  anchor,  thirty  feet  of  rope  and 
a  buoy,  start  for  some  pre-determined  point  of  land  near  which 
the  birds  feed.  The  boats  range  themselves  off  from  the  shore 
about  gun  shot  apart,  forming  a  cordon  through  which  the  ducks 
are  expected  to  fly.  The  anchor  is  attached  first  to  the  buoy,  and 
this  in  turn  is  snapped  to  the  painter.  When  a  bird  is  shot  down, 
the  boat  can  in  this  way  quickly  slip  the  buoy,  and  save  the  time, 
and  trouble  of  raising  the  anchor.     The  birds  at  sunrise  fly  into 


SEA   DUCK'S.  ■    .  •  ;      '        ,  225 

the  bays  and  estuaries  for  food,  and  in  passing  over  the  line 
give  good  shots  to  the  gunners.  As  many  as  fifty  birds  are  some- 
times secured  in  this  way  by  an  expert,  in  a  morning's  shooting. 

Although  the  Old  Squaw  is  one  of  our  typical  sea  ducks,  it  is 
not  confined  to  the  coast  alone,  but  is  found  in  considerable  num- 
bers on  some  of  the  larger  inland  waters,  being  common  in  winter 
on  Lake  Michigan,  and  no  doubt  on  others  of  the  Great  Lakes. 
It  occurs  also  in  great  numbers  on  the  California  coast. 

This  species  breeds  on  fresh  water  ponds  and  lakes  in  Labra- 
dor, and  probably  throughout  the  British  Possessions,  generally, 
however,  selecting  for  this  purpose  a  body  of  water  not  far  from 
the  sea.  It  reaches  our  middle  districts  in  November,  and  is  enor- 
mously abundant  from  that  time  until  April.  Most  of  the  common 
names  of  the  species  are  taken  from  its  noisy  habits,  for  it  is 
almost  continually  calling.     The  notes  are  very  musical. 

Camptolemus  iabradorius.—Qxa.Y.    Labrador  Duck.    Pied  Duck. 

Bill  enlarged  toward  the  end.  The  male  has  the  body  and 
primaries  black,  as  also  :*  black  collar  and  lengthwise  coronal 
strip,  rest  of  head  neck  and  wing  white.  Female  plain  greyish. 
Length  two  feet.  This  species  was  in  the  time  of  Wilson  and  Au- 
dubon, common  along  our  coast  as  far  south  as  New  York  in  win- 
ter, but  it  is  at  present  one  of  the  rarest  of  our  ducks.  It  is  a 
species  of  northern  distribution,  only  entering  the  United  States  in 
winter. 

Histrionicus  iorquatus, — Bon.    Harlequin  Duck.    Lord  (male).    Lady  (female). 

This  beautiful  species  is  nowhere  common.  It  is  a  bird  of 
Europe,  and  is  scattered  over  the  whole  of  the  northern  portion 
of  our  country,  occurring  on  the  northwest  coast  in  small  numbers. 
It  breeds  sparingly  in  the  northern  Rocky  Mountains,  but  perhaps 
it  is  as  common  on  the  coast  of  Newfoundland  as  anywhere  else. 
Here  the  male  and  female  of  this  species  are  called  "  lords  and 
ladies,"  anci  are  beautiful  birds,  and  perhaps  the  most  expert  of 
divers.  The  sportsman  is  amazed  to  find  that  one  of  these  birds 
can  escape  the  shot  of  his  percussion  gun  by  diving,  though  sitting 
quietly  on  the  water  at  a  distance  of  but  twenty  yards.  Sometimes, 
10* 


226  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

too,  he  fires  at  a  flock  on  the  wing,  and  is  delighted  to  see  the  whole 
flock  drop  apparently  "  stone  dead  "  into  the  water ;  but  presently 
his  astonishment  is  great  when  he  sees  the  little  harlequins  all  on 
wing  unhurt,  and  just  out  of  the  range  of  his  second  barrel.  The 
bill  of  the  Harlequin  is  very  small  and  short,  and  tapers  rapidly  to 
tip  which  is  wholly  occupied  by  the  nail ;  the  tertiaries  are  curly. 
Male  deep  lead  blue  ;  sides  of  head  and  of  body  behind  chestnut ; 
stripe  on  crown  and  tail,  black  ;  a  patch  at  side  of  bill,  on  occiput, 
side  of  breast  and  tail,  two  transverse  ones  on  side  of  neck  and 
several  on  wing,  and  a  jugular  collar,  white.  Female  brown,  paler 
below,  with  a  white  patch  in  front  of  and  behind  eye.  Length 
about  sixteen  inches.  Specimens  of  this  beautiful  duck  are  much 
in  request  among  ornithological  collectors,  and  those  shot  should 
always,  if  possible,  be  preserved.  '     ' 

Sotnatcria  stellerii, — Jard.    Steller's  Eider  Duck.  .   " 

"  Head  white  with  a  tinge  of  grey  with  a  green  occipital  band  ; 
a  black  chin  patch  and  eye  ring  ;  collar  round  neck  and  the  upper 
parts  lustrous  velvety  black ;  the  lengthened  curly  scapulars  and 
tertiaries  silvery  white  on  the  inner  webs ;  the  lesser  and  middle 
wing  coverts  white,  the  greater  coverts  and  secondaries  white- 
tipped,  enclosing  the  violet  speculum,  under  parts  rich  reddish 
brown,  blackening  on  the  belly  and  cnssum,  fading  through  buff 
to  white  on  the  breast  and  sides  where  there  are  black  spots.  Fe- 
male reddish  brown,  blackening  below,  varied  with  darker  on  the 
head,  neck  and  fore  parts,  tips  of  greater  coverts  and  secondaries 
alone  white,  enclosing  the  speculum.  Length  about  eighteen 
inches."     {Coues.) 

A  bird  of  the  Northwest  coast  scarcely  or  not  at  all  known  to 
sportsmen.        ,     ^ 

Somateri'a  JiscAert'i.^Coues.    Spectacied  Eider.       1;   . '     i  [ 

"  Male  black  or  blackish,  the  throat,  most  of  the  neck,  fore  back, 
wing  coverts,  scapulars,  tertials,  and  flank  patch  white  ;  nape  and 
occiput  green,  a  whitish  space  around  the  eye  bounded  by  black. 
Female  said  to  be  brown  varied  with  darker,  the  chin  and  throat 
whitish,  the  eye  patch  obscurely  indicated."  (Coues.)  Male  in  fall 
and  winter  said  to  be  like  the  female.    Inhabits  the  northwest  coast. 


SEA   DUCKS. 


Somater7a  mollissiina.—^on.    Eider  Duck.    Sea  Duck. 

"  Bill  with  long  club-shaped  frontal  processes  extending  in  a 
line  with  the  culmen,  upon  the  sides  of  the  forehead  divided  by  a 
broad  feathered  interspace.  Male  in  breeding  attire,  white,  creamy 
tinted  on  breast  and  washed  with  green  on  head  ;  under  parts  from 
breast,  lower  back,  rump,  tail,  quills  and  large  forked  patch  on  the 
crown  black.  Female  with  the  bill  less  developed,  general  plum- 
age an  extremely  variable  shade  of  reddish-brown  or  ochry  brown, 
speckled,  mottled  and  barred  with  darker.  Male  in  certain  stages 
resembling  the  female.     Length  about  two  feet."     {Coues.) 

The  reputation  of  this  bird  is  world-wide.  And  it  is  not  from 
any  peculiarity  ihat  it  possesses,  but  because  it  ministers  (unwill- 
ingly, to  be  sure)  to  the  comfort  of  nian.  There  are  four  species 
of  this  genus  in  the  United  States,  but  two  of  which  are  found  upon 
the  Atlantic  coast.  The  king  eider  is  the  rarer  of  the  two,  and 
the  most  northern.  Plain  eider  duck  is  the  one  most  common,  and 
the  one  referred  to  here.  We  naturally  associate  them  with  ice- 
bergs and  Icelanders,  as  they  form  such  prominent  features  in 
tales  of  Arctic  adventure.  'Tis  true  vast  numbers  have  their  sum- 
mer dwelling-place  in  the  Polar  regions,  but  even  those  who  seek 
a  breeding  place  in  Greenland,  Iceland  or  Labrador,  seek  a  less 
rigorous  climate  as  winter  approaches.  The  range  of  the  eider 
duck  is  from  the  coast  of  New  England  to  the  Arctic  regions.  It 
is  only  in  winter,  however,  that  we  are  favored  with  their  presence, 
and  then  they  keep  well  aloof  from  the  shore.  By  the  first  of  May 
tl>ey  leave  us,  and  seek  a  place  to  make  their  nest  and  rear  their 
young  along  the  shores  of  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  Newfoundland,  and 
Labrador,  though  the  first  eggs  are  not  laid  till  the  last  of  that 
month. 

One  of  their  most  southern  breeding  places  is  upon  one  of  the 
outlying  islands  of  the  Grand  Manan  group,  called  "  White 
Horse,"  from  a  fancied  resemblance  to  that  beast.  From  the 
rocks  at  the  water's  edge  many  tortuous,  narrow  paths  lead  to  the 
grassy  thickets,  and  these  paths  invariably  lead  to  a  nest,  some- 
times two.  Upon  the  ground  they  place  a  few  pieces  of  grass 
stalks,  with  other  fine  material,  in  a  slight  depression  of  which  the 
eggs  are  laid,  from  three  to  five.     These  eggs  are  about  three 


228  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA 

inches  long  by  two  wide,  of  a  beautiful  olive  green,  and  very- 
smooth.  Sometimes  when  left  by  the  female  for  a  short  time, 
they  are  covered  with  a  mat  of  dry  grass,  and  the  highly  prized 
eider  down,  so  elastic  that  a  whole  nest  full  may  be  squeezed  in 
the  fist  and  then  regain  its  original  bulk.  This  down  is  dark  slate 
in  color,  having  been  plucked  by  the  female  from  her  breast.  The 
young  are  beautiful  little  creatures,  can  swim  like  a  fish  and  tame 
easily. 

Towards  the  last  of  October,  the  eiders  begin  to  appear  along 
the  Massachusetts  coast,  forming  in  large  bodies  off  the  rocky 
capes.  Good  sport  is  had  by  gunners  from  Cape  Ann  in  the  win- 
ter months.  A  good  boat,  with  a  man  to  sail  it,  can  be  hired  at 
Rockport  or  Gloucester,  and  if  the  day  is  pleasant,  with  wind  to 
westward,  and  a  trifle  rough,  the  sportsman  may  expect  shooting. 
These  birds  are  also  shot  in  the  same  manner  as  the  various 
Coots  to  be  mentioned  farther  on, 

Somateria  V-ntgra  .—Gray .    Pacific  Eider. 

Precisely  like  the  last  excepting  a  V  shaped  black  mark  on  the 
chin.     Perhaps  only  a  variety.     Arctic  and  North  Pacific  coast. 

Somateria  s^eciadt'lis.—Boie.    King  Duck.    King  Eider.  r 

"Bill  with  broad  squarish  nearly  vertical  frontal  processes  bulg- 
ing angularly  out  of  line  with  culmen.  Male  in  breeding  attire 
black,  including  a  forked  chin  patch,  a  frontal  band  and  small 
space,  round  eye  ;  the  neck  and  fore  parts  of  the  body,  part  of 
interscapulars  of  wing  coverts  and  of  lining  of  wings,  and  a  flush- 
patch  white,  creamy  on  the  jugulum,  greenish  on  the  sides  of  the 
head  ;  crown  and  nape  fine  bluish  ash.  Female  resembles  the 
common  Eider  in  plumage,  but  the  bill  is  different.  Size  of 
last."     (Cotu's.) 

A  more  northern  species  than  the  preceding,  with  which  how- 
ever it  is  sometimes  associated.  South  in  winter  on  the  coast  to 
New  York  and  occasionally  inland  waters  west  to  Lake  Michigan. 

(Edemta  atnericana. —Svf&in.    Black  Scoter,    Copper-Nose  (njale).    Grej' Coot 

(female). 

Birds  of  this  genus  are  distinguished  by  their  peculiarly  swollen 
and  brightly  colored  bills.    The  males  are  black  with  or  without 


^--    •/,         SEA    DUCKS.  •^        -v  229 

white  spaces,  the  females  are  sooty  black  or  grey,  and  lack  the 
curiously  turgid  bills  of  the  male. 

In  the  Scoter  the  bill  is  scarcely  encroached  upon  by  the  frontal 
feathers,  is  shorter  than  head,  swollen  above  at  the  base,  and 
orange  in  color  in  the  male.  Tail  of  sixteen  feathers.  Male  black. 
Female  sooty  brown,  pale  grey  below.  Male  about  two  feet  long. 
Sea  coast  and  larger  inland  waters  of  United  States  in  winter. 

CEdemiafusca.—YX^m.    Velvet  Scoter.    White-winged  Surf-Duck.    White- 
winged  C30t.    Bell-tongue  Coot. 

Bill  black  orange  tipped,  shorter  than  head.  Male  black  with 
a  white  wing-patch  and  spot  under  the  eye.  Iris  white.  Female 
sooty  brown,  pale  grey  below,  with  the  white  wing-patch  and 
some  white  about  the  head.  Length  two  feet.  Distribution  same 
as  last,  but  more  abundant.    .    .,  ,^  .  ,  ,  ., 

CEdemia  /ers/ictUafa.—Ste[>h,    Surf  Duck.     Sea    Coot.    Skunk-head.    Snnff- 

taker.  .,  , ,  ■.;.-. 

Bill  in  the  male  much  swollen  at  sides  as  well  as  above,  orange 
red,  white  on  sides  and  with  a  large  circular  black  spot  on  each 
side  at  the  base.  Tail  of  fourteen  feathers.  Male  black  with  a 
triangular  white  patch  on  the  forehead  and  another  on  the  occiput. 
Female  smaller,  sooty  brown,  paler  below,  white  patches  on  sides 
of  head  before  and  behind  the  eye.  Size  of  first.  Atlantic  coast 
in  winter.     Variety  trowbrtdges,  Pacific  Coast. 

Our  Sound,  protected  by  Long  Island  from  the  billows  and 
fierce  breakers  of  the  Atlantic,  with  its  many  quiet  bays  and  in- 
lets, its  gently  sloping,  sandy  shores  and  shallow  waters,  abound- 
ing in  moUusca  and  small  shell  fish,  is  the  favorite  resort  of  count- 
less numbers  of  water-fowl,  from  their  first  arrival  from  the  ' 
northern  breeding  grounds,  about  the  middle  of  September,  until 
their  departure  again  in  April  and  May.  The  first  species  which 
Arrives  here  in  the  early  autumn  are  the  Surf  Ducks — a  beautiful 
bird,  glossy  black,  with  a  white  patch  on  the  top  of  the  head  and 
another  on  the  nape  of  the  neck,  from  which  coloring  it  has  re- 
ceived the  name  of  "  skunk  head  "  from  our  gunners.  Its  mate, 
dressed  in  a  sober  suit  of  brown  and  grey,  is  called  the  grey  coot, 
and  is  very  generally  considered  an  entirely  different  species.  The 
ducks  of  this  species  which  first  arrive  keep  far  out  on  the  Sound. 


230  QAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

and  are  daily  joined  by  large  flocks  of  their  companions  from  the 
north.  In  a  few  days  these  flocks  become  of  immense  size,  con- 
sisting of  thousands,  which  are  now  joined  by  a  few  Scoters.  The 
duck  shooters  begin  to  prepare  for  the  sport.  The  boat  ordi- 
narily used  in  this  duck-shooting  is  flat-bottomed,  twelve  to  , 
thirteen  feet  long  and  about  thirty  inches  wide,  decked  over,  and 
with  a  combing  around  the  cockpit,  which  is  just  large  enough  to 
accommodate  one  person.  The  white-winged  coots  and  loons 
soon  commence  to  arrive  and  mingle  with  the  others,  which  have 
now  moved  nearer  to  the  shore.  Every  morning  these  large  flocks 
scatter,  and  in  small  numbers,  from  two  or  three  to  a  dozen  indi- 
viduals, fly  up  the  Sound  toward  the  west.  They  continue  to  fly  • 
in  the  same  direction  until  about  ten  or  eleven  o'clock  ;  all  then 
settle,  and  scarcely  any  birds  are  flying  until  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  when  all  commence  flying  back  again,  the  flocks  being 
larger  than  in  the  morning  flight. 

Imagine  a  party  of  sportsmen  just  formed  for  the  first  shoot  of 
the  season.  The  boats  are  all  collected  on  the  shore  near  some 
favorite  shooting  ground,  ready  to  start  out  the  next  morning  at 
the  very  first  streak  of  daylight. 

The  party  retire  to  some  neighboring  barn  and  beguile  the  long 
hours  of  the  night  with  stories  and  joyous  thoughts  of  to-morrow's 
sport ;  or,  at  home,  roll  uneasily  in  bed,  longing  for  the  next  morn- 
ing. No  bell  is  needed  to  call  them  at  the  first  signs  of  day.  Many 
eyes  have  been  eagerly  watching  for  it.  The  boats  now  start  out, 
so  that  all  may  be  ready  before  it  is  light  and  the  birds  have  begun  ■ 
to  fly.  Upon  reaching  the  desired  location,  one  man  throws  out 
his  anchor,  another  rows  about  twenty  rods  beyond  him  and  an- 
chors also,  and  in  this  way  the  boats  are  all  disposed  of,  reaching 
far  out  into  the  Sound  in  a  straight  line.  Golden  streaks  are  fast 
springing  up  from  the  eastern  horizon,  lighting  up  the  water,  whiqh  ^ 
is  mov-ing  in  long  gentle  swells,  and  the  beautiful  bluish  haze,  9!lf 
characteristic  of  the  cool  autumn  morning,  with  enchanting  reflec- 
tions. The  ducks  are  now  beginning  to  fly,  and  the  noise  of  their 
wings,  brought  clearly  over  the  water,  sends  a  thrill  through  every 
gunner's  nerves.  The  shooting  will  soon  begin.  There  comes  a 
pair  of  white-winged  ducks,  heading  directly  lor  the  line.  They 
must  pass  between  some  two  boats,  and  every  eye  anxiously 


_  y.^:'y:^-  SEA  DUCKS.      '"'■'-  231 

watches   to   see   who   shall   have   the   first   shot   of  the   season. 
Nearer  and  nearer  they  come  ;  they  are  almost  up  to  the  line,  and 
now  they  notice  the  boats  and  partly  stop,  but  it  is  too  late  for 
them  to  turn  out.     With  swiftly  moving  wmgs,  and  with  wonder- 
ful speed,  one  following  about  a  foot  behind  the  other,  they  attempt 
to  pass  between  two  of  the  boats.     A  man  springs  to  his  knees, 
the  muzzle  of  a  gun   follows  their  swift  course  for  an  instant,  a 
flash,  a  report,  and  a  few  feathers  float  in  the  air  as  the  hindmost 
duck  throws  out  its  feet,  drops  its  head,  and  with  wings  partly 
closed,  turning  slowly  over  in  its  swift  descent,  heavily  strikes  the 
water  with  a  loud  splash.     The  gunner  now  throws  overboard  the 
buoy  to  which  his  anchor  line  is  attached,  rows  to  the  spot  where 
the  duck  is  lying  dead  on  its  back,  lifts  it  up  by  one  of  its  red  feet, 
places  it  on  the  deck,  and  rows  back.     This  is  the  first  duck.    And 
now  the  ducks  are  flying  swiftly  through  different  parts  of  the  line, 
and  the  report  of  the  heavy  guns  is  heard  almost  every  instant. 
Now  and  then  some  lucky  fellow  drops  two  at  a  shot.     Many 
which  are  hit  come  down  apparently  dead,  dive  immediately  on 
striking  the  water,  and  continue  diving  so  vigorously  that  they 
often  escape,  the  gunner  not  deeming  it  worth  while  to  pursue 
them.     Others  which  dive  are  never  seen  again.     These  are  hard 
hit,  and  as  a  general  thing  cling  to  the  weeds  and  rocks  at  the 
bottom  with  their  bills  and  remain  there  till  dead.     If  the  bottom 
offers  nothing  to  cling  to  they  swim  off  with  the  body  completely 
submerged,  leaving  nothing  but  the  bill  above  the  water.     Some- 
times after  the  warmth  has  all  left  the  body  of  those  which  cling 
to  the  bottom,  the  muscles  relax  their  hold  sufficiently  to  let  the 
bird  float  to  the  top  of  the  water.     Very  frequently  when  a  pass- 
ing duck  is  shot  at,  the  shot  are  plainly  heard  to  hit  it,  but  the  bird 
keeps  on  as  though  nothing  was  the  matter.     Very  soon,  however, 
it  moves  its  wings  more  stiffly,  and  inclines  toward  the  water.    This 
is  a  sure  sign  of  a  hard  hit,  and  if  it  alights  all  right  it  can  be  easi- 
ly knocked  over  with  the  other  barrel.     If  the  duck,  on  reaching 
the  water,  does  not  seem  at  all  particular  whether  it  alights  right 
side  up  or  not,  it  will  be  found  dead,  though  having  flown  perhaps 
for  a  quarter  of  a  mile  after  being  hit. 

As  the  season  advances,  old  squaws   and    sheldrakes  arrive. 
.  The  former  are  often  allowed  to  pass  through  the  line  without  be- 


232  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NOMTII  AMERICA. 

ing  shot  at,  on  account  of  their  small  size,  swift  flight,  and  extreme 
tenacity  of  life,  making  it  so  hard  to  get  them  aft^r  they  are  shot. 
As  a  general  thing,  however,  everything  is  "  game  "  which  passes 
over  the  line,  from  a  goose  to  a  crow. 

Erismatura  rubida. — Bon.    Ruddy  Duck, 

Male  with  the  neck  and  upper  parts  brownish-red,  the  lower 
parts  silky  white  marbled  with  pale  grey,  chin  and  sides  of  head 
white,  crown  and  nape  black.  This  is  the  most  perfect  plumage, 
and  is  not  often  seen.  Female  and  young  males  brown  above, 
dotted  and  waved  with  darker,  below  paler.  Top  of  head  dark, 
brown,  under  tail  coverts  white.  Bill  broad  and  flat  with  an  over- 
hanging nail.  Feathers  of  tail  peculiarly  stiffened  and  slender. 
Length  fifteen  inches.     North  America,  abundant. 

Erismatura  dominica. — Eyl.    St.  Domingo  Duck. 

Head  in  front  and  chin  black.  Hind  head,  neck  and  breast 
deep  reddish-brown  ;  above  brownish-red  blotched  with  black,  be- 
low paler,  speculum  white.  Smaller  than  last.  A  tropical  species 
accidental  in  the  United  States. 

Mergus  merganser. — Linn.    Merganser.    Goosander,    Fish  Duck. 

The  Mergansers  are  to  be  distinguished  from  oiher  Fuligtilince 
by  having  the  bill  round  instead  of  flattened,  and  strongly  toothed. 
Their  food  consists  almostly  entirely  of  fish  which  they  pursue 
"  like  the  loons  and  cormorants."  Their  flesh  is  of  course  very 
rank,  almost  uneatable  in  fact.  These  birds  are  not  systematically 
pursued,  but  are  occasionally  shot  by  the  gunner  while  in  pursuit 
of  oiher  game. 

The  male  Goosander  has  the  head  somewhat  puffy,  glossy 
green,  back  and  wings  black  and  white,  under  parts  salmon 
colored.  Female  with  a  slight  crest,  head  and  neck  reddish- 
brown,  upper  parts  ashy  grey  with  some  white.  Length  about 
two  feet.    Whole  of  North  America. 

Mergus  serrator. — Linn.    Sheldrake.    Red-breasted  Merganser. 

With  a  slight  crest  in  both  sexes.  General  coloration  like  the 
last,  but  the  male  with  the  lower  fore-neck  and  breast  reddish 


SEA    DUCK'S.  233 

brown  streaked  with  black,  and  the  sides  waved  with  black,  a 
white,  black  bordered  mark  in  front  of  the  wing  ;  wing  crossed  by 
two  black  bars ;  smaller  than  merganser.  Distribution  same 
as  last. 

Mergus  cucullatus- — Linn.    Hooded  Merganser.    Saw-billed  Diver. 

Male  with  a  thick  erect  crest.  Black  including  two  crescents 
in  front  of  wing,  and  bar  across  speculum  ;  under  parts,  centre  of 
crest,  speculum,  stripes  on  tertials,  white ;  sides  chestnut,  black- 
barred.  Length  eighteen  inches.  Female,  head  and  neck  brown, 
chin  whitish ;  back  and  sides  dark  brown ;  white  on  wing  tip. 
North  America  at  large. 


:fi:.:. 


MISCELLANEOUS   BIRDS. 

GAME  in  the  sense  in  which  the  term  is  employed  by  sports- 
men, strictly  includes  only  those  birds  which  have  already 
been  discussed  ;  but  besides  these  there  are  many  other  species 
at  which  the  gunner  will  have  shots  during  his  wanderings 
in  search  of  the  true  game  birds.  Among  such  may  be  men- 
tioned the  Wild  Pigeon,  the  Bittern,  the  Sandhill  and  Whoop- 
ing Cranes,  and  certain  Loons,  Grebes  and  Cormorants.  Ex- 
cept the  last  three,  the  birds  are  all  eaten,  though  not  particularly 
delicate  food.  The  Loons  and  their  allies,  however,  are  from 
the  nature  of  their  food,  which  consists  almost  wholly  of  fish,  utterly 
rank  and  uneatable,  and  no  more  deserve  a  place  in  this  work  than 
does  the  crow,  at  which  the  sportsman  sometimes  wantonly  dis- 
charges his  gun. 

In  New  England  the  following  recipe  is  given  for  cooking  one 
of  these  fish-eating  birds.  Having  dressed  your  Loon  or  Grebe, 
place  in  it  an  iron  wedge  large  enough  almost  to  fill  the  cavity 
from  which  the  intestines  have  been  removed  ;  then  bake  or  boil. 
When  you  can  stick  a  fork  into  the  wedge  your  bird  is  ready  for 
the  table. 

'  ■,;        Ectopistes  migratorius. — Swains,   Wild  Pigeon.    Passenger  Pigeon. 

The  Wild  Pigeon  is  one  of  our  most  widely  known  birds,  and 
although  not  strictly  to  be  classed  among  our  game  birds,  yet  it  is 
so  extensively  hunted  and  shot,  and  forms  so  marked  a  feature  in 
our  markets  at  certain  seasons,  that  we  shall  devote  a  few  words 
to  the  species.  The  color  of  the  adult  Passenger  Pigeon  is  above, 
dull  bluish  grey ;  uclow,  dull  purplish  red,  whitening  on  the  cris- 
sum  ;  sides  of  neck  golden  and  reddish  reflections  ;  some  of  the 
wing  coverts  black  spotted  ;  middle  tail  feathers  bluish  black,  the 
others  white  or  ashy,  tail  cuneate,  the  inner  webs  of  the  tail  feath- 
ers black  at  base,  with  a  chestnut  patch.     Length  fifteen  to  seven- 


MISCELLAXEOUS  BIHDS.      -   '  235 

teen  inches.  The  Passenger  Pigeon  is  eminently  a  gregarious  and 
migratory  species,  known  particularly  for  its  great  swiftness  of 
flight,  and  the  immense  size  of  the  companies  found  feeding 
together.  Their  favorite  food  seems  to  be  beech  mast,  acorns  and 
other  soft  shelled  nuts,  and  where  these  are  plenty,  the  pigeons 
congregate  at  early  morning  and  feed  during  the  day,  retiring  to 
the  pine  woods  to  pass  the  night.  Their  roosts  when  discovered 
are  resorted  to  at  night  by  men  and  boys,  armed  with  guns  and 
clubs,  and  the  birds  who  sit  packed  tightly  together  are  slaughtered 
in  countless  numbers,  till  all  the  hunters  loaded  down  with  their 
grain  bags  full  of  the  birds,  cease  their  murderous  onslaughts  from 
sheer  fatigue. 

Until  disturbed  the  birds  return  nightly  to  the  same  roost  as 
long  as  the  mast  in  the  neighborhood  is  plenty.  Suddenly  they 
all  disappear,  and  are  seen  no  more  until  the  following  fall.  The 
wild  cherries  are,  while  they  last,  eagerly  sought  by  the  pigeons, 
and  large  bags  are  made  by  sitting  beneath  these  trees  and  shoot- 
ing at  the  incoming  flocks. 

At  this  season  of  the  j'ear  the  Alleghany  Mountains  are  literally 
alive  with  them,  and  from  morn  to  eve,  nothing  in  the  best  local- 
ities can  be  heard  but  the  sharp  crack  of  rifles  and  the  heavier 
sound  of  shot  guns.  Every  one  seems  to  be  impressed  with  the 
idea  that  he  must  make  the  finest  bag  of  the  season,  and  conse- 
quently every  one  who  can  procure  a  gun,  no  matter  of  what 
kind,  sallies  forth  to  wage  an  indiscriminate  war  upon  the 
poor  pigeons  that  have  visited  the  hills  and  valleys  to  feed  upon 
the  acorns  and  wild  cherries  which  are  found  in  the  greatest  pro- 
fusion on  the  top  of  the  Alleghanies  in  a  strip  of  country  called  the 
Glades.  These  Glades  are  open  spaces  devoid  of  trees  in  the 
midst  of  unbroken  forests  covered  by  tall  grass  and  alder  bushes  ; 
they  extend  for  perhaps  fifty  miles  on  top  of  the  mountains,  and 
are  from  fifteen  to  twenty  miles  in  breadth.  This  section  of  the 
country  seems  to  be  the  favorite  ground  for  pigeons  in  the  fall  of 
the  year.  At  early  morning  to  sit  in  these  glades  and  shoot  at  the 
flocks  as  one  by  one  they  arrive  from  their  nesting  places  affords 
fine  sport,  and  is  altogether  the  most  pleasant  way  of  hunting  these 
birds. 

Thousands  are  caught  alive  by  means  of  clap-nets,  and  they 


236  GAME  BIRDS  OF  NORTH  A  AT  ERICA. 

afford  the  best  trap  shooting,  being  strong  and  swift  of  wing.  This 
is  the  only  use  made  of  them  alive,  although  attempts  have  been 
made  in  domesticating  and  cross-breeding,  but  with,  as  we  believe, 
no  success.  The  great  mass  of  Passenger  Pigeons  breed  in  com- 
panies, twenty  to  thirty  nests  being  found  on  one  tree  ;  when  the 
squabs  are  about  to  leave  the  nest  they  make  a  delicious  table  bird. 
Scattered  pairs  are  found  breeding  in  our  Eastern  and  Middle  sec- 
tions. Several  other  species  of  pigeons  are  found  in  the  United 
Slates,  but  this  is  the  only  species  which  is  systematically  pursued. 

Botaurus  minor. — Bon.     Biltern.    Indian  Hen.    Stake-driver,    Bog-bull. 

The  Bittern  is  very  nearly,  if  not  quite,  a  game  bird.  Its  flesh 
is  very  fair  eating,  it  gives  out  a  strong  scent,  and  often  lies  well 
to  a  dog.  Frank  Forrester  included  it  among  the  list  of  his  game 
l)irds,  and  what  higher  authority  can  we  have  than  his.  We  have 
shot  many  of  these  birds  when  traversing  boggy  meadows  in  search 
of  snipe,  and  have  seen  a  very  young  and  unbroken  dog  stand  on 
them  with  the  utmost  staunchness.  They  fly  slowly  and  are  se- 
cured without  difliculty  by  the  most  ordinary  shot.  Many  are 
killed  during  the  Rail  shooting,  being  started  from  their  reedy 
feeding  grounds  by  the  sportsman's  boat. 

The  Bittern  is  above  of  a  dull  brown  color  streaked  and 
speckled  with  tawny  buff  and  whitish,  neck  white  becoming  pale 
yellow  on  breast  and  belly,  each  feather  with  a  streak  of  brown. 
Chin  and  throat  line  white  ;  a  glossy  black  patch  on  each  side  of 
the  neck.  Bill  dark  at  tip,  yellow  at  base,  legs  greenish.  Length 
about  twenty-five  inches.  The  Bittern  nests  on  the  ground  and 
not  in  communities  as  do  most  herons.  Its  eggs  are  four  or  five 
in  number,  in  color  brownish-drab  with  a  shade  of  grey. 

^  Grus  amert'cana.—T&mm.    White  Crane.    Whooping  Crane.  s 

The  Whooping  Crane  is  a  bird  of  the  interior,  being  rarely 
found  on  our  Eastern  seaboard,  and  never  north  of  the  Middle 
States.  It  is  most  abundant  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  and  on  the 
high  plains  toward  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Birds  of  this  genus  have  the  general  aspect  of  the  herons, 
though  in  fact  more  nearly  related  to  the  rails.  Adults  of  our 
two  species  may  be  distinguished  from  any  of  the  birds  of  North 


MISCELLANEOUS  BIRDS,  2yj 

America  by  having  the  top  of  the  head  in  each  naked,  somewhat 
warty,  haired  and  red  in  color. 

The  length  of  the  White  Crane  is  between  four  and  five  feet. 
The  bare  part  of  the  head  narrows  to  a  p(jint  on  the  occiput,  and 
extends  on  each  side  of  the  head  below  the  eyes.  It  is  very  hairy. 
General  plumage  white ;  primaries,  their  coverts  and  alula  black ; 
bill  very  powerful,  greenish  in  color ;  legs  black. 

This  species  is  rarely  secured  with  the  shot-gun.  It  is  very 
wary,  and  must  be  stalked  with  the  utmost  care  ;  and  shot  with  a 
rifle-ball  at  a  distance  of  one  hundred  yards  or  more.  The  White 
Crane  breeds  sparingly  throughout  the  northern  portion  of  the 
interior.  The  eggs  are  two  in  number,  of  a  muddy  white  .color 
with  spots  of  dull  brown.  They  are  not  to  be  certainly  distin- 
guished from  those  of  the  next  species. 

» 
Grus  canadeHst's.—Tcmm,    Sandhill  Crane.    Brown  Crane. 

Somewhat  smaller  than  the  foregoing ;  the  naked  patch  on  the 
head  forking  behind  to  receive  a  feathered  point,  not  extending 
below  to  the  eyes,  and  scarcely  hairy.  General  color  grey,  prima- 
ries, their  coverts,  and  alula  black. 

This  species  is  very  abundant  from  the  Mississippi  Valley  west- 
ward, and  is  equally  common  on  the  plains  and  in  the  mountains. 
Farther  east  it  rarely  occurs  in  any  numbers,  and  is  scarcely  found 
at  all  on  the  sea  coast  north  of  Floiida.  In  California  it  is  abund- 
ant in  the  fall,  and  is  often  exposed  for  sale  in  the  markets. 

Although  scarcely  less  wary  than  its  congener  the  Whooping 
Crane,  it  is  more  often  killed  on  account  of  its  greater  abundance. 
Sometimes  they  are  shot  by  grouse  shooters  who  come  upon  them 
feeding  in  sloughs  or  under  cut  banks,  and  thus  get  within  range 
before  being  discovered.  But  as  a  rule  the  securing  of  these  birds 
is  purely  a  matter  of  chance.  The  young  of  this  species  are  said 
to  be  tender  and  well  flavored.  The  Sandhill  Crane  breeds  through- 
out the  mountains  and  plains  of  the  West,  laying  two  eggs  usually 
on  the  ground,  but  sometimes  building  on  a  tree,  as  noted  by  the 
writer  in  the  Black  Hills  of  Dakota,  in  1874. 


"■W' 


GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


EASTERN   COAST  FISHES. 

THE   PLEURONECTID^. 

Flounder  ;  flatfish  ;  mud  dab  ;  sole. — Pseudopieuronectcs   americanus . — Gill. 

THIS  excellent  panfish  is  the  delight  of  the  boys,  and  is  caught 
with  clams  and  other  baits  of  shell  fish,  from  wharves.  It 
is  also  speared  on  mud  flats  among  the  eel  grass  at  low  water.  It 
often  grows  to  several  pounds  in  weight.  Taken  from  early  spring 
till  late  in  autumn. 

THE  GADID^. 

Pollock. — Pollachius  carbonarius. — Bon. 

Pollock,  although  no  more  a  game  fish,  technically,  than  the 
common  flounder,  has  been  known  to  take  a  great  gaudy  fly  of 
scarlet  and  grey  feathers  with  avidity ;  and  much  sport  is  often 
enjoyed  in  the  Kenebeccasis  River  with  rod  and  reel  in  this  way. 
The  Kenebeccasis  is  an  arm  of  the  St.  John  River,  in  the  Province 
of  New  Brunswick.  Its  game  qualities  are  really  ver}'  fair.  Be- 
longs to  the  Gadidce  or  Codfish  family.  Spawns  from  last  of 
October  to  December,  and  is  taken  from  the  last  of  April  to  the 
first  of  June.  It  resembles  the  codfish  in  its  prominent  charac- 
teristics. 

The  Haddock,  axioXhtrgadus,  takes  the  hook  as  freely  as  the  cod. 

.  ■  '        Codfish. — Gadus  tnorrhua. — Linn. 

This  well-known  fish  of  commerce  affords  good  sport  when 
taken  in  shoal  water  off  the  coast  of  Labrador.  It  is  taken  only 
a  few  feet  below  the  surface,  and  if  one  wishes  to  tr)'  the  experi- 


240  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

ment  he  may  be  able  to  take  individuals  on  a  clumsy  bunch  of 
grey  and  scarlet  feathers,  or  red  flannel,  improvised  as  a  fly. 
Sometimes  in  pursuit  of  caplin  and  other  small  fish,  they  leap  clear 
of  the  water.  Bait  with  caplin,  lance  or  herring.  Bank  fishing  in- 
volves more  hard  labor  than  sport,  yet  some  persons  enjoy  a  cruise 
with  the  fishermen.  Codfish  subsist  on  crabs,  shell  fish  and  other 
fish.  Spawn  in  November  and  December.  The  best  fishing  sea- 
son is  in  April,  May  and  June. 

ToMCOD  ;  frostfish. — Microgadus  tomcodus. — Gill, 

This  familiar  fish  is  taken  in  abundance  from  wharves  and  in 
tide  water  rivers,  with  hook  and  line  baited  with  clams  or  crabs,  a 
light  rod,  and  small  sinker,  with  or  without  a  float.  In  midwinter 
it  swims  near  the  surface,  ^.iid  can  be  jigged  up  with  an  unbaited 
hook  fastened  to  a  two-foot  No.  8  wire  attached  to  a  ten-foot  pole. 
The  bait-fishing  season  is  in  the  fall.  The  tomcod  is  olive-brown 
on  back  shading  to  dull  yellow  ;  belly  white.  In  shape  and  many 
of  its  features  it  resembles  the  codfish. 

LABRID^. 

Blackfish  ;  \A^x^.Q%.—Tautoga  om'iis.—Gth'T. 

This  is  a  fine  fish  for  the  table,  broiled  or  for  chowder.  Grows 
to  the  weight  of  twelve  pounds.  Much  fished  for  in  May  and 
October  with  hand  lines  and  hooks,  and  baited  with  fiddlers 
and  clams,  with  sinker  below  the  hooks.  Taken  near  the  bottom, 
around  reefs  and  old  wrecks  on  the  flood  tide.  Color,  black  on 
back  with  lead  colored  belly.     Spawn  in  June. 

CuNNKR  ;  bergall  ;  chogset ;   bluefish;  blue  perch. —  Tautogolabrus  adspersus. 

Cunners  are  very  common  on  blackfish  (tautog)  grounds,  and 
although  a  fine  table  fish  and  a  bold  biter,  are  not  esteemed  by 
anglers,  who  are  incessantly  annoyed  by  it  while  fishing  for  better 
fish.  It  takes  fiddlers  or  sand  crabs,  clams,  and  cut  fish  bait, 
which  it  will  nibble  from  the  hooks  as  fast  as  put  on.  They  are 
found  on  reefs  and  around  old  wrecks.  Cienerally  very  small,  but 
are  taken  over  a  pound  in  weight.     They  are  quite  bony,  and  their 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.  24 1 

spines  are  very  sharp,  inflicting  painful  wounds  to  the  hands  if 
caution  is  not  used.     Color,  bluish  green  on  back,  belly  whitish. 


..        „       ,,  r  THE  SCOMBRID^. 

Mackerel. — Scomber  seomlrtis. — Linn. 

This  favorite  fish  of  commerce  which  is  taken  in  such  vast 
quantities  along  the  northern  coast,  from  Cape  Cod  to  Labrador, 
affords  most  excellent  sport  to  the  rod  and  reel.  Bass  tackle  of 
the  lightest  description,  with  wire  gimp  snood  is  required.  Caplin, 
porgy,  and  clams  are  used  for  bait.  No  float  is  necessary,  since, 
when  the  fish  are  biting  sharply,  the  bait  will  be  taken  the  instant 
it  touches  the  water.  We  have  knoivn  mackerel  to  afford  fine  sport 
to  the  large  white  fly  or  spinner,  known  as  "  Brook's  silver  laurel." 

Fishing  is  done  from  boats  or  the  decks  of  vessels.  Those 
regularly  engaged  in  the  business  use  a  jig  or  hook  loaded  with 
lead  or  block  tin,  and  the  fish  when  biting  well,  take  the  line  with 
equal  avidity,  whether  baited  or  not.  They  are  generally  caught  at 
from  five  to  eight  feet  below  the  surface.  The  mackerel  business 
commences  in  the  latter  part  of  March,  when  the  mackerel  first  re- 
turn to  our  coasts  from  their  winter's  absence  in  more  southern 
waters,  and  lasts  until  the  end  of  November.  In  December,  when  the 
fish  strike  Cape  Cod  on  their  way  south,  they  take  a  slant  out  into  the 
deep  ocean,  and  do  not  continue  to  follow  the  coast  line  ;  hence 
all  efforts  to  take  them  after  the  period  named  have  thus  far  proved 
futile.  Like  all  pelagic  fish,  which  make  their  advent  in  northern 
waters  in  spring,  they  are  lean  and  extremely  ravenous  at  that 
season.  They  seem  to  reverse  the  peculiarities  of  anadromous  fish, 
which  come  to  their  fresh  water  and  spawning  grounds  in  fine 
condition,  and  return  lean  and  impoverished,  to  gather  fresh  food 
and  fresh  strength  for  their  next  period  of  reproduction  ;  and, 
reasoning  by  analogy,  we  may  infei  that  these  pelagi  go  to  great 
depths  to  spawn,  where  no  food  is  obtainable*  and  the  minnow  and 
sprat  never  go. 

Mackerel   generally  swim   in  immense    schools,  sufficient  in 
number  and  quantity,  if  all  were  caught,  to  fill  a  hundred  fishing 
vessels,  and  biting  generally  the  best  in  dull  cloudy  weather. 
.    ■'.    II 


242  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

There  is  no  species  of  commercial  fishing  which  brings  so  much 
sport  and  excitement  to  the  fisherman,  and  quite  likely  no  vacation 
would  be  more  enjoyed  by  the  novice  than  one  passed  on  a  cruise 
for  mackerel.  '  .      '         - 

The  beauty  of  this  fish  is  widely  known.  Its  body  is  long  and 
slender,  and  its  lines  are  like  those  of  a  yacht ;  tail  forked,  color 
dark  greenish  blue  on  the  back  ;  sides  steel  blue,  marked  the  whole 
length  by  oblique  blue-black  bars,  belly  silveiy  white.  The  mack- 
erel is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  fish  that  swims,  and  one  of  those 
most  esteemed  for  the  table.  ,:  '      • 

BoNiTO  or  Skip-Jack.— .S'arrfa/^r/rtwjv*. — Cuv.  i 

This  is  one  of  the  scombrids  or  mackerel  family,  and  is  often 
taken  by  trolling  in  deep  water  outside  the  bars  and  inlets.  It 
spawns  about  June.  It  is  not  highly  prized  for  the  ta''  although 
it  is  a  good  marketable  fish.  It  has  the  t;  U  of  t.  m;.  k^rel,  but  is 
a  much  thicker  fish  in  proportion  to  its  le...  .h,  and  is  much  more 
brilliant  in  its  colors,  the  back  being  a  viv.-'  green  that  merges 
into  an  equally  vivid  blue  upon  the  sides.  Its  upper  part  is  marked 
with  five  decided  black  longitudinal  stripes.  Its  belly  is  white. 
Average  weight,  one  pound  and  a  half. 

Spanish  Mackerel. — Cybium  ntaculatum. — Cuv. 

.  This  fish  makes  its  appearance  in  northern  waters  along  the 
coast  in  June,  and  is  taken  often  as  late  as  the  first  of  December. 
It  is  taken  by  trolling  squids  in  bays,  sounds,  and  estuaries,  and 
also  in  the  open  ocean.  Its  weight  often  reaches  twelve  pounds. 
It  is  highly  esteemed  for  the  table.  Few  fisji  are  more  beautiful. 
Its  back  and  sides,  down  to  its  lateral  line,  are  dark  blue  tinged 
with  purple  and  gold  ;  below  the  line  it  is  pink  and  gold  for  a  short 
distance,  shading  to  white  on  the  belly.  Spots  of  gold  of  the  size 
of  a  gold  dollar  are  scattered  over  the  body  to  the  number  of 
twenty  or  thirty.  Sometimes  it  is  taken  with  hook  baited  with 
shedder  crabs,  while  angling  for  striped  bass.  The  best  trolling 
squids  are  made  either  of  Britannia  metal,  tapering,  with  a  tail  of 
red  ibis  feathers,  or  of  brightly  polished  metal  inlaid  with  pearl,  to 
represent  the  sea  shiner. 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.  243 


Albicore";-  Horse  Mackerel.    The  American  TMnay.—Orcynus  secundi- 

dorsalis. — Gill. 

This  fish  takes  the  hook  freely,  and  is  good  for  the  table,  sell- 
ing at  ten  cents  a  pound  from  the  smacks,  but  as  he  weighs  from 
five  hundred  to  twelve  hundred  pounds,  will  not  be  sought  by 
anglers.  . 

Cero.— cerus  sierra  ;  black  spotted  Spanish  mackerel ;  kingfish.— C;y^/«/«  regale. 

— Cuv. 

This  belongs  to  the  family  scombridcE  (mackerel),  and  is  highly 
esteemed  for  the  table.  It  is  white-meated,  and  ranges  in  weight 
from  four  to  twelve  pounds  ;  is  a  more  slender  fish  than  any  of  his 
kindred,  an  individual  three  feet  in  length  often  weighing  no  more 
than  six  or  eight  pounds.  They  are  taken  with  common  Britannia 
metal  squids  while  trolling  for  bluefish,  and  being  at  all  times  a 
ravenous  biter,  may  possibly  be  taken  with  the  rod.  It  is  com- 
paratively a  new  comer  on  the  coast  from  Virginia  to  Rhode  Island. 

The  Cero  is  of  dull  blue  or  lead  color  on  the  back  and  sides, 
which  are  plentifully  spotted  with  black  dots  ;  belly  white.  It  has 
no  perceptible  scales.     Spawns  in  the  spring. 

■  THE    SCI^NID^. 

Weakfish.— Squeteague,  suckermang  or  squit  (New  England)  ;  yellow-fin,  she- 
cutts,  checutts,  or  chickwick  (New  York) ;  bluefish,  (Beasley's  Point,  New 
Jersey). — Cynoscion  regalis. — Gill, 

This  fish  is  marked  by  gorgeous  spots  upon  a  ground  of  blue 
and  silver,  and  by  red  and  yellow  fins,  which  are  characteristic  of 
the  fresh  water  trout,  and  have  undoubtedly  given  to  it  the  name 
of  "trout  "in  some  sections.  Ordinarily  it  is  caught  by  hand- 
lines  fished  from  a  boat.  These  weakfish  come  in  with  the  tide  in 
immense  shoals,  following  the  small  fry  upon  which  they  and  their 
congeners  feed,  and  are  caught  by  the  boat-load  at  half-flood 
within  a  few  feet  of  the  surface.  Bait  with  a  shrimp  or  shedder, 
and  keep  the  line  constantly  in  motion,  and  half  the  time  you 
will  "jig"  them  in  the  belly,  tail  or  side,  as  the  finny  mass 
moves  over  the  hook.  Down  at  the  "  Narrows  "  of  New  York 
Bay,  near  Fort  Richmond,  is  a  favorite  place.  In  New  Haven 
harbor,  and  other  harbors  of  the  Sound,  and  especially  in  the  vicin- 


244  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

ity  of  Montauk  Point,  Long  Island,  they  are  taken  in  great  num- 
bers. However,  no  one  but  market-fishermen  and  novices  take 
weakfish  in  this  way.  Anglers  prefer  to  fish  with  rods  and  finer 
tackle  in  deeper  water  along  the  edges  of  channels  and  tide-races, 
where  the  rock  or  shifting  sands  form  shelves  and  ledges  to  which 
the  small  fry  gather  for  safety,  and  where  bits  of  organic  matter 
are  drifted  by  the  tide  and  deposited.  A  light  bluefish  squid  kept 
just  clear  of  the  bottom  is  used.  Here  the  weakfish  run  singly 
and  much  larger  in  size — four  times  the  weight  of  those  "school- 
ing " — coming  along  under  the  still  water  of  the  ledges  where 
their  prey  is  huddled,  and  gulping  dovvn  large  masses  at  a  mouth- 
ful. These  big  fellows  are  designated  as  "  tide-runners."  They 
weigh  about  four  pounds,  and  pull  well  in  a  five-knot  current. 

But  there  is  another  mode,  still,  of  taking  weakfish,  of  which, 
verily,  many  an  old  fisherman  wotteth  not.  Attention,  all !  Take 
a  "  cat-rigged  "  boat,  a  craft  with  a  mainsail  only  and  mast  stepped 
well  forward,  one  that  works  quickly,  for  quick  work  is  required, 
and  go  to  Fire  Island  Inlet  at  half  ebb.  At  half  ebb,  or  when  the 
tide  is  running  out  like  a  mill-tail,  is  the  only  time  to  take  them. 
Should  you  attempt  the  experiment  on  the  flood,  you  would  lose 
your  boat  and  your  life.  Let  there  be  a  stiff  quartering  breeze,  and 
now  with  a  steady  helm  and  a  good  rap  full,  bear  right  down  on  the 
beach,  mounting  the  very  crest  of  the  waves  that  in  ten  seconds 
more  will  break  into  shivers  on  the  sand.  Keep  a  quick  eye,  a 
steady  nerve,  and  a  ready  hand.  You  will  t^ke  the  edge  of  the 
swift  current  where  it  pours  out  of  the  inlet.  Fear  not  the  mount- 
ing "  combers  "  or  the  breaking  foam,  the  tide  v/ill  bear  you  back 
and  keep  you  off  the  shingle.  Right  here  at  the  mouth  of  the 
inlet  the  action  of  the  tide  is  constantly  washing  out  the  sand,  and 
as  it  is  borne  down  on  the  current,  it  presently  sinks  by  its  own 
specific  gravity,  and  gradually  piles  up  until  it  forms  a  little  ledge  a 
foot  high  or  more,  just  as  the  driving  snow  in  winter  is  borne  over 
the  crest  of  a  drift  until  it  forms  a  counter-scarp,  with  an  apron 
hanging  over  the  abrupt  and  perpendicular  verge.  Right  under 
the  edge  of  this  ledge  the  small  fry  congregate,  and  the  "  tide- 
runners  "  forage  for  food.  Here  throw  your  "  squid."  Just  now 
is  the  critical  instant.  In  two  seconds  you  will  either  be  pounding 
on  the  beach  or  surging  down  on  the  impetuous  current  of  the 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.  245 

strong  ebb  tide.     The  breeze  is  blowing  fresh.     Up  mounts  your 

boat  on  the  glassy  billow,  whose  crest  is  foaming  just  two  rods  in 

front.     A  false  move  now  is  ruinous.     Ready  about,  hard  down 

your  helm  !    Naw  I  while  she  shakes,  toss  in  your  "  squid  "  into 

the  deep  green  brine.     There,  you  have  him.     Keep  her  away 

and  haul  in  lively.     Hurrah  !  a  four-pounder.     Lift  him  over  the 

rail  easy;  belay  your  sheet  there — steady!  Whish  !  away  we  go, 

with  wind  and  tide  fair,  and  a  seven  knot  current,  and  in  a  jiffy 

are  swept  many  rods  off  from  the  land,  and  ready  to  repeat  the 

manoeuvre  again.     Clear  away  your  line,  come  about,  and  charge 

up  to  the  beach  once  more.     What  can  be  more  exciting  ?     Here 

we  have  all  the  attractions  and  excitement  of  yachting  and  fishing 

combined,  with  every  sense  on  the  alert,  and  every  nerve  tautened 

to  fullest  tension.    Who  will  dare  turn  up  his  nose  in  contempt  of 

weakfishing.        '  r  ;  -*«.      -  ,.  ,    r';        ^^^   :  - 

:    .  The  weakfish  is  also  taken  with  squid  in  the  surf  at  Montauk, 

Newport  and  elsewhere,  and  affords  the  most  exciting  sport — the 

angler,  often  standing  waist  deep  in  the  breakers,  throwing  his 

squid  to  incredible  distances  by  practice,  and  dragging  the  fish  by 

main  strength  to   terra  firma  when  he  has  struck.     The  best 

season  for  angling  is  from  the  middle  of  June  until  the  first  of 

September.                    ,          ,:-  ,.;;;.  ,              !,  i;i  ,v.  i  :<.:.;  , 
.  ■  ■   ."      .        •-.....  ,..-•.' -  ^  ,  .  ^   .    "4 

Lafayette  ;  goody  (Cape  May)  ;  chub  (Norfork)  ;  roach  (  Virginia)  ; 
Liostomus  obiqluus. — Do  Kay. 

This  i?  a  i<^x  biter  and  a  tolerably  good  fish  for  the  table.  A 
very  beautiful  rish  in  form  and  markings,  taken  in  Hudson  River 
and  all  along  shore.     (See  Southern  Coast  Fishes.)  \  .  ; 

KiNGFiSH  ;  whiting  ;  hake  or  barb  (New  Jersey) ;  Mentkirrus  nebulosus.—G'-A\. 

Genio  C.  Scott,  whom  the  writer  has  accompanied  on  many 
angling  excursions,  says  in  his  book  entitled  "  Fishing  in  American 
Waters": 

"  By  many  anglers  this  fish  is  regarded  the  best  water-game  of 
the  estuaries.  Its  small  and  hard  mouth  is  bordered  with  a  gristly 
rim  that  is  peculiarly  adapted  to  holding  a  small  hook.  In  the 
waters  about  New  York  the  fish  are  not  numerous,  nor  are  the 
members  of  the  limited  shoals  of  large  size,  running  only  from  a 


246  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

half  to  two  pounds  each  off  Communipaw,  Kill  Von  Kull,  and 
Newark  Bay ;  but  at  the  south  end  of  Staten  Island,  in  Amboy 
Bay,  and  where  it  merges  into  the  lower  bay  of  New  York,  near 
Freeport,  and  in  Jamaica  Bay,  near  Barren  Island,  they  sometimes 
run  as  heavy  as  five  pounds.  All  along  the  South  Bay  and  the 
New  Jersey  shore  and  inlets  this  delectable  fish  is  taken  in  greater 
or  less  numbers  in  fykes,  seines,  pounds,  and  with  the  hand-line, 
while  they  yield  tithe  to  sportsmen  with  rod  and  reel.  ■* 

The  meat  ot  the  Kingfish  laminates  in  flakes  of  very  close 
texture.  It  is  a  very  heavy  fish  for  its  size.  Though  eminently  a 
breakfast  fish,  yet  for  a  chowder  the  epicure  prefers  it  to  sea  bass 
or  cod,  the  acknowledged  chowder  fishes.  The  color  of  the  fish 
is  grey,  with  irregular  marks  nearly  black.  It  is  covered  with  fine 
rigid  scales  which  extend  over  the  head.  The  first  dorsal  fin  is 
spinous,  and  all  of  the  other  fins  are  soft-rayed.  The  fish  pos- 
sesses great  propulsive  power,  as  indicated  by  its  fins,  so  that  a 
three-pounder  at  the  remote  end  of  a  line,  with  delicate  bass  rod, 
generally  induces  the  novice  to  believe  the  strength,  speed,  and 
endurance  of  the  fish  under-estimated.  "  Gently,  but  firmly," 
are  the  words  in  playing  a  kingfish,  which  some  denominate 
"  barb,"  because  a  short  adipose  barb  shoots  out  beneath  its  lower 
jaw  ;  but  it  bears  no  resemblance  to  the  barbel  family.  It  spawns 
in  spring  time,  as  most  white-meated  fishes  do  ;  and  though  rather 
solitary  in  its  habits,  it  remains  in  our  estuaries  and  small  bays 
along  the  coast  from  May  until  November.  August  and  Septem- 
ber are  the  best  months  to  angle  for  it. 

The  rod  is  the  common  three-jointed  bass  rod  from  eight  to  ten 
feet  in  length.  Pivot,  multiplying  reel  of  german  silver  or  brass, 
large  enough  to  carry  from  four  to  six  hundred  feet  of  fine  linen 
line  ;  a  strong  small  hook,  either  the  Virginia  or  Sproat's  bend, 
made  of  finely  tempered  cast  steel,  and  needle-pointed  ;  a  short 
bend  and  low  point  is  required,  because  the  mouth  is  very  small, 
and  a  hook  of  large  wire  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  bend  is 
necessary  because  of  the  great  strength  of  the  fish  ;  tracing  sinker 
of  size  graduated  to  the  strength  of  the  tide  ;  hence  a  combination 
sinker  is  best,  because  its  ponderosity  may  be  increased  or  dimin- 
ished without  untying  the  line  ;  a  brass  swivel,  to  one  end  of  which 
the  line  is  attached,  and  to  the  other  the  leader,  which  is  three- 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.        ,  247 

fourths  of  a  yard  in  length,  and  the  snell  to  which  the  hook  is  fas- 
tened is  looped  to  the  leader  ;  both  leader  and  snell,  (or  snood,) 
are  double  silkworm  gut. 

The  play  of  a  kingfish  is  peculiar,  though  like  the  striped  bass, 
he  takes  the  bait  without  hesitation  and  starts  away,  and  when  he 
feels  the  prick  of  the  hook,  accelerates  his  speed,  swimming  low, 
and  making  a  very  long  and  strong  run.  If  you  have  never  taken 
one,  you  will  be  puzzled  with  his  persistence  in  keeping  down  and 
running  deep,  and  your  surprise  will  not  be  diminished  when  he 
finally  breaks  water  a  hundred  yards  from  the  boat ;  and  you  will 
wonder,  after  landing  a  fish  which  has  taken  you  nearly  half  an 
hour  to  kill,  that  it  weighs  scarcely  three  pounds. 

The  kingfish  shoals  on  a  clean  sandy  bottom,  feeds  on  crusta  • 
cea,  and  prefers  shrimp,  shedder,  and  soft  shell  crabs  and  lobsters. 

Anchor  off  Barren  Island  to  the  north  of  the  t^g^  of  the  chan- 
nel, and  expect  sport.  Anchor  east  of  Cheesequick  Creek  on  the 
border  of  the  channel  between  there  and  Freeport,  and  in  August 
and  September  you  cannot  fail  of  obtaining  rapturous  sport. 
Caving  Channel,  a  sandy  bottom  tideway  from  Communipaw  to 
Jersey  City,  is  said  to  be  a  favorite  run  for  small  kingfish,  where 
good  sport  is  often  realized  on  the  first  of  the  flood.  Kingfish 
feed  also  at  numerous  places  in  the  South  Bay,  and  all  along  the 
coast  of  New  Jersey." 

THE   SPARIDyE. 

Sheepshead  ;  Archosargys  ^robatoce/>/ialus.—G'\\\, 

This  splendid  table  fish  affords  the  angler  much  sport.  It 
makes  its  first  appearance  about  the  bays  and  estuaries  on  the 
first  of  June,  and  remains  until  the  middle  of  September.  Its 
average  weight  is  perhaps  ten  pounds,  though  its  maximum  may 
be  twenty.  They  are  taken  in  greatest  numbers  along  mussel 
shoals  and  beds  where  they  go  to  feed,  and  around  old  wrecks. 
In  color  it  is  dusky  grey  on  back  and  sides,  whitening  toward  the 
belly,  and  is  marked  by  several  black  or  dark  brown  bands  on  the 
side.  The  upper  part  of  its  mouth  is  paved  with  round  teeth  like 
polished  cobblestones,  while  its  jaw  in  front  is  armed  with  eight 
sharp  incisors.     This  armature  is  most  efficient  for  cracking  clams 


248  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

and  other  shell  fish,  while  it  renders  the  strongest  kind  of  hooks 
necessary  for  the  angler.  These  should  be  Chestertovvn  or  Vir- 
ginia hooks  bent  on  a  gimp-wire  leader  with  double  swivel.  A 
heavy  sinker  is  required,  which  will  rest  on  the  bottom,  and  the 
leader  should  be  doubled  so  that  one  hook  will  be  above  the  other 
and  both  above  the  sinker,  having  free  play  with  the  tide,  and  sen- 
sitive to  the  slightest  nibble.  Use  a  heavy  nine  feet  rod  of  bamboo 
with  reel  to  suit.  Fifty  yards  of  line  will  be  sufficient  except  when 
the  tide  runs  furiously,  and  then  one  can  hardly  have  too  long  a 
line  or  too  heavy  a  sinker.  The  best  tide  to  fish  in  is  during  high 
and  low  tides,  when  the  water  is  slack  ;  and  for  one  hour  after  it 
begins  to  run.  Along  the  shores  of  New  Jersey  they  are  numerous 
from  May  to  October.  :  .  •  . 

Porgy;  scuppaug  ;  scup  (Vineyard  Sound);  bream  (Rhode  Island).— 6"/^«(?^ow/«j 

argyrops,~Q'\)\. 

A  good  pan  fish  ;  in  season  from  May  to  October ;  most  abund- 
ant in  June.  Weight,  three-fourths  of  a  pound  to  thrc;  pounds. 
Taken  near  the  bottom.  They  are  said  to  prefer  deep  clear  water 
with  rocky  bottom.  In  angling  for  porgies  use  light  tackle  with 
cork  float  and  small  sinker ;  fine  line  and  an  eleven  feet  rod. 
Clams  and  shrimp  are  good  bait,  as  well  as  squid  and  crabs. 
Many  fish  with  drop  lines  from  an  anchored  boat. 

The  first  run  of  porgies  takes  place  about  the  beginning  of 
May,  although  we  have  seen  them  taken  a  week  earlier ;  and  con- 
sists of  large  breeding  fish  weighing  from  two  to  four  pounds,  and 
measuring  up  to  eighteen  or  more  inches  in  length.  The  spawn  is 
quite  well-developed  at  that  time,  though  the  precise  time  or  place 
of  depositing  the  eggs  is  not  known.  It  is  probable  that  this  oc- 
curs early  in  June,  since  the  schools  are  said  to  break  up  and  scat- 
ter about  the  middle  of  that  month.  It  is  thought  that  the  spawn- 
ing takes  place  in  the  eel  grass  which  covers  the  shoal  waters  of 
Narraganset  Bay  and  Vineyard  Sound.  Throughout  the  summer 
young  fish  are  seen  floating  around  in  the  eel  grass  and  over  the 
sandy  bottoms.  Two  later  runs  of  fish  occur  after  the  first  run 
each  about  ten  days  apart,  but  of  smaller  fish. 


EASTERV  COAST  FISHES.    "  249 


THE  SERRANID^E. 

Sea  Bass.— Black  sea  bass,  (New  Vork) ;  black  perch,  (Mass.)  ;  blackfish,  (New 
Jersey) ;  bluetish,  (Newport) ;  black  hurry ;  purmalids,  (New  York,  De 
Kay) ;  black  crill,  (eastern  shore  of  Virginia). — Centropristis  atrarius.—  Barn. 

Color  bluish  black  in  the  males,  and  clingy  brown  in  the   fe- 
males.    They  are  found  inshore  on  reefs  and  mussel-beds,  and  are 
usually  caught  in  company  with  the  blackfish,  though  at  certain 
seasons  they  are  ([uite  abundant  on  shoals  and  banks  along  our 
northern  and  eastern  coasts.     They  vary  in  size  from  three-fourths 
of  a  pound  to  twelve,  and  are  considered  fine  for  boiling  and  for 
chowders. 

Although  the  sea  bass  is  a  bottom  fish,  yet  once  on  an  outward- 
bound  voyage  to  the  southward  of  the  Gulf  Stream,  we  made  fast 
to  a  ship's  lower  mast  found  adrift  on  the  surface,  which  was  cov- 
ered with  clam  barnacles  and  surrounded  with  sea  bass.     We 
caught  all  that  we  wanted,  and  cut  loose.     They  weighed  from 
five  to  twelve  pounds  each,  and  were  all  male  fish.     The  mouth 
of  the  sea  bass  is  so  large  that  in  hauling  them  in  from  a  depth 
of  several  fathomr^  the  "  sport  "  is  reduced  to  a  minimum  by  the 
time  they  reach  the  surface,  the  process  almost  drowning  them. 
They  are  caught  as  far  south  as  Florida,  where  two  species  are 
found,  C.  atrarius,  and  C,  tri/urca.     The  latter  is  a  beautiful  fish 
of  a  grey  color,  bronze  head  and  blue  and  yellow  fins.     The  fila- 
ments of  the  spines  are  red.        '         ^        :..    .  .    .  ....   - 

Twenty  miles  off  Cape  May  is  a  comparatively  shallow  portion 
of  the  sea  known  as  the  "  Fishing  Banks."  At  all  times  during 
the  summer  and  early  fall,  when  weather  permits,  schooners  may  be 
seen  anchored  there.  These  fish  are  all  taken  with  hook  and  line, 
and  average  only  one  pound  in  weight.  Numerous  lines  contain- 
ing two  or  three  hooks  each  are  thrown  from  every  boat,  and  the 
occupants  are  generally  kept  busy  taking  off  the  fish  and  baiting 
the  hooks.     They  will  take  almost  any  kind  of  bait. 

Although  these  fish  have  never  been  regarded  as  game  fish, 
and  are  usually  angled  for  with  hand  Hnes,  they  nevertheless  af- 
ford good  sport  when  rods  are  used. 


II* 


250  GAAfE  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

■I 
■         '         THE   LABRACID^. 

Striped  Bass.— Rock  fish. — Roccus  lintaius. — Gill. 

Body  above  dusky,  sides  and  belly  a  dull  white  ;  sides  marked 
with  seven  or  eight  longitudinal  lines  of  a  coppery-brown  colo'  in 
salt  water,  and  a  bluish  black  in  fresh  water.  It  is  found  all  along 
the  coasts  from  Florida  to  Cape  Cod.  They  only  ascend  fresh- 
water streams  in  the  spring  to  .breed,  or  for  shelter  during  the 
winter.  One  ichthyologist  states  that  after  heavy  rains,  or  the 
sudden  melting  of  snow  in  great  quantities,  these  tish  are  forced 
from  their  abodes  back  again  into  salt  water  ;  but  when  the  freshet 
subsides,  they  invariably  reascend.  We  have  observed  this  pecu- 
liarity in  the  Hudson  River,  and  this  accounts  for  their  apparently 
capricious  movements — their  sudden  appearance  and  disappear- 
ance, which  puzzles  so  many  fishermen.  They  spawn  in  May,  and 
by  August  1st,  weigh  a  quarter  of  a  pound.  Large  fish  are  seldom 
taken  in  rivers,  bays,  inlets  and  small  creeks,  and  we  have  never 
heard  of  large  fish  beii  g  taken  in  the  spawning  season.  They 
are  too  busy  with  their  procreative  duties,  and  are  not  then  "  on  the 
feed."  The  largest  fish  are  taken  along  the  coast  outside  the  surf, 
from  June  until  October,  from  Montauk  Point  to  Cape  Cod,  espe- 
cially along  the  islands  that  flank  the  Buzzard's  Bay.  For  suitable 
tackle  to  capture  striped  bass,  we  prefer  to  take  that  ancient  bass 
angler,  Genio  C.  Scott,  as  authority.     He  has  written  : 

"  The  rod  should  be  about  eight  feet  in  length,  mnde  of  two 
bamboo  joints.  The  guides  should  be  stationary  on  each  side  of 
the  rod,  so  that  when  the  rod  gets  set  or  bent  by  fishing  one  side 
up,  it  may  be  turned  over,  and  the  other  side  used.  The  guides 
should  be  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  bO  as  to  cast  a  knot  in 
the  line  through  them  if  necessary.  The  edges  of  the  guide  should 
be  so  smoothly  polished  or  burnished  as  to  produce  no  friction 
upon  the  line.  Bell  metal  is  the  best  from  which  to  make  guides 
and  tips  ;  but  some  prefer  settings  of  agate  or  other  precious 
stones  for  the  line  to  play  through.  The  best  line  is  a  linen  one 
of  twelve  strands,  as  small  as  the  usual  trout  line,  but  six  hundred 
feet  in  length,  made  without  taper  like  the  salmon  or  trout  lines. 
The  reel  is  of  German  silver  or  brass.  The  crank  should  be  as 
far  as  convenient  from  the  knuckles  of  the  angler,  and  not  so 
long  or  heavy  as  to  produce  a  momentum  difficult  to  check  with 
the  thumb.    Of  course,  the  wear  of  thumbstalls  is  necessary,  or  a 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHKS.  2$  I 

slip  of  leather  attached  to  the  reel  at  a  convenient  place  to  turn  on 
to  the  reel  under  the  thumb  is  preferred  by  many  ;  but  there  should 
be  no  drag  or  check  to  a  bass  reel,  and  it  should  be  made  of  a 
size  sufficient  to  carry  two  hundred  yards  of  line  without  being 
perfectly  full.  Van  Hoeff  is  the  best  reel  maker  in  the  city.  He 
caps  the  works,  so  as  to  protect  them  from  salt  water  and  conse- 
quent rust,  whde  they  run  as  regularly,  and  are  as  finely  balanced 
in  their  running  works,  as  a  first  class  Geneva  watch. 

"  But  for  bass  tackle,  to  lish  thiC  waters  about  the  city  of  New 
York,  a  reel  to  carry  four  hundred  feet  of  fine  linen  bass  line  will 
answer,  and  be  preferable,  except  for  Hell  Gate  trolling,  to  the 
large  reels  used  at  Cuttyhunk.  West  Island,  and  Newport.  And 
while  menhaden  is  the  best  bait  to  angle  with  in  the  ocean  surf, 
shedder  crab  is  the  best  bait  for  still  fishing  from  a  boat  on  our 
bays  and  estuaries,  and  the  live  squid — cuttle  fish — is  the  best  bait 
for  trolling ;  and  a  rig  for  trolling  includes  a  baiting  needle  and 
sinker."  . 


Many  baits,  living  and  dead,  natural  and  artificial,  have  been 
tried  for  bass  with  varying  success.  Of  natural  baits  the  living 
sand  eel  is  undoubtedly  seductive,  but  it  is  often  difficult  to  obtain 
even  when  most  abundant.  The  best  way  of  putting  it  on  the 
hook  is  to  insert  the  latter  at  one  corner  of  one  eye  and  bring  it 
out  at  one  corner  of  the  other.  This,  if  carefully  done,  will  not 
hurt  the  eye  or  interfere  with  the  liveliness  of  the  fish.  Another 
mode  is  to  enter  the  hook  at  the  mouth  and  bring  it  out  through 
the  throat.  If  living  sand  eels  cannot  be  procured  but  dead  ones 
be  obtainable,  the  latter  may  be  rendered  a  very  good  substitute 
for  the  former,  by  inserting  a  thin,  sharp  penknife  under  the  skin, 
and  cutting  the  backbone  through  in  three  places.  Thus  treated, 
a  dead  sand  eel  will  move  in  the  water,  if  skilfully  manipulated, 
just  like  a  living  one.  A  dead  bait  is  also  used  as  a  spinning  lure 
by  entering  the  hook  at  the  mouth  and  bringing  it  out  about  an 
inch  above  the  tail,  the  mouth  being  fastened  tight  by  a  piece  of 
thread.  Soft  and  peeled  crabs,  the  viscera  of  newly  caught  pil- 
chards, fresh  squid  (cuttle-fish),  mud  worms,  mussels,  shrimps, 
and  "lasks"  cut  out  of  mixkerel  are  also  used  as  baits  for 
bass. 

A  peculiar  and  at  times  a  very  useful  1  -t  is  made  out  of  the 
skin  of  the  bass  itself.  "  Bass  skin  baits  '  .ic  made  by  cutting  a 
long,  wedge-shaped  piece  of  skin  off  the  stomach  of  the  bass  with 


252  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

a  sharp  pair  of  scissors.  Properly  played  this  bait  has  a  capital 
motion  in  the  water,  and  will  often  kill  very  well.  Baits  of  similar 
shape  are  cut  out  of  sole-skin,  parchment,  gurnard  skin,  pork  skin 
and  ray-skin.  Of  these  the  pork  and  ray- skin  are  the  best.  The 
pork  baits  are  cut  from  the  salted  pork  in  wedge-shaped  strips 
about  four  inches  long.  They  are  kept  from  six  to  ten  days  in  salt, 
and  subsequently  about  four  days  in  fresh  water,  and  are  thus 
made  to  assume  a  clear  white  hue.  Ray-skin  baits  are  simply 
wedge-shaped  pieces  of  the  skin  of  the  ray  dried  upon  a  board. 
Before  immersion  a  ray-skin  bait  is  a  dull,  dirty  white  in  color ; 
but  after  being  a  short  time  in  the  water  it  becomes  a  beautiful 
pearly  white,  and  whether  for  use  with  the  rod,  or  for  trolling  on 
the  surface  at  the  end  of  a  hand  line,  it  is  a  very  useful  lure.  The 
most  clfanly,  convenient  and  deadly  baits,  are  Brooks's  "  silver 
launce  "  and  Captain  Tom's  "  spinning  sand  eel."  The  silver 
launce  was  introduced  about  four  years  ago  by  Messrs.  C.  &  R. 
Brooks,  Plymouth,  England.  It  is  a  long,  narrow,  bright  spinner, 
running  around  the  gut  trail  immediately  above  a  triangle  of 
hooks.  It  is  light  and  spins  very  freely,  and  is  well  adapted  for 
use  with  the  rod. 

With  a  dexterity  which  practice  can  alone  assume,  the  expe- 
rienced anglers  carefully  sway  the  rod  until  the  squid  describes 
its  slowly  moving  circle  around  the  head,  and  then  by  a  quick, 
inexplicable  movement  cause  it  to  dart  like  an  arrow  straight  out 
far  over  the  sea,  and  the  reel  whizzes  and  whirls  until  it  seems  to 
flash  fire,  and  you  wait  long  and  patiently  for  the  cessation  of  the 
hum  which  indicates  that  the  squid  has  dropped,  full  one  hundred 
feet,  perhaps  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  away.  The  pleasure  and 
excitement  of  capture  is  intense,  and  often  the  struggle  lasts  for 
an  hour,  when  the  fish  is  large. 

Another  exhilarating  method  of  taking  this  fish  is  to  back  up  a 
small  boat  close  to  the  "  combers,"  with  a  good  oarsman  to  keep 
her  clear,  and  then  throw  the  squid  into  the  surf,  where  the  fish  go 
to  feed.  Striped  bass  have  been  Idken  with  the  rod,  that  weighed 
seventy-six  pounds  and  have  been  known  to  grow  to  the  weight 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty  pound;..  [See  Striped  Bass  in  South- 
ern Coast  Fishes.]  . 


-:\f    EASTERN  COAST  EfSflES.  253 

*'  .   • 

White  Perch.— Morone  americana, — Gill. 

This  salt  water  fish  affords  most  excellent  sport.  [See  South- 
ern Coast  Fishes.]     .  .^..^    ..,     •,  ,        .:  .    ■    . 

"    -  .    THE  POMATOMID^.       '^ 

BLVEFiSH.—Pomafomussa/ia^rt'jr.—GWl. 

This  fish  is  known  as  the  bluefish  in  New  York,  New  Jersey, 
and  New  England,  except  in  Rhode  Island,  where  it  is  recognized 
by  the  name  of  horse  mackerel.  On  some  parts  of  the  New  Jersey 
coast  it  is  also  called  the  horse  mackerel.  Eorm  of  body  oblong, 
head  rather  large,  snout  rounded,  mouth  large,  armed  with  long 
sharp  teeth  ;  tail  deeply  forked ;  color  brilliant  steel  blue  and  silver 
in  the  young  fish,  and  deep  greenish  blue  in  the  old  fish ;  fins 
yellowish. 

The  blue  fish  is  a  pelagic  or  wandering  fish,  passing  its  winters 
in  the  South,  and  its  summers  in  the  North.  In  March  and  April 
they  are  found  off  the  Carolina  coast.  About  the  twentieth  of  May 
they  make  their  appearance  off  the  coast  of  New  Jersey.  Barne- 
gat  is  a  favorite  ground  for  them,  where  set  nets  have  taken  as 
many  as  six  thousand  in  a  single  day.  Very  often  vast  schools  are 
driven  upon  the  beach  by  porpoises  and  other  large  feeders,  where 
they  have  been  gathered  up  by  the  cartload  with  pitchforks,  bas- 
kets, etc.  Other  schools  have  chased  the  shiners,  moss-bunkers, 
sardines  and  anchovies  upon  which  they  principally  feed,  close  in 
shore,  and  have  been  jigged  from  tl/^  surface  by  the  hundreds. 
The  May  fish  range  from  two  to  twelve  pounds  in  weight,  are  poor 
in  flesh,  and  ravenous  as  sharks.  In  June  they  are  found  equally 
abundant  off  and  in  Fire  Island  Inlet,  and  in  a  few  days  thereafter 
are  scattered  off  Montauk  Point,  the  east  end  of  Long  Island,  Shag- 
wauna  reef,  and  other  reefs  adjacent.  By  or  near  the  twentieth  of 
June,  depending  something  upon  the  forwardness  of  the  season, 
they  have  spread  themselves  over  the  reefs  of  New  London  and  to 
the  eastward,  on  to  Block  Island,  and  thence  through  Fisher's  Isl- 
and .Sound.  By  the  twentieth  of  August  they  are  in  plentiful  sup- 
ply all  through,  inside  and  outside  of  Vineyard  Sound,  Nantucket, 
etc.    They  have  gained  flesh,  and  become  quite  palatable.     The 


254  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

size  here  described  is  seldom  found  to  the  westward  of  the  Con- 
necticut River.  On  the  main  of  Long  Island  Sound  it  is  quite 
interesting-  to  see  them  drive  the  menhaden,  or  moss-bunkers,  in 
shoals,  causing  a  "  sleek  "  on  the  water  as  they  spill  their  oil  when 
they  chop  them  up  with  their  great  sha.p  teeth. 

Early  in  June  a  size  of  about  three  pounds  weight  make  their 
appearance  at  the  same  points,  though  much  fatter,  and  remain  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  same  grounds  for  perhaps  a  month.  In  July 
they  spread  out  to  the  eastward,  up  Long  Island  Sound  to  Say- 
brook  Bar  and  Faulkner's  Island,  and  westerly  to  Stamford,  and 
remain  until  October,  though  occasionally  shifting  ground  for  their 
food,  which,  in  addition  to  the  moss-bunkers,  consists  of  a  small 
species  of  "shiner  "  (anchovy).  On  some  of  the  outer  reefs  they 
remain  but  one  or  two  days  at  a  time. 

About  the  middle  of  July  the  small  creeks  and  rivers,  from  Stam- 
ford eastward  to  the  Connecticut  River,  abound  in  a  size  weighing 
about  a  quarter  of  a  pound,  which,  in  a  month  grow  to  half  a 
pound,  and  these  feed  on  a  size  still  smaller,  recently  spawned,  and 
scarcely  an  inch  and  a  half  in  length.  The  surface  of  the  Housa- 
tonic  River,  from  the  railroad  bridge  to  the  mouth  of  the  river,  is 
annually  covered  from  bank  to  bank  with  countless  numbers  of 
this  small  fry,  drifting  with  the  tide  as  it  ebbs  and  flows,  while  at 
the  same  time  a  size  larger,  say  about  a  half  pound  in  weight,  is 
feeding  upon  them  from  beneath.  About  the  first  of  September 
the  small  fry  are  sufficiently  large  to  venture  into  the  Sound,  and 
then  they  swarm  in  the  creeks  and  harbors,  affording  great  sport 
to  lads  who  catch  them  with  a  float  line,  with  shrimp  for  bait.  By 
the  month  of  October  both  large  and  small  fish  are  all  well  fattened. 

The  peculiarity  of  this  fish  is  that,  by  about  the  middle  .  *"  Oc- 
tober the  large  size,  that  weigh  from  nine  to  fourteen  pounds,  are 
generally  found  from  Nantucket  to  Watch  Hill,  around  Block  Isl- 
and and  outside  of  Montauk  Point ;  while  from  Stamford  eastward 
to  New  London,  on  the  outer  reefs,  they  are  of  a  uniform  size  of 
about  two  and  half  pounds  weight,  and  those  in  the  harbors  and 
creeks  are  a  mixture  of  small  fish  just  spawned,  and  a  size  that 
weighs  from  one-eighth  to  one  and  three-quarter  pounds.  Anoth- 
er singular  feature  is,  that  by  about  the  twentieth  of  October,  or 
the  first  freezing  weather,  these  fish,  of  all  sizes,  up  to  two  and  a 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES  2$^ 

half  pounds,  vacate  the  northern  harbors  and  sounds  ;  and  so  sud- 
den has  been  their  departure  in  many  seasons  that  a  change  of  tide 
has  utterly  emptied  the  waters  of  their  teeming  fish-life,  with  the 
exception  of  an  occasional  pensioner  who  has  been  bitten  or  dis- 
abled, and  dare  not  run  the  gauntlet  for  southern  climes.  More 
singular  still,  the  great  mass  of  fish,  except  the  newly  spawned, 
take  the  coast  within  one  or  two  miles  of  shore,  part  of  them  stop- 
ping, if  the  weather  permits,  at  the  inlets  of  Fire  Island,  Egg  Har- 
bor, Townsend's,  Canarsie  Bay,  Cape  May,  and  so  on  along  shore, 
using  up  all  the  feed  therein,  and  by  the  month  of  December  they 
are  found  in  the  creeks  and  rivers  of  North  and  South  Carolina, 
where  they  remain  through  the  winter,  to  migrate  the  next  season 
to  northern  waters. 

But  what  becomes  of  the  small,  newly  spawned  fish  that  dis- 
appeared the  previous  fall  ?  Have  they  been  eaten  up  by  the  larger 
fish  on  their  journey,  or  do  they  remain  at  the  North .''  They  are 
not  seen  in  the  South,  nor  do  the  larger  fish  spawn  there. 

Four  generations  of  bluefish  make  their  appearance  in  our 
waters  at  the  same  time.  It  is  only  about  forty-five  years  since 
the  bluefish  were  first  seen  in  our  waters.  They  now  seem  to  be 
increasing  year  by  year  in  size  and  numbers,  individuals  having 
been  caught  at  times  weighing  between  twenty  and  thirty  pounds, 
whereas  a  twelve  pound  fish  was  regarded  as  something  remarkable 
twenty  years  ago.  Large  shoals  were  also  uncommon  until  within 
the  past  dozen  years. 

On  the  reefs  they  are  generally  trolled  for,  but  will  lake  the 
hook  with  live  bait.  In  October  near  the  close  of  the  season,  large 
catches  are  made  off  Montauk  Point,  and  from  Watch  Hill  east- 
ward through  the  Vineyard  Sound,  that  weigh  from  ten  to  fourteen 
(,  junds,  and  are  fat  as  seals  ;  so  also  in  Canarsie  Bay,  in  some 
years  they  have  been  taken  from  twelve  to  eighteen  pounds  in 
weight.  But  it  is  only  in  rarely  exceptional  cases  that  these  great 
fish  are  taken  west  of  Plum  Gut. 

The  bluefish  fraternizes  with  the  weakfish,  or  squeteague,  on 
inshore  grounds,  and  are  of  large  size,  say  from  five  to  twelve 
pounds.  Both  of  these  fine  fish  are  taken  with  the  squid  or  jig  in 
the  surf  at  Montauk.  Newport  and  elsewhere,  and  afford  the 
most  exciting  sport — the  angler,  often  standing  waist  deep  in  the 


256  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

breakers,  throwing  his  squid  to  incredible  distances  by  practice, 
and  dragging  the  fish  by  main  strength  to  terra  firma  when  he 
has  struck.  '■'■  "'•'•  •■•*  *<'  ;tsJ::v/  criJ  lJ-;^^;;^i3  -'ii^..:.:    -  , 

The  best  trolling  is  done  from  a  sail  boat  with  a  six  knot  breeze 
blowing.  If  motion  is  more  rapid,  fewer  fish  will  be  hooked,  and 
a  great  number  will  tear  out.  If  the  boat  moves  slowly,  the  fish 
will  discover  that  the  bait  is  a  deception  and  will  refuse  it.  It  is 
dirty  work,  and  a  suit  of  worn  out  clothing  should  be  used  for 
the  purpose — an  old  felt  hat,  brown  flannel  shirt,  vest,  thick  cas- 
simer  pants,  and  a  pair  of  stout  brogans.  To  prevent  the  hands 
being  lacerated  by  the  friction  of  the  line,  rubber  finger  stalls  or 
thick  woolen  mittens  should  be  used.  The  first  can  be  bought  of 
dealers  in  rubber  goods  for  one  dollar  per  dozen.  A  well  laid 
cotton  line,  which  is  not  liable  to  kink,  can  be  purchased  at  any 
twine  store  for  fifty  cents  per  pound. 

For  large  fish,  in  spring  and  fall,  use  a  line  seven-sixteenths  of 
an  inch  in  circumference.  For  small  lines  choose  cotton-braided 
ones,  laid,  as  they  are  less  apt  to  tangle  than  small  ones,  and  are 
more  pleasant  to  the  fingers  of  the  fisherman.  If  the  fish  are  plenty, 
and  in  a  biting  humor,  from  forty  to  sixty  feet  will  be  ample  ;  but 
if  scarce  and  dainty,  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  and  thirty  feet 
will  be  required.  Sometimes  bluefish  snap  at  the  line  between 
where  it  comes  in  contact  with  the  water  and  the  squid,  and  occa- 
sionally through  the  struggles  of  a  fish  to  escape  the  lines  are 
fouled,  and  one  of  the  number  is  apt  to  pass  into  the  mouth  of  the 
hooked  fish.  In  either  case  the  line  is  liable  to  be  stranded,  and 
unless  knotted,  may  be  parted  by  the  next  fish.  If  an  expensive 
line  is  used,  the  fisherman  will  request  the  boatman  to  knot  it. 
If  knotted,  the  ends  unravel,  and  an  attractive  bait  is  presented, 
which  hungry  fish  are  apt  to  seize.  If  a  cheap  line  sustains  an 
injury,  it  can  be  cheaply  replaced  by  a  new  one.  -•  •  ■  "   ■ 

It  is  amusing  to  inspect  the  various  squids  purchased  by  the 
uninitiated — spoons  and  spinners  of  all  kinds,  sizes  and  shapes, 
many  of  them  ornamented  with  paint  or  feathers,  metallic  fishes 
of  various  forms  and  sizes,  some  with  wide  spreading  tails  to  pre- 
vent the  fish  from  being  hooked,  and  a  large  proportion  cast  so  as  ' 
to  represent  scales.  Bluefish  will  bite  at  a  spoon  or  spinner,  bu  "  '■- 
to  unhook  the  snappish  customers  is  the  rub  ;  for  if  fingers  come     :'-"i 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.  257 

near  their  mouths,  one  or  more  are  apt  to  suffer.  The  best  device 
is  a  plain,  round,  white,  bone  squid  for  large  fish,  an'l  for  the  hrst 
run,  when  even  small  fish  are  ravenous,  use  a  round  bone  squid 
five  and  a  half  inches  long-,  and  two  and  a  half  inches  in  circum- 
ference at  the  thickest  portion.  For  small  or  summer  fish,  favorite 
squids  are  four  and  a  half  inches  long  and  one  and  a  half  in  cir- 
cumference at  the  thickest  point.     Dr.  Kenworthy  says  : 

"  Hooks  should  be  strong  nnd  reliable.  For  large  fish,  use  first 
quality  Virginia  hooks,  (made  by  Job  Johnson,  of  Brooklyn,)  meas- 
uring in  width  one  and  three-eighth  inches  at  point;  and  for  small 
or  summer  fish,  a  Chestertown  hook  seven-eighths  wide  at  point. 

"  A  difficulty  to  be  encoun  ered  in  using  a  bone  squid  is  the 
tendency  of  the  hook  to  slip — at  one  time  leaving  the  bone  in  con- 
tact with  the  bend  of  the  hook,  and  at  another  the  shaft  of  the 
hook  slipping  entirely  out  of  the  squid.  To  render  the  hook  im- 
movable, attach  a  shoulder  of  solder  to  the  shaft  of  the  hook  at  a 
point  where  it  comes  in  contact  with  end  of  squid.  To  prevent  the 
hook  from  being  moved  out  of  the  squid,  use  several  tight-fitting 
white  pine  wedges  at  side  of  shaft  of  hook  as  well  as  a  long  and 
tightly-fitting  plug  where  the  line  passes  out  of  the  base  of  squid. 
When  wet  the  pine  swells,  and  generally  renders  the  hook 
immovable. 

"  Another  and  more  perfect  method  is  to  take  apiece  of  No.  12 
iron  wire,  and  bend  it  so  as  to  form  a  loop  to  receive  the  line. 
The  wire  is  passed  through  the  squid  and  cut  off  three-quarters  of 
an  inch  beyond  the  end  of  the  same ;  tin  the  shaft  of  the  hook  as 
well  as  the  wire,  after  which  place  them  in  position,  and  to  prevent 
movement,  bind  the  end  of  wire  and  shaft  of  hook  together  with 
fine  copper  or  brass  wire.  Having  some  melted  solder  in  a  ladle, 
pour  ii  into  the  end  of  the  squid  so  as  to  fill  the  entire  cavity  ; 
then  apply  solder  to  end  of  wire  and  shaft  of  hook,  at  end  of  bone, 
so  as  to  make  an  angular  shoulder  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch 
in  length — base  of  angle  in  contact  with  bone.  The  solder  is 
dressed  down  by  a  file,  and  a  useful  and  reliable  squid  is  the  result. 
For  a  trifling  charge  any  tinsmith  will  tinker  the  squids  as  de- 
scribed, and  the  blue-fisher  will  find  them  more  satisfactory  than 
the  squids  as  usually  sold." 

As  a  general  rule,  bluefish  merely  nip  at  the  end  of  the  squid, 


258        .       GAME   FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

and  as  hooks  are  usually  placed  in  relation  to  the  end  of  the  squid, 
the  fish  are  hooked  in  the  edge  of  the  mouth  and  tear  out.  To 
obviate  the  superficial  hooking  and  tearing  out  process,  so  ar- 
range the  hooks  that  the  points  clear  the  end  of  the  squid  from 
one  and  a  quarter  to  one  and  a  half  inches.  This  arrangement 
generally  hooks  the  fish  deep. 

Hooking  bluefish  requires  no  tact  or  piscatorial  experience ; 
all  that  is  required  is  to  allow  the  squid  to  trail  behind  the  boat. 
When  landed  the  best  mode  is  to  throw  the  fish  into  the  boat. 
Through  their  flouncing  and  head-shaking  the  squid  is  generally 
released.  This  failing,  the  fisherman  seizes  the  squid  and  elevates 
the  hook  and  fish,  and  a  few  expert  twists  of  the  hand  with  the 
struggles  of  the  fish  sometimes  suffice.  This  procedure  failing, 
seize  the  fish  by  the  back  of  the  neck  with  the  left  hand,  and  if  a 
large  fish,  hold  his  body  between  the  knees,  and  with  the  right 
hand  tightly  grasping  the  squid,  wrench  the  hook  from  the  mouth. 

One  mistake  made  by  novices  is,  in  having  too  many  fishing  in 
the  same  boat.  Three  lines,  one  amidships  and  one  on  each  quar- 
ter, can  be  successfully  used,  but  two  are  preferable.  Sometimes 
five  and  six  fish  from  one  boat,  and  the  result  is,  that  a  fighting 
fish  will  entangle  a  portion  of  ail  the  lines. 

For  successful  bluefishing  an  experienced  and  industrious  boat- 
man is  a  sine  qua  non.  The  expert  angler  who  can  cast  a  fly 
or  artificial  minnov^',  and  handle  a  nine  ounce  rod,  may  enjoy  ex- 
cellent sport  among  the  bluefish.  provided  he  uses  a  long  shanked 
hook  and  gimp  snoods.  Numbers  of  these  fish  may  be  seen 
"  breaking  water  "  at  any  time  on  the  banks  and  shoals  ;  and  by 
using  a  small  boat,  the  rod-fisher  may  enjoy  his  sport  ad  infinitum. 
Within  a  year  or  so  this  has  become  a  favorite  method.  With 
hook  and  line,  gimp  snood  as  already  suggested,  a  nine  feet  one 
and  three-quarter  pounds  striped  bass  casting-rod,  a  strong  fine 
silk  line,  a  heavy  reel,  and  two  revolving  minnows,  (the  whole 
costing  about  $20,)  the  tackle  is  complete.  The  snood  should  be 
loaded  sufficiently  to  keep  it  beneath  the  surface  of  the  water. 
Another  excellent  lure  is  made  by  wrapping  a  dozen  layers  of 
cotton  cloth  around  the  leaded  snood,  and  covering  with  an  eel- 
skin. 

Bluefish,  we  all  know,  must  have  a  moving  bait.     Now  wher- 


,      •         EASTERN   COAST  FISHES.  259 

ever  you  have  a  swift  tide,  if  you  anchor  your  boat  and  let  your 
lines  out  it  answers  the  same  purpose  as  if  you  were  sailing,  the 
water  rushing  by  the  line  giving  the  same  effect. 

A  great  deal  of  sport  is  enjoyed  in  catching  the  summer  blue- 
fish,  or  snap  mackerel,  which  fill  all  our  bays  and  estuaries,  using 
a  natural  bamboo  rod  with  common  cork  float,  and  hook  baited 
with  shrimp.  They  are  caught  from  bridges  where  the  current 
draws  swiftly  through,  and  from  wharves  when  the  tide  is  running 
rapidly. 

To  some  fishermen  the  surf  fishing  already  referred  to,  is 
deemed  the  most  exciting  method,  and  it  is  certainly  very  enjoy- 
able in  hot  mid-summer  weather.  An  ordinary  pair  of  overalls,  or 
a  bathing  suit  is  essential  to  comfort  and  unrestrained  movement. 
When  a  large  fish  has  struck  the  squid,  already  thrown  well  out 
beyond  the  line  of  breakers,  the  fisherman  heaves  the  line  over  his 
shoulder,  and  walks  his  prize  up  the  beach  to  dry  land  by  main 
strength,  which  is  often  taxed  to  the  utmost.  No  exercise  can  be 
more  healthy  or  less  wearing. 

The  bluefish  and  striped  bass  are  the  game  fish,  par  excellence, 
of  the  brine,  just  as  the  salmon  and  the  black  bass  are  of  fresh 
water. 

THE   MICROSTOMID^. 

Smelts. — Osmerus  niordax.—GlW. 

A  fish  of  silvery  brightness,  with  a  lateral  stripe  of  silver  run- 
ning from  shoulder  to  tail,  much  prized  for  the  table,  and  when 
fresh  having  the  most  perfect  cucumber  flavor.  They  afford  much 
sport  to  the  angler,  and  are  taken  in  tidal  currents  from  New  Jer- 
sey to  Maine,  with  a  light  rod,  hook  and  line,  baited  with  shrimp. 
In  the  creeks  of  Long  Island  they  are  found  in  perfect  condition 
from  February  20th  to  March  20th.  In  Massachusetts  and  Maine 
it  is  forbidden  to  take  them  between  the  15th  of  March  and  ist  of 
June.  The  yearlings  are  most  prized,  those  older  being  tough 
and  coarse.  They  grow  to  a  length  of  twelve  inches,  although 
the  average  is  only  five  or  six  inches.  They  are  essentially  a  win- 
ter fish,  and  are  caught  by  thousands  through  holes  cut  in  the  ice, 
and  are  then  greatly  prized.  In  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  they  are 
often  taken  with  a  small  scarlet  fly,  while  fishing  for  sea  trout.     In 


26o  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

the  absence  of  better  game,  they  afford  very  satisfactory  pastime 
to  the  angler,  and  by  reason  of  their  abundance  are  not  as  much 
valued  as  they  should  be. 

THE   SALMONID^. 

Atlantic  Salmon. — Salmo  salar. — Linnaeus. 

This  species  is  the  representative  salmon  of  Europe,  the  New 
England  coast,  the  St.  Lawrence  Basin,  and  the  maritime  Provinces 
of  the  Dominion.  Form  oval,  moderately  elongated,  with  a  head 
and  back  nearly  on  the  same  line,  inclining  slightly  in  the  middle 
third  of  the  body,  and  the  greatest  depth  a  little  before  the  dorsal 
fin  ;  head  small  and  well  proportioned,  and  equal  to  one-sixth 
of  length  ;  snout  rather  sharp  ;  jaws  in  young  fish  nearly  equal, 
but  in  old  males  the  lower  one  longest  and  curving  upward ; 
a  row  of  sharp  teeth  along  both  sides  of  each  jaw,  as  well  as 
on  the  palatines,  but  those  on  the  vomer  confined  to  its  ante- 
rior extremity,  and  in  some  fish  obsolete ;  the  eye  is  moderately 
large,  and  is  nearly  circular,  and  is  contained  four  times  and  a 
half  in  the  length  of  the  side  of  the  head,  and  once  and  a  half  in 
advance  of  its  anterior  rim  ;  the  nostrils  are  moderately  large,  and 
situated  toward  the  upper  surface  of  the  head,  slightly  nearer  the 
eye  than  snout.  The  opercle  is  elevated,  and  narrower  above  than 
below.  The  pre-opercle  on  its  posterior  border  is  nearly  vertical ; 
the  branchiostegals,  or  gill  rays,  usually  number  twelve,  and  occa- 
sionally fourteen  to  sixteen  ;  dorsal,  eleven  ;  adipose,  rayless  ;  the 
caudal,  sixteen  on  each  side  ;  anal,  ten  ;  the  ventrals  ten  or  eleven, 
and  pectorals  ten  or  eleven. 

Ray  formula — Br,  12;  P,  ii  ;  D,  11  ;  o;  V,  10:  A,  10 ;  €,30. 
The  color  is  slaty  blue  on  the  back,  darkish  on  the  head,  duller 
and  slightly  silvery  on  the  sides,  and  beneath,  pearly  silvery  white. 
There  are  numerous  black  spots  above  the  lateral  line  that  pass 
from  the  upper  convexity  of  the  eye  to  the  centre  of  the  caudal  fin. 
The  dorsal  pectorals  are  dusky,  and  the  anal  white,  and  the  ven- 
trals white  externally  and  dusky  internally.  The  gill  covers  are 
rounded  posteriorly,  and  the  tail  is  nearly  square  in  the  adult,  but 
furcated  in  the  young  ;  the  scales  are  regular  in  shape,  delicate, 
and  sunk  into  the  thick  and  fatty  skin — the  last  feature  a  wise  pro- 


-'       EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.  261 

vision  against  the  abrasion  of  scales,  which  usually  ends  fatally. 
As  viewed  upon  the  market  tables  the  S.  salar  adult  size  is  from 
two  to  three  feet  long,  and  is  the  delight  of  all  who  have  a  f)cn- 
chatit  for  gastronomic  luxuries  in  the  shape  of  fish.  Spawns  in 
November  and  December. 

The  salmon  is  the  finest  game  fish  in  the  world,  without  doubt, 
and  few  are  the  anglers  who  will  not  readily  yield  him  precedence. 
The  interest  taken  in  him  for  this  reason,  has  caused  much  atten- 
tion to  be  paid  to  his  propagation,  and  stimulated  a  careful  study 
of  his  habits,  which  were  comparatively  unknown  until  within  the 
present  century.  The  opportunities  which  the  culture  of  this  fish 
has  afforded  for  investigation  have  now  made  the  subject  familiar 
to  everyone  interested  in  ichthyology.  The  birth  and  stages  of 
growth  of  salmon,  and  his  general  habits,  are  perhaps  as  succinct- 
ly, intelligibly,  and  correctly  stated  in  Hallock's  "  Fishing  Tour- 
ist,"  as  in  any  other  publicatiort(land  we  copy  the  annotation 
here : 

"  The  salmon's  existence,  like  man's,  is  divided  into  four  peri- 
ods— infancy,  youth,  manhood,  and  ripe  old  age,  and  these  several 
stages  of  fish-life  are  designated  by  the  names  of  Parr,  Smolt, 
Grilse,  and  Salmon.  One  portion  of  this  existence  is  passed  in 
salt  water,  and  the  remainder  in  fresh  ;  in  salt  water  he  feeds  * 
and  grows  fat,  and  in  the  fresh  expends  his  strength  and  vital 
forces.  These  conditions  are  the  necessary  precedent  and  natural 
sequence  of  procreation.  Many  of  the  species  die  in  the  attempt 
to  reach  their  spawning-grounds,  and  many  in  the  act  of  spawn- 
ing ;  these  are  the  ordinary  phenomena  of  reproduction  throughv)ut 
the  animal  creation.  It  is  also  evident  that  salmon  must  vary  in 
size  and  general  appearance  according  to  their  ages,  and  that 
adults  may  be  as  distinctly  and  variously  marked  as  the  kine  on 
the  lea,  and  still  belong  to  the  self-same  species.  Along  the 
coast  of  Nova  Scotia  old  fishermen  claim  to  distinguish  the  fish 
that  belong  to  different  rivers — it  being  a  well  known  fact  in  the 
natural  history  of  the  salmon  that  they  almost  invariably  return  to 
their  native  streams  to  spawn. 

*  The  food  of  the  Salmon,  previous  to  its  quitting  salt  water,  consists  of  the  eggs 
ol  Echinodermata  and  Crusiacca^\!a\^  rich  aliment  giving  the  color  and  flavor 
for  which  its  flesh  is  so  highly  prized.  This  is  sustained  by  the  observations  of 
Professor  Agassiz. — Rejl>.  U,  S.  Cam.  Fish  and  Fisheries,  1872-3,  P-  224. 


262  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

"  After  they  have  ascended  to  their  spawning  beds  it  requires  ten 
or  twelve  days  to  fulfill  their  mission,  and  then  they  go  back  to  the 
sea.  It  takes  the  ova  three  or  four  months  to  hatch,  according  to 
temperature,  forty-five  degrees  being  perhaps  the  most  favorable. 
In  two  months  after  the  young  fry  leave  the  egg,  they  have  grown 
to  an  inch  and  a  quarter  in  length  ;  in  six  months  to  three  inches. 
At  the  end  of  fourteen  months  one-half  the  family  have  completed 
their  parr*  or  infant  stage,  and  go  down  to  the  sea  as  smolts,  much 
changed  in  their  general  appearance.  The  other  half  of  the  family 
follow  at  the  end  of  the  second  year,  though  a  few  will  remain  until 
the  fourth  year.  The  smolt,  in  the  nourishing  waters  of  the  briny 
ocean  gains  a  pound  in  weight  per  month,  and  toward  the  close 
of  summer  returns  to  his  birth-place  in  the  blue  and  silver  livery 
of  a  grilse,  and  very  like  a  salmon  in  appearance.  The  grilse  tar- 
ries in  the  upper  river  until  the  following  spring,  and  then  returns 
again  to  the  sea  a  full-grown  s^Jmon — three  years  being  the  time 
required  to  reach  his  maturity. 

"  The  season  of  the  year  at  which  salmon  spawn  varies  accord- 
ing to  geographical  locaUty  and  temperature  of  water.  For  instance, 
in  the  Port  Medway  River,  Nova  Scotia,  salmon  are  taken  with  a 
fly  in  February,  when  the  ice  is  running,  while  in  the  lower  St. 
Lawrence  they  are  not  taken  until  the  middle  of  June.  The  time 
of  spawning  often  varies  in  the  same  river,  and  is  determined  by 
the  period  at  which  impregnation  has  taken  place.  It  is  a  peculiar 
fact  that  the  salmon  propagates  its  kind  before  it  is  adult,  the  males 
only,  however,  attaining  sexual  maturity.  A  portion  of  the  "  run  " 
thereupon  being  riper  than  others,  spawn  sooner,  and  having  ful- 
filled their  mission,  return  at  once  to  the  sea,  while  their  less  for- 
tunate kindred  must  continue  their  pilgrimage,  perchance  to  head- 
waters. Where  the  rivers  are  short,  the  salmon  return  merely 
emaciated  and  reduced  in  weight ;  but  in  the  Columbia,  which, 
with  its  tributaries  extends  hundreds  of  miles,  they  die  by  millions, 
worn-out  and  exhausted  by  their  incredible  journey." 
,    The  recently  conceived  impression  is  that  salmon  spawn  but 

*  To  an  unaccustomed  eye  the  parr  resemble  trout,  and  are  often  basketed  by 
anglers  under  the  impression  that  they  are  trout,  but  they  are  readily  distinguished 
by  their  bright  silvery  scales  which  easily  rub  off  when  the  tish  is  handled  ;  also 
the  spots  on  their  sides  are  intensely  carmine,  and  ranged  in  a  horizontal  line. 
The  body  is  more  elongated,  and  there  are  other  distinctive  eharacteristics. 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.  263 

once  in  two  years,  which,  if  a  fact,  accounts  for  their  periodical 
scarcity  in  certain  rivers.  Tags  that  have  been  attached  to  fish 
set  loose  have  never  been  brought  back  the  next  season,  although 
several  have  returned  on  the  second  season  ;  which  facts  seem  to 
verify  the  opinion  as  given  above. 

Salmon  do  not  eat  while  on  their  travels  ;  or  if  perchance  they  do 
feed  at  long  intervals  (as  setting  hens  do  when  they  come  off  their 
nests  betimes)  they  digest  so  rapidly  that  nothing  has  been  found 
in  their  stomachs  in  quantity  sufficient  to  determine  what  consti- 
tutes their  favorite  bill  of  fare.  It  is  only  when  resting  in  occa- 
sional pools  that  they  take  the  angler's  lure.  At  the  mouths  of 
rivers,  however,  on  the  very  threshold  of  their  departure  for  the 
upper  waters,  they  will  take  bait  and  red  worms  with  avidity. 

Fly  fishing  for  salmon  in  no  wise  resembles  fly-fishing  for 
trout.  In  the  first  j)]ace  the  fish  bemg  heavier  the  rod  is  more 
ponderous,  and  the  mm  who  is  handy  with  an  eleven  feet  single- 
handed  trout  rod,  will  assuredly  bungle  with  an  eighteen  feet  two- 
handed  salmon  rod,  until  practice  has  made  him  expert.  Salmon 
are  caught  only  in  those  places  where  they  halt  to  rest,  and  such 
places,  called  pools,  are  either  at  the  head  or  the  tail  of  a  rapid. 
In  long  reaches  of  still  water,  often  a  two-miles  stretch  or  more, 
salmon  may  be  seen  moving  slowly  up  stream  in  no  particular 
hurry,  as  if  they  enjoyed  their  elegant  comfort  for  the  time  being  ; 
in  these  places  is  the  spearsman's  golden  opportunity,  but  the  fly- 
fishermen  seldom  meet  with  encouragement.  Here  they  are  often 
seen  frolicking  and  turning  somersaults  in  the  air — the  only  bit  of  real 
enjoyment  they  seem  to  have  in  their  transitory  life  ;  but  it  is  of  no 
use  to  cast  flies  over  them  ;  they  will  not  rise.  The  best  times  to 
fish  for  salmon  are  in  the  early  morning  and  from  four  o'clock  P. 
M.  until  dark,  and  the  best  success  is  had  after  the  first  spring 
freshet  begins  to  subside.  After  a  month  of  good  fishing  then — 
say  from  the  middle  of  June  until  the  middle  of  July,  the  chances 
are  precarious.  There  is  always  a  late  run  of  fish  in  August,  and 
September,  which  often  brings  a  full  reward,  but  it  is  unwise  to 
trust  to  it.     The  sagacious  angler  goes  early  in  the  season. 

In  fishing  for  salmon  our  choice  of  flies  has  to  be  tested  by  ex- 
periment for  the  time  being.  Rules  go  for  naught.  That  which 
killed  in  the  one  pool  last  year  on  the  same  day  of  the  month  may 


264  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

be  inefTicacious  now  in  the  same  pool,  though  we  are  free  to  say 
that  there  are  certain  flies  which  always  kill  better  in  certain  rivers 
than  other  flies  of  equal  merit.  If  the  fish  won't  rise  to  one  pat- 
tern, try  another — keep  trying  and  be  patient.  Approach  your 
fish  by  gradually  lengthening  line,  as  the  old  gallant  coquettes 
with  the  coy  maiden,  leading  him  gently  up  to  his  work  through 
his  instincts.  Instinct  teaches  the  salmon  to  rush  after  a  trailing 
fly,  just  as  a  kitten  does  after  a  moving  string.  He  doesn  t  wish 
to  eat  it.  But  the  fly  must  be  manipulated  gingerly  and  deftly,  or 
the  fish  will  obstinately  refuse  to  notice  it,  or  quietly  move  away. 
If  the  fly  is  thrown  nervously  or  violently,  the  salmon  will  run  off 
afTrighted,  just  as  the  kitten  runs  under  the  table  in  like  circum- 
stances. As  the  salmon  line  is  heavy  and  takes  up  much  water, 
especial  care  should  be  used  when  lifting  for  a  cast,  to  start  it  a 
little  first,  and  then  withdraw  it  steadily,  upwards,  aslant,  and 
backwards.  Use  a  one  hundred  yards  of  laid  silk  waterproof  with 
a  nine  feet  gut  leader.  Some  use  a  fly  dressed  on  a  double  hook, 
which  is  well  enough  when  angling  for  large  scores,  as  the  fish  is 
more  surely  hooked  ;  but  for  sport,  and  not  numbers,  a  single  hook 
is  preferred.  It  is  a  choice  between  green  heart  and  six-splil  bam- 
boo for  rods.  The  latter,  being  lighter,  fatigues  the  less  ;  but 
some  maintain  that  the  green  heart  delivers  the  line  better,  farther 
and  straighten 

The  salmon  is  a  leaper.  Leaping  is  his  favorite  expedient  to 
detach  the  fly  from  his  jaws,  so,  when  he  leaps,  deferentially  lower 
the  tip  of  your  rod  and  save  your  fish.  In  gaffing,  coolness  and 
dexterity  are  required  ;  never  jerk  your  gaff  violently,  but  lift  it 
sharply  upward  and  inward,  endeavoring  to  fix  the  point  abaft  the 
shoulders.  No  anathemas  will  compensate  for  the  loss  of  a  fish 
by  the  clumsy  handling  of  the  gafif  after  a  persistent  battle  of  an 
hour's  duration. 

As  the  art  of  fly-fishing  can  scarcely  be  imparted  ;  and  as  the 
conditions  of  battle  and  the  strategy  employed  vary  greatly  with 
each  salmon  captured,  it  is  almost  useless  to  attempt  to  instruct 
except  in  a  general  way.  Some  information,  however,  may  be 
gathered  in  the  art  of  fly-fishing  by  a  perusal  of  the  chapter  in 
another  part  of  this  volume  which  has  been  set  apart  lor  this  pur- 
pose.    The  great  point  to  acquire  is  to  keep  your  fish  well  in  hand, 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES,  26$ 

giving  him  line  when  you  cannot  help  it,  and  reeling  in  all  you  can 
get,  as  occasion  offers.  When  imperatively  necessary  to  check  a 
fish,  do  it  at  the  risk  of  your  tackle,  by  giving  him  the  but  of  the 
rod  so  that  the  power  of  its  yielding  arch  may  be  exerted  to  its 
fullest.  When  your  reel  is  emptied,  follow  your  fish  with  your 
body  and  soul,  regardless  of  obstructions  or  the  moisture  and 
temperature  of  the  water.  If  you  have  a  canoe  available  it  can 
often  be  put  to  most  advantageous  use,  if  your  paddler  is  expert 
and  up  to  his  work. 

The  natural  range  of  Salmo  salar  extends  from  middle  Labra- 
dor to  the  Connecticut  River.  It  has  been  widely  introduced,  how- 
ever, into  latitudes  far  south  of  this  river. 

Sea  Trout.— 5«/wo  immaculatus  :  S.  canadensis. — Hallock  and  Scott. 

Scientific  authorities  place  this  fish  among  the  doubtful  species. 
W^hile  in  general  appearance  it  resembles  the  salmo  fontinalis, 
which  many  ichthyologists  claim  is  identical  with  it,  its  traits  are 
so  different  that  in  describing  it,  we  are  obliged  to  speak  of  it  as  a 
distinct  variety,  to  make  our  remarks  applicable,  even  if  we  admit 
that  it  is  the  same  fish. 

In  the  first  place  the  sea  trout,  known  as  such,  are  confined  to 
Canadian  waters  exclusively.  They  are  caught  only  in  mid-sum- 
mer, and  seldom  under  a  quarter  of  a  pound  in  weight.  Their 
average  of  all  localities  may  be  said  to  reach  two  pounds,  while 
in  the  river  Nouvelle,  (Gaspe)  which  empties  into  the  Bay  Chaleur, 
they  reach  six  pounds,  an  extraordinary  weight  for  salmo  fon- 
tinalis ;  though  by  no  means  marvelous.  The  "strawberry  run  " 
of  sea  trout,  as  it  is  called,  occurs  about  the  ist  of  July  on  the 
southwestern  coast  of  Nova  Scotia,  the  fish  moving  east  as  the 
season  advances,  until  they  reach  the  north  shore  of  the  St.  Law- 
rence about  the  5th  of  August.  Evidently  an  immense  school 
strikes  in  from  the  sea,  detachments  dropping  off  as  it  progresses, 
into  the  rivers  along  the  coast.  The  fishing  season  lasts  about  six 
weeks,  the  fish  meanwhile  ascending  to  the  headwaters  of  the 
streams,  and  often  surmounting  falls  of  steep  ascent.  They  are 
taken  in  nets  in  immense  quantities,  and  are  salted  and  barreled 
for  commerce,  the  common  brook  trout  taken  with  them  being 
invariably  rejected  by  the  fishermen  as  much  inferior  in  quality. 
It 


266  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

The  sea  trout  are  distinguished  instantly  by  their  lustrous  silvery 
color,  their  broad  shoulders,  small  heads,  and  general  fullness  of 
condition.  When  closely  examined  their  scales  are  found  to  be 
much  larger  than  those  of  salmo  fontinalis  which  are  scarcely 
perceptible,  and  their  crimson  and  blue  spots  are  fainter.  Their 
flesh,  too,  is  always  pink,  never  adopting  that  white,  cream  color, 
or  deep  red  of  the  common  trout.  When  taken  on  the  hook  with 
fly,  they  afford  much  belter  sport  than  their  congeners  of  the 
brook,  which  are  invariably  taken  at  the  same  time,  in  the  same 
places,  with  the  same  flies. 

Now,  as  it  is  well  known  that  all  brook  trout  go  into  salt  water 
to  feed,  whenever  they  can  get  access  to  it,  it  is  plausibly  argued  that 
these  sea  trout  are  merely  a  clan  or  detachment  of  the  brook  trout 
which  have  temporarily  left  their  fresh  water  haunts  for  the  sea, 
and  are  now  return'*-<y,  much  improved  in  quality,  beauty  of  color, 
strength  and  activity.  But  if  we  must  accept  this  as  a  postulate, 
we  must  be  permitted  to  ask  why  the  same  peculiarities  do  not  at- 
tach to  the  trout  of  Maine,  Cape  Cod,  and  Long  Island.'*  Why  do 
we  not  discover  here  this  periodical  mid-summer  advent  and  "  run  " 
of  six  weeks'  duration  ;  and  why  are  only  isolated  individuals  taken 
in  the  salt  water  pound  nets  and  fykes  of  Long  Island,  et  cetera, 
instead  of  thousands,  as  in  Canada?  Moreover,  the  Canadian  sea 
trout  are  never  taken  in  the  small  streams,  but  only  in  river'  of 
considerable  size,  and  the  same  trout  uniformly  return  to  the  same 
river,  just  as  salmon  do — at  least,  we  infer  so  from  the  fact  that 
six  pounders  are  invariably  found  in  the  Nouvelle,  and  varying 
sizes  elsewhere.  Besides,  we  must  e  able  to  answer  why  a 
portion  only  of  the  trout  in  a  given  stream  should  periodically  visit 
the  sea  at  a  specified  time,  while  an  equal  or  greater  number  elect 
to  remain  behind  in  fresh  water ;  for  we  may  suppose  that,  having 
equal  opportunities,  all  have  the  same  instincts  and  desires. 

On  the  coast  of  Labrador,  the  melting  snows  upon  the  rocky 
islands  that  girt  the  coast  form  small  rivulets  that  tumble  into  the 
sea  r/*er  a  half  mile  run,  and  we  have  found  the  sea  trout  plenty 
around  their  mouths,  but  no  fish  life  whatever  in  the  fresh  water  ; 
but  on  the  main  land  where  the  streams  were  larger  and  spring- 
fed,  the  sea  trout  entered.  Again,  in  many  localities,  the  streams 
fall  over  a  perpendicular  rock  from  l.  plateau  above.     Into  these 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.  267 

no  sea  trout  can  enter,  nor  do  we  believe  that  out  of  them  any 
numbers  of  native  fish  migrate.  There  are  many  stre  :,  along 
the  whole  Canadian  coast  in  which  sea  trout  are  never  10  ..cl,  but 
there  are  b>g  trout  in  them  that  weigh  a  pound  apiece,  big  enough 
to  go  to  sea  if  they  like,  and  as  well  able  to  do  so  as  the  trout  of 
other  streams. 

However,  argument  will  convince  nobody  who  is  set  in  his  belief, 
and  until  a  comparative  study  of  the  structure  of  the  two  varieties 
is  made,  we  shall  have  to  remain  in  the  dark  so  far  as  this  inter- 
esting question  goes.  The  sea  trout  has  been  successfully  prop- 
agated artificially,  and  if  it  is  the  better  fish,  fish  culturists  will 
prefer  to  cultivate  it  instead  of  the  common  trout. 

The  best  places  for  taking  sea  trout  are  the  sandy  spits  that 
are  uncovered  at  half  tide,  where  one  can  run  barefooted  up  and 
down  a  hundred  yards  or  more  of  soft  yielding  surface,  and  play 
his  fish  ad  libituvi  with  only  half  the  usual  length  of  line  or  work 
of  reel.  Further  up  the  stream  they  fill  the  pools  where  they 
pause  to  rest  on  their  journey,  and  can  be  seen  lying  on  the  bottom 
in  schools.  The  Micmac  Indians,  who  camp  on  all  the  rivers  in 
summer,  eagerly  watch  the  coming  of  ihe  sea  trout,  and  the  angler 
who  would  enjoy  the  cream  of  the  sport  must  wait,  like  them,  if 
he  expects  to  capture  one  of  the  finest  fish  that  swims. 

CLUPEID^. 

The  Shad. — Alosa  sapidissinta, — Gill. 

Of  late  years  shad  have  been  included  in  the  list  of  game  fish, 
and  many  anglers  have  devoted  much  attention  to  the  sport 
of  catching  them,  especially  in  the  Delaware,  Housatonic  and 
Connecticut  Rivers.  Shad  have  also  been  taken  with  the  rod  in 
the  Savannah  River,  and  in  the  S  hn's  River,  Florida,  at  Lake 
Monroe.  They  are  taken  either  \\ith  fly  or  with  angle  worms, 
shrimp  or  other  bait.  Shad  commence  to  take  the  fly  as  soon  as 
the  water  begins  to  grow  warm,  and  continue  to  take  it  as  long  as 
they  remain  in  the  rivers,  which  is  some  time  after  July  first  in  the 
Connecticut,  the  latest  river, 

A  most  excellent  cast  of  flies  is  composed  of  the  following  : 
white  mille-  for  leatler,  with  red  ibis,  snipe  and  any  drab  fly  with 


268  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  A AI ERICA. 

lighter  body,  arranged  as  you  please.  All  of  these  flies  must  be 
quite  small,  as  the  shad  bites  rather  delicately,  so  that  a  large  fly 
is  not  taken  sufficiently  far  into  the  mouth,  and  the  hook  fails  to 
penetrate  the  hard  bony  substance  which  it  meets  there.  Fisli 
from  a  boat  anchored  in  a  current  about  fifty  or  seventy-five  feet 
above  a  deep  eddy ;  as  the  flies  float  down  the  stream  the  current 
keeps  them  on  top,  and  after  they  have  reached  the  eddy  the  pole 
should  be  swayed  gently  back  and  forth  to  keep  them  in  motion. 

The  best  time  to  fish  for  shad  is  early  in  the  morning,  and 
from  five  until  eight  in  the  evening.  As  soon  as  it  commences  to 
grow  dark  they  may  be  taken  in  still  and  shallower  water  by 
casting,  in  the  same  manner  as  for  trout  or  bass,  and  may  be  taken 
i'.  this  manner  until  long  after  dark.  Only  the  very  lightest  trout 
tackle  should  be  used  for  shad,  as  the  fish  will  almost  always  break 
loose  if  the  rod  be  strong  enough  to  allow  him  any  purchase 
whatever. 

Fly  fishing  seems  to  have  been  measurably  successful  only  in 
the  Housatonic  and  Connecticut  Rivers.  Little  success  with  fly  has 
been  enjoyed  in  the  Delaware  and  other  rivers  of  Pennsylvania, 
where  the  fish  altogether  prefer  bait,  which  they  take  with  avidity 
at  times.  Mr.  John  P.  Motley,  of  Warren,  New  Jersey,  has  related 
his  experience  with  bait  through  an  article  in  the  Trenton  State 
Gazette,  in  which  he  says  : 

"Young  shad,  from  the  time  they  are  ha'ched  until  they  pass 
down  into  the  bays  or  ocean,  where  they  remain  until  oM  enough 
to  return  for  spawning,  feed  on  small  insects  occasionally,  when 
these  insects  fly  near,  and  almost  touch  the  surface  of  the  water. 
We  often  see  them  leaping  above  the  surface  when  the  weather  is 
favorable,  and  catching  gnats  that  are  within  their  short  reach. 
But  when  they  get  to  deep  water,  where  they  remain  until  next 
season,  their  food  is  infusoria — animalcules  that  constitute  the 
greater  part  of  the  slimy  growths  that  cover  almost  all  submerged 
substances. 

"  The  shad  is  not  intended  to  leap  from  the  water,  or  rush  after 
any  bait,  when  he  has  attained  a  size  beyond  feeding  on  gnats  that 
are  flitting  over  the  shallow  margins  he  has  to  travel  in  going  down 
the  river  to  the  sea.  This  much  I  write  to  account  for  my  failure 
altogether  with  flies.     I  prepared  a  bait  adapted,  as  I  thought,  to 


EASTERN  COAST  EI  SHE  S.  269 

what  the  fish  required.     I  still  had  doubt  whether  the  shad  would 
take  it,  as  he  was  on  his  way  up  the  river,  not  to  eat,  but  for  the 
purpose  of  propagation.     He  had  started  from  his  ocean  home  fat 
and  vigorous,  with  accumulated  force  enough  to  carry  him  through, 
with  the  little  addition  he  might  perhaps  receive  from  the  fresh 
water  infusoria  that  he  might  imbibe  by  the  way.     This  idea  was 
strengthened  by  the  fact  that  shad  are  fatter  caught  below  Phil- 
adelphia than  farther  up  the  river.     They  are  not  as  firm  in  fibre 
and  delicately  tasted  as  at  Trenton  or  Easton.     Exercise  in  fresh 
water  absorbs  fat,  hardens  the  muscle,  and  heightens  the  flavor. 
I  prepared  a  glutinous  mass  of  Irish  moss  (Chondrus  crispiis), 
gluten  from  wheat  Hour,  oyster  juice,  fibrine  from  bullocks'  blood, 
and  powdered  sulphate  of  barytes.     The  last  article  being  taste- 
less, insoluble,  and  heavy,  was  added  to  give  weight  to  the  com- 
pound.    All  these  articles  were  well  mixed  and  ground  together, 
sufficient  oyster  juice  being  added  to  soften  and  discolor  the  Irish 
moss.     I  rolled  the  mass  into  sticks,  like  macaroni,  dried  with  a 
gentle  heat,  and  ground  up  into  fragments  as  coarse  as  Dupont's 
ducking  powder.     My  hooks — No.  6  Kirby's — were  whipped  on 
brownish-green  linen  snoods  of  ten  inches  length  ;  the  snoods  were 
fastened  at  intervals  of  a  foot  on  a  line  of  the  same  color.     The 
three  hooks  attached  to  the  line  were  covered  thickly  nearly  to 
their  points  with  the  preparation  in  its  moist  state,  and  then  dried 
until  the  coating  became  hard,  so  that  in  dissolving  slowly  it  might 
adhere  for  a  long  time.     Thus  prepared,  I  tried  my  first  experiment 
in  deep  water  below  the  first  island  down  stream,  from  the  mouth 
of  the  Pohatcong,  near  the  Belvidere  Railroad.     The  night  previ- 
ously, as  a  lure,  I  had  sifted  a  pint  or  more  of  the  preparation  into 
the  water  at  the  head  of  the  eddy,  and  anchored  a  coarse  strainer, 
cloth  bag,  containing  about  the  same  quantity  at  the  same  place. 
Owing  to  the  barytes,  the  powder  thrown  into  the  water  sank  down 
and  remained  on  the  water  to  dissolve  slowly.     In  the  morning  I 
drifted  gently  down  the  river,  and  anchored  my  boat  noiselessly 
about  twenty  yards  above  the  pool.     With  a  small  gourd  for  a  float, 
giving  five  feet  for  the  depth  of  the  lowest  hook,  I  paid  out  line 
until  the  float  was  about  four  yards  below  the  cloth  bag.     I  had 
not  long  to  wait.     The  float  began  to  bob,  and  was  soon  under 
water.     I  tigh^^  led  the  line,  and  found  a  fish  of  peculiar  action  was 


2;0  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

hooked.  His  whole  effort  was  to  sound,  to  run  to  the  bottom,  from 
which  the  sliglitest  pull  would  bring  him  back.  I  thought  it  must 
be  a  very  shy  fish,  with  a  tender  mouth,  and  a  small  caudal  fin  in 
proportion  to  his  size,  for  he  seemed  to  have  but  little  propelling 
force.  After  some  careful  handling  I  was  enabled  to  bring  the  fish 
up  to  the  side  of  the  boat,  and  land  it  with  a  net.  To  my  great 
satisfaction,  it  proved  to  be  a  four  pound  shad,  a  melter,  as  fine  a 
fish  as  one  would  wish  to  see.  That  morning,  in  less  than  an  hour, 
I  caught  six  others  in  the  same  way — two  melters  and  four  roe 
shad ;  two  of  the  last  weighed  five  and  a  half  pounds  each.  During 
this  hour's  fishing  the  preparation  had  hardly  all  dissolved  from 
the  hooks.  I  have  been  out  twice  since  in  the  early  morning  and 
have  had  equal  success." 

Thaddeus  Norris,  Esq.,  says,  in  Forest  a7id  Stream  : — "Many 
years  ago,  when  I  fished  with  a  bow-line  dipsy  for  percl^  in  Au- 
gust, I  occasionally  took  young  shad  six  inches  long,  in  water  from 
fifteen  to  twenty  feet  in  depth,  and  have  since  heard  of  their  being 
taken  in  the  same  way.  These  fry  were  undoubtedly  the  pro- 
duce of  shad  that  spawned  in  May  or  June.  The  smaller  fry,  those 
of  two  inches,  which  are  so  easily  taken  with  a  small  fly  from  the 
Long  Bridge,  are  from  the  ova  of  the  late  spawners.  I  have  also 
known  perch-fishers  on  the  "  Hen  and  Chickens,"  a  rocky  shoal  in 
the  Delaware,  eight  or  nine  miles  above  Philadelphia,  when  fishing 
for  perch  in  September,  to  take  shad  varying  from  twelve  to  fifteen 
inches  in  length.  They  would  come  in  schools  and  bite  voraciously 
at  the  worm  bait  and  not  far  below  the  surface." 

Mr.  Theodore  Lyman,  of  the  Massachusetts  Fish  Commission, 
has  thrown  more  light  on  the  growth  of  shad  and  their  migrations 
to  and  from  sea,  than  all  other  writers  on  this  subject.  From  in- 
formation gained  from  old  net-fishermen,  and  from  his  own  obser- 
vations, as  shown  in  his  various  reports,  he  has  clearly  established 
the  fact  that  shad  go  to  sea  the  autumn  of  the  same  summer  they 
are  hatclied.  That  the  females  remain  at  sea  two  years.  That 
many  of  the  males,  perhaps  all  of  them,  return  to  their  native  riv- 
ers when  not  over  a  year  old,  as  they  are  then  pubescent  and  the 
reproductive  instinct  impels  them  to  the  rivers.  When  varying  in 
length  from  nine  to  twelve  inches,  they  are  known  on  the  Connec- 
ticut as  "  Chicken  Shad."     In  one  of  the  reports  alluded  to,  men- 


EASTERN  COAST  FISHES.  271 

tion  is  made  of  the  great  numbers  of  such  young-  shad  that  are 
taken  in  herring  seines  and  rated  and  sold  as  herrings,  or  properly 
speaking,  alewives  ;  for  the  herring  proper,  although  called  by  that 
name,  do  not  enter  fresh  waters.  That  young  shad  will  rise  at  an 
artificial  fly  is  natural,  for  flies  and  larvas  are  their  natural  food. 
Mr.  Lyman  has  detected  and  given  the  scientific  names  of  such 
flies  taken  from  their  stomachs.  This  naturalist  has  also  discov- 
ered that  young  shad  have  teeth,  while  the  adults  have  not.  The 
male  salmon,  as  well  as  the  male  shad,  is  pubescent  a  year  earlier 
than  the  female.  That  shad  remain  in  the  rivers  two  years,  go  to 
sea,  and  the  following  summer  return  full-grown  fish,  is  a  notion 
that  is  now  obsolete  with  intelligent  people  who  have  given  the 
matter  attention  and  thought.  When  female  shad  return  from  sea 
the  first  time  they  weigh  from  two  to  two  and  a  half  pounds,  are  not 
merchantable  fish,  and  hence  are  not  brought  to  market. 

Gaspereau  ;  herring  (Southern  States)  ;  alewife  (New  England) ;  '  gaspereau 
(British  Provinces)  ;  spring  herring  (New  England)  ;  hyack  (Nova  Scotia)  ; 
kyack,  bluefish,  alewife,  sawbelly,  cat-thresher  {^\.d\ne.)—Pomolobus  pseudo- 
harengns. — Gill. 

Although  this  representative  of  the  herring  family  is  in  no  sense 
a  game  fish,  generally  speaking,  it  has  been  known  to  afford  the 
keenest  sport  to  the  fly  fisherman  in  Nova  Scotia  and  New  Bruns- 
wick in  the  spring  when  it  ascends  the  rivers  to  spawn.  By  the 
Indians  of  Southern  Nova  Scotia,  it  is  known  as  the  "  hyack,"  and 
is  taken  by  them  in  great  numbers  with  dip  nets,  at  the  foot  of 
dams  or  natural  obstructions  which  they  attempt  to  surmount. 
It  was  the  principal  food  fish  of  the  Acadians  a  century  and  a  half 
ago,  and  was  called  iht  gaspereau  by  them.  Several  rivers  m  the 
Maritime  Provinces  bear  this  name,  and  a  considerable  arm  of  the 
Basin  of  Minas  at  the  head  of  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  is  known  as  Gas- 
pereau Bay.  The  spring  run,  during  which  only  can  they  be  taken 
with  a  rod,  extends  from  the  first  of  May  to  the  middle  of  June. 
Flies  similar  in  color  to  those  used  for  shad,  but  smaller,  ar 
requisite.  The  gaspereau  is  deep  blue  on  the  back,  shading  , 
silvery  white  on  the  belly.  They  run  from  eight  to  ten  inches  in 
length. 


NORTHERN   INLAND  FISHES. 
THE  PERCID^. 

Yellow  Perch  ;  or  Ring  Perch. — Perca  flavescens. — Cuv. 

SIDES  yellow ;  six  to  eight  dark  vertical  bands  over  the  back  ; 
fins  orange. 
The  yellow  perch  is  one  of  the  most  widely  distributed  of  our 
fluviatile  fishes.  They  are  sometimes  caught  weighing  three  or 
four  pounds,  and  even  more.  Take  bait  freely,  and  are  often 
taken  with  a  fly,  preferring  the  red  ibis.  They  swim  deep,  and 
are  usually  found  in  company  with  the  sunfish,  and  freauently  with 
the  black  bass. 

The  Black  Perch. — Labrax  nigricans.— He  Kay, 

Is  a  deep  brownish  black  fish,  with  a  yellowish  tinge,  found  in  vari- 
ous deep  fresh  water  ponds  on  Long  Island,  New  York,  and  takes 
the  fly  readily,  affording  much  amusement  to  the  angler.  Weighs 
one  or  two  pounds,  and  is  esteemed  as  food.  It  has  the  general 
form  of  the  yellow  perch. 

Pike  Perch  ;  wall-eyed  pike  ;  white  salmon  ;   glass-eyed  pike  ;  Stizostedion 

atnertcana. — Girard. 

This  fish  is  known  in  American  waters  as  the  white  salmon, 
Ohio  salmon,  yellow  pike,  and  western  salmon.  Color,  yellowish 
olive  above  the  lateral  line,  lighter  on  the  sides  ;  silvery  beneath  ; 
head  and  gill  covers  mottled  with  green  ;  dorsal  fin  light  yellowish, 
spotted  with  brown  ;  pectoral  fins  yellowish  olive.  It  is  a  true 
Perch,  although  its  form  and  habits  suggest  very  naturally  the 
idea  of  a  Pike.  Its  scales  are  hard,  close  and  difficult  to  detach. 
The  mandibles  are  wider,  and  the  jaws  stronger  than  those  of  the 
pike,  while  its  teeth  are  shorter  and  closer  set.  It  is  exceedingly 
voracious,  and  is  highly  prized  as  food.     It  is  caught  readily  with 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  2/3 

the  hook,  baited  with  minnow  or  crayfish.  The  best  time  for  fish- 
ing is  in  the  dusk  of  the  evening.  The  loot  of  rapids,  or  beneath 
mill  dams  appear  to  be  its  favorite  haunts.  In  the  heat  of  summer 
it  seeks  the  deepest  part  of  lakes,  or  the  coolest  part  of  streams 
concealed  under  weeds  or  grass.  Use  regular  bass  rod  and  reel, 
and  fish  with  a  float.  Anchor  your  boat  at  the  side  or  above  a 
rapid,  and  let  your  bait  run  down  the  rapid,  for  they  sometimes 
lie  behind  huge  rocks  in  the  rapid.  They  average  perhaps,  six  or 
seven  pounds,  but  are  often  much  larger,  and  at  the  Little  P'alls  of 
the  Mohawk  River  have  been  caught  weighing  as  high  as  twenty 
pounds.  The  meat  is  hard,  and  laminates  in  rich  white  flakes. 
Spawns  in  April  and  May.     (See  Western  Fishes.) 

White  Lake  Bass.— Za^ra^  albidus. — De  Kay. 

Very  common  in  Lake  Erie,  where  it  takes  the  hook  readily, 
and  is  esteemed  as  food.  Color,  bluish  white  above  the  lateral 
line,  with  a  few  narrow  parallel  dusky  streaks  above  and  beneath 
this  line  ;  sides  and  belly  white.     Fins,  brownish,  tinged  with  blue. 

Rock  Bxss.—Centrarchus  ceneus.    (Cuv.  and  Val.) 

This  fish  is  found  in  Lake  Champlain,  and  generally  in  the  lakes 
throughout  New  York  State,  and  also  in  the  canals  and  the  Hud- 
son River.  It  bites  freely,  and  is  pretty  fair  game.  It  is  found  in 
greatest  numbers  around  islands  and  in  shallows  near  the  shores 
contiguous  to  the  entrance  of  spring  streams.  A  notorious  spawn- 
eater  ;  it  ranges  in  weight  from  a  quarter  of  a  pound  to  a  pound. 
It  bites  at  worms,  grubs,  grasshoppers  or  shiners,  and  may  be 
taken  with  a  small-sized  Buel  or  McHarg  trolling  spoon.  The 
general  color  of  this  fish  is  a  dark  greenish  bronze  ;  top  of  head 
and  back  a  dark  bottle  green.  Its  sides  below  the  lateral  line  are 
covered  with  six  or  more  longitudinal  series  of  subquadrate  dark 
spots.     Pupils  of  eye  dark  purple,  with  a  narrow  golden  ring. 

Black  Bass. — Grystes  nigricans;  Micro/>terus  nigricans,— GWX. 

Among  the  various  candidates  for  popular  favor,  for  introduc- 
tion into  new  waters,  the  Black  Bass  has  always  deservedly  occu- 
pied a  very  high  place.  The  excellence  of  its  flesh,  its  rapid  growth, 
its  endurance  and  its  game  qualities,  all  contribute  towards  this 
appreciation.     Little  by  little  this  fish  has  been  carried  from  one 

12* 


274  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

part  of  the  country  to  another,  until  now  there  is  no  part  of  the 
United  States,  east  of  the  Rocl<y  Mountains,  where  it  may  not  be 
found  in  greater  or  less  abundance.  Its  great  merit  in  this  con- 
nection lies  in  the  fact  that  it  requires  no  care  in  the  way  of  culture, 
since  a  few  pairs  transferred  bodily,  will  in  time  furnish  a  numerous 
progeny.  In  consequence  of  its  habit  of  making  a  nest  and  guard- 
ing it  against  intruders,  the  fish  is  enabled  to  readily  secure  the 
perpetuation  of  its  race. 

Much  uncertainty  has  existed,  until  recently,  as  to  the  number 
of  species  really  entitled  to  be  called  Rlack  Bass,  many  having  been 
described  and  supposed  to  be  peculiar  to  particular  waters.  Prof. 
Gill,  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  has  lately  made  a  critical  and 
exhaustive  investigation  of  this  subject,  and  with  the  aid  of  the 
large  amount  of  material  belonging  to  the  Institution  and  that  of 
the  Museum  of  Com.parative  Zoology  at  Cambridge,  he  has  come 
to  the  conclusion  that  there  are  really  but  two  distinguishable 
forms  ;  the  one  the  Micropterus  sahnoides,  or  the  small  mouthed 
bass,  and  the  other,  the  M.  nigricans,  or  the  large  mouthed  variety. 

Both  of  these  species  occur  naturally  over  a  great  part  of  the 
United  States,  with  the  exception  of  New  England  and  the  Atlan- 
tic seaboard  of  the  Middle  States,  although  only  one,  the  small 
mouthed,  seems  to  have  been  originally  an  inhabitant  of  the  hy- 
drographic  basin  of  the  Ohio.  It  is  not  to  be  understood,  how- 
ever, that  there  are  no  variations  from  the  standard  type  to  be  ob- 
served in  the  bass  of  these  two  groups,  in  different  localities,  and 
it  is  not  improbable  that  a  careful  criticism  will  reveal  certain  tri- 
fling peculiarities,  which  may  serve  to  distinguish  those  belonging 
to  a  particular  area.  The  differences  of  the  two  primary  forms 
are,  however,  perfectly  appreciable,  so  that  even  the  veriest  tyro, 
seeing  them  side  by  side,  must  admit  their  distinction. 

These  differences,  as  stated  in  the  paper  of  Prof.  Gill,  are  as 
follows : 

CONTRASTED  DIFFERENTIAL  CHARACTERISTICS. 
Scales  of  Trunk. 

SMALL-MOUTHED.  LARGE-MOUTHED. 

Small  ie.  g,  lat.  line,  72-75  ;  be-  Moderate  {e.  g.  lat.  line  ,65-70  ; 
tween  lateral  line  and  back,  it  between  lateral  line  and  back,  7^ 
rows).  or  8  rows). 


L'l'  I       ,^  v^m 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  275 

Scales  on  nape  and  breast. 
Much  smaller  than  those  of  sides.        Scarcely  (on  nape),  or  not  much 

(on  breast)  smaller  than  those  of 
sides. 
Scales  of  cheeks. 
Minute  {e.  g.,  between  orbit  and         Moderately  small  {e.  g.  between 
preoperculum,  about  17  rows  in  an     orbit  and  preoperculum,  about  10 
oblique  line  and  about  9  in  a  hori-     rows  in  an  oblique  line  and  about 
zontal  one).  5-6  in  a  horizontal  one). 

Scales  of  interopcrculum  uniserial. 
Covering   only   about    half    the        Covering  the  entire  width  of  the 
width  of  the  bone.  bone. 

Scales  of  preopercular  limb. 
None.  Developed  in  an  imperfect  row 

(e,  g, ,  3.5  ill  number). 

Scales  on  dorsal. 
Developed  as  a  deep  sheath  (in-  Developed  as  a  low  (obsolete) 
volving  last  spine)  of  small  scales  shallow  sheath,  and  with  series 
differentiated  from  those  on  the  ascending  comparatively  little  on 
back,  and  with  series  advancing  membrane  behind  the  rays  (none 
high  up  the  membrane  behind  each  behind  last  five  or  six), 
ray  (except  last  two  or  three). 

Scales  on  anal. 
Ascending  high  behind  each  ray.        None  (or  very  few). 

Mouth. 

Moderate.  Large. 

Supramaxillary . 

Ending  considerably  in  front  of         Extending  considerably  behind 

higher  margin  of  orbit  (about  under     the  posterior  margin  of  orbit. 

hinder  border  of  pupil). 

Rays. 

Dorsal  articulated,  13.  Dorsal  articulated,  I2  (I.  ll). 

Anal.  HI.,  10,  II.  Anal.  III.,  10. 

Pectoral,  i,  16-1,  17.  Pectoral  i,  14  (i,  13). 

Dorsal  fin  in  front  of  soft  portion. 
Little  depressed,  the  ninth  spine         Much  depressed,  the  ninth  spine 
being  only  about  a  half  shorter  than     being  only  about  a  fourth  as  long 
the  longest  (3,  4,  5)  and  a  fourth     as  the  longest  and  a  half  as  long  as 
shorter  than  the  tenth.  the  tenth. 


2/6  CAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

We  have  said  that  there  are  decided  variations  from  these  two . 
standard  types,  and  these  we  are  certain  that  Prof.  Gill  himself 
readily  concedes.  Indeed,  there  is  no  genus  of  known  fish  that 
exhibits  such  numerous  and  striking  varieties  ;  just  as  there  is  no 
family  of  tishes  which  is  presented  in  so  many  forms  as  that  to 
which  the  black  bass  belongs — namely,  the  Percidie.  These  va- 
riations puzzled  the  observant  De  Kay  forty  years  ago,  and  are  no 
less  an  enigma  to  superficial  students  at  the  present  day.  They 
are  most  numerous  in  Northern  waters  ;  quite  frequent  in  the 
West ;  and  several  at  the  South.  The  general  colors  we  find  to 
be  as  follows  :  bluish,  deep  green,  almost  black,  grass  green,  light 
green,  greenish  white,  deep  olive,  and  light  olive.  Some  are  spot- 
ted, others  barred,  and  some  without  any  lateral  markings.  Local- 
ly they  are  termed  perch,  bass,  chub  and  trout,  and  are  severally 
known  as  yellow  perch,  black  perch,  Oswego  bass,  strawberry 
bass,  white  bass,  rock  bass,  black  bass,  marsh  bass,  river  bass, 
spotted  bass,  speckled  hen,  green  bass,  slough  bass,  etc.,  etc. 
They  vary  much  in  their  proportions,  some  having  heavy  shoulders, 
while  others  are  slender ;  they  also  vary  in  their  habits  of  living, 
their  food,  locations,  temperature  of  water,  and  times  of  spawning, 
characteristics  sufficiently  diverse  to  constitute  distinct  species,  if 
classification  were  not  absolutely  based  upon  anatomical  structure. 

In  Canada  there  is  great  diversity  as  to  weight  and  shape. 
For  instance  :  those  caught  in  ponds  and  lakes  in  the  counties  of 
Brant  and  Oxford,  are  much  larger  and  tnicker  than  those  found, 
say,  in  Grand  River.  Notwithstanding,  where  there  are  long, 
deep,  still  stretches  of  water  formed  by  mill  dams  as  at  Gait  or 
Paris,  bass  are  often  taken  averaging  in  weight  those  taken  in 
lakes.  In  Pine  Pond,  on  the  south  edge  of  the  township  of  Bland- 
ford  and  Blenheim,  Oxford,  the  bass  are  remarkable  for  their 
thickness  at  the  shoulders.  So  distinct  is  the  figure  and  general 
configuration — especially  as  regards  this  latter  quality — that  we 
are  inclined  to  believe  that  they  are  identical  with  the  Oswego 
bass.  The  Oswego  bass  and  the  bass  of  the  Mohawk  and  Hudson 
Rivers,  show  dusky  bars  on  their  sides  after  being  caught.  sVhen 
hooked,  the  first  move  is  into  the  air,  and  it  is  continued,  more  or 
less,  principally  more,  until  the  struggle  ends  in  the  death  or  es- 
cape of  the  fish.     The  first  fishing  for  this  bass  in  the  spring  or 


NORTHERN  INLAND   FISHES.  2'JJ 

summer  is  done  on  the  "  riffs  "  or  rapids  ;  from  thence  tney  \vorl< 
down  to  the  foot  of  rough  water,  and  later,  as  the  weather  is 
warmer,  to  the  eddies  and  pools.  The  Lake  George  bass  almost 
always  when  hooked  go  deeper,  rarely  appear  above  water  until 
they  near  the  boat  or  landing  net,  always  excepting  when  you 
troll.  In  Lake  Ontario  are  two  varieties,  one  at  Stony  Island 
being  very  thick  and  light  colored,  always  sounding  the  minute 
they  are  hooked  ;  another  in  the  Black  River  Bay,  dark  colored, 
much  slimmer  than  the  former,  and  almost  always  coming  to  the 
surface  the  first  tiling.  The  strawberry  bass  is  a  flat,  deep  fish, 
has  a  nose  well  turned  up,  is  thinner  than  the  Oswego  bass,  and 
has  black  and  yellow  blotches. 

However,  in  attempting  to  define  differences,  nothing  is  ac- 
complished toward  identification  or  separation  ;  only  confusion  is 
increased.  We  recognize  the  simple  fact,  m.erely,  that  owing  to 
local  causes  of  food,  temperature  and  quality  of  water,  and  per- 
haps to  these  only,  very  apparent  differences  obtain  in  stripe,  size, 
color,  superticial  markings,  action,  and  periods  of  spawning. 

Most  bass  undoubtedly  hybernate,  and  are  not  seen  or  caught 
in  winter.  But  Mr.  A.  W.  Latham,  Fish  Commissioner  of  Min- 
nesota, has  stated  that  in  some  waters  in  that  State  they  are  occa- 
sionally caught  through  the  ice  with  hook  and  bait.  They  then 
lie  low  in  deep  water,  and  seem  after  a  fashion  to  hybernate. 
Samuel  Wilmot,  of  the  Government  Hatching  House  in  Canada, 
states  that  the  fishermen  take  them  with  hook  and  line  through 
the  ice  in  the  Bay  of  Quinte,  near  Belleville.  Fred.  Mather,  a  well 
known  fish  breeder  of  New  York,  says  : 

"  I  kept  one  nearly  all  winter  in  an  aquarium,  and  it  did  not 
eat,  and  seldom  moved  anything  except  its  eyes.  I  have  also  tried 
to  catch  them  from  the  small  but  well-stocked  pond  of  Hon.  S.  H. 
Ainsworth,  at  West  Bloomfield,  without  success.  I  have,  how- 
ever, seen  those  that  were  taken  with  a  hook  in  Northern  Michi- 
gan, in  March,  while  it  is  still  winter  in  that  locality." 

The  fish  begin  to  spawn  about  the  middle  of  May.  About  a 
month  previous  to  the  spawning  season  they  pair,  and  leave  the 
deep,  still  water  where  they  have  spent  the  winter,  and  seek  out 
some  retired  spot  in  shallow  water,  about  eighteen  inches  or  two 
feet  deep,  but  near  deeper  water  to  which  they  can  fly  when 


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278  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

alarmed.  Here  they  make  their  nests  by  scouring  from  the  peb- 
bles on  the  bottom  all  the  mud  and  slime.  The  nest  is  circular, 
and  about  twice  the  length  of  the  fish  in  diameter.  Here  the 
female  lays  her  eggs,  which  at  once  become  glued  to  the  pebbles, 
where  they  remain  for  eight  or  ten  days,  when  they  hatch,  the 
female  all  the  time  remaining  on  or  near  the  nest  to  keep  off 
predatory  intruders. 

In  two  or  three  days  after  hatching,  the  young  fry  scatter 
mostly  into  deep  water,  and  are  not  seen  again  until  September, 
when  they  come  in  shore,  having  grown  about  two  inches  in  length. 
If  well  supplied  with  food,  they  grow  about  four  inches  the  first 
season.  When  two  years  old  they  reach  a  pound  in  weight,  and 
after  that  grow  about  a  pound  each  year,  until  they  weigh  six  or 
eight  pounds.  While  young  the  fish  feed  on  insects,  worms  and 
larvae,  but  when  larger  they  appear  to  rely  mainly  upon  other  small 
fish.  They  are  not  very  particular  as  to  their  diet,  their  main  care 
being  to  get  plenty  of  food.  They  are  voracious  eaters,  and  when 
hard  pushed  by  hunger,  do  not  scruple  to  devour  the  smaller  and 
weaker  of  their  own  kind,  and  in  this  fact  probably  exists  the 
reason  why  they  have  multiplied  much  more  rapidly  in  some 
ponds  than  in  others  which,  to  all  appearance,  are  equally  as  well 
adapted  to  them.  Waters  which  abound  in  chub,  minnows,  suck- 
ers, insect  larvae  and  crayfish  afford  plenty  of  food  for  the  bass, 
and  in  them  he  multiplies  and  grows  apace,  but  in  waters  where 
these  are  wanting,  he  is  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  eating  his  own 
kindred,  and  of  course  his  increase  is  very  limited.  Black  bass 
weighing  from  three  to  six  pounds  each,  are  too  large  for  stocking 
open  streams,  they  being  liable  to  wander,  while  the  small  ones 
are  more  likely  to  remain  near  where  placed.  These  small  fish 
commence  propagating  in  July,  and  continue  into  the  month  of 
August. 

Little  need  be  said  of  the  merits  of  this  fish  for  the  table.  Few 
better  pan  fish  are  known  to  epicures.  He  is  thick,  solid  and 
heavy,  has  little  waste  and  few  bones  about  him,  is  sweet,  tender 
and  juicy,  and  when  well  cooked  makes  a  dish  fit  for  a  king. 

The  methods  of  taking  black  bass  are  by  trolling  with  minnow 
or  spoon,  casting  with  artificial  fly  or  live  minnow,  and  by  still-fish- 
ing with  a  great  variety  of  baits.     Probably,  as  a  rule,  live  bait  is 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  279 

the  best,  and  from  eight  to  twelve  feet  of  water  the  best  depth  ; 
but  some  of  the  finest  specimens  which  have  been  coaxed  from 
ponds  have  beea  taken  with  worm  bait  in  fifty  feet  of  water.  The 
fact  is,  however,  that  Hies  are  often  most  killing  at  times  when 
baits  of  any  kind  are  hardly  serviceable.  For  instance  in  the  Del- 
aware and  Schuylkill  the  fish  will  not  rise  to  the  fly  where  they  are 
mostly  caught  with  bait,  for  the  fishing  is  essentially  bottom  fish- 
ing in  deep  water  (say  from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet),  at  the  foot  of 
dams  or  falls,  or  in  still  deep  pools.  In  such  places  those  most 
successful  use  a  weighted  line,  and  endeavor  to  keep  the  bait 
from  two  to  three  feet  from  the  bottom.  Now  one  would  cast 
with  little  effect  with  small  flies,  especially  in  such  places,  because 
of  the  great  depth  of  the  water.  The  fact  of  the  necessity  of 
special  flies  for  particular  places,  from  all  testimony,  seems  quite 
indispensable.  The  non-success  of  flies  in  bass  fishing  arises 
more  from  faults  in  their  size  and  color  than  in  lack  of  apprecia- 
tion in  the  fish  ;  most  of  the  bass  flies  sold  by  the  trade  generally 
have  only  a  local  reputation,  not  applicable  to  all  conditions  aris- 
ing from  the  varied  haunts  of  this  fish  ;  and  this  fault  can  not  be 
corrected  except  by  observations  of  the  many  conditions  that  arise. 
The  most  approved  patterns  for  northern  waters  are  the  fol- 
lowing : 

Page  Fly. — Scarlet  wings  with  scapulas  of  guinea  fowl. 

HoLBERTON  Fly. — Orange  body  ribbed  with  gold  tinsel ;  head  of  peacock's 
herl ;  a  haclcle  of  peacock's  herl  mixed  with  purple  ;  tail  of  wood  duck  feathers 
tipped  with  scarlet ;  under  wing  coverts  of  scarlet  ibis  mixed  with  mallard  feath- 
ers dyed  yellow,  outer  wing  coverts  of  wood  duck  feather,  with  two  long  rays  of 
peacock's  herl,  the  latter  giving  the  fly  a  very  jaunty  and  attractive  appearance 
which  even  the  best  educated  salmon  could  not  resist. 

Turkey  Brown  and  Turkey  Green.— The  first-named  hag  turkey  wings, 
brown  body  ribbed  with  gold,  red  hackle  and  wood  duck  tail  streaked  with  scar- 
let ;  the  turkey  green  is  similar  except  that  it  has  a  green  body. 

Ferguson  Fly. — //^tf<>*.— Medium  No.  2  Sproat,  or  in  Limericks  about  No.  rp. 
Tail. — Peacock,  yellow  and  scarlet,  a  portion  each.  Body.—'M.nde  full,  a  bright 
yellow  tipped  and  ribbed  with  gold.  Leg^.—\  green  hackle,  quite  bushy,  tied  in 
only  at  the  head  of  the  body  under  the  wings.  IVings. — A  portion  each  of  yellow 
and  scarlet  feather  with  the  dark  brownish  mottled  feather  from  the  wing  of  the 
wild  or  tame  turkey. 

Patterns  of  bass  flies  are  vaiious,  and  can  be  multiplied  ad 
libitum,  gaudy  colors  being  generally  combined.  Scarlet  and 
white  used  to  be  exclusively  used.    Now  we  have  : 


280  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

I.  Scarlet  wings  and  coverts  or  scapulas  of  wood  duck  feathers. 

3.  Scarlet  wings,  white  scapulas,  hackle  of  purple  and  orange,  and  tail  of  yel- 
low, white,  scarlet  and  wood  duck  mixed.  Body  orange  and  green  whipped  with 
silver  tinsel. 

3.  Wings  of  rayed  mallard  feathers  dyed  yellow,  scarlet  scapulas,  body  yel- 
low, hackle  of  peacock's  herl  mixed  with  yellow. 

4.  Turkey  wings,  hackle  of  scarlet  and  orange,  tail  red,  yellow  and  black, 
body  orange  whipped  with  green  and  gold  tinsel. 

5.  Wings  white,  scapulas  scarlet,  body  lavender  and  peacock  whipped  with 
silver  tinsel,  deep  purple  hackle  and  tail  of  blue,  white,  scarlet  and  yellow, 
mixed. 

6.  Parrot  feather  wing  (green),  yellow  hackle,  green  body  whipped  with  gold, 
tail  scarlet  and  white. 

7.  Turkey  wing,  body  orange  whipped  with  silver,  green  hackle,  tail  yellow 
and  scarlet. 

8.  Turkey  wing,  brown  hackle,  peacock  body  terminating  in  yellow,  with 
scarlet  tail. 

9.  Brown  cock  feather  wings,  dun  body  whipped  with  orange,  hackle  of  grey 
rabbit's  fur,  tail  brown. 

10.  Orange  body  and  hackle,  scarlet  wings,  scapula  and  tail  of  jungle  cock 
feathers. 

II.  Blue  body  whipped  with  gold,  blue  hackle,  wings  of  ashes  of  rose  color, 
scapulas  of  jungle  cock  mixed  with  black,  tail  scarlet,  black  and  white,  and  black 
antennae. 

12.  Scarlet  body  whipped  with  silver,  wings  dyed  subhyaline  and  terminating 
in  two  bars  of  white  and  black,  coverts  scarlet,  hackle  grey  and  black,  tail  black, 
white  and  red. 

13.  Body  solferino  color,  wings  the  same,  coverts  grey,  hackle  brown,  tail 
grey,  head  black — a  very  killing  fly  for  southern,  western  or  northern  waters. 

[For  soujthernand  western  patterns  see  the  appropriate  chapters  of  this  book.] 

The  baits  taken  by  the  black  bass  are  as  diverse  as  the  styles 
of  flies.  Bass  are  almost  omnivorous,  taking  red  worms,  crick- 
ets, grasshoppers,  fresh  water  mussels,  frogs,  shrimp,  crayfish, 
minnow  and  dobsons,  so  called  at  the  north  and  known  as  the 
Heigramite  at  the  south ;  the  same  being  the  full  grown  larvae 
and  pupae  of  several  aquatic  species  in  the  family  Sialina.  Their 
feeding  ground  is  chiefly  in  sluggish  rivers.  They  are  rare  in 
mountain  streams  or  head  springs.  They  are  both  herbivorous 
and  carnivorous.  Ephemeridae,  small-sized  beetles,  and  water- 
fleas,  entomostraca,  are  their  principal  food,  but  they  have  been 
reared  to  maturity  in  aquaria  on  an  almost  exclusively  vegetable 
diet.  The  wings  of  the  perfect  insect  are  almost  twice  the  length 
of  the  body,  closely  reticulated  with  veins,  semi-transparent,  and 
of  a  yellow  ashen  color.    An  imitation  made  of  newly  tanned 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  28 1 

leather  was  used  with  wonderful  success  in  the  trout  streams  of 
Western  Virginia  fifty  years  ago. 

In  the  early  season,  from  June  to  last  of  August,  the  best 
success  is  had  in  deep  pools,  or  under  shadow  of  dams  and  falls 
where  the  water  is  quieted  a  moment  after  its  plunge,  casting  the 
flies  into  the  tumbling  waters  and  giving  the  current  its  own  way 
with  them,  simply  keeping  them  on  the  surface.  In  the  later 
season,  from  middle  of  September  to  end  of  October,  the  bass 
seem  to  live  more  in  rapid,  deep  currents  well  out  in  the  stream 
where  it  is  less  disturbed  by  obstructions,  lying  in  the  eddies 
formed  by  boulders,  etc.,  but  if  the  water's  surface  is  disturbed 
by  winds,  as  is  usual  at  that  season,  they  are  taken  about  as  read- 
ily in  mid-current,  where  the  water  is  from  two  to  three  or  four 
feet  deep,  and  running  over  a  pebbly  bottom. 

In  lakes,  cast  from  a  boat  in-shore,  or  fish  from  the  banks. 
Where  lilypads  line  the  shore,  if  you  have  no  boat  or  raft,  wade 
out  so  that  you  can  cast  just  beyond  the  edge  of  the  pads. 

If  trolling  from  a  canoe  or  light  craft,  a  two-knot  breeze  will 
drive  the  canoe  with  sufficient  rapidity  to  prevent  the  necessity  of 
using  oars  or  paddles,  and  increasing  one's  chances  of  success  in 
raising  the  fish,  as  there  is  no  disturbance  of  the  water,  and  a 
shorter  line  can  be  used.  Ordinarily  one  hundred  feet  are  required. 
Trolling  should  be  done  along  shore,  and  fish  are  most  likely  to  be 
raised  when  the  spoon  passes  over  a  reef  or  bunch  of  rocks.  In 
swift  running  water,  or  in  the  quick  currents  that  flow  between  isl- 
ands lying  close  to  each  other,  as  in  the  St.  Lawrence  River^  one 
can  fish  from  boat  or  shore ;  and  the  best  method  is  probably  to 
anchor  the  boat  in  mid  current  at  the  head  of  the  race,  and  grad- 
ually drop  it  down  as  the  ground  becomes  fished  over.  In  min- 
now fishing  give  the  bait  plenty  of  play,  but  let  the  running  water 
do  this  as  much  as  it  will,  while  the  tip  of  the  rod  guides  it  to  all 
parts  of  the  ground  to  be  fished  over. 

Valued  as  the  brook  trout  is  for  its  game  qualities ;  widely 
distributed  as  it  is ;  and  much  extolled  in  song  as  it  has  been  ; 
the  black  bass  has  now  a  wider  range  (at  least  of  latitude)  and  be- 
ing common  to  both  cold  and  warm  waters,  and  to  northern  and 
southern  climes,  seems  destined  to  become  the  leading  game  fish  of 
America,  and  to  take  the  place  of  the  wild  brook  trout  which  van- 


282  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

ishes  like  the  aborigines  before  civilization  and  settlements.  It 
is  worthy  of  much  attention  therefore  ;  and  during  the  past  two 
years  its  habits  have  been  diligently  studied  by  naturalists  and  fish 
propagators,  until  they  have  become  pretty  well  known.  [Ses 
Southern  and  Western  Fishes.] 

SuNFisH  ;  Pond-fish  ;  Pumpkin-seed  ;  Kiver  ;  Sunny  ;  Roach  ;  Bream—  PomoHs 

vulgaris.— De  Kay. 

This  beautiful  fish  is  common  in  all  the  waters  of  the  north. 
Its  range  extends  to  Georgia.  In  color  it  is  a  greenish  brown  on 
the  back,  greenish  yellow  on  the  sides.  On  the  posterior  prolon- 
gation of  the  opercle  is  a  black  spot,  terminating  behind  in  bright 
scarlet.  It  is  found  in  still  waters  in  company  with  perch,  swims 
low,  and  takes  bait  with  such  persistence  as  to  be  an  annoyance 
to  the  angler  when  better  fish  are  sought.  He  will  also  take  the 
fly,  or  any  moving  thing.  It  is  an  excellent  pan  fish  when  it  at- 
tains the  size  of  a  pound,  as  it  occasionally  does.  It  should  be 
fished  for  with  light  tackle  and  very  small  hooks. 

SILURID^. 

The  Catfish  or  Cat  Family  comprises  a  dozen  or  more  varieties, 
most  of  which  are  not  worth  mentioning  in  their  relations  to  the 
angler. 

The  Great  Lake  Catfish  {Pimoledus  ntgrtcans)  grows  to  a  great 
weight,  often  reaching  eighty  pounds.  Its  general  color  is  olive 
brown.  It  is  not  generally  esteemed  as  food,  although  it  is  much 
eaten,  and  hy  some  persons  well  recommended.  Like  most  of  its 
congeners,  it  prefers  the  mud. 

The  Common  Cat  {Pimoledus  catui),  the  Bullhead,  Horn  Pout, 
Bull  Pout,  or  Minister,  has  a  wide  range,  and  too  great  a  notoriety 
for  his  worth.  Its  color  is  dusky.  Is  caught  from  first  of  April, 
throughout  the  summer,  with  most  any  kind  of  meat  or  worm  bait, 
in  ponds  or  lakes  where  the  bottom  is  muddy.  Many  people  eat 
them  and  like  them. 

The  Channel  Catfish  is  the  best  of  his  tribe,  and  is  generally 
found  in  clear  pure  streams  in  the  Middle  and  Southern  States. 
He  is  of  a  clean  greyish  blue  color,  and  makes  some  sport  on  the 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  283 

hook.    A  good  table  fish.     Night  fishing  with  a  lantern  or  torch 
is  the  most  successful  for  all  kinds  of  catfish. 

THE   CYPRINID^. 

The  family  of  Cyprinidas  is  a  very  large  one,  and  includes  the 
carp,  sucker,  dace,  chub  sucker,  mullet  sucker,  and  many  other 
species  which  are  found  scattered  all  over  the  country  from  New 
England  to  Arizona ;  being  often  the  only  inhabitants  of  waters 
too  warm  or  muddy  for  the  more  esteemed  varieties  of  fishes. 
Scarcely  any  of  them  merit  attention  as  game  fish,  although  some 
are  quite  edible,  and  a  few  afford  fair  sport  to  the  angler. 

The  Cyprinidae  also  include  the  shiners,  minnows,  killifish,  and 
other  small  fry  that  are  much  valued  as  baitfish,  and  readily  com- 
mand a  cent  a-piece  in  many  known  angling  resorts.  Their  eco- 
nomic value  to  the  fisherman  is  therefore  considerable,  and  it  is  well 
to  know  that  they  may  be  caught  either  with  gauze  or  mosquito 
nets  along  the  margins  of  still  wat*-rs  where  they  congregate  in 
large  numbers,  being  often  found  in  company  with  the  perch, 
roach  and  bass.  They  are  also  caught  with  minute  hooks  and 
linen  thread,  with  bread  dough,  and  red  worms  as  bait. 

Some  of  the  suckers  of  which  there  are  many  varieties,  afford 

much  sport  when  snared.     The  snare  is  a  running  loop  of  fine 

brass  wire  attached  to  the  end  of  a  pole,  and  the  method  employed 

to  capture  the  fish  is,  to  beat  the  water  with  long  sticks,  turning 

up  logs  and  large  stones,  tossing  stones  into  the  holes,  et  cetera, 

so  as  to  drive  the  fish  from  under  the  banks  and  other  hiding 

places  into  the  mid-stream,  where  they  can  be  readily  seen.     They 

will  lie  quietly  on  the  bottom  for  awhile  after  being  disturbed,  and 

then  the  snarer  passes  the  wire  loop  cautiously  over  their  heads, 

\!and  dexterously  jerks  them  out  to  terra  firma.     Sometimes  the 

■  suckers  will  take  the  baited  hook,  though  very  seldom.     No  less 

'  than  twelve  varieties  of  suckers  are  enumerated  as  belonging  to 

northern  waters,  averaging  a  foot  in  length  ;  the  most  prominent 

of  which   the  Mullet  Sucker,  Catostomus  aureatua,  grows   to   a 

'    length  of  eighteen  inches.     It  is  very  common  in  Lake  Erie,  where 

it  is  severally  called  the  Mullet,  Golden  Mullet,  and  Red  Horse. 

There  is  also  a  common  species  in  Lake  Erie,  very  black  in  color, 

which    is   called  the   Black   Sucker   and    the  Shoemaker.    The 


284  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Homed  Sucker  {Caiosiomus  tuberculatus)  is  common  in  most  of 
the  fresh  water  streams  of  the  Middle  States  and  New  England, 
where  it  is  known  under  the  popular  names  of  barbel,  dace,  and 
horned  dace.  It  takes  a  hook  readily,  and  begins  to  bite  in  April. 
Some  suckers  seem  to  be  peculiar  to  certain  localities,  showing 
quite  distinctive  characteristics  as  to  color  and  size.  The  Oneida 
Lake  sucker  is  a  bluish  brown  fish  on  the  back  ;  lighter  beneath  ;  a 
much  lighter  colored  fish  is  very  abundant  around  Peekskill  on  the 
Hudson  ;  and  others  in  the  Mohawk  and  Susquehanna  Rivers 
show  like  variations  in  color.  The  White  Dace  or  Shiner  {Leuciscus 
nitidus)  is  quite  common  also.  It  is  a  large  scaled  fish,  silvery 
white,  and  is  taken  with  hook  very  often  in  New  England  trout 
streams. 

The  Common  Carp.    Cyprinus  carpic.—IAvm. 

The  common  carp  was  first  introduced  into  this  country  from 
France  in  the  year  1832,  by  Captain  Henry  Robinson,  owner  of  a 
Havre  packet.  They  were  first  placed  in  a  pond  near  Newburgh, 
on  the  Hudson,  and  afterward  introduced  into  the  Hudson,  where 
they  multiplied  very  rapidly,  and  have  since  been  introduced  into 
the  Southern  States,  over  which  they  have  spread  quite  generally. 
They  have  also  been  introduced  into  California  from  Germany,  a 
superior  variety  having  been  planted  there  in  1870,  and  propagated 
by  Mr.  Poppe.  They  are  also  propagated  artificially  at  Woodville, 
Mississippi,  and  at  Druid  Hill  Park,  in  Baltimore. 

The  German  variety  is  much  esteemed  as  food.  Indeed,  there 
are  several  varieties  scattered  throughout  the  country.  They  are 
taken  readily  with  the  hook  when  baited  with  bread  pills.  They 
spawn  twice  a  year,  first  about  the  middle  of  May,  and  again  in 
June  (in  New  York  State),  depositing  their  ova  in  the  grass  along 
the  margins  of  ponds. 

Color  golden  olive.  Length  six  to  twelve  inches.  [See  South- 
ern Inland  Fishes.] 

ESOCIDiE. 

MusKELLUNGB  ;  mascalonge  ;   maskinong^.— ^jo^  ncbilior. — ^Thompson.    Eiox 

estor. — Le  Sueur. 

This  fish  is  known  in  the  laws  of  Canada  as  the  "  Maskinong^," 
from  the  Chippewa  word  maskanonje,  meaning  long  nose  ;  but  in 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  28$ 

the  States  it  is  called  "  mascalonge,"  from  the  French  masque  and 
allonge,  (elongated,)  longface.  The  northern  pike,  first  described 
by  Agassiz,  is  sometimes  confounded  with  this  fish,  but  may  be 
easily  detected,  as  it  has  the  lower  jaw  filled  with  teeth,  whereas 
the  anterior  half  of  the  maskinonge  is  toothless.  Some  people 
call  it  an  overgrown  pickerel,  which  is  a  still  worse  insult  to  his 
nobility.  As  we  contemplate  his  beautiful  proportions,  his  peculiar 
whitish  complexion,  and  his  massive  and  not  greatly  elongated 
head,  we  wonder  how  anglers  could  ever  confound  him  with 
the  green,  alligator-headed  pike.  Surely  those  who  have  ever 
compared  the  two  together,  or  eaten  of  their  flesh,  could  not 
make  this  error.  However,  if  there  is  difficulty  in  classifying  the 
mascalonge,  there  is  equal  confusion  among  the  savans  in  naming 
him,  for  Agassiz  and  Lesueur  call  him  esox  estor,  while  Thompson 
and  Gill  insist  that  he  is  esox  nobilior.  If  there  be  anything  in  a 
name,  the  latter  fits  him  best,  for  in  beauty  of  form,  in  game  quali- 
ties, and  in  excellence  of  flesh,  he  stands  at  the  head  of  the  family; 
besides,  he  is  the  Goliath  among  them  all.  For  some  reason  unex- 
plained, unless  it  be  by  reason  of  his  nobility,  he  is  a  rare  fish.  In 
the  St.  Lawrence,  at  the  Thousand  Islands,  in  the  Great  Lakes, 
and  in  the  Upper  Mississippi,  waters  celebrated  for  the  masca- 
longe, one  will  not  kill  more  than  one  of  these  to  a  hundred  pick- 
erel. Sometimes  they  grow  to  an  immense  size.  The  largest  we 
have  ever  heard  of  is  vouched  for  by  Samuel  C.  Clarke,  who  says 
that  in  1840  he  saw  one  at  the  mouth  of  the  Calumet  River,  Mich- 
igan, which  had  just  been  captured  in  a  seine,  that  was  six  feet 
long  and  weighed  eighty  pounds.  The  mouth  would  have  ad- 
mitted a  man's  leg  ;  it  showed  a  perfect  chevaux  defrise  of  teeth, 
the  canines  at  least  an  inch  long  !  It  is  almost  black  on  the  back, 
greyish-yellow  on  the  sides,  and  creamy  white  beneath,  while  the 
whole  body  is  beautiful  with  a  wavy  shading  together  of  these 
tints.  Its  weight  and  size  are  often  colossal  for  a  fresh  water 
game  fish.  It  is  long,  slim,  strong,  and  swift,  and  in  every  way 
formed  for  the  life  it  leads — that  of  a  fierce  and  dauntless  ma- 
rauder. 

Mr.  Irving  L.  Beman,  in  Forest  and  Streamy  gives  the  follow-   X 
ing  sketch  of  the  mascalonge,  which  is  by  long  odds  the  best  that  we 
ever  saw  published  : — "  It  is  difficult  to  imagine  a  more  ferocious 


286  GAME  FISH   OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

looking  creature  than  a  forty  pound  pike,  (?)  with  his  scaly,  snakish 
hide,  his  long,  wedge-shaped  head,  and  his  nose  seemingly  fash- 
ioned to  be  thrust  into  other  fishes'  business,  his  under  jaw  project- 
ing and  revealing  a  fearful  equipment  of  teeth,  making  his  mouth 
as  dangerous  as  a  wolf's,  his  fins  all  a-quiver  with  excitement, 
and  his  eyes  glaring  like  a  fiend's  as  he  lurks  in  his  lair  among  the 
weeds  to  spring  upon  his  prey. 

"  As  a  specimen  of  the  greed  of  the  mascalonge,  was  one  I 
caught  weighing  Dnly  five  pounds,  but  from  whose  maw  I  took 
fourteen  small  fish  of  his  own  kind,  some  of  which  were  still  alive, 
besides  several  of  other  species.  At  another  time  a  gentleman  and 
myself  were  "  skittering,"  as  fishermen  call  it,  along  the  banks  of 
a  deep  still  pond  noted  for  its  pike.  Skittering,  one  of  the  best 
methods  for  taking  mascalonge,  is  done  with  a  long  elastic  rod, 
reel  and  line  to  match  the  game,  and  hook  of  formidable  size,  upon 
which  is  impaled  a  minnow  of  from  seven  to  fifteen  inches  in 
length.  The  minnow  is  twitched  along  through  the  water  near 
the  surface  with  a  motion  suggestive  of  the  word  skittering.  Upon 
my  friend's  hook  was  a  minnow  eight  or  nine  inches  in  length, 
with  which  he  struck  a  small  pike.  As  he  was  about  taking  the 
game  from  the  water  another  and  larger  mascalonge  made  a  rush 
for  it,  and  taking  it  in  his  mouth  retired  to  deep  water  to  gorge  it. 
After  a  few  minutes  the  exciting  sport  of  playing  this  second  pike 
commenced,  and  within  half  an  hour  my  friend  landed  him  safe 
and  sure.  He  proved  to  be  a  twenty-five  pounder ;  in  his  throat 
was  the  smaller  one,  weighing  three  pounds,  and  in  the  throat  of 
this  latter  was  the  minnow.     Rapacity  incarnate  ! 

"But  account  has  not  yet  been  taken  of  the  amazing  strength 
of  the  mascalonge.  J  have  hooked  and  helped  to  haul  on  deck 
sharks  of  various  sizes,  have  had  a  hand  at  every  variety  of  mack- 
erel, have  tusseled  with  the  salmon,  but  in  proportion  to  size  this 
pike  far  surpasses  them  all  in  ability  to  test  the  fisherman's  mus- 
cle, skill,  coolness,  and  fertility  of  device.  A  mascalonge  of  six 
pounds  weight  is  equal  in  gamy  qualities  to  a  salmon  of  twenty. 
He  can  snap  a  larger  hook  or  part  a  stronger  line  and  escape 
where  a  salmon  would  be  secure.  He  can  swim  faster,  whirl 
quicker,  pull  harder,  leap  higher,  and  show  more  fight  and  more 
cunning. 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  28/ 

"  On  one  excursion,  with  a  boy  of  fourteen  to  row  for  me,  I  had 
the  misfortune  to  run  a  very  large  mascalonge  into  shallow  water 
on  a  mud  flat,  and  when  my  boat  ran  aground  I  expected  to  lose 
him.  But  while  I  was  desperately  working  my  ingenuity  to  bag 
him,  the  boy  made  for  him  by  wading.  He  took  the  gaff  and 
succeeded  in  hooking  the  fish  securely  through  the  nose.  And 
then  commenced  the  most  amusing  squabble  between  denizens  of 
land  and  water  that  I  ever  saw.  Some  of  the  time  it  was  quite  a 
question  which  was  game,  boy  or  fish ;  and  had  the  pike  run  for 
deep  water  he  might  have  bagged  the  boy  for  his  dinner.  At 
length,  however,  the  struggle  closed  by  the  water  becoming  so 
muddy  as  to  suffocate  the  fish.  Upon  getting  him  into  the  boat, 
1  was  not  surprised  at  the  fight  he  had  made,  for  he  measured 
five  feet  and  two  inches  in  length,  and  weighed  forty  pounds. 

"  It  is  not  unusual  for  this  monarch  of  the  streams,  when  trj'ing 
to  free  himself  from  a  hook,  to  leap  ten  or  fifteen  feet  above  the 
water  and  shake  his  head  like  a  mad  bull.  He  always  dies  game. 
To  illustrate  his  courage,  I  may  relate  the  fate  of  the  only  landing 
net  I  ever  undertook  to  use  in  capturing  mascalonge.  I  was  troll- 
ing along  a  channel  where  the  pike  resorted  to  waylay  the  small 
fry  running  back  and  forth  between  two  parts  of  a  small  lake,  a 
trick  which  this  fish  understands  as  well  as  the  panther  lying  in 
wait  along  a  path  frequented  by  deer.  At  length  I  hooked  ..  \  old 
patriarch,  and  expected  to  show  him  the  courtesy  of  my  new  net, 
but  he  had  no  notion  of  passively  surrendering.  For  nearly  an 
hour  he  tried  every  artifice  known  to  his  tribe,  but  finally  became 
exhausted,  and  I  reeled  him  alongside  while  my  man  held  the  net. 
But  as  he  saw  the  fatal  circle  he  sprang  forward,  caught  the  net- 
ting in  his  powerful  jaws,  and  began  to  jerk  and  shake  his  head  in 
such  a  fury  that  he  instantly  tore  out  his  mouthful ;  then  he  took 
another  hold  and  served  it  in  the  same  way,  until,  in  less  time  than 
it  takes  to  tell  it,  my  beautiful  landing  net  was  a  complete  wreck. 
In  the  meantime,  however,  I  inserted  my  gaff  in  his  jaw,  and  in  a 
moment  his  enraged  majesty  floundered  in  the  boat.  This  was  one 
of  the  trophies  of  trolling,  a  most  pleasant  method  of  hunting  the 
mascalonge.  The  best  trolling  apparatus  consists  of  three  large 
hooks,  strung  one  above  another  about  six  inches  apart  on  an  ex- 
ceedingly strong,  wire-wound  snell.     Sixty  to  seventy-five  feet  of 


288  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

line  is  generally  enough  to  let  out,  as  the  pike  is  not  so  chary  of 
the  passing  skiff  as  are  more  timid  fish,  and  with  much  greater 
length  of  line  no  fisherman  can  capture  his  game.  The  oarsman 
should  pull  ahead  at  a  fair  rate,  ready  at  the  instant  of  hooking  a 
fish  to  double  the  speed,  for  such  is  the  only  way  to  get  and  keep 
the  advantage  of  a  mascalonge.  A  large  minnow  is  the  most  suc- 
cessful trolling  decoy,  as  the  game  seems  to  detect  an  ordinary 
spoon  at  a  glance.  And  when  the  fish  is  reeled  in,  let  no  flourishes 
be  made  with  oars  or  gaff  handle,  but  be  cautious,  or  the  pike  will 
free  himself  and  escape  at  the  last  moment.  In  many  parts  where 
this  fish  abounds  the  spear  and  seine  have  been  illegally  used  to 
capture  him,  but  not  very  successfully,  as  he  is  too  cunning  and 
resolute  to  be  caught  thus.  I  saw  a  seine  drawn  five  times  one 
afternoon  in  a  wide  pool  below  a  dam,  where  several  large  pike 
were  known  to  lurk,  but  nothing  was  taken.  Neither  could  the 
failure  be  accounted  for,  as  the  fish  did  not,  as  frequently  is  the 
case,  leap  over,  break  through,  or  run  around  the  net.  To  solve 
the  riddle,  I  entered  a  small  skiff,  and  tying  it  to  one  of  the  seine 
floats  was  quietly  drawn  across  the  pool,  lying  with  my  face  over 
the  gunnel  in  order  to  look  into  the  water  beneath.  What  was  my 
surprise  to  see  the  pike  turn  their  noses  to  the  seine  and  plow  under 
it  in  the  sand,  thus  defying  the  effort  to  capture  them. 

'  Shooting  this  noble  fish  as  he  seeks  the  surface  to  sun  himself 
is  a  favorite  sport  with  some,  but  it  requires  a  peculiar  man  to  suc- 
ceed. He  must  be  not  only  a  good  rifle  shot,  but  a  patient,  cunning, 
cat-like  hunter,  for  his  game  is  exceedingly  wary.  Such  a  man,  if 
he  can  find  a  convenient  tree  or  cliff  overlooking  the  haunts  of  the 
mascalonge,  may,  after  hours  of  watching,  be  rewarded  by  a  shot 
at  one  of  the  giants  of  the  species,  for  it  is  generally  only  the 
largest  that  roll  up  in  the  sunshine. 

"  One  morning  I  filled  my  lunch  basket,  and  had  a  man  row  me 
over  to  a  pile  that  stood  some  twelve  feet  above  water  and  about 
six  rods  from  shore,  the  only  one  left  of  an  ancient  dock.  Scram- 
bling to  the  top,  I  drew  up  by  a  cord  hammer,  nails,  and  foiir  or  five 
stiff  barrel  staves,  with  which  I  fashioned  a  support  for  my  back, 
as  I  should  sit  on  top  of  the  pile.  Then  I  drew  up  lunch  and  rifle, 
and  the  man  left  me  "alone  in  my  glory."  It  was  a  hot  day  in 
June,  and  before  noon,  not  having  had  a  glimpse  of  game,  I  began 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  289 

to  be  discouraged.  But  I  had  been  bantered  with  the  prediction 
that  I  would  give  up  at  dinner  time,  and  so  for  mere  pluck's  sake 
I  stood  to,  or  rather  sat  upon,  my  post.  At  noon  I  ate  my  lunch, 
and  having  some  bits  left  cast  them  lazily  down  on  the  water. 
Verj-  soon,  and  unexpectedly,  there  was  a  break  in  the  surface,  and 
an  enormous  mascalonge  showed  his  full  length  near  a  bread  crust. 
While  he  was  studying  the  looks  of  the  crust  I  gave  him  the  com- 
pliments of  my  rifle.  Instantly  upon  his  beginning  to  flurry,  there 
appeared  around  him  a  number  of  others,  all  large,  and  for  a  mo- 
ment they  waged  a  fierce  attack  upon  their  wounded  fellow ;  but 
when  I  had  loaded  and  discharged  my  gun  again  they  disappeared. 
By  this  time  my  man  in  the  skiff"  came  up,  and  after  picking  up  the 
two  fish  received  me  also,  and  I  rested  upon  my  honors  the  balance 
of  the  day.  The  first  of  these  two  pike  was  the  one  alluded  to 
above,  weighing  fifty-one  pounds.  But  though  I  perched  on  that 
pile  several  times  afterward,  like  a  hawk  where  he  once  caught  a 
chicken,  I  never  had  another  shot  from  my  eyrie. 

*'  Still-baiting  for  this  fish  is  not  as  successful  as  for  the  glass- 
eyed  pike  and  pickerel.  Only  the  smaller  ones  are  generally 
caught  thus,  the  larger  requiring  more  action  in  the  bait  in  order 
to  challenge  their  speed  and  pugnacity,  and  induce  them  to  bite. 

"  Fishing  through  the  ice  is  an  interesting  method  of  taking  our 
game.  But  it  is  like  pickerel  ice  fishing,  in  which  a  hook  baited 
with  a  small  minnow  is  cast  through  a  hole  and  the  other  end  of 
the  line  tied  to  a  twig  stuck  in  the  snow.  Snch  a  mode  would 
avail  for  mascalonge  about  as  a  mouse  trap  for  a  wolf.  A  hole 
two  feet  across  is  cut  through  the  ice,  and  above  it  is  erected  a 
close  tent  or  cabin  to  shut  out  the  light.  The  fisherman  seats  him- 
self so  as  to  conveniently  look  and  use  the  gaff"  through  the  hole, 
and  find  the  water  clear  below  while  he  is  in  the  dark  above.  Both 
the  gaff"  and  a  silver  decoy,  attached  to  a  wire  three  feet  long,  are 
lowered  into  .he  water.  The  former  is  held  motionless  in  the  right 
hand,  while  with  the  other  hand  the  decoy  is  moved  around  as  if  it 
were  a  real  minnow.  When  the  pike  discovers  the  decoy,  he  slowly 
and  threateningly  glides  forward  to  investigate.  The  fisherman 
will  discover  him  when  several  feet  distant,  and  here  is  where  the 
excitement  begins.  He  steals  along  like  an  Argus,  now  straight 
on,  now  sidewise,  stopping  every  few  inches  to  take  notes,  rapacity 
«3 


290  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

and  craftiness  evinced  in  his  appearance  as  clearly  as  in  any  other 
member  of  the  animal  kingdom.  At  length  he  is  within  reach  of 
the  gaff,  and  the  silent  and  excited  man  of  the  tent,  with  skill  and 
muscle,  snatches  the  fishy  prowler  from  his  native  element. 

"  As  a  food  fish  there  is  nothing  superior  to  this.  He  ranks  with 
ihe  salmon  and  speckled  trout,  and  surpasses  the  black  and  striped 
bass.  The  meat  is  almost  as  white  as  snow,  fine  grained,  nicely 
laminated,  and  the  flavor  is  perfect." 

Besides  the  waters  of  the  basin  of  the  Great  Lakes  and  of 
the  St.  Lawrence,  the  interior  lakes  of  Ontario,  Canada,  are  abun- 
dantly supplied  with  mascalonge,  notably  Rice  Lake  and  the  lakes 
of  the  Muskoka  region.  Probably  they  are  more  numerous  in  the 
last-named  waters  than  in  any  others  of  America. 

The  Pike. — Esox  lucius. — Linn. 

The  Northern  pike  is  found  in  the  St.  Lawrence  River,  and  in 
the  larger  inland  lakes  of  the  Northern  and  Western  States.  It  is 
often  caught  in  the  same  waters  and  on  the  same  grounds  as  the 
mascalonge,  from  which  it  is  readily  distinguished  by  its  general 
shape,  the  shape  of  its  head,  its  teeth,  its  color,  and  superficial 
markings.  Its  back  and  head  are  of  very  dark  green  or  greenish 
black  ;  its  sides  in  some  waters  are  of  a  dull  olive  green,  shading 
to  white  on  the  belly,  and  in  others  of  the  intensest  vivid  green 
and  gold.  Fins  greenish ;  those  below  tinged  with  red.  Its  sides 
are  marked  by  irregular  longitudinal  dusky  streaks.  It  is  distin- 
guished by  its  alligator  head  and  projecting  lower  jaw.  It  grows 
to  the  length  of  three  feet  and  more,  though  never  attaining  to  the 
gigantic  weight  and  size  of  the  mascalonge,  and  affords  excellent 
sport  to  the  angler.  It  is  taken  by  trolling  along  the  margins  of 
weeds  that  border  the  lakes  and  rivers,  and  often  in  deep  water ; 
by  skittering  with  frog,  minnow,  or  pork  bait ;  and  by  still-fishing. 
It  is  apt  to  resort  to  the  vicinity  of  logs  and  fallen  trees,  where  it 
is  most  certainly  taken.  Fishing  with  jugs  and  "bobbers"  is  a 
rather  exciting  spurt,  though  hardly  sportsmanlike.  The  method 
is  as  follows  : 

•  Being  provided  with  a  dozen  or  so  of  empty  bottles — ch.'^'i- 
pagne  or  claret  the  best — cork  them  tightly  and  fasten  a  line  of 
suitable  strength  to  the  neck  of  each,  winding  the  spare  line  upon 


•,ii'" 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  29 1 

it,  leaving  enough  free  that  the  hook  may  clear  the  weeds  and  bot- 
tom of  the  lake  or  pond  where  used  ;  cork  and  throw  bottles  and 
bait  overboard  on  the  windward  side  of  the  proposed  fishnig 
ground.  Off  go  the  bottles,  "  bobbin'  round,"  every  ripple  keep- 
ing things  lively.  Presently  a  big  pike  or  bass  takes  a  pull  at  the 
bottle,  frees  the  line  from  the  cork  and  sets  things  spinning. 
Round  and  round  whirls  the  bottle  till  the  spare  line  is  paid  out ; 
then  dips,  bobs,  plunges,  now  under,  now  out,  and  always  keeping 
a  taut  line  on  the  "  bottle-holder  "  below.  Of  course  you  go  for  it 
and  generally  the  fish  comes  up  well  "  tucker'd  out,"  as  the  saying 
is.  With  a  dozen  or  so  of  these  new  fangled  trimmers  afloat,  and 
plenty  of  game  fish  about,  this  is  a  lively  style  of  fishing ;  and 
though  it  lacks  the  nice  dexterity  of  the  light  rod  and  fine  tackle 
that  makes  bass  fishing  so  enticing,  it  has  the  merit  of  spreading 
over  a  good  deal  of  ground  and  putting  the  bait  a  great  distance 
from  the  boat. 

Fishing  through  the  ice  is  a  pastime  that  serves  to  vary  the  mo- 
notony of  a  long  and  dreary  winter,  and  when  the  ice  is  smooth 
and  in  good  condition  for  skating,  is  really  enjoyable.  With  a 
large  bright  fire  blazing  on  the  ice  near  at  hand,  and  the  body 
glowing  delightfully  with  vigorous  and  not  too  violent  exercise,  it 
is  exhilarating  sport  to  "  tend  "  the  scattered  tilts  and  tip-ups  when 
the  fish  bite  freely.  With  the  blood  in  freest  circulation,  one 
scarcely  feels  the  cold  of  the  freezing  water  on  his  hands,  and  when 
he  has  unhooked  his  fish  and  tossed  it  toward  the  stiff  and  rigid 
I'lle  already  caught,  he  cheerily  gives  his  arms  \  thresh  to  quicken 
the  warmth,  and  darts  away  to  obey  the  signal  'hat  another  fish 
has  struck.  When  the  day  is  calm  and  without  wind,  one  can  get 
as  much  amusement  out  of  this  pastime  as  he  ever  can  with  his 
salmon  rod  and  reel.  The  simplest  kind  ot  a  tilt  is  a  lath  or  nar- 
row piece  of  board,  with  a  hole  bored  through  one  end,  through 
which  a  round  stick  is  run  with  both  ends  resting  on  the  sides  of 
the  hole  in  the  ice.  The  line  and  bait  are  attached  to  the  short 
end  of  the  tilt,  and  when  the  fish  is  on  his  weight  tips  up  the 
longer  end  and  gives  the  signal  that  he  is  caught.  There  is  an 
improved  tilt  which  consists  of  an  upright  and  an  arm,  the  line 
passing  over  the  end  of  the  latter  down  into  the  water.  When  a 
fish  bites,  the  line  is  cast  off,  the  arm  falls,  and  at  the  same  time 


I 


292  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

automatically  hoists  a  little  signal  flag  on  the  upright.  Another 
contrivance  is  to  plant  supple  saplings  at  the  sides  of  the  fishing 
holes,  and  when  the  fish  is  on  he  is  detected  either  by  the  motion 
of  the  sapling  or  by  its  being  bent  low  by  dead  weight. 

Spearing  pike  in  winter  is  an  entertaining  pastime  much  in 
vogue.  By  inverting  a  sugar  hogshead  over  a  hole  already  cut  in  the 
ice,  one  can  see  plainly  the  minutest  pebble  on  the  bottom  twenty 
feet  below.  An  artificial  minnow  attached  10  a  yard  of  line  made 
fast  to  a  short  stick  serves  as  bait,  and  when  lowered  into  the  water 
through  the  hole,  and  skillfully  played,  attracts  the  fish  very  read- 
ily. As  the  fish  approaches  the  bait,  have  ready  a  spear,  and 
strike.  Practice  will  make  one  dexterous.  The  spear-head  should 
be  made  to  detach  itself  from  the  handle  when  the  fish  is  struck, 
the  same  being  held  by  a  line  to  which  it  is  fast,  instead  of  by 
the  handle,  so  that  the  fish  is  played  or  hauled  in  by  the  line  and 
not  by  the  handle,  the  latter  being  used  merely  to  effect  and  give 
force  to  the  blow.  The  line  to  which  the  spear-head  is  fastened, 
should  also  be  fast  to  the  handle,  and  should  not  be  less  than 
twenty  yards  in  length.  The  pike  should  not  be  confounded  with 
the  pickerel,  which  is  quite  a  different  species,  and  hardly  worth 
the  attention  of  the  angler.  It  can  readily  be  distinguished  from 
the  mascalonge  by  its  dental  system,  its  lower  jaw  being  filled  with 
teeth,  while  the  anterior  half  of  the  mascalonge  is  toothless. 
Spawns  in  spring.     Best  fishing  is  in  mid-summer. 

Pond  Pickerel. — Doree  (Canada)  ;  Esox  reticulatus. — Lesueur. 

The  common  pond  pickerel  thrives  wherever  he  can  get  a  foot- 
hold, and  is  found  in  nearly  all  the  ponds  and  streams  of  the  north 
that  have  not  been  jealously  guarded  against  his  intrusion.  He 
seldom  attains  the  weight  of  a  pound,  and  is  caught  very  readily 
with  a  red  ibis  fly  on  a  light  rod,  affording  a  very  fair  amount  of 
sport,  but  he  is  so  bony  and  so  small  that  he  is  hardly  worth  cook- 
ing when  caught.  His  back  is  of  a  greenish  grey,  sides  yellowish 
green,  reticulated  with  oblong  irregular  markings,  fins  of  a  deep 
yellow  or  red  color.     Spawns  in  March  and  April. 

In  Lake  Champlain  is  a  pickerel  that  seldom  exceeds  seven 
inches  in  length,  found  in  schools  in  great  numbers,  and  known  as 
E.  fasciatus ;    a  very  beautiful  fish    with  back    of  ohve  brown, 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES. 


293 


sides  deepening  to  yellow,  with  vertical  brown  stripes  on  its  sides  ; 
fins  light  yellow. 

THE    SALMONID^. 

Common  Speckled  Trout,  or  Brook  Trout. — Salmo /ontinaUs.—WA.c\i. 

Symmetrical  oblong  body  ;  back  broad,  with  dark  markings  on 
horn-colored  ground,  with  metallic  bluish  and  greenish  reflections 
in  fresh  specimens ;  sides  lighter,  merging  into  white  on  abdomen 
which  shows  reddish  in  spawning  season.  Upper  part  of  head  dark 
greenish  brown,  with  somewhat  obscure  mottlings  ;  red  vermillion 
dots  and  large  yellow  spots  in  vicinity  of  lateral  line.  The  pec- 
toral or  breast  fins  have  the  first  ray  yellow  or  the  second  black, 
the  rest  orange.  The  caudal  or  tail  fin  is  slightly  forked  in  the 
adult,  more  so  in  the  young,  is  reddish  with  parallel  dark  bands. 

The  range  of  this  well  known  and  much  valued  fish,  is 
strictly  between  the  parallels  of  latitude  50''  north  and  36"  south, 
though  it  has  been  taken  in  abundance  in  Labrador,  in  latitude 
54",  and  in  the  Apalachian  mountain  ranges  as  far  south  as  the 
northern  border  of  Georgia  and  South  Carolina.  Its  northwestern 
limit  is  northern  Minnesota,  and  it  is  not  caught  west  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi River  except  in  a  few  of  its  Minnesota  tributaries.  Speci- 
mens have  been  taken  that  weighed  seventeen  pounds.  The  lar- 
gest are  found  in  Maine  and  in  the  Nepigon  River,  on  the  north 
shore  of  Lake  Superior,  where  the  specimen  referred  to  was 
caught.  It  inhabits  large  lakes  and  the  smallest  ponds,  the  tiniest 
brooks  and  the  largest  rivers.  [  Vide  Nepigon,  which  has  a  length 
of  forty-five  I'liles  and  a  depth,  in  places,  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty  feet  or  more.]  Although  a  bold  biter,  it  is  a  wary  fish,  and 
often  requires  much  skill  to  capture  it.  It  can  be  caught  with  ar- 
tificial or  natural  flies,  minnows,  crickets,  grasshoppers,  grubs,  the 
spawn  of  other  fishes,  or  even  the  eyes  or  cut  pieces  of  other  trout. 
It  spawns  in  the  fall,  and  its  period  of  spawning  ranges  from  Sep- 
tember to  late  in  November.  It  begins  to  reproduce  its  kind  when 
it  is  two  years  old,  at  which  age  it  measures  some  six  inches  in 
length.  In  May  and  June  the  trout  delight  in  rapids  and  swiftly 
running  water,  and  in  the  hot  months  of  mid-summer  they  resort 
to  deep,  cool  and  shaded  pools.  In  August  and  September,  on 
'the  approach  of  the  spawning  season,  they  gather  around    the 


I 


294 


CAME  FISH   OF  A' OR  Til  AMERICA. 


mouth  of  cool  gravelly  brooks,  whither  they  resort  to  make  their 
beds. 

Their  haliits  change  with  their  age.  When  very  young  they 
play  a  great  deal  together,  usually  choosing  the  parts  of  the  brook 
which  have  a  muddy  bottom,  and  will  sometimes  if  startled,  sud- 
denly bury  themselves  in  the  mud.  This,  however,  does  not  often 
occur  ;  they  usually  make  for  the  first  little  projection  that  juts  out 
over  the  water,  and  there  hide  until  the  danger  is  over.  As  they 
grow  older  they  seem  to  dissolve  partnership  in  a  great  measure, 
and  every  one  chooses  his  own  particular  hiding  place,  the  larger 
trout  taking,  as  if  by  reason  of  their  superior  strength,  which  to 
all  appearance  is  understood  among  them,  the  deepest  holes  and 
largest  projecting  sods,  and  leaving  the  smaller  ones  for  their  less 
officious  kin.  The  older  they  grow  the  more  wary  they  become, 
and  therefore  it  requires  considerable  skill  to  catch  a  very  old 
trout.  A  worm  is,  generally  sparking,  the  best  bait  for  them, 
but  in  the  spring,  after  the  rains  that  usually  prevail  at  that  sea- 
son, which  wash  a  great  many  worms  and  insects  into  the  water, 
very  few  of  which  escape  their  observation,  they  bite  better  at  the 
more  tempting  bait  of  a  fly.  Instruction  in  trout  fishing  is  not 
easily  imparted.  It  must  be  acquired  chiefly  by  practice  and  ob- 
servation. The  knowledge  of  where  to  fish  is  moreover  fully  as 
essential  as  the  knowing  how  to  fish.  Some  study  of  entomology 
is  requisite  at  the  outset.  Some  acquaintance  with  the  creatures 
that  live  in  the  water,  under  the  water,  and  over  the  water,  and 
whose  habits  in  great  part  govern  or  control  the  movements  of 
the  fish.  We  are  to  know  that  certain  flies  deposit  their  eggs  on 
the  leaves  of  the  plants  that  overhang  the  streams  ;  that  such  and 
such  ephemera  launch  their  floating  boats  of  eggs  upon  the  water 
itself ;  that  certain  larvae  are  to  be  found  among  the  weeds  at  the 
bottom.  We  are  to  know  just  at  what  locality  upon  the  stream 
these  are  to  be  found,  and  at  what  month  of  the  year  they  will  de- 
velop into  active  life,  because  where  the  food  is  there  the  fish  do 
congregate.  This  knowledge  is  important,  for  it  enables  the 
angler  to  select  the  choice  places  for  his  casts,  and  prevents  waste 
of  time  in  testing  spots  where  success  is  improbable.  Into  this 
study  of  entomology  also  enters  all  the  minutiae  of  patterns  for 
artificial  flies,  and  the  selection  of  such  specimens  for  casts  as  will 


NORTHERN-  INLAND  FISHES. 


295 


correspond  in  a  great  degree  with  the  seasons  when  the  natural 
insect  is  abroad. 

If  in  addition  to  this  acquisition,  we  can  discern  the  face  of  the 
sky,  and  study  the  conditions  of  the  weather,  the  temperature  of 
the  air  and  water,  the  direction  of  the  wind  and  clouds,  the  character 
of  the  streams,  etc.,  we  can  reasonably  determine  where  to  fish. 

Observation  has  taught  us  that  warm,  sluggish  and  turbid  wa- 
ter is  not  the  home  of  the  salmonidae.  We  know  that  they  are 
less  liable  to  be  found  in  a  limestone  country  than  amid  a  granite 
formation.  We  find  that  fish  don't  bite  after  a  thunderstorm,  or 
after  a  flood  ;  that  after  a  heavy  rain  which  washes  unlimited  food 
into  the  stream,  trout  become  surfeited  and  indifferent  to  the 
angler's  lures  ;  that  the  fish  are  sluggish  on  cold,  raw  and  bluster)' 
days,  which  are  usually  accompanied  by  northerly  and  easterly 
winds  ;  that  it  is  no  time  to  fish  when  the  streams  are  filled  with 
snow  water  ;  that  trout  are  most  wary  when  the  sky  is  cloudless  ; 
that  windy  weather  is  unfavorable  for  casting  ;  that  the  fish  dwell 
chiefly  in  those  parts  of  the  stream  where  the  natural  current  car- 
ries the  surface  food  ;  that  the  biggest  fish  select  and  occupy  the 
best  places.  We  know,  moreover,  that  the  conditions  which  apply 
to  streams  do  not  apply  to  lakes  and  ponds,  and  the  rules  that 
govern  the  fishing  for  speckled  trout  do  not  apply  to  salmon  and 
other  varieties  of  the  salmo  family.  In  ponds  wa  must  fish  where 
we  find  the  coldest  water  supplied  by  bottom  springs  ;  in  deep 
channels,  which  are  frequently  indicated  by  the  growing  lily  pads  ; 
where  cold  brooks  chance  to  empty  themselves  into  the  main  body. 
We  do  not  fish  where  there  are  deposits  of  mud.  The  presence  of 
aquatic  plants  indicates  mud,  but  if  there  be  a  space  of  clear  water 
it  indicates  gravel  bottom  caused  by  the  flow  of  j,  current  which 
has  deposited  the  silt  and  vegetable  matter  on  either  hand,  just  as 
bottom  lands  on  large  rivers  are  formed.  Sometimes,  too,  we  find 
patches  of  a  succulent  vegetable  growth  on  the  bottom  swarming 
with  lar\'£e.  If  we  pull  up  a  handful  we  find  it  alive  with  the  food 
that  will  attract  the  fish  to  the  spot  which  the  experienced  angler 
will  instinctively  resort  to.  Neither  do  the  same  conditions  apply 
alike  to  all  ponds  and  streams  ;  for  which  reason  experience  can 
only  be  gained  by  fishing  over  a  great  number  of  localities  in  as 
many  different  sections  of  country. 


296  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

The  lesson  of  entomology  as  applied  to  the  angler's  purposes 
has  been  most  beautifully  taught  by  Miss  Sara  J.  McBride,  an 
accomplished  naturalist  of  Mumford,  New  York,  in  an  essay  once 
published  in  the  Forest  and  Stream  journal,  which  we  take  the 
liberty  to  transfer  to  these  pages  herewith  : 

"  There  is  a  large  order  of  insects  that  live  the  first  stages  of 
life  in  water,  where  for  weeks,  months,  in  some  instances  years, 
they  hide  under  stones ;  carve  an  abiding  place  in  submerged 
driftwood  ;  feed  on  decaying  vegetation  in  lazy  inert  masses  ;  bur- 
row in  the  earth  beneath  the  current ;  weave  together  bits  of 
wood,  gravel,  stones,  and  floating  debris,  forming  retreats  that 
surround  them  as  they  swim  or  daintily  walk  ;  spin  of  silken 
thread  individual  domiciles  that  they  rjuard  from  intruders  with 
the  valor  of  soldiers,  or  boldly  and  singly  dash  out  in  the  current 
swimming  with  agile  rapidity.  These  are  all  fish  food.  But  it  is 
only  when  they  assume  the  perfect  form,  when  they  cast  aside 
their  aquatic  nature,  and  with  gossamer  wings  float  in  the  air,  that 
they  are  of  interest  to  the  fly-fisher — as  he  seeks  to  deceive  the 
finny  iribe  with  their  imitations,  made  of  feathers,  tinsel  and 
mohair.  Insects  are  '^nfeebled  at  all  changes  in  their  life,  and  at 
rach  successive  moult  when  the  pupa  case  is  broken,  too  weak  to 
keep  gvi^rd,  they  fluuer  and  rest  on  the  water  an  instant  before 
flitting  away.  At  this  instant  many  are  seized  by  the  wary  fish. 
Insects  leave  the  water  mornings  and  evenings,  particularly  the 
latter,  rarely  at  midday,  never  during  rain  storms  or  heavy  winds. 
It  is  at  these  timos,  when  they  are  leaving  the  water,  their  imita- 
tions are  used  to  moiit  advantage.  It  is  that  insect  floating  off 
into  a  new  element  that  the  fish  are  watching  and  waiting  to  feed 
on.  At  other  times  you  may  cait  with  success  your  favorite 
'  brown  hackle  '  with  its  golden  ribs  and  steel  backbone — the 
bland  professor — the  modest  (:ueen  of  the  water,  or  the  grizzly 
king  with  his  grey  locks  and  flaming  sword.  Things  which  re- 
semble nothing  in  the  heavens  above,  the  earth  beneath,  or  the 
waters  under  the  earth :  why  fish  take  these,  whether  from 
curiosity,  or  by  way  of  dessert,  no  one  perhaps  will  ever  know,  not 
fully  understanding  the  nature  of  the  fish.  But  there  is  one  thing 
we  do  know,  that  when  the  countless  myriads  of  these  tiny  crea- 
tures are  entering  a  new  life  in  untried  regions,  the  favorite  flies 


NORTHER N  INLAND  FISHES. 


297 


will  be  thrown  in  vain.  The  fish  will  regard  with  contemplative 
incliffeience  every  other  lure  but  a  close  imitation  of  that  particular 
insect. 

"  One  evening  we  sat  on  the  bank  of  a  creek,  bug  net  in  hand, 
watching  the  trout  and  the  birds  of  the  air  feeding  on  a  neurop- 
terous  insect  that  is  constantly  repeating  the  cycle  of  its  life, 

'  As  yet  unknown  to  fame. 
And  guilUess  of  a  Latin  name.' 

The  stream  was  in  eddying  whirls  of  ripples  from  the  constant '  leap- 
ing '  of  the  trout.  Now  and  then  one  bolder  than  the  rest  would 
dash  out  of  the  water  its  ful)  length  to  seize  its  departing  prey, 
which  sometimes  escaped  to  become  a  precious  morsel  in  the 
mandibles  of  a  watching  bird.  Many  of  these  insects  would  float 
on  with  the  current,  never  able  to  unfold  their  soft  creamy  wings, 
and  become  easy  victims.  On  the  opposite  bank  was  an  angler. 
For  an  hour  in  patience  he  whipped  the  stream,  now  up,  now  down, 
with  '  red  hackles,'  •  white  hackles,'  '  bhck  hackles  ; '  he  changed 
fly  after  fly  in  vain.  At  length  he  folded  his  rod  and  passed  away 
among  the  shadows  of  the  night,  without  so  much  as  a  bite,  with- 
out so  mvch  as  a  chance  to  tell  of  the  big  fish  '  hooked '  but  lost. 
"  There  are  many  aquatic  insects  double  brooded,  or  under 
favorable  circumstances,  of  a  succession  of  broods.  Imitations 
of  such  can  be  used  throughout  the  summer  months.  There  are 
many  insects  that  do  not  breed  in  water,  yet  are  successful  baits. 
As  a  rule,  insects  that  appear  in  large  numbers,  whether  they 
belong  to  land  or  water,  are  the  proper  ones  for  imitation.  Soli- 
tary specimens,  although  dear  to  the  heart  of  an  entomologist,  are 
eyed  by  the  fish  with  haughty  indifference.  Water  is  a  great 
attraction  for  all  insect  tribes.  The  banks  of  streams  constitute 
the  favorite  hunting  ground  for  insect  collectors  where  they  com- 
pete with  the  fish,  those  practical  entomologists,  in  collecting. 
Some  insects  come  to  drink,  others  in  search  of  prey,  for  insects 
are  cannibals,  while  very  many  are  the  sport  of  the  winds.  It  is 
probably  the  bright  sheen  of  the  water  that  draws  the  fluttering 
moths  into  its  depths.  All  nocturnal  insects  have  a  strange  infat- 
uation for  glistening  light.  What  the  attraction  is  for  some  is 
beyond  the  ken  of  mortals.  A  Tipulidce  bibri  marct,  or  in  pisca- 
torial language,  the  hawthorn  fly,  an  insect,  whose  life  is  beneath 


298  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

the  surface  of  the  earth  eleven  months  of  every  year,  comes  crawl- 
ing, creeping  out  of  the  ground  pn  warm  June  /nornings  appareled 
in  new  livery.  After  resting  awhile  on  low  herbage,  all,  as  if 
guided  by  one  impulse,  fly  to  the  nearest  stream.  We  have  kept 
these  insects  fcr  weeks  in  confinement,  and  they  would  neither  eat 
nor  drink.  But  every  morning  for  h  >urs  they  congregate  over 
streams  ;  keeping  time  with  the  ripple  of  the  water,  they  hold  a 
May  dance ;  darting  hither  and  thither,  occasionally  touching  the 
water  to  go  down  with  the  current,  or  else  down  the  throat  of  a 
fish.  When  these  bright  creatures  are  holding  high  carnival 
above,  the  trout  positively  refuse  other  enticement.  The  larvae  of 
moths  is  a  favorite  fish  food,  and  consequently  successful  bait. 
Hibernating  larvae  are  drawn  from  their  retreats  in  warm  spring 
days,  and  continue  the  pilgrimage  they  commenced  the  previous 
fall.  In  their  wild  journeyings  on  and  on  before  spinning  the 
pupa  shroud,  they  fall  victims  in  attempting  to  cross  streams. 
Hairy  caterpillars  feeding  on  the  trees  are  blown  off  by  the  winds, 
or  their  silken  thread  is  broken,  as  they  hang  under  the  leaves  in 
shelter  from  the  rain.  Imitations  of  these  known  to  the  Ameri- 
can by  the  familiar  term  of  hackles,  and  to  the  accurate  inhabitant 
of  the  British  Isles  by  the  correct  name  of  palmers,  are  to  be  used 
after  winds  or  during  rain  storms  ;  also  that  compromise  between 
larvae  and  image  known  as  the  hackle  fly.  Bristling  with  feet 
its  entire  length,  and  graced  with  a  pair  of  wings,  it  offers  a  double 
attraction  to  the  fish.  No  bait  has  ever  been  used  that  has  given 
the  general  satisfaction  of  this  anomaly.  To  look  at  it  with 
the  eye  of  a  naturalist  one  doubts  the  wit  or  wisdom  of  the  fish 
that  takes  it,  and  concludes  there  are  comparative  degrees  of  sane- 
ness  beneath  the  ripple  of  the  wave.  It  is  a  common  remark  that 
fish  will  not  '  bite '  before  rain.  Some  have  accounted  for  it  by 
bringing  forward  that  common  scapegoat  for  all  unexplainable 
phenomena,  electricity.  I  can't  understand  why  fish  should  dread 
a  sprinkling  of  rain  drops.  The  reason  probably  is,  that  their  food 
is  never  offered  at  such  times.  The  natural  instinct  of  the  insect 
forbids  their  leaving  the  water  or  flying  abroad  if  rain  is  threaten- 
ing. The  spiracles  or  breathing  pores  are  situated  on  the  outside 
of  the  body  near  the  insertion  of  the  wings.  They  are  soon  clogged 
and  closed  up  by  the  water,  and  the   down  washed   from  their 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES, 


299 


bodies  ;  their  wings  draggle  and  become  powerless,  and  they 
suffocate  flying  in  mid  air.  This  is  the  reason  winged  insects  on 
touching  water  drown  so  easily.  Insects  do  not  invariably  appear 
at  the  same  times.  A  cold  spring  will  retard  their  development 
for  months,  while  an  unusually  warm  spring  or  summer  will  hasten 
their  appearance.  Insects  in  the  water  are  the  most  afflicted  by 
changes  of  temperature.  Any  guide  for  a  fly-fisher  would  be 
almost  useless  unless  this  important  point  is  remembered.  English 
works  can  never  become  positive  authorities  for  our  climate.  In- 
sects which  appear  there  in  vast  quantities  are  rare  here,  and  vice 
versa.  Some  that  are  single-brooded  there  are  double-brooded 
here.  Some  that  appear  there  in  one  month  visit  us  at  another, 
while  we  have  many  alluring  baits  here  that  the  classic  waters  of 
the  British  Isles  would  regard  with  bewildering  amazement."    ► 

In  fishing  with  worm  for  bait,  it  is  better  to  choose  a  still, 
cloudy  day  suggesting  rain,  as  the  fish  are  then  on  the  alert  for 
insects.  Begin  at  the  head  of  the  stream,  and  fish  down  stream, 
at  all  time?  keeping  well  back  from  the  bank.  Do  not  in  baiting 
your  hook,  merely  cover  the  point  of  your  hook  with  the  head  of 
the  worm,  but  put  on  the  whole  worm  running  the  hook  through 
him  in  three  or  four  places,  and  then  covering  the  point  of  the 
hook  with  the  head  of  the  worm.  It  is  considered  much  more 
sportsman-like  to  fish  with  a  fly,  as  it  requires  more  tact ;  but  there 
are  times  when  fish  will  not  bite  at  a  fly,  in  which  case  it  is  some 
sport,  although  less,  to  use  a  worm.  As  a  food  fish,  the  trout  is 
unsurpassed  almost,  the  flesh  being  exceedingly  firm  and  well- 
flavored. 


Blue-back  TsovT.—'Saitno  oquassa. — Girard. 

This  species  of  trout  is  peculiar  to  the  Rangeley  Lakes  of  Maine, 
so  far  as  is  known.  It  was  discovered  by  Girard  in  1852.  They 
are  never  seen  until  the  tenth  of  October,  when  they  swarm  the 
different  streams  in  countless  myriads.  They  remain  for  twenty 
days,  and  then  leave,  returning  the  following  year  at  almost  the 
exact  day,  and  always  to  the  same  place.  The  countrymen  gather 
them  by  bushels  and  barrels,  smoking  and  salting  them  for  home 
use.  They  never  vaiy  in  size  from  the  uniform  length  of  eight 
inches.    While  in  general  appearance  they  resemble  the  Salmo 


300  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

fontinalis,  an  examination  discovers  their  form  and  markings  to 
be  entirely  different.  Their  bacics  are  like  dark  blue  velvet  pile  ; 
sides  liljerally  sprinkled  with  vermilion  spots  from  gills  to  caudal 
fin.  There  is  no  silvery  halo  around  the  spots,  as  in  the  familiar 
brook  trout,  and  the  shoulders  are  very  narrow.  The  flesh  has  a 
yellowish  tinge,  and  is  of  not  as  fine  flavor  as  that  of  the  common 
trout.  The  best  accepted  authorities  declare  them  to  be  a  distinct 
species.  They  never  take  a  fly,  and  very  seldom  a  bait.  Prof. 
Milner  describes  their  specific  characteristics  as  follows  : 

"  The  type  of  form  in  -S*.  oquassa  is  much  more  slender,  with  a 
tendency  in  its  different  parts  to  prolongation  not  seen  in  brook 
trout.  Thus  the  length  of  the  fish,  compared  with  the  thickness, 
with  the  length  of  the  head,  the  thickness  of  the  head  to  the  length, 
the  pectoral  fin  prolonged  to  a  slender  point,  the  two  lobes  of  the 
caudal  extended  in  the  same  way,  showing  a  decided  furcation,  and 
the  opercular  bones  prolonged  into  a  more  acute  angle. 

"  On  the  contrary,  the  maxillary  bone  extends  much  less  far  back 
of  the  position  of  the  eye,  or  toward  the  hinder  end  or  hinge  of  the 
lower  jaw  in  the  Oquossac  trout. 

"  The  interopercular  bone  is  much  larger  in  S.  oquassa  and  the 
suboperculum  is  wider. 

'*  The  tail  in  Sabno  fontinalis  is  more  truncated  than  in  any 
species  it  is  likely  to  be  confounded  with.  The  drawings  show  a 
comparison  of  the  caudal  fin  when  spread  and  when  partially 
closed.  I  think  the  most  of  these  characters  will  be  found 
constant." 

ToGUE  ;  gray  trout ;  tuladi ;  lunge.— 5"a/wo  Zowta.— Hamlin. 

The  togue  abounds  in  the  great  lakes  at  the  sources  of  the  St, 
Croix  and  St.  John  Rivers,  deriving  one  of  its  local  names  from  the 
Tuladi  Lake  and  river,  where  it  is  extremely  plentiful.  It  is  found 
in  all  the  larger  lakes  of  New  Brunswick  and  in  very  many  of 
those  in  Maine  and  exceptionally  few  of  those  in  Nova  Scotia.  It 
inhabits  abundantly  the  Eagle  lakes,  at  the  head  of  Fish  River, 
the  St.  Francis  lakes,  from  which  flows  the  river  of  that  name, 
the  Matapediac  Lake  at  the  head  of  that  river.  Lake  Temiscouata, 
Lakes  Mpmphremagog  and  Brompton,  where  it  is  known  as  the 
"  lunge,"  the  Grand  lakes,  and  Cheputneticook  lakes  of  the  St. 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES. 


301 


Croix,  Loch  Lomond,  near  St.  John,  N.  B.,  etc..  etc.  It  grows  to  a 
great  size  and  weight,  attaining  as  high  as  forty-two  pounds.  It 
is  taken  by  troUing  with  a  spoon,  or  a  "gang  "of  hooks  baited 
with  minnow,  in  the  months  of  May  and  June,  and  later  by  deep 
trolling  at  a  depth  of  seventy  to  one  hundred  feet.  In  October  it 
can  also  be  taken  with  a  troll  when  it  resorts  to  sandy  or  pebbly 
bars,  at  the  outlets  of  the  lakes  to  spawn,  and  is  then  speared  in 
great  numbers.  Seth  Green,  in  a  carefully  prepared  paper  ad- 
dressed to  the  *'  Forest  and  Stream,"  has  given  the  follow- 
ing minute  directions  for  angling  for  these  fish,  which  methods 
.  apply  alike  to  other  (supposed)  varieties,  to  be  enumerated  here- 
after: 

"  They  are  taken  with  silver  and  brass  spoon  hooks,  by  leading 
the  line  so  that  the  spoon  runs  near  the  bottom.  But  they  are 
taken  sometimes  at  the  top  of  the  water  and  sometimes  half  way 
down  from  the  surface,  and  by  trolling  with  three  lines  at  one 
time — one  at  the  surface,  one  half  way  down  and  one  near  the 
bottom.  Another  way  is  to  anchor  a  buoy  out  in  deep  water  and 
cut  fish  in  pieces,  varying  in  size  from  a  hickory-nut  to  a  butter- 
nut, and  scattering  the  pieces  around  the  buoy  for  some  days  ; 
then  anchor  your  boat  to  the  buoy,  using  a  piece  of  the  same  kind 
of  bait  on  your  hook  that  you  had  been  in  the  habit  of  scattering 
around  ycai  buoy ;  fish  near  the  bottom  and  give  it  a  little  motion 
by  giving  your  line  short  jerks.  The  buoy  should  not  be  baited 
the  day  you  go  fishing. 

"  Another  way  is  to  have  a  rod  and  reel  and  four  or  five  hundred 
feet  of  fine  strong  line,  and  if  the  water  is  deep  put  a  lead  sinker 
weighing  three-quarters  of  a  pound  on  the  end  of  your  line,  and 
tie  a  single  gut  leader  twelve  feet  long  on  the  main  line  twelve 
feet  above  your  sinker.  For  hooks,  you  should  use  nine  number 
six  Limerick  hooks,  tied  three  together,  back  to  back,  so  that  they 
look  like  a  three-pronged  grappel.  Tie  them  on  a  single  gut  lead- 
er, about  two  and  one-half  inches  apart,  and  you  have  a  gang  of 
hooks  five  inches  long.  Put  two  very  small  brass  swivels  on  your 
leader.  Use  the  kind  of  small  fish  for  bait  that  the  trout  are 
used  to  eating  in  your  lake.  Hook  one  of  the  upper  hooks  through 
the  under  and  upper  jaw  so  that  his  mouth  will  be  closed.  Then 
hook  one  of  the  lower  hooks  through  the  back  near  the  tail  in  such 


302  GAAfE  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

a  manner  that  it  will  give  the  fish  a  curve  and  will  turn  around 
like  a  trollinpf-spoon  when  it  is  drawn  through  the  water.  The 
most  successful  fishermen  use  three  of  this  same  kind  of  rigs  in 
one  boat ;  they  fish  one  rig  near  the  top  with  a  light  sinker,  say 
four  ounces,  and  one  about  half  way  down  with  an  eight  ounce 
sinker  and  the  twelve  ounce  sinker  near  the  bottom.  This  is  the 
most  successful  rig  I  have  ever  used.  The  boat  should  be  rowed 
very  slow,  so  that  you  can  feel  the  bottom  with  the  heavy  sinker 
nearly  every  time  you  raise  it  up  and  let  it  down.  The  bait  should 
be  raised  up  and  down  by  a  gentle  motion,  set  the  other  two 
lines,  one  on  each  side  of  the  boat,  and  they  will  take  care  of 
themselves.  Live  fish  should  be  used  for  bait.  Some  do  not  use 
but  eight  hooks,  one  hook  for  the  upper  to  hook  in  the  minnow's 
mouth  and  one  to  hook  through  the  back  near  the  tail,  and  two 
sets  of  three  each  between  the  two  single  hooks. tied  about  one 
and  a  half  inches  apart.  Be  careful  and  keep  your  minnow  look- 
ing as  natural  as  possible.  Do  not  rub  any  more  scales  oflf  than 
you  can  help.  When  you  let  your  line  o'U  your  boat  should  be  in 
motion  to  keep  your  bait  from  twisting  around  the  main  line." 

Togue  are  extremely  voracious,  and  will  often  seize  the  bait 
repeatedly  after  having  been  insecurely  hooked.  The  young  fish 
rise  freely  to  trout  flies  in  rapid  water,  though  few  are  taken  in  this 
way  that  exceed  three  pounds  in  weight. 

When  in  perfect  condition  it  bears  a  close  resemblance  to  a 
full  grown  salmon,  though  it  is  more  chunky ;  lacking  its  symmet- 
rical lines.  A  rich  pearly  lustre  covers  the  ventral  regions,  deep- 
ening into  russet  toward  the  lateral  line  ;  above  which  the  color 
appears  of  a  deep  mottled  grey,  deepening  into  blue  or  purplish 
brown  on  the  back.  The  body  is  covered  with  spots  and  mark- 
ings of  a  lighter  sienna  color,  circular,  without  being  ocellate, 
varying  according  to  the  seasons  and  local  influences,  being  bright- 
er at  the  spawning  periods  than  at  other  times.  The  fins  are  of  a 
yellowish  or  orange  hue  below  ;  the  dorsal  of  a  dark  grey.  The 
tail  is  long,  broad,  and  deeply  forked  ;  the  flesh  of  a  pale  yellow. 
Its  form  indicates  great  strength  and  swiftness,  although  it  has  the 
reputation  of  being  slow  and  sluggish.  Its  jaws  and  tongue  are 
armed  with  conical  and  inflected  teeth. 

It  preys  extensively  on  eels  and  cyprinids,  and  nothing  that  it 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES. 


303 


can  swallow  seems  to  come  amiss.  It  is  often  found  gorged  with 
small  fish. 

When  boiled  it  is  an  excellent  dish,  though  lacking  in  high  fla- 
vor. The  points  of  difference  between  it  and  varieties  to  be  named 
subsequently,  are  such  that  best  authorities  are  divided  in  opinion 
as  to  whether  there  is  one  or  several  species.  As  regards  Lake 
Memphremagog  and  the  Brompton  Lakes,  the  problem  in  itself  is 
sufficiently  puzzling.  Here  the  grey  trout  are  locally  known  as 
"  lunge,"  having  been  adopted  from  the  .St.  Francis  Indians  who 
formerly  hunted  and  fished  around  these  lakes.  But  there  is  not 
only  one  variety  of  limge,  but  several,  and  these  are  known  as  the 
black  lunge,  the  silver  lunge  and  the  racer  lunge,  all  of  which  we  have 
seen,  and  are  able  to  vouch  for  their  striking  points  of  difference  in 
color  and  habits.  Mr.  N.  P.  Leach,  of  Montreal,  who  is  familiar 
with  Canadian  waters,  wrote  us  May  9th,  1876,  the  following  note 
in  reply  to  ours  asking  him  for  specific  information  on  this  in- 
teresting subject : 

*'  I  received  to-day  a  couple  of  lunge  from  Mr.  Hubbard,  of  the 
Parks  House,  Magog.  They  were  caught  in  the  lake  near  his 
hotel.  One  was  a  fine  specimen  of  the  dark  copper  or  black  lunge, 
the  other  was  a  small,  five-pound  silver  lunge.  The  black  lunge 
corresponds  to  the  minutest  particular  with  De  Kay's  Salmo  con- 
finis,  and  the  silver  lunge  answers  well  to  the  description  of  the 
Salmo  naymachiis  by  Richardson.  It  might  be  taken  for  the  Sal- 
mo adirondakus  nobis,  of  Nprris'  "  American  Angler's  Book,"  but 
that  the  Salmo  adirondakus,  if  described  accurately  in  Norris'  book, 
has  no  teeth  on  the  vomer,  while  the  specimen  before  me  has  quite 
a  number  of  teeth  there.  In  regard  to  classifying  the  different 
species  or  varieties  of  SalmonidcE  that  are  found  in  the  eastern 
township  waters,  I  know  of  no  one  that  has  done  this,  and  feel 
very  diffident  about  attempting  it  myself,  though  I  will  endeavor 
to  get  specimens  from  the  various  waters  there,  and  with  the  as- 
sistance of  Mr.  J.  Whiteaves  of  the  Natural  History  Society  here,  I 
will  prepare  an  article  for  you." 

We  regret  to  say  that  we  have  waited  in  vain  for  the  light 
which  we  anticipated  Mr.  Whiteaves  would  shed,  and  our  readers 
are  by  so  much  the  losers.  We  can  add  nothing  more  to  the  above. 
In  addition  to  these  apparent  varieties,  there  is  still  another  in 


304  CAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Lake  Massivvippi,  in  the  Province  of  Quebec,  some  forty  miles  dis- 
tant, called  the  black  salmon.  We  believe  however,  that  the  char- 
acteristics of  the  several  varieties  named  are  less  positive  than 
those  that  distinguish  the  Sal/no  fontinalis  from  the  S,  immacu- 

Salmon  Trout  j  lake  trout ;  red  trout ;  lake  salmon. — Salmo  confinis, — De  Kay. 

Salmo  adirondakus. — Norris.        , 

This  trout  undoubtedly  possesses  characteristics  (specific.'*) 
and  habits  very  different  from  the  togue  or  grey  trout  of  Maine 
and  New  Brunswick.  It  does  not  attain  the  immense  size  of  the 
togue,  its  average  weight  being  scarcely  more  than  six  pounds, 
though  we  have  ourselves  seen  a  specimen  that  weighed  sixteen 
pounds,  and  heard  of  others  that  would  hold  several  pounds  over 
this.  Its  natural  habitat  is  the  lakes  of  New  York  State  and  the 
adjoining  waters  of  Pennsylvania  and  Canada,  though  much  re- 
stricted in  the  first-named ;  and  were  not  found  outside  thereof 
until  their  comparatively  very  recent  distribution  by  Fish  Commis- 
sioners throughout  the  clear  and  cold  waters  of  nearly  all  the 
Northern  States.  Both  this  fish  and  the  Salmo  tiamaycush  or 
Mackinaw  trout  of  the  Great  Lakes  are  thus  employed  for  propaga- 
tion with  equal  success.  The  salmon  trout  is  now  becoming  well- 
known,  and  will  doubtless  hereafter  occupy  and  thrive  in  most  of 
the  waters  where  it  has  been  placed  and  adopted.  It  takes  the 
troll  readily  in  June,  and  is  often  caught  with  fly  at  the  outlets  of 
the  Adirondack  lakes,  notably  at  Bartlett's  dam,  outlet  of  the  Lower 
Saranac.  In  Hamilton  County  it  is  known  as  the  Red  Trout,  which 
latter,  at  a  period  not  remote,  was  supposed  to  be  a  distinct  variety 
of  trout,  its  markings  being  different  in  many  respects, — its  drab 
color  tinged  with  pink,  and  its  spots  smaller  and  of  a  deeper  orange. 
There  are  marked  peculiarities  of  the  lake  trout  in  other  waters  of 
New  York  than  these ;  as  for  instance,  in  Seneca  Lake  they  will 
not  take  troll  or  fly,  but  in  Crooked  Lake,  immediately  adjoining  it, 
they  are  constantly  taken  with  the  hook.  In  Lakes  Winnipissiogee 
and  Monadnock,  in  New  Hampshire,  there  is  a  trout  so  different 
from  other  recognized  species  that  its  individuality  is  admitted  by 
scientists.  It  is  known  as  the  Salmo  symmetrica.  Its  form  is 
slender,  symmetrical ;  that  of  the  confinis  is  thicker  and  shorter. 


NORTHERN'  INLAND  FISHES. 


305 


There  is  a  marked  difference  in  the  dental  systems,  and  in  the 
colors  of  body  and  fins.  The  confinis,  when  first  caught,  is  of  a 
bluish-black  on  sides  and  body  ;  white  below ;  sides  of  head  and 
body,  base  of  first  dorsal,  caudal  and  anal  fins  crowded  with  nu- 
merous rounded,  irregular  grey  spots.  The  symmetrica  is  light  to 
dark  brown  on  back  and  head  ;  sides  dark  grey  above  lateral  line, 
and  light  salmon  below  ;  pectoral  and  ventrals  grey.  The  whole 
fish,  including  fins,  is  thickly  sprinkled  with  small  circular  spots  of 
a  drab  color  on  sides,  olive  on  back  approaching  to  liglit  salmon 
below.  They  are  caught  in  great  abundance  with  the  hook  in 
winter,  through  the  ice,  and  are  highly  esteemed  for  the  table.  It 
is  hardly  worth  while  in  this  work,  to  educe  argiunents  to  convince 
the  skeptical ;  our  readers  will  not  care  much  whether  there  is  one 
species  or  a  dozen,  if  so  be  that  they  only  bite  well. 


Landlocked  Salmon  ;  wininnish,  or  ouininnish  ;  Sebago  Trout. — Salmo  sebago : 

the  young  fish  glcveri. — Girard. 

Much  needless  speculation  has  been  indulged  in  during  the 
past  twenty  years,  and  much  discussion  excited,  as  to  whether  this 
fish  was  a  true  salmon,  which  having  been  to  the  sea,  preferred 
not  to  go  there  ;  or  that,  being  a  true  salmon,  and  debarred  from 
the  sea,  he  chose  like  a  sensible  fellow  to  content  himself  in  fresh 
water ;  or  that  by  some  mischances,  he  had  become  "  degene- 
rate '  in  size,  beauty,  and  succulency,  and  unworthy  of  his  regal 
progenitors  ;  or  whether  he  was  not,  after  all,  truly  a  variety  of 
lake  trout.  So  much  speculation,  we  repeat,  has  been  indulged  in, 
that  it  would  be  a  waste  of  our  space  to  review  the  pros  and  cons 
of  the  argument,  suffice  to  say  that  one  most  excellent  authority. 
Dr.  A.  C.  Hamlin,  pronounces  it  identical  with  the  sea  salmon, 
and  exhibiting  no  radical  differences,  except  in  the  one  peculiarity 
that  it  does  not  go  to  salt  water.  The  bony  structure  and  its  fin 
system  are  precisely  the  same  as  those  of  salmo  salar.  Therefore 
we  are  at  liberty  to  call  it  a  salmon.  ; 

And  yet,  if  we  examine  its  fin  system  and  compare  it  with  that 
of  the  togue,  we  find  that  the  two  formulas  vary  but  slightly  : 
which  see : 

Landlocked  salmon — Br.  12;  P.  15;  V.  9;  A.  10  ;  D.  12;  C. 
19.    Togue  Br.  12;  P.  12-13;  V.  9;  A.  11-12  ;  D.  13;  C.  19. 


306  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Now,  as  greater  variations  are  found  in  lake  trout  which  are  de- 
clared to  be  identical  species,  we  are  equally  at  liberty  to  call  the 
Salmo  sebago  a  lake  trout,  or  "sebago  trout,"  as  some  name  it. 
We  leave  it  to  those  who  pay  their  money,  to  take  their  choice, 
and  herewith  dismiss  the  subject.  Either  conclusion  is  favored  by 
the  facts  of  its  biographical  history.  Within  two  years  we  have 
taken  this  fish  in  Canada  where  there  were  no  obstructions  to 
its  passage  to  the  sea ;  and  twenty-five  years  ago  we  took  the 
same  fish  in  Maine,  where  obstructions  did  not  then  exist,  but  now 
do.  The  argument  as  to  its  involuntary  restriction  to  fresh  water 
therefore  has  no  weight.  It  would  not  go  to  the  sea  if  it  could  ; 
it  will  not  when  it  can. 

While  its  localities  are  strangely  circumscribed,  its  geographi- 
cal area  or  habitat  is  certainly  not  very  limited.  It  is  found  in 
Loch  Lomond,  New  Brunswick ;  in  the  Grand  Lakes  of  the  St. 
Croix  River,  in  Union  River,  and  in  Sebago  Lake,  in  the  southern 
part  of  Maine  ;  in  the  Sebec  Lake  and  Reed's  Pond,  near  Ellsworth, 
in  Central  Maine  ;  in  the  Stony  Lake  Chain,  Peterborough  County, 
Ontario,  Canada,  some  eighty  miles  north  of  Lake  Ontario  ;  and  in 
Lake  St.  John,  headwaters  of  the  Saguenay,  Province  of  Quebec, 
where  it  is  locally  known  as  the  Wininnish  or  Ouininnish.  It  will 
thus  be  seen  that  its  range  extends  over  a  territory  of  some  three 
hundred  miles  square,  in  which  the  conditions  of  its  existence  vary 
very  much.  To  particularize  :  In  the  Maine  and  New  Brunswick 
waters  its  passage  to  the  salt  water  is  obstructed  by  dams  ;  in 
Ontario,  Canada,  it  has  indirect  but  free  access  to  the  sea  via  Lake 
Ontario  and  the  St.  Lawrence  River ;  and  in  the  Saguenay  it  has 
short,  easy,  and  direct  access  to  salt  water,  without  any  obstruc- 
tion whatever.      '  • 

As  to  size,  the  landlocked  salmon  vary.  In  most  of  the  Maine 
lakes  they  run  from  two  to  four  or  five  pounds,  sometimes,  how- 
ever, being  taken  weighing  from  ten  to  fifteen  pounds.  The 
Sebago  fish,  however,  is  much  larger,  the  mature  fish  averaging 
perhaps  six  to  eight  pounds.  In  the  upper  Saguenay  they  run 
about  four  pounds  average,  and  seldom  exceed  seven  pounds, 
while  in  the  Stony  Lake  region,  in  Ontario,  we  have  seen  specimens 
as  heavy  as  twenty  pounds,  a  photograph  of  which  is  in  our  pos- 
session.    They  are  invariably  taken  in  the  swift  current  below  the 


-      NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  307 

u:  "\s  or  rapids,  as  soon  as  ever  the  ice  breaks  up  in  spring.  We 
have  seen  a  Sebec  specimen  caught  April  twenty-first.  The  Stony 
Lake  and  St.  Croix  fishing  is  best  in  May ;  while  in  the  Saguenay 
it  is  at  its  prime  in  the  middle  of  June.  In  the  autumn  they  again 
pass  up  the  rivers  and  are  taken  with  the  fly ;  remaining  in  the 
clear  streams  until  the  spawning  season  is  passed,  or  until  Novem- 
ber. While  the  landlocked  salmon  is  as  capricious  as  others  of 
the  Salmonidae,  there  are  some  patterns  of  artificial  flies  that  seem 
to  suit  it  best,  viz. ;  a  deep  yellow  fly,  both  body  and  wings  ;  a  fly 
with  black  wings  and  yellow  body  ;  a  grey  fly  ;  a  red  body  and  grey 
hackle  ;  brown  wings  and  black  body  ;  these  are  the  best  colors, 
the  yellow  and  black  prevailing.  '•' 

.  :  As  a  game  fish,  it  is  hardly  equalled  except  by  the  true  salmon. 
Its  strength  and  agility  are  surprising.  When  hooked  it  will  fre- 
quently make  a  succession  of  leaps,  two  or  three  feet  clear  of  the 
water.  When  the  evening  is  calm  and  tranquil,  after  a  warm  day 
or  a  stormy  period,  it  is  the  best  time  to  cast  the  fly.  At  this  hour 
the  fish  emerge  from  their  cool  places  of  concealment,  where  re- 
pose has  sharpened  their  appetites,  and  they  pursue  with  avidity 
the  insects  that  sport  near  the  surface  of  the  stream,  or  the  little 
minnows  which  venture  from  their  safe  places  on  the  shallows. 

The  differences  in  color  between  the  lake  and  migratory  salmon 
are  not  great,  and  color  is  not  regarded  as  of  any  importance  in 
relation  to  specific  character.  The  sea  salmon  has  a  more  silvery 
lustre.  Colorings  depend  upon  f  od  and  locality,  as  well  as  upon 
age,  season  and  the  purity  of  the  water.  The  young  landlocked 
salmon,  termed  salmo  gloveri,  have  a  few  small  reddish  orange 
dots  in  the  middle  of  the  black  spots,  which  are  wanting  in  the 
adults. 

For  some  time  the  wininnish  was  regarded  as  a  distinct  variety 
of  fish.  Upon  this  point  the  following  letter  will  be  considered 
conclusive :  ...;>•.        -> 

'■  •    '•  Calais,  Me.,  Sept.  8th,  1875. 

Chas.  Hallock,  Esq  : 

I  have  compared  the  wininnish  of  the  Saguenay  with  the  land- 
locked salmon  of  Maine,  salmo  glover i,  and  think  them  the  same. 
Some  years  ago,  some  of  the  Saguenay  fish  were  sent  to  Cam- 
bridge. Prof.  Agassiz,  Mr.  Putnam  and  myself  compared  them, 
and  Agassiz  thought  them  the  same.    I  have  no  doubt  that  the 


308  'GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

salmo gloveri \'&  quite  common  inmost  of  the  rivers  about  the  Bay 
of  Fundy,  as  well  as  along  the  State  of  Maine,  and  when  taken 
have  been  called  the  young  of  the  sea  salmon.  Unless  you  have 
both  to  compare,  it  is  not  easy  to  tell  the  difference.  They  have 
been  examined  as  to  all  their  measurements  so  scientifically,  their 
markings,  etc.,  which  I  have  no  doubt  you  have  seen,  that  it  is  not 
hard  t(>  tell  the  S.gliyveri  from  the  true  salmon.  The  number  of 
vertebrae  differ — fifty-nine  in  the  salmon  to  fifty-seven  in  ^.glmieri, 
a  double  row  of  small  teeth  in  the  vomer  of  the  young  salmon,  a 
single  row  in  the  smolt  o{\\\& gloi'eri.  Some  of  our  English  fish- 
ermen thought  our  fish  the  same  as  the  European  S.  tru'fa  and 
S.  cambricas.  Some  specimens  were  sent  to  Dr.  Guenther,  .  .  R.  S., 
of  England,  who  pronounced  them  different,  and  nothing  to  do 
with  the  sea  salmon.  I  do  not  understand  how  they  ever  got  the 
name  landlocked  salmon,  as  they  always  had  access  to  the  sea, 
and  in  my  boy  days  S.glaueri  was  common  to  the  tide  waters,  and 
more  often  taken  as  far  down  as  there  were  fish  weiis.  They 
have  been  identified  in  several  of  our  Maine  rivers,  also  in  Loch 
Lomond  and  Mespeck,  N.  B.,  in  Nova  Scotia,  in  St.  John's  Lake, 
Grand  Lake,  Salmon  River,  and  Pockwock  Lake,  and  I  have  no 
doubt  it  will  be  found  in  many  of  the  rivers  of  clear  water  coming 
into  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  when  caught  are  called  young  salmon. 
I  have  seen  specimens  of  5.  glovcri  caught  on  our  rivers  that 
weighed  ten  to  twelve  pounds.  The  large  fish  seldom  take  fly  or 
bait,  but  keep  in  the  deep  water. 

Geo.  a.  Boardman. 

Grayling  ;  Spearing. —  Thytnallus  on/ariensis.—Cuv.  and  Val. 

Specimens  of  this  fish  have  been  taken  from  waters  adjacent 
to  Lake  Ontario  ;  in  a  stream  near  Quebec,  where  it  has  the  local 
name  of  "  spearing ;  "  in  Vermont,  near  the  Derby  line ;  and  in  a 
stream  at  the  head-waters  of  the  Penobscot  River  in  Maine.  The 
identity  of  this  fish,  which  some  have  doubted,  can  be  readily  au- 
thenticated. Its  habits  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  Western 
grayling  elsewhere  described.  -  '  .?,  . ;  . '  ■■*<■; 
,     ;.  ■  :     :     ■-.•■.  .--■     -■-,-.;•.  1  >:i  :^.:.'  ■  ■■'  ■?   .-■.;  '      "  ■'  ■' 

Whitefish  ;  Gizzard  fish ;  ShtiA.—Ctn-fgvftus  ^adradort'cus.—Rich&Tdsoa. 

This  fish  is  taken  in  the  St.  Lawrence  River,  and  much  re- 
sembles the  C.  albus.  The  two  species  are  widely  distributed 
throughout  Canada  and  the  Northern  States,  varying  considerably 
in  size  and  shape  in  different  waters,  and  differing  in  quality  of 
their  flesh.  They  are  found  in  Lakes  Ontario,  Erie  and  Champlain, 
in  the  Adirondack  lakes  and  the  interior  lakes  of  New  York  ;  in- 


•     NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  309 

deed,  they  are  said  to  inhabit  all  the  interior  lakes  of  America  from 
Lake  Erie  to  the  Arctic  Sea.  The  whitefish  abounds  in  all  the 
Eagle  Lakes,  at  the  head  of  Fish  River,  in  Maine,  which  is  a  tribu- 
tary of  the  St.  John  ;  in  the  St.  Francis  Lakes,  at  the  stream's  head  ; 
in  Lake  Temiscouata,  in  Canada  (P.  Q.) ;  and  in  the  Madavvaska, 
Restigoucheand  various  other  rivers,  where  it  is  netted  and  speared 
by  the  Indians.  It  is  known  to  the  Canadian  vcyageurs  as  the 
"  gizzard  fish,"  its  stomach  much  resembling  the  gizzard  of  a  fowl. 
Charles  Lanman,  Esq.,  of  Georgetown,  D.  C,  has  published  an 
interesting  paper  on  the  whitefish  of  Maine  and  New  Brunswick, 
describing  their  habits,  in  which  he  speaks  of  having  frequently 
taken  them  with  rod  and  line  ;  as  has  also  the  writer  of  this  paper. 
They  are  most  abundant  in  July  and  the  first  part  of  August,  and 
are  then  often  taken  in  Lake  Champiain  with  a  natural  fly,  locally 
known  as  the  shad-fly,  the  fish  themselves  being  called  shad  by 
many  persons.  They  spawn  in  October.  In  Chateaugay  Lake  they 
hcive  been  taken  with  the  red  ibis  fly,  and  in  Seneca  Lake  are  often 
taken  on  set  lines.  In  other  waters  they  are  taken  with  minnow 
in  the  fall  on  shoals  where  they  congregate  to  spawn  in  company 
with  the  lake  herrings. 

Otsego  Bass  ;  Otsego  Shad-Salmon. — Coregonus  otsego. — De  Kay. 

Although  called  a  bass,  this  is  a  true  whitefish.  It  belongs  to 
the  family  salmonid^e,  and  not  to  the  family  percidae.  Locally  it 
is  known  as  the  shad-salmon.  We  append  the  following  descrip- 
tion from  De  Witt  Clinton  : 

"Body  elongate,  subcylindrical  compressed;  back  arched; 
scales  very  small ;  lateral  line  distinct,  straight.  Mouth  small,  with 
a  protuberant  bifid  upper  lip.  No  teeth  in  the  niaxillaries,  intermax- 
illaries,  vomer,  palatines  or  pharyngeals.  Dorsal  fin  with  nine  (,?) 
rays,  three  of  which  are  imperfect,  adipose,  filamentous  at  the  tip, 
caudal  forked.  Color.  Dusky  above  the  lateral  line  ;  silvery  be- 
neath it.  Dusky  lateral  stripes,  as  in  the  Labrnx  lincatus,  or 
striped  bass  ;  these  are  about  six  or  eight  in  number.  Pupils  black  ; 
irides  silvery,  opercles  silvery,  spotted  with  yellow.  It  spawns  in 
autumn."  The  small  moutlied  black  bass,  (Micropterus  salmoi- 
des,  Gill)  does  not  fill  this  bill  at  all,  although  there  is  great  liability 
to  confound  it  with  the  Otsego  bass,  from  the  fact  that  it  is  itself 


310  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

locally  known  as  the  Oswego  bass, — between  which  two  proper 
names  there  is  quite  a  similarity.  While  the  Oswego  bass,  or 
black  bass,  is  a  voracious  feeder  and  ravenous  biter  at  the  hook, 
the  Otsego  bass  scarcely  ever  takes  the  hook.  It  appears  to  be  pe- 
culiar to  the  Otsego  Lake,  just  as  the  trout  of  Winnipisseogee  Lake 
are  peculiar  to  its  waters.  It  has  been  taken  in  seines,  by  several 
thousands  at  a  time,  but  was  rapidly  decreasing  in  numbers  until 
the  year  1871,  when  the  Fish  Commissioners  began  their  artificial 
propagation  and  the  restocking  of  the  lake. 

MICROSTOMID^. 

Smelts. — Osmerus  mordax. — Gill. 

The  fresh  water  Smelts  found  in  Nova  Scotia  and  New  Bruns- 
wick rivers,  in  certain  portions  of  Lake  Champlain,  and  in  New 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  and  possibly  many  other  places,  are 
identical  with  the  sea  smelts,  having  been  introduced  into  fresh  wa- 
ters and  acclimated  there.  It  is  said  that  Jamaica  Pond,  in  Massa- 
chusetts, was  stocked  with  them  as  long  ago  as  the  close  of  the  last 
century.  They  take  the  hook  freely  in  February  and  March,  and 
afford  lively  play  for  light  tackle.  The  smelts  of  the  Raritan,  Pas- 
saic, and  Delaware  Rivers  are  believed  to  be  identical  with  their 
more  northern  congeners,  while  the  Potomac  smelts  found  in  the 
Washington  markets  are  the  Hybognathus  regius.  ■■.    .  . 

Recent  attempts  have  been  made  by  the  Maryland  Fish  Com- 
missioners to  propagate  smelts  artificially.  ,;  .,    . 

■     •  :  CLUPEIDyE.  v.-  ,. 

Lake  Herring  ;  Bowl'morMxidfis]!.— A  mia  occiWefUit/is.—Dei  K&y. 

The  Bowlin  or  Mudfish,  found  in  the  sluggish  marshy  streams 
of  Vermont,  and  identical  with  the  dog-fish,  mud-fish  or  lake 
lawyer  (amia  ocellicauda)  of  Lake  Huron,  Lake  Pepin,  and  other 
Western  waters.  The  only  other  known  species  is  the  amia  calva 
of  De  Kay,  found  in  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario.  It  is  a  worthless, 
voracious  fish,  and  is  caught  in  the  summer  and  early  fall  with 
frogs,  minnows,  alive  or  dead,  and  the  trolling  spoon.  He  often 
attains  a  weight  of  twelve  pounds.     [See  Western  Inland  Fishes.] 


NORTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  3II 

Lake  Herriug.— A  rgyrosomus  c!u/et/brmis  (Mitchell,)  and^.  harengus  (Rich). 

These  fish  are  very  numerous  in  the  shoaler  waters  of  Lake 
Erie  and  the  western  lakes,  and  very  much  resemble  the  salt  water 
herring  in  size,  form  and  color.  They  seldom  attain  a  weight  of 
two  pounds.  They  are  not  especially  sought  by  the  angler,  although 
we  have  caught  them  with  minnows,  when  fishing  for  black  bass. 
Insects  are  the  best  bait,  however.  They  are  found  in  more  or  less 
abundance  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  though  they  swarm  in  greatest 
numbers  about  the  middle  of  November,  which  is  their  spawning 
season.  They  are  not  a  favorite  fish  in  the  market,  being  rather 
deficient  in  qualities  as  a  fresh  or  salted  fish  ;  but  when  slightly 
pickled  in  brine,  and  exposed  to  the  smoke  of  a  hot  fire  for  a  short 
time,  make  most  delicious  food. 

Lake  Sheepshead  ;  white  perch  of  the  lakes  ;  grunter ;  drum.— 0>rw/«a  oscula. 
— De  Kay. — Haploidonotus  grunniens. — Raf. 

This  fish  is  found  in  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario,  in  Onondaga 
Lake,  and  other  interior  lakes  of  New  York.  It  feeds  on  many 
of  the  fresh  water  shell  fish,  and  takes  the  hook  with  freedom,  but 
is  a  dry  and  tasteless  fish,  and  not  esteemed  for  the  table.  It  oc- 
curs also  in  Ohio  and  in  southwestern  waters.  Length  a  foot  to 
eighteen  inches ;  weight  three  to  six  pounds.  Its  shape  is  some- 
thing like  that  of  the  salt  water  sheepshead,  but  it  belongs  to  quite 
a  different  family.  Color  grey  on  the  back,  and  greyish  white 
below. 


r     V.,'. 


;    -1   .;■■  iL,»  ' 


FISHES  OF  THE  WEST. 
,  '  PERCID^. 

Black  Bass. — Micropterus  nigricans.    Gill- 

WE  believe  that  this  is  the  only  variety  of  black  bass  in  the 
western  waters,  the  M.  salmotdes  not  appearing.  [For 
description  see  Northern  Inland  Fishes.]  This  fish  is  eminently 
the  game  ^\s\\ par  excellence  of  western  waters,  and  is  there  angled 
for  with  an  ardor  and  a  keen  perception  of  the  savoir  faire  not 
recognized  at  the  east.  Not  only  in  knowledge  of  his  habits,  in 
skillful  handling  of  the  fish,  but  in  the  use  of  tackle  and  methods 
of  fish.iig,  do  the  anglers  of  the  west  excel.  They  wade  from 
shore  out  upon  the  sand  bars,  fishing  with  fly  or  bait ;  they  troll 
with  the  spoon  or  minnow  ;  they  still-fish  from  boat  and  bank ; 
and  indeed  use  every  device  imaginable  to  lure  the  fish  and  increase 
their  sport.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  season,  wading  the  bars  is 
much  in  vogue.  Dr.  Estes  says  :  "  I  much  prefer  to  fish  with  the 
fly  from  the  shore  or  by  wading  the  bars.  I  make  my  own  flies, 
of  which  I  have  a  great  variety.  Bass  are  not  as  particular  in  their 
selection  as  trout.  I  do  not  remember  that  I  ever  tried  a  fly  that 
bass  would  not  take.  If  the  waters  are  very  clear,  most  any  brown 
or  even  very  dark  fly  will  answer.  If  the  water  is  turbid,  or  the 
waves  very  high,  I  then  prefer  a  more  gaudy  fly.  I  use  my  trout 
bait  rod  ;  it  is  of  the  very  best  timber,  light,  but  very  springy.  I 
rig  my  cast  precisely  as  for  trout,  except  my  leader  is  made  of  the 
largest  and  strongest  gut,  always  using  three  flies  to  a  cast.  Well 
supplied  with  a  good  number  and  variety  of  flies,  with  plenty  of 
other  extra  tackle,  and  also  a  strong  cord  six  or  eight  feet  long,  on 
which  to  string  my  fish,  I  commence  business  by  casting  right, 
left  and  ahead  over  the  bars.  Sometimes  these  bars  are  of  great 
extent,  and  will  give  one  some  wading  before  he  finds  his  fish. 
But  the  bottom  is  clean  hard  packed  sand,  so  that  the  wading  is 


FISHES  OF   THE    WEST.  313 

neither  difficult  nor  unpleasant.  Sometimes  you  are  so  far  out  that  to 
tow  ashore  and  land  every  fish,  although  giving  good  sport,  would 
consume  too  much  time.  In  this  case  I  tie  the  cord  somewhere 
to  my  body,  string  my  fish  on  this  as  I  catch  them,  and  stand  my 
ground  so  long  as  a  fish  is  to  be  taken.  In  this  way  one  will  clear 
the  whole  school.  Only  once  did  I  succeed  in  securing  three  at 
one  cast ;  these  weighed  ten  and  three-quarter  pounds.  Many 
times  I  have  taken  two  at  one  time,  and  if  the  fish  are  plenty  and 
feeding  well,  this  can  be  done  in  almost  every  case  by  playing  well 
the  first  one  hooked  until  another  bites.  When  the  second  is  on  I 
try  to  prevent  another  from  striking  the  third  fly.  Three  black 
bass  are  too  much  for  light  tackle,  and  something  will  be  sure  to 
give  way."  1  ' 

For  trolling,  the  necessary  tackle  consists  of  a  strong  hand  line 
of  linen  or  cotton,  and  from  twenty-five  to  seventy-five  yards  long ; 
a  medium  sized  swivel,  and  a  spoon  hook,  or  one  of  the  multitu- 
dinous array  of  spinning  baits,  trolling  spoons,  propellers,  etc., 
with  the  usual  accompaniments  of  red  and  white  feathers  and 
group  of  hooks  so  extensively  advertised  throughout  the  land. 
The  ordinary,  original  tin  or  brass  spoon,  with  single  hook  soldered 
on  with  a  swivel,  will  be  found  to  be  equal  to  if  not  better  than  any 
of  the  later  inventions ;  the  single  hook  is  certainly  far  superior  to 
the  group  of  two  or  three  hooks  usually  found  on  the  so-called  im- 
proved trolling  baits.  Early  in  the  season,  before  the  weeds  are 
fully  grown,  this  style  of  fishing  is  very  successful.  The  method 
is  equally  as  simple.  The  angler  sits  in  the  stern  of  the  boat,  and 
while  the  oarsman  propels  the  boat  along  and  over  the  feeding 
grounds,  the  angler  lets  out  forty  or  fifty  yards  of  line,  and  the 
spoon,  revolving  gracefully  beneath  the  surface  of  the  water,  proves 
an  effective  lure.  The  angler  now  has  nothing  to  do  but  to  hold 
the  line  and  wait,  Micawber-like,  for  something  to  turn  up,  when 
finally  a  bass  "  hooks  himself."  He  is  hauled  in,  hand  over  hand, 
and  the  deluded  victim  deposited  in  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  and  so  on 
ad  infinitum.  Small  spoons  are  the  best  in  the  absence  of  a  spoon 
hook  ;  the  floor  of  the  mouth  of  the  pickerel  cut  into  the  semblance 
of  a  fish,  is  tough,  white,  and  glistening,  and  is  a  capital  bait ;  a 
similar  bait  cut  from  the  belly  of  the  dogfish  also  answers  a  good 
purpose. 

.       14 


/ 


314  GAME  FISH   OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Still-fishing  is  generally  clone  from  an  anchored  boat.  It  is  a 
very  popular  method,  and  is  the  one  generally  practiced  by  the 
average  angler  of  the  Northwest.  The  finer  and  more  delicate  the 
tackle  employed,  the  greater  will  be  the  sport  experienced  ;  but  as 
a  rule  still-fishers  use  clumsy  tackle.  The  angler  should  provide 
himself  with  a  suitable  rod  and  reel,  and  fifty  yards  of  approved 
line,  together  with  hooks,  swivels,  sinkers,  landing  net  and  bait ; 
the  latter  should  be  minnows  or  crayfish.  Minnows  are  far  the 
best,  and  if  shiners,  are  the  very  best  bait  that  can  be  used.  Chub 
come  next,  and  small  yellow  perch  are  also  good,  especially  if  the 
dorsal  firs  are  clipped  off  with  a  strong  pair  of  scissors.  If  the 
minnows  are  lively  and  strong,  and  there  is  a  sufficient  depth  of 
water,  a  float  is  not  necessary  ;  but  if  the  ground  is  weedy,  and  the 
water  rather  shallow,  or  if  crayfish  are  used  for  bait,  a  cork  float 
must  be  used.  If  the  minnows  are  large,  insert  the  hook  through 
the  lower  lip  and  out  at  the  nostril ;  if  small,  hook  them  under  the 
dorsal  fin. 

Our  still-fisher  being  fully  equipped  proceeds  to  the  fishing 
ground,  anchors  his  boat,  and  prepares  for  the  fray.  Having 
baited  his  hook  and  cast  his  line,  his  thumb  must  be  kept  upon 
the  coil  of  line  upon  the  reel  ;  as  the  line  slackens  he  must  reel  it 
in.  When  a  bass  takes  the  bait  let  him  have  it  for  a  short  time, 
say  from  five  to  ten  seconds,  according  to  the  mood  of  the  fish, 
whether  they  are  on  or  off  their  feed,  whether  eager  or  shy ;  and 
by  using  the  thumb  as  a  drag,  give  him  line  as  he  needs  it,  but  not 
too  freely,  always  keeping  it  taut  enough  to  give  a  slight  bend 
to  the  rod,  so  as  to  be  able  to  feel  every  motion  of  the  fish.  At 
the  proper  time  our  angler  must  check  him  by  pressing  the  thumb 
a  little  harder  upon  the  reel,  and  if  he  gives  a  succession  of  short 
tugs  or  slight  jerks,  let  him  go  for  a  few  moments ;  but  if  he  seems 
to  feel  the  steel,  or  if  he  pulls  steadily  and  strongly,  hook  him  by  a 
slight  "  twist  of  the  wrist  " — not  by  jerking  or  "  yanking  "  the  rod, 
for  in  the  latter  case  there  is  a  stronger  probability  of  breaking  the 
rod,  or  at  least  of  tearing  oi.;t  the  hook,  than  of  hooking  the  fish. 
When  the  bass  is  hooked  the  angler  must  never,  under  any  cir- 
cumstances, give  him  slacl;  line.  If  he  breaks  water,  merely  let 
the  rod  straighten  as  he  falls  back  ;  and  never,  under  any  circum- 
stances, must  he  grasp  his  rod  above  the  reel — at  most  not  more 


riS/IES  OF   THE    WEST. 


315 


than  several  inches  above— for  by  so  doing  he  destroys  the  sprinj^ 
and  balance  of  the  rod,  and  it  is  liable  to  become  broken  by  any 
sudden  movement  of  the  tish.  The  bass  must  be  killed  "  on  the 
rod,"  then  reeled  in  and  taken  into  the  landing  net. 

Trolling  with  the  minnow  is  very  popular  with  expert  western 
anglers,  who  regard  the  method  as  more  en  regie  than  still-fishing. 
The  same  tackle  can  be  used  here  as  in  the  last  mode  described, 
though  almost  without  exception  it  will  be  found  to  be  much 
superior,  many  using  trout  fly  reds.  The  oarsman  rows  the  boat 
quietly  and  slowly  over  the  fishing  grounds,  just  outside  of  the 
bulrush  patches,  along  the  edges  of  bars  and  shoals,  or  between 
deep  and  shallow  water.  The  angler  reels  off  from  thirty  to  fifty 
yards  of  line,  and  with  his  thumb  upon  the  reel  and  rod  slightly 
bent,  must  be  ever  on  the  alert  ;  for  in  this  style  of  fishing  with 
moving  bait  the  bass  bites  very  "wickedly,"  and  with  forty  yards 
of  line  out  he  must  be  kept  well  in  hand  and  not  given  an  inch 
more  than  is  necessaiy ;  he  must  be  reeled  in  at  every  opportunity 
until  he  is  within  proper  bounds,  when  the  angler  can  take  matters 
more  easily  and  kill  him  at  his  leisure.  A  heavy  bnss  breaking 
water  and  leai)ing  three  feet  into  the  air  at  the  end  of  fifty  yards 
of  line  and  a  light  rod,  is  a  sensation  which  once  experienced  will 
not  be  soon  forgotten.  And  herein  lies  the  advantage  of  this 
method  over  still-fishing.  One  can  get  out  more  line,  even  though 
indifferent  at  casting ;  for  as  the  boat  moves  along  the  line  can  be 
pulled  off  the  reel,  yard  by  yard,  with  the  hand,  while  the  resist- 
ance of  the  minnow  in  the  water  takes  it  from  the  rod. 

Casting  with  the  minnow  is  another  scientific  method,  and  a 
grade  higher  in  the  school  of  piscatorial  acquirements.  It  com- 
bines all  the  best  features  of  still-fishing  and  trolling  with  the  min- 
now, besides  possessing  advantages  which  those  methods  do  not. 
The  very  best  rods,  reels,  and  lines  must  be  used.  The  angler 
proceeds  in  his  boat  on  the  outside,  or  deep  water  side,  of  the  fish- 
ing grounds,  and  casts  in  toward  the  feeding  grounds,  the  oarsman 
.rowing  along  rapidly  or  slowly,  or  holding  the  boat  stationary,  as 
circumstances  demand.  The  boat  being  in  deep  water  the  fish  are 
not  so  apt  to  see  it,  which  is  a  great  advantage.  The  angler  can 
cast  in  any  direction  and  to  any  distance,  greater  or  lesser,  within 
the  length  of  his  line  as  he  may  desire.     He  can  cast  astern  and 


3i6 


GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


proceed  as  in  trolling',  or  cast  to  either  side,  or  forward,  and  by 
reeling  in  the  line  keep  the  bait  in  motion.  It  can  readily  be 
imagined  how  expert  casting  has  so  great  an  advantage  over  any 
other  method  of  bass  fishing,  and  when  once  acquired  it  will  never 
be  relinquished  for  any  other  mode.  This  is  the  best  method  to 
follow  when  fishing  from  the  banks  of  a  stream,  where  there  are 
no  trees  or  bushes  to  interfere  ;  it  is  also  the  best  method  to  pur- 
sue when  Wilding  the  stream  is  practiced. 

In  trolling  or  casting  with  the  minnow,  when  a  fish  is  hooked 
let  the  oarsman  pull  out  at  once  to  deep  water,  so  as  to  give  the 
fish  better  play  and  more  room,  and  also  to  prevent  his  taking  to 
the  weeds. 

The  angler  should  never  be  in  too  great  a  hurry  to  land  his  fish  ; 
for  if  he  is  well  hooked  he  cannot  get  away,  but  if  he  is  hooked  in 
a  thin  or  weak  part  of  the  mouth,  there  is  a  greater  necessity  that 
he  should  be  gingerly  played  and  tenderly  handled,  until  he  is  com- 
pletely "tuckered  out,"  and  turns  up  his  belly  to  the  sun.  There 
is  never  anything  gained  by  too  great  a  hurrj'  in  bass  fishing.  On 
the  contrary,  "  the  more  haste  the  less  speed,"  is  a  maxim  partic- 
ularly applicable  to  this  case. 

In  landing  a  bass  the  oarsman  should,  at  the  proper  time,  hold 
the  net  just  under  the  surface  of  the  water,  and  hold  it  perfectly  still 
while  the  angler  brings  the  fish  into  or  immediately  over  the  net, 
when  the  oarsman  should  lift  it  quickly  and  with  one  motion.  He 
should  never  be  suffered  to  follow  the  fish  with  the  net,  or  by  sud- 
den lunges  attempt  to  secure  him  ;  for  this  only  serves  to  frighten 
the  fish  and  put  your  tackle  in  jeopardy.  Remember  that  the 
largest  bass  always  escapes  when  nearest  the  boat,  and  when 
about  to  land  him. 

Dr.  J.  A.  Henshcill,  of  Wisconsin,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for 
most  of  the  instructions  above  given,  has  decided  that  the  best  rod 
for  bait  fishing  should  assimilate  as  near  as  may  be  to  the  typical 
trout  fly  rod  in  their  relative  qualities  of  "  balance,  weight,  strength, 
and  elasticity,  with  that  happy  medium  of  pliancy,  between  a  trout 
fly  rod  and  a  trout  bait  rod,  which  can  hardly  be  expressed  in 
words."  The  Doctor  means  to  say  in  plain  English,  that  the  bait 
rod  (for  either  trout  or  bass)  should  be  a  little  *'  stififer  "  than  the 
f.y  rod,  in  either  case.     This  is  quite  correct ;  but  while  the  trout 


FISHES  OF    THE    WEST. 


317 


bait  rod  is  made  into  a  trout  fly  rod  by  tapering  it  throughout,  the 
bass  fly  rod  is  changed  to  a  bass  bait  rod  by  reducing  its  length  ; 
the  weight  in  each  case  being  considerably  dinunished,  but  by  dif- 
ferent processes.  "The  rod  that  I  am  now  using,"  says  the  Doc- 
tor, "  is  eight  feet  and  three  inches  long,  in  three  joints  ;  the  first 
joint  or  but  is  composed  of  white  ash,  and  the  second  joint  and 
tip  of  lancewood  ;  it  weighs  just  eight  ounces ;  it  is  finely  balanced, 
and  has  a  true  bend  from  but  to  tip,  in  the  form  of  a  segment  of 
a  circle ;  with  it  I  have  killed  hundreds  of  black  bass,  weighing 
from  two  to  four  pounds,  and  occasionally  more,  and  pickerel  from 
/''  five  to  twelve  pounds,  with  an  occasional  one  scaling  fifteen  pounds. 
I  have  used  it  three  seasons,  and  do  not  see  where  it  can  be  im- 
proved ;  it  is  as  firm  and  elastic  as  when  first  made.  1  have  sev- 
eral times  cast  out  my  entire  line  of  fifty  yards,  when  casting  with 
the  wind.  I  feel  justly  proud  of  the  merits  of  this  rod,  for  I  made  it 
myself."  "  As  for  the  bass  fly  rod  "  (the  Doctor  again),  it  "  should 
be  constructed  upon  the  model  and  of  the  same  material  as  a  single- 
handed  trout  fly  rod.  It  must,  however,  be  longer,  slightly  stiffer, 
and  consequently  heavier,  but  should  approximate  in  its  gener.il 
features,  as  nearly  as  possible,  the  trout  fly  rod.  Assuming  a  trout! 
rod  to  be  eleven  feet  long,  and  weighing  from  seven  to  nine  ounces,' 
according  to  the  material  of  its  construction,  a  black  bass  fly  rod 
should  be  from  twelve  to  twelve  feet  and  three  inches  in  length, 
and  if  formed  of  split  bamboo,  should  weigh  finm  nine  to  eleven 
ounces;  or  if  made  of  ash  and  lancewood,  should  weigh  from  ten 
to  twelve  ounces.  Split  bamboo  makes  the  handsomest  and  light- 
est rod,  but  a  combination  of  ash  and  lancewood  will  prove  the 
most  serviceable,  and  can  be  furnished  for  at  least  one-half  the 
price  of  the  former.  The  rod  should  be  made  in  three  joints,  the 
but  of  white  ash,  and  the  tip  and  second  joint  of  lancewood  ;  it 
should  have  as  true  a  taper  and  as  graceful  proportions  as  the  best 
trout  fly  rod  ;  should  be  very  flexible  and  pliant,  but  should  not  be 
so  w'ithy  or  willowy  as  the  lightest  trout  rods." 

Such  a  rod,  let  us  say,  would  be  found  to  answer  all  the  emer- 
gencies of  fly  fishing  for  black  bass,  and  would  be  just  the  im- 
plement for  the  largest  brook  trout  of  Maine  or  the  Nepigon,  J. 
C.  Welles  of  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  and  Charles  F.  Orvis  of  Man- 
chester, Vermont,  make  such  rods  warranted  to  give  satisfaction, 


3l8  GAME   FISH   OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

at  a  moderate  price.  As  for  reels,  the  "  Frankfort  reel,"  known 
also  as  the  "  Meek  tcel,"  and  the  "  Kentucky  reel,"  are  in  liitfhest 
esteem.  It  is  made  by  hand  from  the  fmest  materials,  and  as 
carefully  and  correctly  in  its  fiitmj^s  as  the  movement  of  a  watch. 
The  bearinj.js  and  pivots  are  of  the  finest  temper,  and  the  entire 
reel  is  as  perfect  in  workmanship,  and  as  finely  adjusted  as  is  pos 
sible  for  skill  to  render  it.  Contrary  to  a  current  opinion,  this  re(  i 
is  not  more  complicated  than  the  ordinary  multiplying  reel,  and 
contains  but  the  same  number  of  wheels,  viz.  two  ;  but  by  a  dif- 
ferent arranjijement  of  the  two  wheels,  it  multiplies  four  times, 
while  the  ordinary  reel  multiplies  but  twice  ;  and  it  runs  so  per- 
fectly and  smoothly  that  a  smart  stroke  of  the  finger  upon  the 
handle  will  cause  it  to  make  about  thirty  revolutions,  and  this 
without  a  balance  handle. 

They  are  made  with  or  without  an  alarm  click,  or  a  drag  or 
rubber ;  and  where  one  or  both  of  these  adjuncts  are  used,  it  does 
not  at  all  complicate  the  working  of  the  reel,  as  they  are  operated 
by  tlat  sliding  buttons  on  the  side  of  the  reel,  and  are  not  in  the 
way  in  the  least.  The  reel  is,  in  fact,  so  simple  and  perfect  in  its 
details,  that  it  has  not  been  improved  upon  since  it  was  first  in- 
vented, twenty  years  ago.  They  are  made  of  German  silver  or 
brass,  in  six  sizes,  No.  6  being  the  largest — the  best  size  for  black 
bass  fishing  is  No.  3. 

The  best  line  for  black  bass  fishing  is  a  hard  braided  silk  line, 
the  smaller  sizes  being  large  enough.  A  braided  linen  line  would 
be  still  better,  if  it  could  be  procured  of  a  smaller  size  than  is  at 
j)resent  manufactured,  as  they  are  more  closely  braided  than  the 
silk  lines,  ;..nc(  consequently  do  not  absorb  so  much  water ;  this 
absorption  o  vvater  interferes  somewhat  with  the  free  running  of 
tile  line  in  casting.  Sproat  bend  hooks,  tied  upon  wire  gimp,  as 
a  protection  against  the  ever  annoying  pickerel,  are  the  best. 

In  casting  for  bass  with  minnow,  having  the  rod,  reel  and  line 
in  readiness,  tie  on  a  small  swivel  and  the  smallest  size  ringed 
sinker,  and  a  Sproat  bend  hook.  Now  select  a  minnow  four  or 
'iwc  inches  in  length,  hook  it  through  the  lower  lip  and  out  at  the 
nostril,  or  as  some  prefer,  out  at  the  socket  of  the  eye  ;  reel  up  the 
line  to  the  sinker,  leaving  the  minnow  one  or  two  feet  from  the 
tip  of  the  rod,  then  grasp  the  rod  immediately  below  the  reel  with 


FISf/ES  OF    TIIF    WEST.     >  '  '  3 19 

I  the  right  hand,  with  the  thumb  upon  the  coil  of  line  upon  the  reel, 

A  to  control  the  running  off  of  the  line  as  in  striped  bass  fishing. 

§  Now  make  a  sweeping  cast  to   the   left  or  right  as  you  desire, 

%  keeping  a  gentle  pressure  upon  the  reel  with  the  thumb,  to  prevent 

^  its  overrunning,  and  stop  it  suddenly  by  a  stronger  pressure  as 

'  *  the  bait  strikes  the  water.     It  will  take  some  practice  to  regulate 

\  the  reel  with  the  thumb,  but  with  patience  and  perseverance  any- 

j.  one  will  soon  overcome  all   the  difficulties  and  become  an  expert 

"j  bass  fisher.     This  casting  of  course  is  to  be  accomplished  entirely 

'I  with  one  hand,  for  this  is  the  object  of  the  light  rod  and  delicate 

J  tackle. 

I  In  fly  fishing,  flies  of  moderate  size  and  subdued  combinations 

give  best  success  ;  brown  hackles  tied  on  No.  6  Limerick,  and 
brown  and  yellow  flies  tied  on  No.  6  or  No.  10  hooks  are  always 
successful  lures  in  low,  clear  water ;  for  higher  turbid  water  more 
gaudy  flies  are  good,  made  of  scarlet  or  red  body,  brown  tail 
and  wings,  or  with  double  wings,  inner  scarlet,  outer  brown,  black 
hackle,  tied  on  No.  4  hook.  A  very  killing  fly  is  made  with  red 
zephyr  body,  then  first  a  pair  of  scarlet  or  red  wings,  then  over 
these  a  pair  of  light  or  dark  drake  wings.  This  gives  a  shade  that 
is  obtained  in  no  other  way.  Another  splendid  fly  is  made  by  put- 
ting on  firsi  a  pair  of  clear  white  wings,  and  over  these  a  reddish 
brown  or  scarlet.  Green  is  a  most  desirable  color  in  combina- 
tions, as  it  is  the  color  of  the  grasshopper;  indeed,  red,  yellow,  and 
green  may  probably  be  called  the  ground  colors  upon  which  pat- 
terns are  fabricated.  A  most  excellent  fly  is  made  of  brilliant 
green  silk  floss,  reddish  brown  hackle,  scarlet  tail,  wings,  under 
coverts  scarlet,  o/er  coverts  yellowisli  grey. 

Low  water  aflbrds  the  best  season  for  fishing.  Minnows  are 
abundant  and  easily  obtained. 

Pike  Perch  ;  wall-eyed  pike  ;  Ohio  salmon  ;  white  salmon  ;  glass-eyed  pike  ; 
western  salmon. — Stizostediom  asnericnnittti.     CJirard. 

This  splendid  fish  is  found  in  great  abundance  in  all  the  tribu- 
taries of  the  Ohio  River,  in  Lakes  Pepin  and  Huron,  in  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee,  and  indeed  throughout  the  western  waters  gen- 
erally, as  far  west  as  the  Mississippi.  Tons  of  ihem  are  taken 
through  the  ice  in  Lake  I'epin  in  March,  just  about  the  time  they 


320  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

are  making  their  spawning  beds.  They  are  not  often  tal<en  of  a 
weight  exceeding  ten  pounds,  but  Dr.  Bull  is  said  to  have  taken 
one  in  the  Kentucky  River  which  weighed  fifty  pounds,  and  Dr.  D. 
C.  Estes,  of  Lake  City,  Minnesota,  has  the  lower  jaw  of  one  which 
he  caught  in  Lake  Pepin  that  weighed  forty  pounds.  Its  largest 
teeth  were  about  one  inch  in  length.  Dr.  Estes,  who  has  studied 
the  habits  of  this  fish  very  carefully,  writes  : 

"  The  habits  of  this  fish  seem  to  be  well  known  to  most  writers, 
but  I  am  persuaded  that  with  this  as  with  some  others,  their  habits 
differ  somewhat  in  different  waters.  All  agree  that  they  spawn  in 
April,  but  I  have  known  them  to  spawn  in  this  lake  as  early  as  the 
fifteenth  of  March ;  I  think,  however,  this  is  not  always  the  case. 
They  choose  for  their  beds  clean  sanay  (not  gravelly)  bottoms  in 
shallow  water,  from  two  to  six  feet  deep.  As  soon  as  the  lake 
freezes  over  they  commence  looking  for  suitable  spawoing  grounds, 
and  having  once  selected,  and  "  pre-empted  "  them,  there  they 
remain  until  the  spawning  season  is  over.  This  is  a  singular  and 
interesting  fact,  and  one  of  which  I  have  not  the  least  doubt.  The 
pickerel  is  their  great  enemy,  and  sometimes  succeeds  in  "  jump- 
ing "  their  claims.  The  spawning  grounds  here  are  as  well  known 
to  me  and  other  observers  as  the  position  in  the  heavens  of  the 
north  star.  These  fish  are  taken  very  late  in  autumn,  but  never 
on  the  spawning  grounds  until  the  lake  is  frozen  over.  You  may 
visit  these  grounds  one  day  and  not  discover  a  single  fish,  but 
should  the  lake  freeze  over  the  same  night,  then  the  next  day,  if 
the  ice  is  sufficiently  strong  to  hold  you,  you  may  pay  these  grounds 
a  visit  and  find  plenty  of  pike-perch.  This  I  have  knov^n  to  be 
the  case  time  and  again.  And  I  know  that  they  remain  right  here, 
fighting  off  every  other  fish,  except  the  pickerel,  who  is  their  enemy 
and  master,  until  the  spawn  is  deposited  in  the  spring.  Hence  I 
conclude  that  they  select  their  spawning  grounds  as  early  as  No- 
vember and  December.  This  singular  fact  has  interested  me  very 
much  for  years.  As  soon  as  the  young  brood  is  able  to  take  care 
of  itself,  it  strikes  for  deeper  water,  remaining  together  as  a  family 
and  commingling  with  others.  For  weeks  they  remain  so  closely 
together  that  a  half  bushel  would  easily  cover  the  entire  brood.  I 
have  seen  thousands  of  these  families  so  near  together  that  many 
would  suppose  them  to  be  a  regular  school,  yet  every  brood  sap- 


.»  FISHES  OF   THE    WEST,    >'->  32 1 

arate  and  distinct  from  the  others.  I  have  seen  large  fish  dart  at 
them,  when  they  would  endeavor  to  fly  away  together,  no  one 
leaving  his  kindred  until  the  affectionate  family  is  scattered.  Even 
then  they  will  make  an  effort  to  re-unite,  but  no  doubt  some  of  the 
little  fellows  have  been  forever  separated  from  the  family  circle. 
They  will  thus  remain  together  the  whole  of  the  first  season,  unless 
broken  up  by  their  enemies.  These  observations  have  many  times 
intensely  interested  me.  I  am  aware,  however,  that  this  is  a  habit 
characteristic  of  the  young  broods  of  some  other  fish,  especially  of 
the  Labracins,  or  basses.  The  habitat  of  the  adult,  or  if  you  please, 
its  accustomed  feeding  grounds  in  summer,  has  been  a  more 
difficult  matter  to  determine.  In  running  water  I  should  look  for 
them  exactly  where  I  would  look  for  trout  ;  but  in  lakes  they  seem 
to  remain  in  no  one  place  any  length  of  time.  As  long  as  I  have 
angled  for  these  fish  here,  I  can  never  determine  beforehand 
where  I  am  going  to  find  them.  The  same  pickerel  and  bass 
grounds  hold  good  year  after  year,  and  we  always  know  what  to 
expect  when  we  visit  these  places.  Not  so  with  the  pike-perch. 
One  day  you  will  find  them  near  shore,  next  in  deep  water,  and  the 
next  at  the  mouths  of  creeks  or  sloughs.  The  most  are  caught  off 
the  ends  of  points  in  ten  to  twenty  feet  of  water.  Sometimes  they 
are  found  very  near  the  shore  rolling  and  sporting  in  the  waves.  In 
this  case  the  bottom  is  always  gravelly  and  stony.  They  seem  to 
abhor  an  abrupt  rocky  shore.  Once  my  friend  Mr,  Gibbs  struck  a 
large  school  (they  seldom  are  found  in  schools)  sporting  in  huge 
waves  so  near  the  shore  that  his  cast  could  reach  them  with  ease. 
The  wind  was  blowing  (in  shore)  a  regular  gale,  and  the  water, 
when  still,  could  not  have  been  more  than  two  feet.  They  seemed 
to  be  holding  a  jubilee,  but,  poor  fellows,  destruction  overtook 
many  of  them,  and  those  that  were  left  must  have  mourned  for 
their  brethren  •'  for  they  were  not." 

With  the  brook  chub  {Moxostoma  oblongum,)  for  bait,  Mr. 
Gibbs  took,  in  a  little  over  an  hour,  so  many  that  he  was  obliged 
to  get  a  wheelbarrow  with  which  to  take  them  home.  The  load 
was  so  heavy  that  he  was  actually  obliged  to  get  help  before  he 
could  reach  his  house  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant.  When  I 
have  heard  him  mention  this  trip  he  would  puff  and  blow  as  though 
he  was  living  the  scene  over  again.     Frequent  and  subsequent 

14* 


322  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

visits  under  like  circumstances,  to  the  same  locality,  have  failed  to 
find  the  fish.  Owing  to  the  uncertainty  of  their  feeding  grounds, 
not  a  great  many  of  these  fish  are  usually  taken  in  the  summer 
season.  Sometimes  we  take  them  \vith  the  spoon  trolling,  but  as 
they  are  a  bottom-feeding  fish,  they  are  more  generally  taken  with 
minnow  or  piece  of  fish  still-fishing.  I  ha/e  taken  a  number  with 
the  fly ;  it  must  be  gaudy,  larger  than  a  base  fly  and  shotted  with 
a  buckshot  put  on  as  near  the  head  of  the  fly  as  possible.  As  soon 
as  the  lake  freezes  over  the  slaughter  of  these  fii:h  begins  right  on 
the  grounds  selected  for  spawning.  They  are  taken  through  the 
ice  by  the  thousand,  and  the  slaughter  continues  until  the  ice  is 
gone  ;  by  this  time  the  breeding  season  is  over,  and  what  were  not ' 
taken  by  the  hook  have  departed  to  other  waters  and  resumed 
their  roving  habits.  Live  bait  only  will  answer  for  winter  fishing. 
[For  description  of  pike-perch,  see  Northern  Inland  Fishes.]  , 

Jack  Salmon  or  Sand  Pike. — Lucioperca pejiinus.    Estes. 

A  fine  food  fish  weighing  from  one-half  to  three  pounds. 
Color  yellowish  brown,  and  spotted  very  much  like  the  rattle- 
snake. Resembles  very  much  the  pike  perch  ;  in  fact  its  specific 
characteristics  are  almost  identical  ;  so  much  so,  that  one  is  often 
taken  for  the  other  by  those  not  fully  conversant  with  both.  They 
are  free  biters  and  are  taken  with  minnow  bait.  Spawn  in  April 
and  May.  Dr.  D.  C.  Estes  first  discovered  this  fish  in  Lake  Pepin 
and  because  he  had  never  seen  him  described  or  named,  called 
him,  years  ago,  Lucioperca  pepinus.  He  must  certainly  be 
classed  with  the  pike-perch. 

Buffalo  Perch  or  Grunting  VzRcu.—Hapioidonotus  grunniens.    Raf. 

A  large  stout  shouldered  fish  of  bluish  grey  color ;  scales 
large,  fins  greyish  olive,  with  sucker  mouth  ;  snout  very  thick, 
blunt  and  short ;  meat  very  coarse  and  hard  ;  not  fit  to  be  eaten, 
but  the  pot-fishermen  sell  numbers  of  them  to  the  uninitiated. 
The  grunting  habit  of  this  fish  is  well  established.  It  is  not, 
however,  a  grunt,  but  rather  a  kind  of  drumming  or  gurgling 
sound.    Size  from  five  to  fifteen  pounds. 


FISHES  OF   THE    WEST.     '  '^  323 

This  well  known  fish  is  not  as  abundant  as  in  the  Eastern 
btates,  though  found  to  some  extent  in  all  those  waters  [See 
Northern  Inland  Fishes.]  .     .  ^^^^^'^s.     [bee 

Striped  Bass, —Z«<5r«x/i«^«^«j.    Storer. 
Identical  with  Roccus  Imeatus  of  the  salt  water,  only  much 
smaller.     Found  in  all  western  waters  of  any  considerable  size 
It  IS  a  splendid  game-fish  scarcely  s.irpassed  for  the  table.  Taken 

pounds         ^^'^^  ^""^  '^^''  "'°"^^'"     ^''^^'  '"'■°"'   '^°  ^«  ^^'^^ 

STK.W  Bass;  Rock  Bass ;  CaHco  Bass;  Gogg,e-eye ;  or  Croppie.-^../.^,.v„ 

rupestris.     Gill. 

^m?''-?' "^  ''  '  ^T'  f  ""'^''''  *"''  ^  '■'■'''  ^''"-  b"'  d«'i'u<e  of 

fouZ'  In  =7,^'  '".'  '"  ^"'"■'  ^'P'"  """  ■'^'-  Ci-oix  ;  also 

found  ,n  all  the  rivers  and  many  of  the  inland  lakes.    Spawn  on 

gravelly  bottoms,  ,n  April.    Are  taken  in  gre,    numbers  with  min" 
hLTpotdr"""  "^  ^''"'-    *^'^'"  ^-"'  °-  '"  '-  »<>  =• 

SuNFiSH.  —Pomotis  vulgaris,    De  Kay. 

This  common  sunfish  is  met  with  in  all  western  waters,  but 
is  not  abundant. 

Northern  SuNFiSH.-/'^^,^//,  ««^,V«j.    Qunth.  ,       ' 

This  fish  is  quite   abundant.     Color  greenish  brown  above 
yellowish  below  ;  sides  of  head  marked  with  blue  and  yellow  lines 
fins  umcolor,  ventral  ones  greenish  olive,  the  otherl  yellowish' 

These  two  species  are  all  that  have  been  observed  in  the  west 
hough  the  family  is  very  numerous,  some  thirteen  or  fourTeen 
species  being  found  indigenous  to  the  Gulf  States  alone. 

.'-;.,  "■'""''     CLUPIDyE,     ".■''"'    '■'■:'"'':  ^^^- ■•'■'■  ^'■"■■;' 

The  Geneva  Cisco.-.4^^...,«,  ciuMYor^ni,  stsco.    Jordan. 
This  is  the  Cisco  of  Lake  Ontario.     It  is  found,  according  to 
Jordan,  m  Lakes  Nemahbin.  Oconomowoc,  La  Belle.  Troy  L^ke! 


324  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

and  the  waters  that  form  the  sources  of  the  Fox  River  in  Wiscon- 
sin, and  in  Lake  Tippecanoe,  in  Indiana.  It  is  neither  a  coregonus 
nor  a  lake  herring  (Clupea  harengus)  as  was  formerly  maintained, 
though  similar  in  appearance  to  both  those  fishes.  Nor  is  it  like 
them  in  its  habits  or  edible  qualities.  The  cisco  is  a  very  sym- 
metrical fish,  white  in  flesh,  and  fine  in  flavor ;  their  size  remarka- 
bly uniform,  ranging  from  six  to  ten  ounces  in  weight,  and  averag- 
ing about  eight.  They  make  their  appearance  in  June,  generally 
about  the  tenth,  never  earlier  than  the  first,  and  their  "  run  "  lasts 
only  about  a  week.  At  this  time  they  take  a  fly  ravenously,  and 
afford  fine  sport  to  thousands  of  people  who  annually  come  from 
the  surrounding  country  to  catch  them.  Hundreds  of  people  tent 
on  the  shore  of  the  lake,  and  scores  of  camp-fires  are  seen  on  all 
sides  in  the  calm  summer  nights.  Very  light  tackle  is  required  by 
the  angler.  Although  it  is  said  that  they  will  take  bait  of  any  kind, 
experiments  go  to  show  they  can  only  be  taken  with  the  natural 
May  fly,  myriads  of  which  are  found  on  the  grass  and  bushes  along 
the  shore  during  the  cisco  run. 

Dogfish,  Mudfish,  or  Lake  Lawyer. — Amia  ocellicauda.    Rich. 

Found  in  great  numbers  in  western  inland  waters,  and  identical 
with  Aniia  occidentalis,  of  Vermont.  They  are  very  abundant  in 
Lake  Huron,  Lake  Erie  and  Lake  Pepin.  Back  greenish  black ; 
top  of  head,  do  ;  gill  covers,  yellowish  green  and  olive  ;  sides  dark 
olive,  fading  to  yellowish  white  on  the  belly  ;  dorsal  fin  (forty-seven 
rays,  soft)  and  caudal  (twenty  rays)  dark  olive ;  pectoral,  ventral 
and  anal  fins,  lighter ;  a  jet  black  oval  spot  encircled  by  a  narrow 
border  of  golden  yellow  at  base  of  upper  half  of  dorsal ;  branchi- 
ostegous  rays,  eleven  ;  a  range  one-half  inch  wide  on  upper  jaw  of 
smallish,  slightly  curved,  sharp  teeth  ;  on  lower  jaw  a  row  of  simi- 
lar teeth,  behind  which  is  a  band  of  very  small  ones.  Grows  from 
five  to  twenty  pounds  in  weight.  It  belongs  to  the  order  of  Gan- 
oids, and  is  in  scales,  fins,  and  the  power  of  tail  allied  to  the  extinct 
fishes  of  an  older  world,  and  it  is  curious  that  most  of  these  repre- 
sentatives of  the  earlier  periods  are  found  only  in  Western  waters 
— the  garfish,  the  paddlefish,  and  the  mudfish. 

They  take  frogs,  minnows,  and  sometimes  the  spoon.  Their 
habitat  is  deep  water  where  they  drive  everything  before  them. 


FISHES  OF   THE    WEST.       /  325 

They  are  very  voracious  and  savage.  Their  teeth  are  so  sharp 
and  their  jaws  so  strong  that  they  have  been  known  to  bite  a  two 
pound  fish  clean  in  two  the  very  first  snap.  They  are  as  tenacious 
of  Ufe  as  the  eel.  The  young  when  about  six  inches  long  make 
a  famous  bait  for  pickerel  and  pike.  To  use  it  run  the  hook  into 
the  mouth  right  up  through  the  centre  of  the  head,  through  the 
brain,  cast  a  hundred  times,  catch  several  fish,  and  at  the  end  of 
three  to  six  hours  he  will  still  kick  like  a  mule.  Put  one  huhdred 
into  a  rain  barrel  and  you  can  keep  them  all  svunmer  without 
change  of  water.  For  the  aquarium  the  young  have  no  equal,  and 
on  account  of  the  spot  in  the  tail  are  quite  attractive ;  but  nothing 
else  but  snails  can  live  in  the  tank.  He  will  kill  a  lizard  or  any 
other  living  thing  the  instant  it  touches  the  water. 

Dr.  Estes  says :  "  I  have  sent  these  young  dogfish  hundreds  of 
miles  for  the  aquarium.  It  is  only  necessary  to  keep  them  in  water, 
a  change  scarcely  being  required.  The  adults  are  the  great 
"jumpers  "  of  the  lake.  On  certain  days  they  are  to  be  seen  in 
all  directions  jumping  clean  out  of  the  water,  and  turning  com- 
plete somersaults  before  again  striking.  They  spawn  in  May  and 
June  among  the  grass  and  weeds  of  the  sloughs,  if  they  can  reach 
them  in  time.  As  soon  as  the  spring  rise  comes,  usually  in  May 
and  June,  and  connects  the  inland  sloughs  with  the  lake  (Pepin) 
they  run  up  and  over  into  these  sloughs,  deposit  their  eggs,  and 
remain  near  the  beds  and  young  just  as  long  as  they  can  and  not 
be  shut  in  by  the  receding  of  the  water.  The  eggs  hatch  in  eight 
and  ten  days,  the  parent  remaining  with  the  brood  two  or  three 
weeks  if  possible,  but  will  leave  them  much  sooner  if  necessary  to 
save  themselves.  The  yo\mg  will  not  make  any  effort  to  escape  to 
the  lake  until  the  next  season,  when  if  an  opening  occurs  they  come 
pouring  out  in  countless  numbers.  At  this  time  we  take  them 
by  stretching  the  minnow  seine  across  the  opening  and  raising  it 
when  full.  They  are  now  from  three  to  six  inches  long,  fat  and 
chubby.  I  come  now  to  mention  a  peculiar  habit  of  this  fish,  no 
account  of  which  I  have  ever  seen.  It  is  this  :  While  the  parent  still 
remains  with  the  young,  if  the  family  become  suddenly  alarmed, 
the  capacious  mouth  of  the  old  fish  will  open,  and  in  rushes  the 
entire  host  of  little  ones  ;  the  ugly  maw  is  at  once  closed,  and  off" 
she  rushes  to  a  place  of  security,  when  again  the  little  captives 


326  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

are  set  at  liberty.  If  others  are  conversant  with  the  above  facts  I 
shall  be  very  glad,  if  not  shall  feel  chagrined  for  not  making  them 
known  long  ago." 

Mooneye  ;  skip  jack  (Lake  Pepin)  ;  shiner ;  herring  ;  river  herring  ;  toothed 
herring. — Hyodon  tergisus,    Le  Sueur. 

This  species  of  the  herring  family  is  rather  indifferent  food.  It 
is  found  in  parts  of  New  York,  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio,  and  other 
Middle  Western  States.  The  color  of  its  back  is  bluish  ;  sides  sil- 
very ;  fins  tinged  with  yellow  ;  scales  large ;  head  small ;  eyes  very 
large,  and  nearly  filling  the  whole  space  between  the  angle  of  the 
jaws  and  the  upper  part  of  the  head  ;  conic  teeth  in  a  single  row 
above  ;  in  several  rows  on  the  lower  jaw  ;  tongue  with  several  se- 
ries of  teeth,  of  which  the  outer  on  each  side  are  the  largest ;  teeth 
also  on  the  vomer,  and  very  minute  ones  on  the  palatines.  Length 
nine  to  twelve  inches  :  Fin  rays.  D.  15  ;  P.  15  ;  V.  7  ;  A.  29; 
C.  19. 

The  Lake  Mooneye  {Hyodon  clodalis^  is  not  so  large  a  fish, 
seldom  reaching  more  than  eight  inches  in  length.  Its  mouth  is 
larger  and  its  eye  not  quite  so  prominent.  The  under  jaw  shuts 
within  the  upper.  Teeth  in  a  single  series  on  the  upper  jaw  ;  in 
several  below.  The  sides  and  tips  of  the  tongue  are  armed  with 
long  acute  recurved  teeth.  Color  uniform  metallic  silver)' ;  bluish 
above  ;  fins  light  colored.  This  species  is  common  in  Lake  Erie, 
where  it  is  called  "shiner."  and  lake  herring.  Fin  rays.  D.  15; 
P.  14  ;  V.  7  ;  A.  30  ;  C.  19. 

It  is  quite  possible  that  there  is  still  another  variety  in  Lake 
Pepin,  where  it  is  known  as  "  skip  jack,"  and  is  thus  described 
by  Dr.  D.  C.  Estes  :  "  Its  usual  length  is  twelve  inches  and  width 
three  inches ;  caudal,  crescent-shaped ;  dorsal,  situate  far  back 
two  and  one-half  inches  from  tail,  and  has  twelve  rays ;  ventrals, 
about  mid-way,  seven  rays  ;  anal,  extending  from  ventral  to  cau- 
dal (two  and  one-half  inches,)  and  has  twenty-eight  rays.  The 
eye,  situated  very  far  forward,  is  enormously  large,  hence  his  com- 
mon name  "  Mooneye."  Well  defined  teeth  on  maxillaries,  vo- 
mer, palatines  and  tongue.  Color,  pearly  white  to  middle,  thence 
darker  to  back.  The  nose  projects  over  the  lower  jaw,  and  the 
mouth  is  small — not  as  large  as  the  herring's  {Clupca  harengus). 


FISHES  OF   THE    IVEST.  /  327 

Of  the  habits  of  this  fish  no  man,  as  far  as  I  know,  speaketh,  I 
only  know  that  he  spawns  in  April,  is  known  here  from  April  until 
September,  when  he  disappears.  Where  he  goes  I  know  not,  have 
never  seen,  or  heard  of  one  being  seen  or  taken  in  the  winter.  In 
some  seasons  they  seem  to  be  quite  plenty,  and  at  others  but  very 
few  are  seen.  On  the  whole  I  have  always  regarded  it  as  a  rare 
fish.  They  are  vigorous  biters,  and  take  freely  the  minnow  or  fly, 
and  are  one  of  the  smartest  of  fishes.  They  will  come  up,  taste 
of  a  fly,  let  go  and  be  gone  before  the  angler  has  time  to  strike. 
Therefore  to  be  a  "  Mooneye  "  fly-fisher,  one  must  be  very  sharp 
and  not  read  a  book  while  casting,  as  I  once  knew  a  man  to  do." 
The  doctor  speaks  of  this  fish  as  being  a  most  excellent  food 
fish,  and  quite  devoid  of  troublesome  bones.  Its  avidity  for  the 
fly  and  minnow  is  a  peculiarity  lacking  in  the  varieties  above 
named.  There  is  no  doubt,  however,  that  its  specific  characteris- 
tics are  common  to  both. 

Lake  Herring. — Argyrosomus  clupei/ormis.    Agfassiz. 

This  fish  is  described  elsewhere  under  the  head  of  Northern 
Inland  Fishes.  It  is  found  in  all  the  western  lakes,  and  is  often 
taken  with  hook,  or  riy  or  minnow  in  rivers  emptying  into  the 
lakes.  In  Lake  Pepin  is  a  variety  found  (as  elsewhere,)  in  vast 
numbers.  It  is  there  called  the  skip  jack,  but  it  is  a  different  fish 
from  the  mooneye,  which  is  also  called  the  skip  jack.  Dr.  Estes 
thinks  it  is  a  different  fish  from  the  true  lake  herring,  {A.  clupei- 
formis  and  A.  karengus.)  It  is  dark  blue  on  the  back  and  white 
beneath,  much  resembling  a  shad.  They  are  considered  worth- 
less as  a  food  fish,  though  biting  so  readily  at  the  hook  as  to  cause 
much  annoyance  to  the  angler.  They  spawn  in  May,  and  are 
taken  only  from  the  first  of  May  until  September. 

Gizzard  Shad. — Dorosoma  cepedianum.    Gill. 

Oliver  Gibbs  jr.  was  the  first  to  discover  this  singular  fish  in 
Lake  Pepin,  and  published  the  description  in  a  Rochester  paper. 
It  resembles  the  mooneye  in  general  appearance,  but  is  shorter, 
thicker  and  weighs  from  one  to  three  pounds  ;  is  generally  eaten, 
having  a  very  good  flavor,  but  quite  bony.  It  is  a  poor  biter  and 
but  few  are  taken— probably  not  abundant.  Dr.  Estes  says  it 
has  as  veritable  a  gizzard  as  the  hen. 


328  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Prof.  C.  C.  Abbott  describes  this  fish  in  vol.  iv.  of  the  Ameri- 
can Naturalist. 

ESOCID^. 

Mascalongb. — Esox  nobilior.    Thompson. 

Common  in  the  lakes,  and  in  the  larger  tributaries  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi. In  seasons  of  low  water,  mascalonge  fishing  is  as  good 
in  this  region  as  in  the  Northeastern  States.  The  fish  are  usually 
of  large  size,  from  ten  to  forty  pounds  in  weight.  The  manner  of 
taking  them  does  not  differ  materially  from  that  practiced  in  other 
waters,  except,  perhaps  in  the  fact  that  trolling  from  a  boat  is  not 
generally  successful.  For  excitement  no  angling  can  compare  with 
taking  mascalonge  on  rod  and  line  from  the  shore,  or  by  wading 
out  on  the  bars.  To  kill  in  this  manner  a  thirty  pounder  and  tow 
him  ten  or  thirty  rods  to  shore  requires  nerve  and  strength,  great 
skill,  and  very  strong  tackle.  Many  of  the  very  largest  are  fre- 
quently lost  by  weak  tackle  and  unskillful  playing. 

Dr.  D.  C.  fistes,  an  excellent  authority  on  Western  fish,  says  : 
"  For  years  I  found  it  very  difficult  to  find  rods  that  would  stand 
this  kind  of  fishing.  At  last  I  set  myself  up  as  an  amateur  rod- 
maker  for  my  own  benefit.  Obtaining  some  of  our  best  native 
timber,  I  have  made  rods  that  have  never  yet  failed  me  or  my 
friends.  I  always  supply  myself  with  at  least  half  a  dozen  large 
spoons  of  different  colors  and  styles,  metals,  brass  and  copper,  all 
dressed  with  feathers  of  different  colors.  When  I  hook  a  masca- 
longe or  pickerel  and  lose  him,  I  at  once  rest  the  pool  for  a  few 
minutes,  (there  is  no  danger  of  his  leaving)  then  changing  my 
spoon  to  another  color,  I  wade  out  and  commence  casting  again. 
And  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  I  will  get  my  fish.  Often  I  have 
changed  my  bait  four  or  five  times,  and  as  many  times  had  him  on 
and  off,  but  finally  succeeded  in  landing  him.  A  piece  of  the  belly 
of  a  iish  makes  the  best  of  all  bait  for  the  mascalonge  if  properly 
cut,  so  that  it  will  spin  nicely.  They  will  often  take  it  v/hen  spoons 
are  no  temptation.     [See  Northern  Inland  Fishes.] 

Pike. — Esox  lucius  estor,    Le  Sueur. 
This  is  the  only  species  of  the  Esocidce  found  in  the  upper  Mis- 
sissippi,    if  is  very  abundant  and  attains  to  twenty  and  twenty- 
five  pounds  in  weight,  but  never  to  the  weight  of  the  mascalonge. 


FISHES  OF   THE    WEST.  329 

They  are  considered  by  many  a  fine  food  fish.    [See  Northern 

Inland  Fishes.] 

STURIONID/E. 

Rock  Sturgbon, — Acipenser  rubicundus.    Le  Sueur. 

This  is  the  sturgeon  of  the  great  lakes  and  all  the  larger  West- 
em  waters.  They  are  well  known.  They  differ  in  some  respects 
from  those  of  the  Hudson  River  and  other  rivers  of  the  Eastern 
States,  and  do  not  attain  to  such  immense  size.  They  are  a  good 
fish  when  properly  cooked.  The  long  projecting  sucker  mouth 
situated  almost  under  the  centre  of  the  head  will  sometimes  suck 
in  from  the  bottom  the  angler's  baited  hook,  in  which  case  one 
might  as  well  try  to  snub  an  old  log.  It  is  possible,  however,  to 
coax  him  to  move  occasionally,  and  then  you  may,  and  you  may 
not,  succeed  in  bringing  him  to  gatf.  A  friend  once  had  a  tussle 
with  one  for  over  an  hour,  but  finally  conquered,  concluding  that 
as  a  game  fish,  the  sturgeon  was  not  a  success. 

Shovel-Nosed  ^■VM'Rov.on.—Scaphirhynchops  platyrkynchus.    Cope. 

This  curious  fish  is  found  only  in  the  Mississippi  and  its  larger 
tributaries.  It  is  certainly  a  strange  looking  fish.  Its  striking 
characteristic  is  its  long,  horny,  spade-like  snout,  which  is  from 
eight  to  eighteen  inches  in  length,  and  from  two  to  three  inches 
wide,  and  its  immense  toothless  mouth.  In  large  specimens  the 
mouth  is  sufficiently  large  to  admit  of  a  man's  head.  The  head 
and  shoulders  are  very  large,  from  which  the  body  tapers  gradually 
to  the  caudal  fin,  where  it  is  not  more  than  two  inches  in  diameter. 
The  tail  is  forked  ;  wide  and  hetrocereal,  said  to  be  the  only  fresh 
water  species  living  possessing  this  paleontological  characteristic. 
In  Lakes  Pepin  and  St.  Croix  they  swarm  in  countless  numbers. 
How  far  towards  the  Gulf  they  extend  has  not  been  ascertained. 
They  are  eaten  by  Indians  and  half-breeds  generally.  The  whites 
sometimes  corn  and  smoke  them.  When  thus  cured,  they  are 
quite  palatable.     They  weigh  from  ten  to  forty  pounds. 

SALMONID^. 

Mackinaw  Trout,  or  Great  Lake  'Xxow'i.—Salmo  namaycush.    Pennant. 

Special  characteristics.    Head  one-quarter  total  lengtli ;  muz- 
zle pointed ;  scales  small  and   oval ;  nostrils  double ;  jaws  and 


330  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

tonpfue  with  a  single  row  of  teeth  on  each  side ;  vomer  with  one 
row.     Dorsal  fin  nearly  equi-distant. 

Color. — Dusky  brownish  grey  ;  chin  and  under  parts  light  ash 
or  cream  color.  Back  and  sides  speckled  with  numerous  irregu- 
larly shaped  spots  of  lighter  grey,  brown,  or  soiled  white.  Lower 
fins  faint  yellow.  Resembles  siskowet,  but  has  more  pointed  chin 
and  snout,  more  deeply  forked  tail  and  larger  head. 

Habitat. — Lake  Superior,  Lake  Michigan,  Lake  Huron,  and 
probably  in  all  the  great  lakes  which  lie  between  the  United  States 
and  the  Arctic  Sea.  . 

Prof.  Milner  says  that  "  this  fish  may  be  readily  taken  with  the 
hook  baited  with  a  piece  of  fish,  but  as  they  are  ravenous  feeders, 
almost  any  kind  of  bait  will  serve  the  angler's  purpose,  who  will 
however,  derive  little  sport  from  their  capture,  as  they  are  exces- 
sively dull  and  sluggish."  Professional  fishermen  capture  them 
with  lay-out  lines  and  nets.  Herbert  says,  "  A  coarse,  heavy,  stiff 
rod  ;  a  long  and  powerful  oiled  hempen  or  Haxen  line,  on  a  winch 
with  a  heavy  sinker,  a  cod  hook  baited  with  any  kind  of  flesh,  fish 
or  fowl,  is  the  most  successful,  if  not  the  most  orthodox  or  scien- 
tific mode  of  capturing  him.  His  great  size  and  immense  strength 
alone  give  him  value  as  a  fish  of  game  ;  but  when  hooked,  he 
pulls  strongly  and  fights  hard,  though  he  is  a  boring,  deep  fighter, 
and  seldom,  if  ever,  leaps  out  of  the  water  like  the  true  salmon 
or  the  brook  trout."  '  .■  •    • 

Nevertheless,  trolling  for  trout  is  a  favorite  pastime  of  the  resi- 
dents and  tourists  of  northern  Michigan.  It  is  said  that  the 
Mackinaw  trout  bites  best  when  he  is  fullest.  Large  and  solitary 
specimens  are  frequently  taken — sometimes  with  the  gaff  alone — 
while  swimming  at  the  surface  of  the  water.  These  are  known  as 
"  racers,"  and  are  always  thin.  The  average  weight  is  about  five 
pounds,  but  monsters  weighing  from  sixty  to  one  hundred  are 
heard  of.  The  largest  that  ever  came  under  the  writer's  observa- 
tion, weighed  fifty-three  pounds  seven  ounces,  and  was  caught 
near  Elk  Rapids,  or  Traverse  Bay,  The  spawning  season  begins 
in  October  and  ends  early  in  November.  But  very  little  s'^ems  to  be 
known  of  their  habits  at  this  season.  Rocky  bottoms  are  usually, 
but  not  always,  preferred.  A  clay  bottom  near  St.  Joseph,  Mich., 
is  said  to  be  frequented  by  trout  for  this  purpose. 


fISIlES  OF   THE    WEST.  33 1 

Fishermen  claim  the  principal  food  of  the  lake  trout  to  be 
vvhitet'sh,  and  assert  tliat  they  are  often  caught  in  their  nets  while 
robbing^  them  of  these  fish  ;  however,  Milner  says  in  every  i  istance 
that  came  under  his  observation,  the  supposed  whitefish  proved  to 
be  ciscoes,  yet  he  does  not  doubt  the  fact  of  their  preying  upon 
whitefish  to  some  extent. 

SiscowET,  or  SiSKOWiTZ. — Salmo  tiscowet .    Agassiz. 

Specific  characteristics. — Head  large,  nearly  one-fourth  total 
length.  Snout  obtuse  and  rounded.  Two  rows  of  teeth  on  the 
tongue.  Depth  of  body  at  first  dorsal  equal  to  one-fifth  total 
length.  Scales  small,  larger  on  lower  region  of  the  body.  Color, 
Resembles  somewhat  the  salmo  namayensh  from  which  it  may  be 
recognized  by  its  different  opercular  apparatus.  Habitat,  Lake 
Superior. 

The  Siscowet  spawns  in  August  and  September,  and  always  in 
deep  water ;  in  fact,  the  fish  is  never  taken  in  much  less  than  forty 
fathoms.  The  fattest  of  all  known  fish,  it  has  no  unpleasant  or 
oilv  odor,  and  for  the  table  is  much  valued.  This  fish  has  been 
extensively  maligned  as  unfit  for  eating  in  a  fresh  state  ;  that  it 
was  insufferably  oily  and  rank,  though  all  united  in  its  praise  when 
salted.  With  the  concurrence  of  such  authority  as  Agassiz,  we 
have  no  hesitancy  in  pronouncing  it  food  fit  for  an  emperor  in 
either  state.  There  is,  however,  a  species  of  white  meated  trout 
of  very  indifferent  quality,  so  closely  resembling  the  siscowet,  that 
it  is  largely  sold  under  that  name,  by  which  means  the  nobler  fish 
is  undervalued,  except  where  well  known.  This  is  known  to  the 
Indians  as  the  "  bear  trout,"  and  we  presume  is  the  fish  that  fur- 
nished ground  for  criticism  to  the  detractors  of  the  siscowet.  The 
siscowet  weigh  from  five  to  twenty  pounds.  It  is  generally  taken 
in  gill  nets,  but  the  probability  is  that  it  may  also  be  taken  by  troll- 
ing, using  as  bait  the  cottoid  mentioned  by  Milner  as  forming  the 
principal  part  of  its  food. 

Common  Speckled  Trovt.— Salmo /ontinalis.    Mitch. 

Taken  in  Michigan,  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota,  as  well  as  in 
the  streams  and  rivers  that  empty  into  Lake  Superior.  In  the 
Nepigon  River  they  average  three  or  four  pounds  each,  and  an 


332  CAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

authenticated    specimen   is   recorded   which  weighed    seventeen 
pounds.     [See  Northern  Inland  Fishes.] 

1  Whitkfish. — Coregonus  albus,    Le  Sueur. 

Specific  characteristics :  Depth  of  body  equals  length  of  head, 
which  is  two-ninths  of  total  length,  excluding  caudal ;  diameter  of 
eye  less  than  length  cf  snout,  which  is  pointed.  Color.  Silvery 
white,  resembling  the  herring. 

Dr.  G.  A.  Stockwell,  of  Port  Huron,  Michigan,  gives  the  fol- 
lowing most  excellent  description  of  the  habits  of  this  fish  :  "  The 
whitefish  is  among  the  best  of  lake  fish,  being  second  only  to  the 
Siscowet,  and  by  many  pronounced  superior  to  the  great  trout. 
The  spawning  begins  in  November,  terminating  in  December,  and 
is  indicated  by  the  fish  leaving  deep  water  and  appearing  in  im- 
mense nu  '  '"s  on  rocky  shoals.  Formerly  they  frequented  the 
streams  for  this  purpose,  but,  at  the  present  time,  there  are  but 
few  streams  emptying  into  the  great  lakes  that  are  free  from  saw 
mills  and  their  attendant  dust,  which  are  offensive  to  these  fish. 
At  the  first  day's  netting  on  the  spawning  beds  the  catch  is  wholly 
males,  apparently  well  stocked  with  milt ;  on  the  second,  a  few 
females  appear,  plump  with  spawn.  The  proportion  of  females 
increases  day  by  day,  until  after  a  week  or  ten  days,  when  there 
are  two  or  three  and  often  four  times  as  many  females  as  males, 
after  which  they  gradually  disappear,  until  the  latter  preponder- 
ate, as  they  are  the  last  as  well  as  first  upon  the  beds.  The  best 
opinion  seems  to  be  that  the  males  precede  the  females  only  to  pre- 
pare the  ground  ;  especially  as  they  at  that  time  assume  an  extra- 
ordinary roughness  of  scales,  and  employ  themselves  constantly  in 
scraping  up  gravel,  on  which  the  spawn  is  subsequently  deposited. 
Some,  however,  believe  that  the  mere  inclination  to  milt  causes 
them  to  seek  the  proper  position  without  reference  to  the  presence 
or  absence  of  the  females  ;  others  still  are  of  the  opinion  that  they 
precede  only  to  wait  for  the  females,  and  do  not  commence  milt- 
ing until  spawning  begins.  This  latter  opinion  is  undoubtedly  the 
true  one,  for  Mr.  Milner  has  established  the  fact  that  the  act  of 
spawning  in  the  female  and  milting  in  the  male,  is  carried  on  at 
the  same  time,  and  with  a  slight,  though  decided  orgasm.  The 
males  have  been  accused  of  lingering  for  the  purpose  of  feasting 


■^'^^-  FISHES  OF   THE    WEST.         -'  333 

on  the  spawn,  but  this  is  contrary  to  nature  and  undoubtedly  a 
slander.  The  most  careful  of  observers  assure  me  that  the  males 
who  linger  on  the  beds  are  employed  in  covering  the  spawn. 

"  Whitefish  of  Lake  Erie  ascend  the  Detroit  River  and  pass 
through  the  lake  into  the  River  St.  Clair  for  the  purpose  of  spawn- 
ing, but  seldom,  if  ever,  go  higher  than  Mooretown — eight  miles 
from  the  outlet  of  Lake  Huron.  Again,  Lake  Huron  fish  ascend 
the  Ste.  Marie  River  for  the  same  purpose ;  but  it  is  a  well  estab- 
lished fact  that  none  descend  these  rivers  from  the  waters  above 
for  a  like  purpose.  Lake  Huron  whitefish  rarely  enter  the  River 
St.  Clair,  except  after  a  heavy  and  continued  northeast  storm, 
then  they  are  driven  into  the  river  in  large  schools. 

"  The  average  whitefish  is  of  two  or  three  pounds  weight ;  a 
large  one  six  or  seven  ;  rare  specimens  are  caught,  however,  of 
much  greater  weight,  sometimes  turning  the  scales  at  twenty 
pounds.  Those  of  Lake  Superior  and  the  Straits  are  larger,  fatter 
and  finer  in  flavor  than  those  of  the  lower  lakes.  In  the  rapids  of 
the  Sault  Ste.  Marie  they  are  taken  in  large  quantities  by  the  Chip- 
pewa Indians  in  dip  nets  and  are  of  very  superior  flavor.  The 
fish  of  Lake  Huron  and  Upper  Lake  Michigan  are  very  fair,  but 
those  of  Lake  Erie  are  decidedly  inferior,  which  is  probably  due  to 
the  difference  in  temperature  of  these  waters.  Few  travellers  ever 
taste  whitefish  in  perfection  except  they  have  visited  the  northern 
resorts.  As  eaten  upon  the  hotel  tables  of  Buffalo,  Chicago,  and 
even  Detroit,  it  is  comparatively  a  tasteless  fish  ;  as  a  meal  for  an 
epicure  it  must  be  had  fresh  from  the  icy  waters  at  the  Straits  or 
of  Lake  Superior,  and  cooked  as  soon  as  may  be  after  it  is  caught. 
Then,  to  our  thinking,  the  whitefish  is  one  of  the  most  toothsome 
fishes  that  swim,  superior  even  to  the  salmon  or  brook  trout. 

"  Formerly  the  capture  of  whitefish  was  conducted  by  means  of 
seines,  but  the  wholesale  destruction  on  the  spawning  beds  has 
caused  gill  and  pound  net  to  supersede  them.  The  food  of  this 
fish  was  long  a  matter  of  conjecture,  but  is  now  believed  to  consist 
mainly  of  the  mmute  crustaceans  and  mollusks  that  inhabit  these 
lakes.  This  is  rendered  probable  from  the  fact  that  the  mouth  is 
constructed  for  nibbling  along  the  bottom,  being  directed  nearly 
downward.  The  frequent  failure  to  find  food  in  the  stomach  of 
the  whitefish,  is  doubtless  due  to  their  capture  in  pound  nets, 


334  GAME  FIS/f  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

where  they  would  remain  sufficiently  long  to  digest  the  contents, 
but  those  caught  by  gilling  have  generally  food  partially  digested. 
It  is  asserted  that  whitefish  are  migratory  ;  how  true  ihis  is  I  do 
not  know,  except  it  be  for  spawning  purposes  ;  they  do,  however, 
seek  the  deeper  and  cooler  waters  as  summer  advances.  The 
presence  of  large  fishes  in  numbers  at  certain  localities,  of  a  size 
never  taken  anywhere  else,  would  suggest  a  local  habit,  with  no 
disposition  for  long  voyages." 

Whitefish  do  not  take  the  hook  readily,  and  the  opinion  has 
obtained  that  they  could  not  be  caught  in  this  fashion.  Never- 
theless they  have  afforded  good  sport  to  the  angler  with  a  fly-rod 
baited  with  the  May-fly,  {Kphemera)  ;  and  worms  have  also  been 
used  with  success.  The  whitefish  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  take 
flies  as  readily  .^  trout,  and  so  do  some  of  the  eastern  whitefish 
at  certain  seasons  of  the  year. 

Grayling. —  Thymcillus  tricolor.    Cope. 

specific  characteristics. — Depth  of  body  is  contained  four  times 
and  two-thirds  in  total  length  without  caudal.  Head  enters  about 
five  times  ;  length  of  snout  ecjuals  diameter  of  eye  ;  lower  jaw  pro- 
jects slightly.  Origin  of  d(jrsal  fin  corresponds  to  the  middle  of 
the  distance  between  operculum  and  ventrals.  Color,  Purplish- 
grey;  silvery  white  on  belly  ;  small  bluish  black  irregular  spots  on 
sides.  Dorsal  fin  which  is  greatly  developed  has  along  its  insertion 
a  black  line,  ne.xt  one  of  rosy  pink,  then  a  dark  one,  and  one  of 
rose  hue  just  above,  beginning  at  si.xth  ray  ;  a  row  of  spots  of  dull 
green ;  a  row  of  very  small  fifty-six  ray  spots ;  finally  a  broad 
dusky  area.  Prof.  Milner  says  ;  "  There  is  no  species  sought  for 
by  anglers  that  surpasses  the  grayling  in  beauty.  They  are  more 
elegantly  formed  than  the  trout,  and  their  great  dorsal  fin  is  a  su- 
perb mark  of  beauty.  When  the  well-lids  were  lifted,  and  the  sun- 
rays  admitted,  lighting  up  the  delicate  olive-brown  tints  of  the  back 
and  sides,  the  bluish  white  of  the  abdomer,  and  the  mingling  of 
tints  of  rose,  pale  blue,  and  purplish  pink  on  the  fins,  it  displayed 
a  combination  of  living  colors  that  is  equalled  by  no  fish  outside 
of  the  tropics." 

And  Mr.  Fred.  Mather  adds  :  "  The  grayling  has  all  the  fins  of 
a  trout ;  his  pectorals  are  olive-brown,  with  a  bluish  cast  at  the 


FISHES  OF    THE    WEST.         .    •  335 

end  (I  am  describing  him  in  the  water  as  I  saw  him  in  my  ponds 
an  hour  ago,)  the  ventrals  are  large  and  beautifully  striped  with 
alternate  streaks  of  brown  and  pink,  the  anal  is  plain  brown,  the 
caudal  is  very  forked  and  plain,  while  the  crowning  glory  is  its 
immense  dorsal ;  this  fin  rises  forward  of  the  middle  of  its  back, 
and  in  a  fish  a  foot  long  it  will  be  nearly  three  inches  in  length  by 
two  high,  having  a  graceful  curved  outline,  and  from  eighteen  to 
twenty  rays  dotted  with  large  red  or  bluish  purple  spots,  which  in 
life  are  brilliant,  and  are  surrounded  with  a  splendid  emerald  green, 
which  fades  after  death  ;  it  does  not  seem  as  if  this  green  could  be 
represented  by  the  painter's  art ;  it  is  that  changeable  shade  seen 
in  the  tail  of  the  peacock, 

"  In  shape  the  fish  is  like  a  trout,  a  trifle  slimmer,  perhaps,  and 
not  so  thick  near  the  tail,  but  the  'Cm  on  the  back  of  a  trout  looks 
so  small  and  scjuare,  so  deficient  in  outline  and  color,  after  behold- 
ing the  graceful  curve  of  a  grayling's  dorsal.  The  scale  is  large, 
silvery,  with  sometimes  a  copper  tinge  ;  near  the  shoulders  there 
are  black  spots,  sometimes  triangular,  and  at  others  V  shaped  ;  in 
some  fish  these  extend  nearly  to  the  tail  near  the  back  ;  they  are  in 
lines  which  gradually  shorten  towards  the  belly  ;  the  mouth  is  small 
(nearly  square  when  opened),  and  the  teeth  are  merely  a  slight 
roughness  on  the  lips,  none  on  the  tongue.  But  you  want  to  see 
him  come  in  on  a  line,  with  his  fins  all  standing,  and  your  eje  will 
then  give  you  a  better  idea  than  all  the  cold-blooded  descriptions 
could  ever  do." 

The  generic  name  tkymallits  is  derived  from  Thuinallos,  the 
Greek  term  for  thyme,  from  the  impression  the  Greeks  had  that 
the  fish  possessed  the  odor  of  this  herb.  Hence  the  Thymalli 
must  have  attracted  attention  from  a  very  early  period. 

This  tribe  of  fishes  bears  marked  relationship  in  many  respects 
to  the  sahnonidce.  They  inhabit  the  cold  streams  of  many  portions 
of  the  United  States,  Canada,  Europe,  and  Asia.  It  is  a  game  fish 
of  the  first  quality,  takes  the  fly  with  avidity,  and  carries  on  a  brave 
and  spirited  contest  with  its  captor.  Its  flesh  is  white,  or  faintly 
straw  color,  and  excellent  in  flavor.  The  artificial  breeding  of  the 
grayling  was  successfully  carried  on  in  liavaria  twenty  years  ago 
by  Mr.  Kauffer  Royal,  fisherman  in  the  Garden  of  the  Royal  Vet- 
erinary School.     Fred.  Mather  and  Seth  Green,  our  eminent  pisci- 


33^  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

culturists,  have  both  bred  the  grayling  successfully  by  the  artificial 
process.  .     . 

Its  habitat  is  the  centre  of  the  lower  peninsula  of  Michigan,  a 
wide,  elevated  plateau,  a  sand  region,  with  a  soil  containing  a 
veiy  small  per  cent,  of  organic  matter,  and  covered  with  a  forest 
of  pines,  generally  the  T^orway  pine.  From  this  plateau  rise  sev- 
eral large  streams  and  rivers,  flowing  each  way,  into  Lakes  Huron 
and  Michigan.  Among  these  are  three  rivers  of  note,  the  Muske- 
gon, 'he  Manistee,  emptying  into  Lake  Michigan,  and  the  Ausable, 
emptying  into  Lake  Huron.  Among  the  minor  streams  are  the 
Cheboygan,  Thunder  Bay,  and  Rifle,  tributary  to  Lake  Huron,  and 
the  Jordan,  emptying  through  Pine  Lake  into  the  Traverse  Bays 
of  Lake  Michigan.  A  few  branches  and  streams,  spring  fed,  are 
formed,  in  which  the  water  has  a  unifc  degree  of  coldness 
throughout  the  summer,  seldoi'  rising  ujc»'e  fifty -two  degrees. 
The  rivers  Rifle,  Ausable,  Jord:...  Hersey,  branch  of  the  Muske- 
gon, and  the  headwaters  of  the  M.nistee,  all  have  this  character, 
and  in  all  of  these,  and  only  in  this  limited  locality,  is  found  the 
Michigan  Grayling. 

The  grayling  is  a  spring  spawner — spawns  in  April,  and  is  in 
best  condition  and  fighting  trim  in  September.  His  food  is  the 
fresh-water  shrimp,  caddis,  larvas,  snails,  and  the  larvae  of  the 
ihironomus  fly.  They  take  the  artificial  fly  as  greedily  as  trout 
do,  are  angled  for  in  precisely  the  same  spots  where  trout  would 
be  sought.  As  Sir  Humphrey  Davy  says  of  the  English  species, 
"  He  rises  rapidly  from  the  bottom  or  middle  of  the  water,  darting 
upwards,  and  having  seized  his  fly  returns  to  his  station."  He  cer- 
tainly affords  as  much  sport  as  the  trout,  and  his  tender  mouth  re- 
quires more  careful  handling.  Prof.  Milner  says  that  "  hooking  a 
large  one,  he  had  good  evidences  of  his  plucky  qualities  ;  the  pliant 
rod  bent  as  he  struggled  against  the  line,  curling  his  body  around 
columns  of  water  that  failed  to  sustain  his  grasp,  and  setting  his 
great  dorsal  fin  like  an  oar  backing  water,  while  we  cautiously 
worked  him  in,  his  tender  mouth  requiring  rather  more  careful 
handling  than  would  be  necessary  for  a  trout ;  making  a  spurt  up 
stream,  he  requires  a  yielding  line,  but  after  a  time  he  submits  to 
be  brought  in,  rallying  for  a  dart  under  the  boat,  or  beneath  a 
log,  as  an  attempt  is  made  to  place  the  landing  net  under  him. 


FISHES  OF    THE    WEST. 


337 


Finally  brought  on  board,  exhausted,  he  is  easily  removed  from 
the  hook." 

They  are  free,  strong  biters,  and  cannot  be  considered  very 
shy,  as  they  will  rise  repeatedly  to  a  fly  if  a  failure  is  made  in  hook- 
ing them.  Often  two,  and  occasionally  three,  are  landed  at  once. 
Nevertheless,  experience  proves  that  it  sometimes  requires  all  the 
ingenuity  of  an  experienced  fly-fisherman  to  induce  an  occasional 
rise,  even  when  grayling  are  seen  to  be  plentiful  in  the  river. 
Very  many  styles  of  flies  are  used.  The  favorite  grayling  fly  is 
made  with  a  stone  wing  and  yellow  body  ;  brown  and  grey  hackles, 
the  white  and  lead  wing  coachman,  the  silver  widow,  the  Jewel  fly, 
and  the  professor,  with  light  yellow  dyed  hackle,  mostly  used.  In 
fact  any  fly  tied  ^n  No.  6  and  8  O'Shaughnessy  hooks  will  kill,  if 
not  too  gaudy. 

The  history  of  the  discovery  of  the  species  is  as  follows  :  It 
has  been  known  for  years  to  the  people  in  adjacent  counties,  and 
among  the  lumbermen,  and  generally  called  trout,  distinguishing 
it  from  the  ordinary  species  by  applying  the  local  name  of  the 
stream,  as  the  "  Hersey  trout,"  or  the  "  Jordan,"  or  "  Ausable" 
trout. 

In  the  winter  of  1864  and  1865,  Prof.  Edward  D.  Cope,  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy  of  Sciences,  worked  up  a  large  collection  of 
fishes,  sent  by  Mr.  M.  Miles,  of  Lansing,  belonging  to  educational 
institutions  of  the  State  of  Michigan.  Among  these  he  found  this 
species,  readily  detecting  its  relation  to  the  genus  Thytnallus,  and 
giving  it  the  name  o{  tricolor.  In  the  winter  of  1872,  Mr.  D.  Fitz- 
hugh  procured  specimens  and  forwarded  them  to  Professor  Baird 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and  to  Professor  Agassiz,  as  well  as 
to  prominent  authorities  of  the  hook  and  line  profession.  These 
were  the  first  specimens  obtained  by  the  museums,  and  were 
regarded  with  a  great  deal  of  interest.  Two  obtained  for  the  U. 
S.  Commission  of  Fisheries  in  1871,  from  the  Jordan  River,  were 
lost  in  the  great  fire  at  Chicago.  Mr.  Fitzhugh  subsequently 
went  before  the  legislature  of  his  State  and  induced  the  passage  of 
a  law  protecting  the  grayling  from  a  too  rapid  destruction.  He 
was  also  the  first  to  communicate  with  reference  to  their  habits 
and  qualities  as  a  game  fish. 


»l 


338  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


CYPRINID^. 

Red  Horse  or  Lake  Sucker. — Catostotnus  cepedianum. 

A  large  red-finned  sucker  weighing  from  one  to  six  pounds. 
Often  eaten  fresh,  but  much  better  corned  ;  very  bony.  They  are 
quite  a  handsome  fish,  like  many  of  the  family.  It  is  taken  only 
with  spear,  seine  and  snare — the  latter  method  the  best.  In  very 
hot,  sultry  days  they  swarm  by  the  acre,  playing,  jumping  and 
tumbling  on  or  so  near  the  surface  as  to  be  plainly  seen.  In  Lake 
Pepin  they  are  described  as  so  numerous  that  not  a  foot  of  water 
for  acres  in  extent  is  undisturbed.  They  spawn  early  in  spring. 
The  young  are  much  valued  for  bait,  and  are  well  adapted  for  the 
aquarium. 

Buffalo. — Bubalichthys  bubalus.    Agassiz. 

One  of  the  largest  of  the  suckers  {catostomidcB)  found  in  the 
Ohio  River,  and  in  many  Western  waters.     An  excellent  food  fish. 

SCIENID^. 

Malashkganay  ;  sheepshead. — Corvina  richardsonii. — Cuv.  and  Val. 

This  species  is  common  in  Lake  Huron  where  it  is  highly 
prized  as  food,  and  also  occurs  in  Lake  Erie.  It  is  taken  with 
crayfish,  on  which  it  principally  feeds.  Length  from  one  to  tvv'o 
feet.  Color,  grey  with  dark  transverse  bands  above  ;  sides  silvery ; 
abdomen  yellowish.  The  sheepshead  of  Lake  Pepin  is  not  valued 
as  food. 

SILURID^. 

There  are  but  two  species  of  catfish  found  in  the  west — the 
Mud  Cat  and  the  Lake  or  Channel  Cat.  The  former  is  worthless, 
but  the  latter,  which  is  common  in  the  waters  of  the  Upper 
Mississippi,  is  universally  regarded  as  a  fine  and  healthy  food 
fish,  and  is  much  sought  for  by  many.  It  is  of  a  dark  brown 
color,  sometimes  nearly  black ;  attains  a  large  size,  occasionally 
weighing  as  much  as  a  hundred  pounds,  taken  with  hook  and  line, 
with  any  kind  of  bait  from  a  piece  of  wheat  dough  to  any  piece  of 
meat.  Beef's  liver  is  a  favorite  bait.  On  the  hook  they  are  strong  and 
most  obstinate,  and  will  often  carry  away  the  very  strongest  tackle. 


FISHES  OF  THE   NORTHWEST. 


FOR  the  abundance  and  variety  of  its  edible  and  game  fishes, 
the  Northwest  far  surpasses  all  other  regions  of  North 
America,  not  only  in  its  Salmonidac,  but  in  other  classes  or  families. 
Referring  only  superficially  to  the  ichthyc  fresh  water  fauna  of 
Alaska,  which  have  not  been  thoroughly  investigated  by  scientists, 
we  enumerate  the  following,  irrespective  of  order  or  classification  : 
A  sucker  found  there,  v/hich  is  called  craskee  by  the  Russians, 
( Catostomus  teres)  is  quite  common,  and  for  its  Northern  habitat, 
quite  large,  averaging  from  four  to  seven  pounds.  A  species  of 
the  cottideE,  called  unduk  by  the  Tinnehs,  frequents  the  shallow 
streams  and  ponds,  and  is  caught  in  large  numbers  by  the  abo- 
rigines who  scoop  them  out  with  their  hands,  paddles  and  grass 
baskets.  The  flesh  is  insipid  but  sweet,  and  for  this  flavor  a  few 
tribes  like  it.  If  one  were  to  give  it  an  English  cognomen  he 
would  be  apt  to  call  it  a  black  bullhead  or  sculpin.  A  small  dace, 
also  found  with  this,  bites  readily  at  a  baited  hook.  The  pike 
{Escyx  estor,)  is  very  abundant  in  the  ponds  and  lakes  of  the  almost 
Arctic  regions  of  Alaska.  It  resembles  its  eastern  congener,  is  of 
little  use  as  an  article  of  food  or  sport,  and  it  is,  therefore,  let 
severely  alone,  except  the  comparatively  limited  numbers  caught 
in  seines  for  the  purpose  of  feeding  the  sledge  dogs.  The  burhot, 
eel  pout,  or  losh,  {^Lota  inaculata,)  swarms  in  the  lakes  and  rivers, 
and  being  quite  edible,  and  weighing  from  thirty  to  fifty  pounds, 
it  forms  quite  an  extensive  article  of  food,  for  when  broiled,  it  is 
quite  delicate,  the  flesh  being  hard  and  compact.  The  liver  is 
considered  the  best  portion,  as  it  is  permeated  by  a  sweet,  rich  oil, 
which  is  often  extracted  for  the  purpose  of  the  cuisine.  The  skin, 
which  is  translucent  when  prepared,  is  used  quite  frequently  for 
window  glass.  The  male,  which  is  smaller  than  the  female,  often 
carries  two  gall  bladders,  while  the  female  has  but  one.  The  latter 
will  compare  with  any  of  her  order  in  fecundity,  for  she  is  full  of 


I 


340  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

roe  in  the  spawning  season,  from  October  to  January.  These  she 
bears  in  two  sacs  near  the  vent,  which  are  connected  by  an  open- 
ing with  the  cloaca.  Though  slow  in  movement  and  apparently 
dull,  this  species  destroys  large  numbers  of  whitefish,  and  others 
of  less  importance.  The  grayling,  {T/iyfuahts  signifer)  is  very 
abundant.  Of  the  whitefish,  there  are  several  varieties  or  species, 
the  larger  portion  being  allied  to  the  southern  prototypes,  the 
greater  difference  being  in  their  numbers.  There  are  the  nulato 
— nulatoski  of  the  Russians — a  small  bony  and  comparatively  use- 
less fish  ;  the  morskoi,  or  whitefish  of  the  Russians,  a  highly  edible 
variety,  which  weighs  between  two  and  four  pounds,  and  has  firm, 
succulent  flesh.  It  is  readily  recognized  by  its  small  head  and  fins. 
The  hump-backed  species,  the  corabati  of  the  Russians  and 
Ko-lak-ah  of  the  Yukons,  is  quite  abundant,  but  bony  and  insipid, 
the  coregonus  »asus,  or  round  fish — the  Russian  i'fug,  and  Yukon 
hutnen — with  its  long  subfusiform  body  and  lean  muzzle,  is  a  denizen 
of  several  streams,  and  is  often  caught  for  food  ;  the  Coregonus 
nntksun,  or  broad  whitefish,  the  tel-ih-yuh  of  the  Yukons,  with  its 
large  scales,  broad  body,  short  head  and  v/eight  of  thirty  pounds, 
is  readily  distinguished  from  the  others,  and  as  it  is  excellent  for 
the  table,  large  numbers  are  caught  at  all  seasons  by  the  Indians. 
The  largest  of  this  genus  is  the  great  whitefish,  {Luciotrutta 
leucichthys,)  which  excels  its  congeners  not  only  in  size  but  flavor. 
It  is  very  abundant  in  the  Slikine  and  Yukon  Rivers — and  is 
found  in  all  the  streams  throughout  the  year.  It  measures  between 
two  and  four  feet  in  length,  and  its  weight  ranges  from  twenty  to 
forty  or  fifty  pounds.  It  is  full  of  eggs  from  October  to  the  first 
of  January,  so  is  in  the  best  of  condition  from  May  to  August.  It 
has  a  fine  outline,  being  slender  and  long ;  and  its  color  is  bright 
silvery  above,  somewhat  darker  beneath.  Despite  the  abundance 
of  this  fish  and  its  excellent  edible  qualities,  it  is  not  used  as  an 
article  of  commerce.  It  certainly  seems  plausible  to  suppose  that 
its  size  and  numerical  strength  would  render  its  capture  and  ex- 
portation a  successful  enterprise  if  the  limited  fishing-grounds  of 
Lake  Superior  can  be  worked  with  profit.  ,  . 

The  profusion  of  salmon  and  whitefish  in  .Alaska  should  make 
that  region  the  supply  depot  of  the  world,  for  they  are  certainly 
abundant  enough  to  feed  the  people  who  use  fish  as  a  portion  of 


FISHES  OF   THE  NORTHWEST. 


341 


their  diet.  All  required  to  prosecute  the  business  is  a  compara- 
tively small  capital,  and  whoever  is  first  in  the  field  has  the  best 
chance,  for  ere  long  this  great  wealth  will  be  utilized  by  those 
whose  means  will  be  ample  enough  to  enable  them  to  monopolize 
the  largest  share. 

The  species  enumerated,  and  the  brook  trout,  (5.  steUufus),  are 
the  only  fishes  frequenting  the  fresh  waters  of  Alaska,  that  have 
much  interest  for  mankind  in  general. 

Passing  now  to  the  more  immediate  and  better  known  regions 
of  the  great  Northwest,  in  which  we  include  all  that  country  which 
lies  beyond  the  Upper  Mississippi  River,  and  especially  that  be- 
yond the  eastern  foot  hills  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  we  shall 
attempt  to  particularize  all  the  recognized  varieties  except  the  sea 
salmon,  which  we  prefer  to  class  among  the  fishes  of  the  Pacific 
Coast,  under  which  head  they  will  be  found.  The  following  list  is 
given  hy  D.  S.  Jordan  and  Herbert  E.  Copeland  in  their  paper  en- 
titled "  Check  List  of  the  Fishes  of  the  Fresh  Waters  of  North 
America,"  {Bulletin  of  the  Buffalo  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences^ 
p.  144,  December,  1876.) 


Salmo  iridea. — Gibbons. 

'    "   niasoni. — Suckley.     d.  s. 

'    "  pleuriticus, — Cope. 

"   vtrginalis. — Suckley. 

"   carinatus. — Cope.     d.  s. 

"   lewis/. — Suckley. 

"   stomtas. — Cope. 

"   spHurus. — Cope. 

"  brevictzuda. — Suckley. 


Salmo  warreni. — Suckley.    d,  s. 

"  kennerlyi. — Suckley. 

"  bairdii. — Suckley. 

"  parkii. — Suckley. 

"  hoodii. — Richardson. 

"  nen<berryi. — Girard.     d.  s. 

"  alipes. — Richardson,     d.  s. 

"  nitidus. — Richardson,     d.  s. 

"  campbclli. — Richardson,  d.  s 


"  gibbsii. — Suckley. 

Of  these,  the  names  marked  with  "  d.  s."  in  italics  may  be  con- 
sidered as  doubtful  species  requiring  revision.  They  may  prove 
only  synonyms  of  at  present  well  known  species. 

SALMONID^. 


Pacific  Brook  Trout.— Mountain  Trout.— i'<z/w(j  tVtVM.    Gibbons. 

Special  characteristics. — Head  one-fourth  the  total  length  ;  di- 
ameter of  eye  enters  length  of  head  five  times,  dorsal  fin  half-way 


342  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA.  v 

between  end  of  muzzle  and  insertion  of  caudal  fin  ;  muzzle  pointed. 
Branchia;,  x,  xi.  Color,  olive-brown  on  back  with  silvery  reflec- 
tions, fins  red  or  orange.  Head  and  gill  covers  spotted  profusely 
with  black  ;  back  and  sides  also  spotted  irregularly,  numerous  near 
the  tail.     Dorsal,  adipose  and  caudal  fins  also  spotted. 

Suckley  states  it  may  be  distinguished  from  S.  lewisi  by  its 
large  head  and  more  slender  form,  larger  scales,  more  numerous 
spots  and  more  forked  tail.  From  S.  virginalis  by  its  strongly 
forked  tail  and  spotted  head.  Habitat,  California  and  Pacific 
States.  It  has  been  taken  in  nearly  all  the  waters  of  the  Pacific, 
notably  at  San  Mateo  Creek,  Cal.,  San  Francisco,  Chico  Creek, 
Cal..  Humboldt  Bay,  Dallas,  Oregon,  Fort  Steilacoom,  Nisqually 
Creek,  Cape  Flattery,  Puget  Sound,  Kern  River,  Cal.,  etc. 

This  species  may  be  taken  with  almost  any  kind  of  bait.  It 
will  rise  readily  and  greedily  to  the  fly  or  the  grasshopper  ;  raw 
meat  is  good,  the  eye  of  a  fish  excellent ;  grubs,  larvae,  and  worms, 
all  seem  to  be  eagerly  desired.  Suck'ey  has  taken  them  by  troll- 
ing with  a  "  belly  fin  of  a  fresh  killed  fish."  There  is  a  peculiarity 
of  this  fish  and  its  western  congeners  regarding  location,  which  is 
worthy  of  mention.  Unlike  the  eastern  trout  it  seems  rather  to 
prefer  moderate  currents  of  water,  or  indeed  pools  which  are  ab- 
solutely still,  and  this  fact  should  be  remembered  by  those  who 
fish.  This  specimen  attains  a  weight  of  from  four  to  six  pounds, 
and  is  in  good  condition  for  the  table  from  spring  until  near  Christ- 
mas, at  which  time  they  begin  to  spawn. 

Mr.  Henshaw,  the  ornithologist  of  the  Expedition  for  Explora- 
tions West  of  the  one  hundredth  Meridian,  who  has  had  consider- 
able experience,  states  that  "  in  the  rapids  of  the  mountain  streams 
artificial  flies  can  be  used  with  excellent  effect,  the  smaller  individuals 
striking  freely.  In  the  pools  of  such  streams,  however,  they  are 
of  less  service,  grasshoppers  or  the  white  larvae  found  in  rotten 
pine  stumps  being  there  the  most  killing  bait.  Dr.  H.  C.  Yarrow 
states  that  he  has  taken  seventeen  fine  trout  out  of  one  pool  not 
more  than  three  feet  in  diameter,  in  quick  succession  with  grass- 
hoppers. In  the  large  mountam  streams  of  Kern  River,  California, 
where  the  trout  reach  a  weight  of  seven  pounds,  a  spoon  bait  often 
proves  very  taking.  Early  in  the  season  any  or  all  baits  suffice, 
but  later,  when  the  trout  get  thinned  out,  they  are  very  shy,  and 


FISHES  OF   THE  NORTHWEST.  .    343 

clilTicult  to  tempt  with  anything-.  Mice  and  squirrels  cut  into  strips 
liave  succeeded  where  other  lures  have  previously  failed.  In  Lake 
Tahoe,  where  S.  iridea  abound  as  well  as  another  species,  be- 
lieved to  be  new,  the  former  are  said  to  reach  a  weight  of  thirty 
pounds.  The  methods  of  capture  are  various,  trolling  being  gen- 
erally employed,  the  hook  being  similar  to  the  one  used  in  the  east 
for  catching  bluehsh  ;  but  on  the  hook  a  minnow  is  placed  as  bait, 
and  the  boat  is  slowly  rowed  along  the  line  of  shallow  and  deep 
water  which  varies  in  depth  from  thirty  to  seventy-five  feet.  The 
fishermen  maintain  the  existence  of  two  distinct  species  of  trout, 
which  they  call  "  Silver  Trout,"  and  the  "  Black  or  Salmon  Trout," 
and  the  difference  of  color  is  distinctly  appreciable.  There  is  also 
H  marked  difference  in  the  size  of  the  adipose  fin. 

Mason's  Trout. — Salmo  masoni.     Suckley. 

This  species  may  prove  to  be  only  a  variety  of  the  preceding. 
Girard  calls  it  Fario  clarkit.  It  is  found  in  Oregon  and  Washing- 
ton Territory.  As  it  is  marked  as  a  doubtful  species,  no  descrip- 
tion is  here  given  of  it.  '  -  -  n     ■■''■■■,     -     - 

Rocky  Mountain  Trout  ;  Yellowstone  Trout. — Salmo  pleuriticus.    Cope. 

Specific  characteristics. — Head  rather  smaller  than  its  Western 
congeners  ;  enters  four  times  in  length  to  notch  of  caudal,  which 
is  well  emarginated  ;  muzzle  obtuse  ;  diameter  of  eye  enters  four 
times  in  length  of  head  ;  depth  of  body  four  and  five-tenths  in 
length  to  end  of  caudal  scales  ;  dorsal  fin  midway  between  latter 
and  end  of  muzzle  ;  scales  small ;  Branchias  xi.  Color,  Bluish 
silvery  lead  on  back,  yellowish-white  beneath ;  sides  with  short, 
broad,  longitudinal  bars  of  crimson  ;  a  band  of  the  same  color 
occupies  the  fissure  within  each  ramus  of  the  jaw  and  skin  on  the 
median  side  of  it.  Fins  crimsoned,  none  black  bordered.  This 
species  is  well  spotted  with  black,  the  spots  being  mostly  above 
the  lateral  line,  on  the  caudal  peduncle,  dorsal  and  caudal  fins.  It 
should  be  mentioned  that  Prof.  Cope  and  Dr.  Yarrow  have  de- 
scribed four  different  varieties  of  this  species  in  which  the  mark- 
ings vary  greatly  from  the  type,  for  description  of  which  the  reader 
is  referred  to  Vol.  V.,  Zoology  of  "  Expedition  for  Explorations 
West  of  one  hundredth  Meridian,"  Fishes,  1876,  p.  694. 


344  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Habitat,  Colorado  to  Arizona.  This  is  by  far  the  most  abundant 
species  of  the  head-waters  of  the  Green,  Platte,  and  Yellowstone 
Rivers,  but  is  found  in  Medicine  Lodge  Creek,  Iddho  ;  in  Montana 
and  Nevada,  near  Fort  Garland,  Colorado  ;  San  Juan  River,  Pagosa, 
Colorado,  Rio  Grande  River,  Colorado ;  Costilla,  New  Mexico  ;  Rio 
Taos,  New  Mexico  :  Chama  River,  New  Mexico  ;  and  the  streams 
of  the  White  Mountains  of  Arizona.  This  species  may  be  consid- 
ered one  of  the  gamiest  of  its  family.  Great  sport  can  be  had  by 
its  capture,  especially  in  the  San  Juan  River,  near  the  Pagosa  Hot 
Springs  of  Western  Colorado.  It  takes  the  fly  greedily  at  times, 
more  especially  at  evening,  seeming  to  prefer  a  grasshopper  in  the 
morning ;  but  it  will  bite  at  minnows  and  small  grubs  or  worms. 
Mr.  Charles  E.  Aiken  took  one  evening  from  a  pool  in  the  San 
Juan  River  just  at  sunset,  not  less  than  twenty-five  pounds  of  this 
fish  with  in  old  worn-out  brown  hackle  fly.  The  tourist  or  sports- 
man will  find  Colorado  one  of  the  best  regions  known  for  the  cap- 
ture of  this  fish. 

Utah  Trout  ;  Southern  Rocky  Mountain  Trout ;  Speckled  Trout.— .Ja/wo 

virginalis.    Girard. 

Special  characteristics. — Head  medium,  much  like  5".  pieuri- 
iicus.  Depth  of  body  enters  length  5.75,  diameter  of  eye  enters 
side  of  head  4.5  times,  muzzle  obtuse ;  caudal  fin  scarcely  emar- 
ginate.     Branchiae,  ix,  ix. 

Color. — Greyish  brown  above,  with  purplish  reflections,  var)nng 
much  in  shade  and  subcireular  black  spots  ;  beneath  olivaceous, 
unicolor.  Spots  on  back  frequently  run  into  the  conjunctiva  of 
the  eye,  a  fact  that  has  not  been  noticed  regarding  other  species. 
Habitat. — Southern  Rocky  Mountains,  Utah,  Colorado,  and  New 
Mexico. 

This  species  may  be  distinguished  from  S.  iridea,  which  it  re- 
sembles somewhat,  by  its  smaller  head,  absence  of  dark  spots  on 
top  of  head,  and  absence  of  caudal  forking. 

These  fish  are  taken  in  the  Provo  or  Timpanagos  River,  near 
Provo  City,  fifty  miles  from  Salt  Lake  City,  in  Utah  Lake,  a  mag- 
nificent body  of  water  near  Provo,  and  at  Pang-witch  Lake,  not 
far  from  the  town  of  Pang-witch,  which  lies  in  the  valley  of  the 
Sevier,  southeast  of  Parowan,  Utah.     Any  angler  who  should  visit 


FISHES  OF   THE  NORTHWEST. 


345 


Utah  ought  not  to  miss  visiting  one  or  the  other  of  these  localities. 
The  Webber  River  near  Ogden,  Utah,  is  also  a  good  place  to  fish. 

This  fish  is  (as  in  fact  all  the  western  trout  are),  exceedingly 
capricious  regarding  food.  At  times  they  will  rise  beautifully  to 
flies,  dark  ones  being  generally  preferred,  and  at  others  will  take 
nothing  but  grasshoppers  or  minnows.  In  Provo  River  they  are 
not  known  to  rise  to  a  fly,  but  grasshoppers  answer  well ;  in  the 
Beaver  River  nothing  can  be  done  with  flies,  and  at  Pang-witch 
Lake  fat  pork  and  fishes'  eyes  succeed  admirably. 

At  Utah  Lake  enormous  numbers  are  taken  by  nets,  frequently 
five  hundred  pounds  at  a  single  haul,  and  formerly  as  much  as 
three  thousand  seven  hundred  pounds  have  been  taken.  As  may 
be  supposed,  at  this  place  fishing  will  not  be  good  much  longer. 
Two  hours'  ride  from  Salt  Lake  City  will  bring  the  sportsman  to 
Provo  and  when  there  he  should  visit  Mr.  Madsen's  place,  near 
the  Lake,  if  he  desires  good  fishing.  .; 

Yellowstoke  Trout.— S'fl/w**?  carinatus.    Cope. 

specific  characters. — Head  sharp,  well  keeled  above,  4.66  times 
in  length  to  notch  of  caudal,  which  is  well  marked ;  diam- 
eter of  eye  enters  length  of  side  of  head  five  times  ;  dorsal  fin 
nearer  muzzle  than  end  of  caudal  scales,  which  <are  large  ;  33  be- 
low the  first  ray  of  the  dorsal ;  spots  large  and  distinct,  far  apart. 
Color.  Light  rosy,  marked  with  round  black  spots  sparsely 
distributed  over  the  entire  body.  The  dorsal  and  caudal  fins  are 
spotted.  Fins  and  sides  of  head  crimson.  Habitat,  Rocky 
Mountains.  Prof.  Cope  considers  this  species  distinct,  but  possibly 
future  study  of  specimens  will  show  it  to  be  identical  with  the  pre- 
ceding species.  The  bait  taken  by  the  others  of  its  family  will  also 
serve  for  it.  .        '  .    ■         - 


Lewis  Trout  j  Missouri  Trout. — Salmo  iewisi.    Suckley. 

Specific  characters. — Body  mewhat  thick  ;  back  well  arched  ; 
head  rather  small,  entering  i^oiit  five  times  in  length  of  fish  ; 
tail  somewhat  notched ;  first  dorsal  ray  nearer  point  of  snout  than 
base  of  caudal.    ■      •; 

Color. — Above  bluish  grey  ;  lower,  orange  or  yellow.  The 
back,  peduncle,  dorsal,  adipose  and  caudal  fins  spotted  with  black. 


34^  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Belly  and  lower  fins  unicolor,  a  deep  orange  hue  existing  along  the 
rays.  This  species  maybe  distinguished  from  S.  virginalis  by  its 
much  smaller  head  and  more  deeply  matched  tail  and  larger  scales  ; 
from  .S".  iridca  by  larger  scales,  smaller  head,  fewer  spots  and  less 
forked  tail. 

Habitat. — Both  slopes  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  north  of  the 
South  Pass ;  head  waters  of  the  Missouri ;  southern  tributaries  of 
the  Yellowstone ;  Black  Hills  of  Nebraska  ;  Clark's  Fork  of  the 
Columbia ;  Kootenay  River ;  Bitter  Root  River,  Washington 
Territory. 

Of  this  fish.  Dr.  Girard  says,  this  is  the  trout  alluded  to  in 
"  Lewis'  and  Clarke's  Travels,"  who  speak  of  it  as  follows  : 

"  Being  at  the  falls  of  the  Missouri  they  caught  half  a  dozen 
trout,  from  sixteen  to  twenty-three  inches  long,  precisely  resem- 
bling in  form  and  the  position  of  the  fins,  the  mountain  or  speckled 
trout  of  the  United  States,  except  that  the  specks  of  the  former  are 
of  a  deep  black,  while  those  of  the  latter  are  of  a  red  or  golden 
color.  They  have  long,  sharp  teeth  on  the  palate  and  tongue,  and 
generally  a  small  speck  of  red  on  each  side  behind  the  front 
ventral  (pectoral)  fins  ;  the  flesh  is  of  a  pale  yellowish  red,  or, 
when  in  good  order,  of  a  rose-colored  red."  London  edition,  p. 
192,  quarto,  18 14. 

Of  the  manner  of  taking  this  fish,  Dr.  Suckley  in  his  mono- 
graph of  salmonidas,  speaks  with  much  pride  of  having  captured 
some  with  artificial  flies  below  the  Great  Falls  of  the  Missouri. 
It  is  presumed  they  will  take  other  baits  as  well  as  this. 

Platte  River  T-rovt. —Salmo  stomias.    Cope.  , 

(U.  S.  Geol.  Surv.  of  Wyoming,  p.  433,  1872.) 

specific  characters. — Head  large,  broad,  flat,  not  keeled,  4.25 
times  in  total  length  of  body  ;  muzzle  obtuse ;  diameter  of  eye 
enters  length  of  side  of  head  nearly  five  times ;  forty-two  scales 
below  first  dorsal  ray  ;  dorsal  fin  midway  between  snout  and  cau- 
dal, which  is  not  notched.     Scales  small ;  mouth  large. 

Color. — Indistinct  brownish  blotches  on  sides,  and  many  black 
spots  on  posterior  dorsal  region,  the  caudal  peduncle  and  the  dor- 
sal and  caudal  fins  ;  anal  unspotted ;  spots  few  in  front  of  dorsal. 
Prof.  Cope  considers  this  species  an  ally  of  S,  lewisi,  virgir  xlis, 
and  iridea,  .  .      .  ... 


FISHES  OF   THE  NORTHWEST.  347 

Habztat.-VX^ii^  River,  Kansas.     Will  probablv  f^t. 
the  baits  already  mentioned.  ^  ^  '^^^  ^">^  «^ 

Short-ta.led  Trout.- <r«/,«,^^,^,V««^«.    Suckley 

captured  in  „e>s  or  by  spearing.  Lt  ^nl  Lke "e'fly!        '""'">' 

muc""  ^'  '""""'""  '"'   '■  ^'""""-■'  "•«  '"=  head  is 
affluents.    May  be  taken  whh  nTorZok  ""  """^  ^"^  "^ 

or  >Xt"  a"riT.^r  ^v:o,:^"b^r'  ""n^--" 

black,  and  sharply  forked  L\      il      u  u      I'  ^^  'P°"^^  "^'^^ 
generaUy  taken^w^t wrb^f^m'^X^^^^^^^^^^  -"  '^ 

Warren's  Trout.-.S-«/«,.  ,,«,,,„,.,..    Suckley 

uso™rtt°r:e:T:::^::'''°^=  ^™"^ '-  ^--'^  •'^- 

.He™ktVhrs?i:aLteirK'  '"f'  ""^  ''''"  ="-  ™ 

common  W.K  ..  /— ^'^^^^r^ct:  "s^"/ork™  c" 
lumbia.     Takes  the  hook  readily.  ^  ^''^  ^°- 

Resembles  5.  bairffij    h.,f  1,-,  i 

notched  tail  andmanvnl  .   '      '■^"'  ^'"^'  '"^''^  ^^^^P^y 

ici",  ana  many  pale  greenish  spots  on  the  back      Mnh^*  I 

Kootenay  R.ver.  Rocky  Mountains.     Will  take  the  hook.  ' 


■'\ 


348  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


Hood's  Salmon. — Salmohoodii.    Richardson. 

This  species  properly  belongs  to  the  Atlantic  cwast  fauna,  and 
is  found  from  Canada  northward.  A  good  description  is  given  by 
Richardson  in  Fauna  Bor.  Aincr.  in.,  p.  17 2' 

Newberry's  TROVT.—Salmo  newberryi,    Girard. 

This  is  a  doubtful  species  found  in  Klamath  River,  and  may  be 
the  S.  iridea, 

Redfish. 

This  fish  is  found  in  Payette  Lake,  Idaho,  and  in  the  Wallowa 
and  Isabel  Lakes,  in  the  Wallowa  Valley,  eastern  Oregon.  Very 
little  appears  to  be  known  of  it.  They  are  common  enough  in 
Alaska,  where  they  run  up  the  rivers  from  August  to  October,  to 
spawn.  It  is  barely  possible  that  they  are  not  identical  with  the 
Idaho  and  Oregon  fish,  though  their  habits  are  similar  and  their 
period  of  spawning  about  the  same.  They  evidently  belong  to  the 
family  of  Salmonidce,  and  we  so  classify  them.  The  fullest  infor- 
mation yet  published  about  them  was  furnished  by  the  Idaho 
World,  a  paper  published  at  Silver  City,  from  which  we  quote  : 

About  a  hundred  miles  to  the  northward  of  Idaho  City  is 
"  Payette  Lake,"  as  beautiful  a  sheet  of  water  as  can  be  found. 
This  lake  is  the  largest  of  a  cluster  of  four  or  five  situated  in  its 
immediate  vicinity,  and  is  about  twelve  miles  in  length  by  three 
miles  (average)  in  width.  It  is  both  fed  and  drained  by  the  North 
fork  of  the  Payette  River,  which  passes  directly  through  it.  Its 
waters  are  said  to  be  hundreds  of  feet  deep,  and  are  as  clear  as 
the  most  finely  polished  mirror.  The  country  ar  und  the  lake  is 
mountainous,  and  the  scenery  varied,  but  picturesque  and  beauti- 
ful. In  it  is  found  a  species  of  fish  known  here  by  the  name  of 
•'  redfish,"  an  appellation  derived  by  their  color,  which  is  a  beau- 
tiful vermilion,  with  the  exception  of  the  head  and  fins,  which  are 
of  a  dark  earthy  green  color.  The  habits  are  similar  to  those  of 
the  salmon,  and  like  the  salmon  they  spawn  and  then  die.  The 
male  and  female  are  easily  distinguishable,  the  colors  of  the  male 
being  much  brighter  than  those  of  the  female.  They  live  in  the 
deep  water  in  the  lake,  and  we  have  no  account  of  one  ever  hav- 
ing been  seen  in  the  lake  only  when  coming  up  out  of  the  water 


FISHES  OF   THE   NORTHWEST. 


349 


at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  when  goinjj  up  the  river  to  spawn, 
which  they  do  from  about  the  last  of  July  until  nearly  the  last  of 
October.  When  ascending  the  river,  they  travel  in  schools  num- 
bering from  one  to  two  or  three  hundred,  and  fishermen  land 
them  in  large  quantities  by  means  of  drag  nets  and  seines.  When 
fresh,  or  when  properly  cured,  they  are  esteemed  a  greater  deli- 
cacy for  table  use  than  even  the  mountain  trout  ;  but  great  skill 
and  care,  and,  above  all,  great  cleanliness,  is  required  for  their 
preservation  in  a  manner  for  the  table.  Dried,  they  are  preferred 
to  either  herring  or  codfish,  but  the  best  way  to  preserve  them  is 
in  brine.  Put  up  in  this  way — care  being  observed  to  have  them 
perfectly  fresh  and  perfectly  clean — they  are  probably  not  excelled 
by  any  fish  in  the  world.  The  writer  has  seen  them  late  in  the 
fall  moving  down  the  river  as  if  returning  to  the  lake,  but  such 
multitudes  of  them  die  along  the  stream  that  it  is  believed  to  be 
impossible  that  any  get  back  alive.  In  size  the  *'  redfish  "  vary  but 
little,  being  generally  about  twenty  inches  long,  and  weighing 
from  three  and  a  half  to  five  pounds.  Being  unknown  to  both 
British  and  American  fishermen,  they  are  coming  to  be  looked 
upon  as  confined  solely  to  Idaho  and  Lake  Payette,  and  the  object 
of  this  article  is  to  call  attention  to  the  fact  of  their  existence,  and 
to  draw  out  an  expression  of  opinion  from  persons  capable  of 
judging  as  to  their  place  among  the  "  finny  tribe."  Besides,  they 
are  a  great  delicacy,  and  it  may  yet  be  found  practicable  to  stock 
the  lakes  of  California,  Oregon,  and  Nevada,  and  perhaps  of  all 
the  Northern  and  Northwestern  States  and  Territories,  with  them  ; 
the  only  apparent  requisites  necessary  to  their  propagation  being 
depth  of  pure,  cold  water,  and  a  gravelly  stream  for  their  spawn. 

Pacific  Red  Spotted  Salmon  Trout  ;  the  Dolly  Varden.— i"a/w/o  campbelli. 

Suckley. 

This    species  inhabits  chiefly  glacial  waters  ;   is  found  in  the 

northern  streams  of  California  and  as  far  north  as  Alaska.     They 

have  whitish  yellow   spots  just  below  the  back,  and  red  spots 

above  the  belly.     Tail  forked.     It  takes  the  bait  greedily  and  rises 

readily  to  the  tly. 

Back's  Grayling  ;  Lesser  grayling. —  Thymallus  iigni/er.—  Cuv.  and  VaU 
Specific  characters. — Head  about   one-sixth   total  length,  ex- 
cluding caudal.     Depth   of  body  greater  than   length   of  head, 


350  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

anterior  ray  of  dorsal  fin  is  in  front  of  a  point  midway  between  the 
pectorals  and  ventrals.  Branchiae,  9 ;  fin  formula  as  follows  :  D. 
24  ;  A.  3-11  ;  C.  8-18-7;  P.  15  ;  V.  10. 

Color. — Ashy  grey  with  small  bluish  spots.  Dorsal  fin  spotted. 
Habitat,  British  America.  Dall  speaks  of  this  species  as  being 
abundant  in  the  small  rapid  rivers  of  Alaska,  and  states  moreover 
that  it  is  the  only  Yukon  fish  that  will  take  the  hook  ;  is  abundant 
in  the  spring.  It  is  thought  that  almost  any  fly  resembling  the 
natural  ones  of  the  locality  will  answer  as  bait ;  for  a  showy  lure  a 
piece  of  grayling  fin  will  answer. 

Mountain  Gnwhi^G.—Thymallusmontanus.    Milner. 

Specific  characters. — Form  stouter  than  preceding  species. 
Depth  of  body  greater  than  length  of  the  head ;  region  of  dorsal 
fin  anterior  to  a  point  midway  between  the  pectorals  and  the  ven- 
trals. The  body  is  deeper  than  in  the  other  American  species,  the 
length  of  the  head  is  greater  than  that  of  T.  signifer.  The  fork- 
ing of  the  tail  is  less  than  in  T.  tricolor. 

Color. — Resembles  somewhat  preceding  species,  but  the  red 
spots  on  the  dorsal  are  semicircled  by  a  thin  border  of  emerald 
green.  The  ventrals  also  show  a  shade  of  green,  and  the  caudal 
is  plain  in  color.     Habitat,  Missouri  River,  Montana. 

The  same  methods  of  capture  as  advised  for  preceding  species 
may  be  employed  for  this. 

Williamson's  Whitefish  ;  Mountain  \itxx\x\^.—CoregonuswiUiamsoni.    Girard. 

Specific  characters. — Head  enters  total  length  five  and  a  half 
times ;  mouth  small  and  herring  like ;  diameter  of  eye  enters 
length  of  side  of  head  five  times  ;  anterior  margin  of  dorsal  fin 
nearer  the  posterior  edge  of  the  base  of  the  adipose  than  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  snout.  Scales  well  developed,  somewhat  larger  on 
dorsal  than  ventral  region.  Color,  Bluish  neutral  tint  above, 
silvery  white  beneath.  Habitat,  Utah  to  Washington  Territory. 
Abundant  in  Provo  and  Sevier  Rivers,  Utah.  They  are  taken  in 
November  in  great  numbers  with  hook  and  line,  and  a  certain  min- 
now for  bait,  (Clinostomus  tcenia)  called  "  leatherside  "  by  the 
Mormon  settlers.  They  bite  well  and  freely,  affording  excellent 
sport.    A  few  are  taken  in  Utah  Lake  by  net,  though  seldom.     In 


FISHES  OF   THE  NORTHWEST.  351 

the  Sevier  River  they  have  been  taken  in  Aujjust  with  grass- 
hoppers. These  were  very  much  smaller  than  those  from 
Provo.  The  largest  specimen  seen  measured  eighteen  inches 
in  length. 

Another  species  of  Coregonus  is  the  C.  quadrilatcirals,  from 
the  upper  great  lakes  of  British  America  ;  and  there  are  still  two 
others  that  have  been  recently  taken,  the  first  from  Chief  Mountain 
Lake,  and  other  waters  on  both  sides  of  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
called  by  Prof.  Milner  C.  couesii,  the  other  caught  by  Mr.  Henshaw 
at  Lake  Tahoe,  which  Prof.  Gill  calls  C  viontanus.  As  it  did  not 
take  the  hook  at  the  t..  e  of  Mr.  Henshaw's  visit,  we  can  give  no 
information  as  to  the  bait.  The  Indians,  however,  take  large 
numbers  in  nets. 

CouEs'  Whitefish. — Rocky  Mountain  Whitefish.— C  couesii.    Milner. 

This  fish  is  very  common  in  the  Yellowstone,  Montana,  and 
Little  Blackfoot  Rivers,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
where  they  exceed  four  pounds  in  weight,  and  afford  much  sport 
to  the  angler.  They  are  very  often  taken  with  the  fly,  while  fish- 
ing for  trout.  They  are  also  taken  in  Chief  Mountain  Lake,  on 
the  eastern  edge  of  the  mountains. 

The  most  marked  feature  is  the  extensive  prolongation  of  the 
snout  which  protrudes  far  beyond  the  opening  of  the  mouth.  The 
head  narrows  regulai-ly  toward  the  anterior  of  the  frontals,  where 
two  strong  angles  are  found  narrowing  the  head  abruptly  at  the 
point  where  the  short  supraorbitals  join,  and  the  frontals  and 
nasals  continue  forward  in  a  narrow  blade-like  extension.  The 
adipose  fin  is  large,  attached  to  the  body  almost  to  the  posterior 
extremity,  and  is  ensheathed  in  scales  for  a  considerable  distance 
from  the  dorsal  line.  The  greatest  height  of  body  is  equal  to  the 
length  of  the  snout. 

CYPRINIDyE. 

Suckers, — Catostomida. 

These  fish,  although  not  taking  the  hook  readily,  can  be  se- 
cured with  nets,  spears,  and  such  net-baskets  as  the  Indians  make 

use  of.  .  .  . 


352  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Sucker,  of  the  Mormons. — Pnntosteus platyrhynchus.    Cope. 

Specific  characters. — Body  elongate  ;  head  short  and  wide, 
entering  total  length  five  and  three-quarter  times  ;  scales  larger  in 
caudal  than  near  head  ;  dorsal  fin  nearer  muzzle  than  base  of  tau- 
dal.  Color.  Blackish  above,  yellowish  below.  Habitat,  Prove 
River,  Utah.     Taken  with  bait  of  pork  ;  alh  j  in  net. 

Yarrow's  Sucker. — Pantosteus  jarrovii .     Cope. 

Specific  characters. — Body  not  so  elongate  as  preceding ;  head 
enters  total  length  about  five  times.  Dorsal  fin  intermediate. 
Color.  Above,  light  brown  with  narrow  dusky  spots  and  clouds  ; 
a  narrow  light  abdominal  band.  Chin  and  fins  red.  Habitat. 
Colorado,  New  Mexico.  This  specimen  is  the  prevalent  catos- 
tomoid  of  the  Rio  Grande  Basin.  I  do  not  know  if  it  will  take 
the  hook. 

Utah  Lake  Sucker. — Catostomus /ecundus.    Cope  and  Yarrow. 

Specific  characters. — Body  thick  ;  head  enters  total  length  five 
times  ;  diameter  of  eye  enters  length  of  side  of  head  six  times  ; 
dorsal  fin  nearer  end  of  muzzle  than  insertia  of  caudal,  scales 
largest  near  caudal.  Color.  Brownish  black  above,  yellowish 
beneath.  Habitat,  Lake  Utah,  Utah.  Is  generally  fished  for 
with  nets  but  will  occasionally  take  the  hook. 

Catostomus  guzmantensi.    Girard. 

Has  also  been  taken  in  Utah  Lake,  but  it  is  not  well  known. 

Horned  Chub.    ler\itT.—Cerattchthys  biguttatus.    Kirt. 

Specific  characters. — Head  enters  length  four  times  ;  depth 
about  the  same.  Scales  large.  Fin  formulae :  D.  i,  8;  A.  i,  7. 
Color.  Bluish  olive  ;  fins  light  orange.  Bites  readily  at  any  bait. 
This  fish  was  discovered  in  1872  by  Dr.  Yarrow  and  Mr.  Hen- 
shaw  in  a  small  creek  near  Harmony,  Utah.  It  is  the  common 
eastern  horned  chub,  which  is  widely  distributed  from  Pennsyl- 
vania to  Utah.     It  may  be  found  elsewhere  further  westward. 

A  species  of  chub  is  found  in  Lake  Utah  of  which  the  scien- 
tific name  is  in  doubt,  consequent!;  it  is  passed  over  with  the  re- 


FISHES  OF   THE  NORTHWEST. 


353 


mark  that  it  bites  well  at  grasshopper,  pork  and  worms,  and  is 
good  eating. 

With  regard  to  the  fishes  to  be  had  in  the  vicinity  of  Provo. 
Utah,  it  may  be  stated  that  it  is  the  only  place  west  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains  where  an  abundance  of  angle  worms  may  be  had,  the 
species  having  been  introduced  by  an  enterprising  physician 
from  the  east. 

Half  Scaled  Chub.— (7/7a  seminuda.    Cope  and  Yarrow. 

Specific  characters. — General  appearance  similar  to  others  of 
the  genus.  Head  enters  total  length  five  times.  Diameter  of 
eye  enters  length  of  side  of  head  four  times.  Scales  small  and 
subcircular. 

Color. — Purplish  brown  above,  silvery  beneath.  Fins  yellowish 
to  pink.     Habitat. — Rio  Virgen  River,  Utah. 

This  species  is  very  abundant  in  the  river  named,  near  Wash- 
ington, Utah,  and  hundreds  are  taken  by  hook  and  line.  Bait 
used,  grasshoppers. 

MUGILID^E. 

Mullet  of  the  Mormons. — Siboma  atraria.    Girard. 

Specific  characters. — Body  elongated  ;  head  enters  total  length 
a  little  less  than  four  times  ;  mouth  small  ;  eye  enters  length 
of  side  of  head  five  and  a  half  times.  Anterior  margin  of  dorsal 
fin  nearer  the  insertion  of  caudal  than  end  of  snout. 

Color. — Brownish  black  above  ;  greyish  white  below.  Habitat. 
— Utah,  Colorado,  Idaho,  New  Mexico,  in  short,  is  one  of  the 
most  abundant  species  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  Basin.  Is  not  gen- 
erally fished  for,  as  the  flesh  is  poor  and  insipid  during  the  warm 
months.  Will  not  generally  take  the  hook  except  it  be  baiterl 
with  grubs  or  larvas  of  which  they  appear  to  be  very  fond.  Are 
sometimes  taken  in  the  trout  nets  at  Lake  Utah  weighing  from 
five  to  p«ven  pounds. 


Long  headed  Mullet. — Siboma  atraria,  var.  longiceps.    Cope. 

Is  a  fish  greatly  resembling  the  preceding,  which  is  found  in  Ne- 
vada, Utah  and  New  Mexico ;  bites  freely  at  grasshoppers. 


t.  ' 


PACIFIC   COAST   FISHES. 

PERCID.^. 

San  Francisco  T?kkch.— A mbloplites  interruptus.    Girard. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  fish  on  the  Pacific  Coast.  It 
is  known  as  the  sea  perch,  porgy,  or  surf  fish.  They  are  the  same 
fish  that  are  known  at  the  east  as  the  cunner,  nipper,  bergall, 
chogset,  blue  perch,  etc.  The  general  color  is  black,  mixed  with 
brown,  with  faint  transverse  bars  of  an  uncertain  dusky  hue.  The 
largest  exhibit  a  light  orange  tint  throughout  the  whole  body,  with 
the  head  and  gill-covers  of  a  chocolate  color,  mixed  with  light  blue, 
and  with  blue  fins  and  general  bronze  coloring  in  some  lights. 
Like  all  the  perch  tribe,  on  the  back  is  a  stiff  fin  with  spines.  They 
are  caught  most  plentifully  near  rocky  shores  ;  they  take  almost 
any  bait.  It  is  a  tolerably  good  and  sweet  pan  fish,  but  they 
should  be  eaten  as  fresh  as  possible,  as  their  flesh  is  very  soft. 

The  perch,  which  inhabit  chiefly  the  nvers,  abound  much  also, 
in  some  parts  of  the  bays  ;  they  are  white  with  blotches  of  a  dirty 
black  on  their  sides.  The  quality  of  their  flesh  is  much  better  than 
that  of  the  sea  perch.  They  are  found  but  in  small  numbers  on 
the  ocean  coast ;  they  run  about  two  pounds  in  weight. 

^OQ^vx^H.—Paralabrax  clathratus.     Girard.    Dusky  Rockfish. — Paralabrax 

nebuli/er.    Girard. 

There  is  a  numerous  variety  of  these  rockfish  of  several  colors, 
brown,  black,  and  bright  red,  of  which  those  mentioned  are  the 
most  prominent.  They  are  taken  in  plenty  wherever  the  bottom 
is  rocky.  They  weigh  from  half  a  pound  to  twenty  or  thirty  pounds. 
You  fish  as  deeply  as  possible  for  them,  and  they  are  almost  om- 
nivorous in  thfir  appetites,  taking  all  sorts  of  worms,  flesh  and 
small  fish.  Their  meat  is  white,  and  good  in  flavor  and  firm- 
ness. 


PACIFIC  COAST  FISHES. 


355 


TRACHINIDyE. 
Of  this  family  the  Hetcrostichus  rostratus  is  very  common. 

SPHYR^NID^E. 

The  barracouta.  or  barracuda,  {SpJiyrana  argentca,  Girard)  is 
very  common,  a  voracious  and  very  active  fish,  tal<en  by  trolling 
just  outside  of  the  kel]). 

SCORP/ENID.^. 

Rock  Fish  J  rock  cod.— ,SV6;r/^«.i  jf„//„/.«.    Girard. 

Bites  best  at  "  lobster,"  (so  called,)  or  at  the  flesh  of  Halwtus 
spiendens,  the  "ear-shell," 

Rock  Cod;  red  fish. -i-^3«f/«^<,jrt^^«j.    Girard. 
Is  qui^te  common,  frequenting  the  vicinity  of  islands,  and  as  it 
bites  read.Iy  at  a  baited  hook,  furnishes  excellent  sport.     It  varies 
from  sixteen  to  twenty-two  inches  in  length.     The  upper  regions 
and  sices  are  of  a  light  purplish  brown,  the  latter  being  mottled  a 
shade  darker.    The  superior  surface  of  the  head  is  spineless.    Sev- 
eral other  varieties,  or  species,  are  found  south  of  Astoria.  Oregon 
namely    the  pauczSpims^  aurictdatus,  melanops,  and  fasciatus, 
which  differ  only  m  minor  details. 

SCI^NIDvE. 

Little  Bass.    Liostcnus  Hneatu..-^y^,^.   Common  Kingfish.    Umhrinaundu^ 
Not  abundant.  '"'"    ^"'^'■''• 

ATHERINID^. 

^^'B.VV.—Atherhtopsiscali/orniensis.     Girard. 

This  beautiful  silvery  fish,  with  its  silver  lateral  line  extendino-  " 
from  Its  shoulders  to  its  tail,  is  common  along  the  Pacific  coast** 
and  are  taken  in  great  quantities  from  February-  ist  to  October' 
They  average  nine  inches  in  length,  and  individuals  have  been 
taken  that  weighed  two  pounds.  A  fish  of  the  latter  size  affords 
hue  play  for  the  angler.     They  are  taken  in  the  bays,  especially  in   ' 


35^  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

San  Francisco  Bay,  with  a  cane,  bamboo,  or  other  rod  from  fif- 
teen to  eighteen  feet  in  length,  made  either  with  or  without  joints, 

-  and  a  light  but  strong  line,  either  fastened  to  the  top  of  the  pole, 
or  connected  with  a  good  large  four-fold  multiplying  reel,  at  the 
end  of  which  line  there  is  rather  a  heavy  lead  or  sinker,  above 
which  are  tied  three  or  four  small  hooks  about  a  foot  apart,  baited 
with  pieces  of  worms,  found  among  the  mussels  which  attach 
themselves  to  the  piles  of  a  wharf  or  bridge.  The  smelts  come  up 
and  return  with  each  tide  to  cast  their  spawn  or  melt  on  those 
shores  and  flats  of  the  bay  which  are  either  sandy  or  muddy.  In 
the  full  season,  which  is  in  April,  they  come  up  from  the  ocean 

.  through  the  Golden  Gate  in  enormous  quantities,  and  bite  gen- 
erally so  ravenously  at  the  bait  offered  them  that  it  often  happens 
that  the  angler  hooks  and  lands  three,  or  even  four  of  them  at  one 
time,  and  when  three  or  four  of  them  weigh  each  over  half  or  three- 
quarters  of  a  pound,  the  angler  has  his  hands  full  to  secure  them 
all  on  terra  finna.  In  the  height  of  the  "  take,"  when  there  are 
a  hundred  rods  plying  at  once,  the  scene  is  a  very  lively  and  inter- 
esting one.  They  are  taken  about  three  feet  below  the  surface, 
and  the  bait  is  kept  actively  in  motion.  A  float  may  be  used,  or 
not,  at  pleasure. 

BATRACHID.E. 

ToADFiSH  ;  Porous  Catfish.— /'<7r/VAM^j  notatus.    Girard. 

A  good  edible  fish  ;  bites  very  freely  at  the  hook,  and  is  abund- 
ant, but  repulsive  in  appearance. 

GADID^. 

ToMCOD.    Morrhua  proxima.    Girard. 

This  nice,  delicate  little  fish  for  the  table,  even  to  those  ot 
epicurean  tastes,  is  very  plentiful  in  bays,  and  in  some  of  the 
creeks,  and  affords  much  amusement,  if  not  great  sport  for  anglers. 
It  frequents  near  the  bottom  for  its  food,  and  is  readily  caught 
with  a  rather  stout  hand  line  and  a  tolerably  heavy  sinker  and 
small  hooks,  say  two  or  three,  and  No  4  or  5  in  sizes,  fastened  on 
near  the  sinker  about  nine  inches  apart  from  each  other.  The  line 
should  be  about  sixty  to  eighty  feet  in  length,  to  be  thrown  out 


PACIFIC  COAST  FISHES.  35/ 

from  the  wharf  as  far  as  it  will  go.  The  best  baits  are  mussels  or 
sand  worms,  to  be  purchased  near  the  fishing  grounds,  and  which 
are  obtained  from  the  piles  under  the  wharves,  or  in  the  swamp 
sands  near  the  shores  of  some  parts  of  the  bay.  Or  this  much 
sought  after  inhabitant  of  Pacific  waters  and  its  bays  and  inlets, 
may  be  angled  for  successfully  with  a  common  rod  of  a  medium 
length,  furnished  with  a  small  sized  line  and  common  multiplying 
reel,  with  a  much  lighter  sinker  than  the  one  recommended  for 
hand  line  fishing.  This  can  be  thrown  out  as  far  as  convenience 
will  admit  of,  and  to  any  one  used  to  manipulating  skillfully  a  rod, 
reel  and  line,  is  a  mode  much  preferable  to  the  hand  line  process, 
and  much  pleasanter,  because  it  enables  you  to  sit  at  ease  on  the 
wharf  without  having  to  get  up  every  time  a  fish  is  hooked  and 
cast  out  again,  as  with  the  hand  line,  and  you  can  wind  the  fish 
quickly  up  by  means  of  your  reel  while  in  a  sitting  posture. 

The  Tomcods  run  in  the  largest  schools  when  the  tide  water 
is  flowing  only  moderately  fast  and  rather  muddy,  but  not  too 
much  so.  They  bite  best  in  those  parts  of  the  water  on  which  the 
sun  is  shining.  "  There  is  the  same  remarkable  difference  in  this 
fish's  biting  as  in  others.  Generally  the  catch  is  good,  but  there 
are  a  few  days  that  are  nearly  or  entirely  blank.  They  feed 
against  the  running  tide,  both  on  the  ebb  and  flow.  Their  roe, 
both  hard  and  soft,  is  considered  a  great  delicacy  with  some 
persons.     They  spawn  in  early  spring. 

PLEURONECTID^. 

Flatfish  or  Flounders. 

The  Platkhthys  rugosus,  or  rough  flatfish,  is  the  representative 
type  of  \.\\e  pleuronectids,  and  is  quite  abundant  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Columbia,  but  especially  in  Puget  Sound.  The  eyes  are  on  the 
left  side,  the  inter-ocular  space  being  of  moderate  width  ;  the  right 
is  a  dark  yellow,  and  the  left  a  reddish  brown  hue  ;  the  fins  are 
olivaceous,  dorsal  and  anal  having  alternate  bands  of  black,  merg- 
ing into  longitudinal  on  tail,  the  ventrals  and  pectorals  being  uni- 
color.  The  scales  are  rugose.  The  length  varies  from  seven  to 
twelve  inches.  It  is  captured  in  nets,  but  can  also  be  speared  or 
taken  with  the  hand  after  the  recession  of  the  tide,  as  it  lies  high 


358  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

and  dry  on  some  of  the  flats.  The  Indians  slaughter  large  num- 
bers along  Shoalwater  Bay  and  Gray's  Harbor,  vvhf*re  they  crowd 
in  immense  throngs.  When  started,  this  fish  will  dive  right  into 
a  mud  bank,  stir  it  up,  and  escape  under  this  cloak  of  concealment. 
There  are  a  number  of  other  varieties,  namely  Platessa  bilineatus, 
Platkhthys  ritgosus ;  P.  timbrosus ;  Paralichthys  maculosus,  or 
spotted  flounders,  and  many  others. 

The  Halibut,  {Hi'ppoglossus  vulgaris),  ranges  from  Oregon 
to  the  Aleutian  Isles,  and  up  to  the  ice  line  of  Hehring  Sea,  and 
westward  to  the  Ochotsk.  The  specimens  caught  weigh  from 
one  to  four  hundred  pounds,  and  some  are  said  to  exceed  even  the 
latter  weight.  The  Russians  paid  a  slight  attention  to  this  fish 
formerly,  but  they  do  nothing  with  it  at  present,  if  we  exclude  the 
few  caught  for  the  table.  Tlie  Alaska  variety  is  deemed  superior 
to  its  eastern  kindred  in  firmness  and  delicacy  of  flesh,  and  as  will 
be  seen  excels  it  also  in  ponderosity. 

LABRID^. 

Sea  Bass. — Labrus pulcher,    Ayres. 

This  fish  is  nearly  as  silvery  as  the  salmon,  which  it  much  re- 
sembles. At  Fort  Point,  near  the  Golden  Gate,  where  I  sometimes 
fish,  there  is  a  large  sea  wall,  at  the  end  of  which  the  rolling  waves 
from  the  Pacific  break  with  great  force.  In  the  eddy  formed  by 
these  billows,  the  bottom  of  which  is  very  rocky,  these  fish  are 
often  caught  in  company  with  the  sea  trout.  They  are  also  taken 
by  trolling  just  outside  of  the  kelp. 

SALMONID^. 

Of  the  Salmon  of  the  Pacific  coast.  Doctor  Suckley  has  given  in 
his  monograph  a  list  of  no  less  than  twenty-two  anadromous  spe- 
cies— that  is,  species  running  up  from  the  salt  water  to  spawn ; 
the  young  remaining  there  for  a  greater  or  less  time,  then  return- 
ing to  the  sea,  in  which  they  abide,  except  during  the  period  of 
reproduction.  Of  these  twenty-two,  however,  six  feed  freely  in 
fresh  water,  and  can  hardly  be  called  marine  species.  The  remain- 
ing sixteen  are  enumerated  as  follows  : 

Salmo  scoulerL     Hook-nosed  salmon  ;  fall  salmon. 


PACIFIC  COAST  FISHES.  359 

S.  Proteus,     Huiiip-backcd  salmon.     (Alaska). 

S.  cooperi.    Cooper's  salmon.     (Columbia  River.) 

S,  dermatlnus.     Behring's  Sea  salmon, 

S.  consuetus.    Yukon  River. 

S.  cam's.     Dog  salmon  ;  spotted  salmon.    (Puget  Sound.) 

S.  quinnat.     (California  salmon.) 

S.  conflucntus. 

S.  aurora.     Red  char.     (Columbia  River.) 

S.  argyrtus. 

S.  paucidens.     Weak-toothed  salmon.     (Fraser  River.) 

S,  tsuppitch.     White  salmon.     (Columbia  River.) 

S.  clarkii.     Clark's  salmon.     (Columbia  River.) 

S.gairdneri.     Gairdner's  salmon.     (Columbia  River.) 

S.  richardi.     Richards'  salmon.     (Fraser  River.) 

The  S,  quinnat  of  the  Pacific  Slope  is  a  type  of  the  salmon  of 
that  coast,  and  is  possessed  of  similar  anatomical  characteristics, 
differing  but  slightly  in  form,  color,  and  markings  from  the  5.  sal~ 
ar  of  the  Atlantic  Slope,  and  of  the  tributaries  of  the  Great  St. 
Lawrence  Basin.  Description  by  Richardson,  see  his  "  Fauna 
Boreali  Americana." 

"  General  tint  of  back,  bluish-grey,  changing  after  a  few  hours' 
removal  from  the  water,  to  mountain  green  ;  sides,  ash-grey,  with 
silvery  lustre  ;  belly,  white  ;  back  above  lateral  line  studded  with 
irregular  rhomboidal  or  star  like  spots,  some  of  them  ocellated,  re- 
sembling an  eye ;  dorsal  fin  and  gill  cover  slightly  reddish  ;  tips 
of  the  anal  and  pectorals,  blackish-grey ;  the  dorsal  and  caudal 
thickly  studded  with  round  and  rhomboidal  spots  ;  back  of  the 
head  sparingly  marked  with  the  same ;  whole  body  below  the  lat- 
eral line,  together  with  the  under  fins,  destitute  of  spots. 

"  Ray  formula  :  Br,  20,  20  ;  D,  13  ;  C,  30;  A,  16  ;  V,  10,  P, 
14.  Spe.  Char.  Adult — Body  fusiform  in  profile  ;  compressed  ; 
head  forming  a  little  more  than  one-fourth  of  the  total  length  from 
snout  to  the  end  of  scales  on  the  caudal.  Maxillary  bone  curved, 
extending  beyond  the  orbit ;  anterior  margin  of  the  dorsal  equi- 
distant between  the  extremity  of  the  snout  and  the  insertion  of 
caudal ;  dorsal  region  olivaceous,  flecked  with  irregular  black  spots  ; 
dorsal  and  caudal  fins  similarly  spotted.  Region  beneath  the  lat- 
eral line  unicclor,  silvery  along  the  middle  of  the  flanks,  and  yel- 


360  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

lovvish  on  the  belly ;  inferior  fins  unicolor ;  head  above,  bluish- 
grey  ;  sides,  bluish-grey." — Girard.  See  U.  S.  Fish  Commis- 
sioners' Report  on  Fresh  Water  Fishes,  1872  and  1873.  Page  105, 
et  seq. 

The  scales  are  of  moderate  development  and  conspicuously 
larger  on  the  area  constituting  the  flanks,  and  which  is  traversed 
by  the  lateral  line.  They  are  sub-ovoid  in  shape,  slightly  narrower 
anteriorly  than  posteriorly,  upon  which  margin  the  concentric 
stria,  or  channel-like  lines  are  obliterated.  Those  of  the  lateral 
line  are  more  irregular  in  their  outline,  and  proportionally  much 
larger  than  those  on  the  abdominal  region,  where  they  are  slightly 
larger  than  on  the  dorsal  region. 

This  species  inhabits  "  the  Pacific  coast  trom  San  Francisco 
northward,  probably  to  Behring  Straits,  entering  the  larger  rivers 
of  the  coast  annually  in  vast  shoals.  We  are  told  that  in  the  Sa- 
cramento ana  San  Joaquin  Rivers,  they  are  most  abundant,  ascend- 
ing the  latter  in  July  and  August  to  spawn,  when  they  travel  a 
hundred  and  fifty  miles  through  the  hottest  valley  in  California  to 
reach  their  breeding  grounds,  where  the  temperature  of  the  air  and 
water  reach  astonishing  figures — where  often  at  noon  it  is  rarely 
less  than  80°  Fahrenheit,  and  where  the  average  temperature  of 
the  water  at  the  bottom  of  the  rivers  is  79°,  and  at  the  surface  80°." 
These  facts  we  learn  from  the  Report  of  the  California  Fish  Com- 
missioners, for  the  years  of  1874  and  1875.  They  avei  that  those 
salmon  which  ascend  the  San  Joaquin  appear  to  be  of  the  same 
variety  as  those  of  the  Sacramento,  but  average  smaller  in  size. 
That  they  ascend  this  river  when  the  temperature  is  so  high,  ex- 
plodes entirely  the  theory  fori  1  by  naturalists,  that  salmon  can 
not  live  below  the  43d  parallel  in  the  streams  of  our  country.  This 
fact  renders  it  probable,  as  the  California  Commissioners  affirm, 
that  the  Pacific  salmon  will  yet  be  planted  in  all  the  waters  of  the 
Southern  States  that  take  their  rise  in  the  mountainous  regions  of 
that  portion  of  the  Union.  The  enterprising  and  intelligent  Commis- 
sioners of  Fisheries  of  California,  are  exploding  each  year  anti- 
quated notions  regarding  the  salmon.  If  the  salmon  of  the  San 
Joaquin  ascend  to  the  sources  of  that  river  to  spawn,  they  go  be- 
low the  37th  parallel,  many  degrees  below  where  naturahsts  have 
declared  it  to  be  impossible  *"or  them  to  ^xist. 


PACIFIC  COAST  1 1  SUES.  36 1 

The  S.  quin)iat  spawns,  according  to  the  obse.  ":)ns  of  Mr. 
Livingston  Stone,  Deputy  U.  S.  Commissioner  of  }  1.-  ries  at  the 
sources  of  the  Sacramento,  in  July  ;  in  the  little  Sacramento  and  Mc- 
Cloud  Rivers  in  August ;  at  the  mouth  of  the  McCloud  in  Septem- 
ber ;  and  in  the  smaller  tributaries  of  the  main  river,  at  and  below 
Tehama,  in  October  and  November.  The  flesh  of  the  S.  guinnai,  in 
its  best  estate,  is  juicy,  rich,  and  delicious.  The  heaviest  fish  weigh 
sixty  pounds,  while  the  average  weight,  according  to  some  authori- 
ties, is  twenty-five  pounds.  In  shape,  this  salmon  is  more  stocky  than 
the  Penobscot  salmon.  Much  has  been  .said  regarding  the  compar- 
ative merits  of  the  5.  salar,  and  S.  quinnat,  gastronomically.  Both 
salmon  are  full-flavored,  and  possess  every  requisite  for  a  high  eco- 
nomical value  ;  and  the  fact  of  the  superiority  of  one  over  the  other 
will  soon  be  settled,  as  they  are  being  cultivated  together  in  both 
extremes  of  our  country,  and  their  gastronomic  qualities  will  soon 
be  settled  by  gustatory  trials,  and  judgment  rendered  accordingly. 

Although  we  have  said  that  S.  quinnat  is  the  type  of  his  con- 
geners of  the  Pacific,  it  is  important  to  know  that  the  habits  of  the 
many  supposed  varieties  of  salmon  differ  very  greatly,  especially  as 
to  their  periods  of  spawning,  the  times  of  running  up  into  the  rivers, 
extending  all  through  the  year  from  first  of  April  to  first  of  January ; 
January,  February  and  March  being  the  only  months  in  which  they 
are  either  wholly  out  of  the  rivers,  or  in  the  act  of  descending  to 
salt  water.  Some  spawn  every  year,  and  some  (like  the  humpback) 
only  in  alternate  years.  Speaking  generally,  without  regard  to  dis- 
tinction of  varieties,  we  may  quote  from  a  private  letter  from  Hor- 
ace D.  Dunn,  of  San  Francisco,  who  is  identified  with  the  natural 
history  and  culture  of  the  salmon.     The  writer  says  : 

"  The  first  run  of  salmon  is  found  in  the  mouths  of  the  numerous 
small  rivers  and  creeks  that  flow  'nto  the  Pacific  Ocean  from  the 
'.oast  range  of  mountains  from  C  lel  River,  near  Monterey,  north 
to  the  boundaries  of  Oregon.  The  grilse  make  their  appearance 
about  the  middle  of  October,  followed  in  November  by  the  adult 
fish.  These  remain  at  tide  water,  waiting  for  the  rise  caused  by 
the  heavy  rains  of  December,  which  enables  them  to  reach  their 
spawning  beds  at  the  heads  of  the  streams.  The  coast  salmon  are 
said  to  be  a  distinct  variety  from  those  spawning  in  the  Sacramento 
River  and  its  tributaries,  and  return  to  the  ocean  in  March  and 
16 


362 


GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


April.    With  these  salmon  comes  a  large  species  of  trout,  known 
here  as  salmon  trout,  which  have  similar  habits,  and  return  to  the 
sea  about  the  same  time.     This  last  fish  is  long,  round,  and  com- 
paratively slender,  with  a  small  head,  and  ranging  as  high  as  seven- 
teen pounds  in  weight.     One  of  these  weighing  only  eight  pounds, 
caught  in  good  condition  last  spring,  measured  thirty-two  and  a 
quarter  inches  in  length.     Any  salmon  of  the  same  length  would 
weigh  from  twenty  to  thirty  pounds.     I  am  thus  particular,  as  some 
parties  here  claim  the  fish  for  a  variety  of  salmon  instead  of  a  trout. 
"  The  first  run  of  Sacramento  saimon  arrive  in  San  Francisco 
about  the  first  of  January.     They  remain  within  the  influences  of 
tide  water  until  April  and  May,  when  the  waters  of  the  river  hav- 
ing cleared,  from  the  ending  of  the  rains,  they  proceed  to  the  Up- 
per Sacramento  and  its  tributaries  to  spawn.     A  second  run  of 
salmon  comes  in  from  sea  in  May,  and  goes  up  the  Sacramento 
without  remaining  in  the  bay.     These  fish  ascending  the  river  are 
found  in  July  and  August  in  the  vicinity  of  Mount  Shasta  in  pools, 
awaiting  their  time  to  spawn,  and  can  then  be  caught  v/ith  hook 
and  line.     During  the  months  of  January,  February,  March,  and  a 
portion  of  April,  salmon  are  caught  in  the  bay  and  rivers  in  un- 
usual numbers,  the  cause  of  which  I  will  explain  further  on.     In 
these  months  at  least  ten  thousand  were  caught  by  hook  and  line 
from  the  railroad  pier  at  Oakland,  three  miles  from  this  city.     An 
unknown  number,  but  probably  half  as  many  more,  were  taken  at 
other  points  around  the  bay.     These  fish  ranged  fi'  m  one  to  fifteen 
pounds  each.     The  jport  being  a  new  one,  and  prosecuted  mostly 
by  novices  with  insufficient  tackle  and  from  a  pier  fifteen  feet  above 
the  water,  the  largest  fish  were  almost  always  lost  after  being 
hooked.     When  you  consider  that  the  hooks  were  on  single  and 
generally  inferior  gut,  on  lines  attached  to  stiff  bamboo  rods  without 
reels,  scores  of  fishermen,  almost  elbowing  each  other,  with  open 
piling  beneath  them  coated  with  mussels,  you  will  readily  under- 
stand that  only  the  smaller  fish  were  likely  to  be  taken. 

"  As  before  stated,  the  number  of  salmon  in  the  bay  has  be- 
come unusually  large.  This  comes  from  the  close  season  in  1873 
(the  first  we  ever  had)  from  August  first  to  November  first,  and  the 
putting  into  the  McCloud  River  the  same  year  of  four  hundred 
thousand  young  salmon,  artificially  hatched  out  by  United  States 


PACIFIC  COAST  FISHES.  363 

Fish  Commissioner  Livingston  Stone,  under  an  arrangement  made 
with  our  Ush  Commissioners,  Messrs.  Redding,  Throckmorton  and 
Farvvell.  The  spring  run  of  adult  salmon  in  the  Sacramento  also 
was  the  largest  known  for  many  years  to  professional  fishermen, 
fish  weighing  from  fifteen  to  twenty-five  pounds,  at  times  in  the 
city  market  selling  from  a  quarter  to  half  a  dollar  each." 

The  question  whether  salmon  die  after  spawning,  and  before 
returning  to  the  sea,  seems  to  have  been  satisfactorily  determined 
by  the  experiments  of  Livingston  Stone,  Esq.,  of  the  United  States 
Fisheries  Commission,  who  built  a  dam  over  one  of  the  rivers,  im- 
passable to  salmon,  which,  he  says,  "  settled  the  question  finally, 
and  proved  beyond  a  shadow  of  doubt,  that  of  all  the  thousands  of 
Sacramento  salmon  that  spawned  in  the  McCloud,  not  one  in  a 
hundred  returned  to  the  sea  alive."  In  the  Columbia  and  larger 
rivers,  where  the  fish  have  hundreds  of  miles  of  journey  to  perform 
it  is  not  remarkable  that  in  their  tremendous  efforts  to  fulfill  the 
callings  of  nature  in  the  way  of  procreation,  not  only  that  few 
should  ever  survive  to  return  to  the  sea,  but  that  as  many  as  do 
reach  the  headquarters  should  be  able  to  get  there  at  all.  Of 
those  that  succeed  a  very  large  proportion  arrive  with  their  heads 
battered  out  of  shape  by  their  persistent  efforts  to  surmount  the 
obstructions  of  the  ascent. 

As  to  what  salmon  feed  on  :  This  mystery  has  also  been 
solved  to  satisfaction,  so  far  as  the  Pacific  fish  are  concerned. 
While  in  salt  water  they  eat,  and  eat  ravenously,  their  food  being 
smelts  and  other  small  fish,  with  some  crustaceans.  After  they 
enter  fresh  water  they  lose  their  appetite  and  eat  nothing,  a  good 
evidence  of  this  being  found  in  the  fact  furnished  by  J.  W.  &  Vin- 
cent Cook,  proprietors  of  the  Oregon  Packing  Co.,  on  the  Colum- 
bia River,  who  have  stated  that  out  of  ninety-eight  thousand 
salmon  examined  by  them  in  1874,  only  three  had  anything  in 
their  stomachs,  i  nd  these  three  had  the  appearance  of  having  just 
left  salt  water. 

It  used  to  be  denied,  too,  that  the  salmon  of  the  Pacific  coast 
would  take  a  tly,  but  the  ignorance  on  this  subject  arose  principally 
frcm  the  fact  that  strangers  did  not  try  them  at  the  proper  sea- 
sons and  places,  while  the  resident  anglers,  who  were  in  the  habit 
of  taking  them  with  flies,  were  altogether  reticent  on  the  subject. 


364  GAME  FISII   OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

The  salmon  of  the  Sacramento,  McCloud  and  Pitt  Rivers  are  said 
to  take  the  fly  pretty  well  either  early  or  late  in  the  season,  but 
about  the  middle  of  the  season,  or  the  months  of  June  or  July, 
they  take  nothing  well  but  salmon  roe,  and  this  is  rather  a  troub- 
lesome bait  to  keep  on  the  hooks,  owing  chiefly  to  the  swiftness  of 
the  current,  (running  about  ten  miles  an  hour,)  and  the  somewhat 
shyness  of  the  fish  in  seizing  the  bait,  although  there  is  no  lack  at 
all  in  their  numerous  attempts  to  grasp  it.  The  fish  keep  well  in 
shore  to  avoid  the  force  of  the  current  when  ascending  the  streams, 
and,  as  in  the  east,  are  best  taken  during  the  hours  of  twilight. 

While  in  tide  water,  the  salmon  will  bite  freely  at  bait,  spoon, 
and  frequently  flies,  a  peculiarity  that  would  give  the  Pacific  fish 
precedence  as  a  game  fish,  over  his  Atlantic  cousin,  which  seldom 
takes  bait  in  tide  water,  and  never  spoon,  to  our  knowledge. 
Absence  of  black  flies  and  mosquitoes  is  another  advantage  which 
California  possesses  over  the  East ;  besides,  the  climate  has  no 
greater  severity  than  white  frosts  at  night,  with  generally  sunny 
days.  In  the  coast  ranges  in  autumn,  and  on  the  Sacramento  in 
summer,  fishing  can  be  had  with  all  of  the  comforts  of  the  older 
agricultural  States.  The  close  season  for  salmon  extends  from 
August  1st  to  November  ist.  The  Indians  not  being  subject  to 
the  prohibition  of  the  game  laws,  are  allowed  to  take  game  at  any 
season  of  the  year,  and  they  take  the  salmon  when  they  are  in  the 
river  to  spawn,  at  which  time  they  come  in  in  immense  numbers. 
The  Indians  take  them  by  means  of  spears,  with  handles  often 
twenty-five  feet  in  length,  and  the  modus  operandi  is  as  follows  : 

The  Sacramento  near  its  head  is  very  swift,  and  in  its  passage 
across  different  ledges  of  various  degrees  of  softness  it  excavates 
large  pools  or  holes  in  its  bed,  each  having  a  small  fall  at  its  head 
and  a  rapid  beyond.  The  water  in  these  holes,  which  are  often 
very  large,  is  comparatively  still,  and  they  make  welcome  resting 
places  for  the  tired  salmon,  before  they  attempt  the  passage  of 
the  rapid  above  ;  they  collect  in  them  in  great  numbers,  the  water 
is  beautifully  cold  and  clear,  and  the  fish  can  be  seen  crowded  to- 
gether on  the  bottom.  The  Indians  repair  to  one  of  these  holes 
to  the  number  of  twenty  or  more,  and  a  fine  picture  they  make  as 
they  stand  in  position  to  strike  when  the  word  is  given,  nearly 
naked,  with  their  brown  skin  shining,  and  eyes  glittering  in  antici- 


PACIFIC   COAST  FISHES.  365 

pation  of  the  sport.  Some  station  themselves  at  the  rapids  above 
and  below  the  hole  :  others  wade  out  to  an  isolated  rock,  or  a  log 
projecting  into  the  stream.  All  hold  their  spears  in  readiness, 
and  at  a  grunt  from  the  leader  they  commence  business.  At  the 
first  onslaught  all  generally  manage  to  secure  a  fish,  which  is  de- 
tached from  the  spear  and  thrown  on  the  bank,  the  spears,  by-the- 
way,  having  barbs  of  steel,  which  become  detached  from  the  stock 
when  they  enter  the  fish,  and  being  attached  to  the  shaft  by  cords, 
turn  flat  against  the  fish's  side,  and  make  escape  impossible  when 
the  salmon  is  pierced  through.  The  Indians  proceed  silently  with 
their  work,  and  secure  a  great  many  fish  before  they  escape  from 
the  hole.  Sometimes  three  or  four  hundred  are  thus  speared  out 
of  one  pool.  They  are  very  cautious  about  making  their  prepa- 
rations so  as  not  to  frighten  the  fish  till  all  are  ready,  and  then  to 
confuse  them  by  a  sudden  onslaught.  The  fish  are  split  open  and 
dried  in  the  sun  on  the  bushes,  which  present  a  curious  appear- 
ance all  hung  with  the  bright  red  flesh  ;  they  are  then  slightly 
smoked  and  reduced  to  small  flakes,  and  laid  away  for  future  use. 
The  roes  also  of  the  "  mahalies,"  as  they  call  the  females,  are 
carefully  saved  and  dried,  and  considered  a  great  delicacy  by  the 
Indians. 

To  give  in  detail  the  habits  and  specific  characteristics  of  Dr. 
Suckley's  eighteen  species  of  salmon,  would  require  a  considerable 
volume  in  itself,  which  we  trust  some  competent  persor^  will  pre- 
pare at  no  distant  day.  Their  range  is  from  the  Sacramento 
northward  to  the  boreal  regions  of  Alaska,  where  the  salmon  have 
been  known  to  attain  a  weight,  on  authentic  report,  of  ninety-five 
pounds.  The  government  agent  at  Fort  Nicholas,  near  the  head 
of  Cook's  Inlet,  has  asserted  that  the  average  weight  of  sixty-three 
salmon  he  had  taken  was  fifty-two  and  a  quarter  pounds  (!)  which 
quite  "  takes  the  rag  off"  anything  known  on  this  Continent  or  in 
Europe.  The  best  information  at  present  attainable  bearing  on 
this  whole  subject,  is  contained  in  Dr.  Suckley's  Pacific  Railrc 
Reports,  as  v;e  have  heretofore  stated. 

EMBIOTOCOID^. 

Viviparous  or  Sapphire  Perch  are  very  abundant  all  along  the 
coast,  and  will  bite  at  hook  baited  with  anything.    The  E.  Jack- 


366 


GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


soni  (Agassiz),  is  perhaps  best  known,  a  fish  from  eight  to  eleven 
inches  in  length.  Its  body  is  compressed,  oval  and  covered  with 
scales  of  medium  size,  which  are  peculiar  in  being  cycloid.  An- 
other peculiar,  and,  indeed  unique  feature,  is  that  at  the  base  of 
the  long  dorsal  fin  are  two  or  three  rows  of  scales  separated  from 
those  of  the  body  by  a  rather  broad  and  deep  scaleless  furrow. 
The  anterior  part  of  this  fin  can  be  folded  back  and  concealed. 
The  female  genital  apparatus  in  a  state  of  pregnancy  consists  of  a 
large  violet  bag,  so  transparent  that  one  can  distinguish  through 
it  the  shape,  color  and  formation  of  the  small  fish  with  which  it  is 
filled.  The  fish  when  ready  to  escape  are  miniatures  of  their 
mother  in  shape  and  color,  and  fitted  to  seek  their  own  livelihood. 
This  genital  sack  seems  to  be  nothing  but  the  widened  lower  end 
of  the  ovary,  and  the  pouches  into  which  it  is  divided  within  are 
merely  a  part  of  the  ovary  itself.  In  each  of  these  pouches  a  young 
one  is  wrapped  up  as  in  a  sheet,  and  all  are  packed  in  tightly.  It 
is,  therefore,  a  normal  ovarian  gestation.  The  external  genital 
opening  is  situated  behind  the  anus.  As  many  as  nineteen  young 
have  been  found  in  one  fish.  The  males  are  not  quite  as  large  as 
the  females,  either  in  length  or  circumference. 

There  is  a  great  variety  of  these  fishes,  differing  much  in  size 
and  color.     The  following  are  the  species  generally  met  with  : 


E.  webbi.  Girard. 

E.  lincata.  " 

F.,  argyrosotna.  •* 

Phanerodon  furcatus.  " 

Rhacochilus  toxotes.  Agassiz. 

Ho  Icon  ot  us  rhodoterus.  " 

Ennichthys  megalops.  Girard. 

E.  heermanni.  " 


E.  cassidii. 

E.  ornata. 

E.  perspicabilis. 

Damalichthys  vacca. 

Abcona  tto^obr'tdgii. 

Hysterocarpus  traskii. 

A  inpliisticiis  ay^ciitcus. 


Girard. 


Gibbons. 
Agassiz. 
Girard. 


"  Amphlsticus  siniilis. 

The  silvery  perch  {Damalict/iys  vacca),  never  takes  bait.  It  is 
of  a  greyish  olive  color ;  scales  have  a  silvery  and  golden  reflect  ; 
fins  unicolor.  The  male  carries  the  sac  on  the  anterior  third  of 
the  anal. 

The  golden  barred  perch  {Holconotus  rhodoterus),  is  the  most 
abundant  species  of  the  family.  It  has  a  small  mouth,  sub-conical 
head,  large  eyes,  and  the  colors  vary  from  a  bluish  grey  above  to 
a  silvery  white,  with  three  tranverse  bars  of  golden   on  the  belly 


PACIFIC  COAST  FISHES.  367 

and  sides.  It  arrives  in  immense  schools  as  early  as  May,  keeping 
close  to  the  surface,  so  it  is  caught  quite  readily.  It  bites  freely 
at  a  hook  baited  with  salmon  roe  ;  but  the  mode  of  taking  it 
adopted  by  the  Indians  is  to  push  their  canoes  among  a  school, 
and  as  it  has  a  habit  of  leaping  out  of  the  water,  the  canoes  are 
filled  in  a  short  time,  especially  when  the  fish  are  crowded  towards 
the  shore.  It  leaps  to  its  death  quite  frequently,  without  any  other 
motive  than  sportive  playfulness.  It  has  rather  good  edible  qual- 
ities, but  this  does  not  induce  fishermen  to  seek  it.  There  are 
quite  a  number  of  other  varieties  ;  all  are  good  pan  fishes. 

When  scientific  attention  was  first  attracted  to  them,  four  and 
twenty  years  ago,  it  was  generally  supposed  that  the  discovery 
was  a  new  one,  but  that  was  a  mistake.  In  1769,  a  transit  of 
Venus  was  to  take  place  on  the  third  of  June.  The  event  was  of 
such  importance  that  an  expedition  was  sent  from  Paris  to  observe 
the  transit  at  Cape  St.  Lucas,  at  the  extreme  southern  end  of 
Lower  California.  After  the  astronomical  observations  were  finished 
the  party  went  up  the  coast  some  distance.  On  their  return  to 
Paris,  the  naturalist  of  the  expedition  reported  that  on  the  coast  of 
California  were  found  sea  perch  which  had  their  young  alive,  and 
when  the  small  fish  were  squeezed  out  of  the  parent  they  would 
swim  with  great  celerity. 

CLUPEID^. 

A  few  of  the  Clupea  are  occasionally  met  with  on  the  California 
coast.  In  Alaska  the  family  is  well  represented,  there  being  some 
four  or  five  species,  which  are  allied  to  their  Atlantic  congeners, 
though  different  in  color  and  minor  anatomical  outlines.  The 
interior  salt  water  basins  contain  myriads  of  them  in  June  and 
July  ;  and  they  extend  in  apparently  the  same  density  from  the 
Ochotsk  and  Behring  Seas  to  the  southern  coast  of  Oregon.  The 
natives  fish  for  them  by  placing  their  canoes  among  a  school  and 
hurling  them  in  with  paddles  containing  rows  of  nails.  While  the 
season  lasts  it  is  a  busy  one,  for  great  are  its  results.  This  fish 
could  be  used  to  excellent  advantage  as  bait  in  fishing  for  cod  ;  or 
if  cured,  it  would  meet  a  ready  sale  in  the  markets  of  California. 
Myriads  can  be  trapped  in   weirs  or  hauled  with  seines ;    more 


368  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

indeed  than  could  receive  the  attention  deserved  to  render  them 
equal  to  the  best  smoked  or  salted  varieties  of  Scoich  herringf. 

Nearly  all  the  marine  species  of  the  west  and  northwest  Pacific, 
except  the  salmon,  will  bite  freely  at  the  flesh  either  of  the  large 
crayfish  (called  lobster  by  the  natives),  or  at  the  shell  fish  known 
as  Haliotus  splendens. 

Besides  the  species  enumerated  there  are  many  others,  of  more 
or  less  commercial  or  local  value.  Of  the  Heterolepids,  the  best  is 
Cht'ropsts  pictus,  which  is  known  as  sea  trout  and  rockfish  in  Cali- 
fornia. The  Indians  of  Fuca  Straits  capture  another,  the  Oplopoma 
pantherma,  but  for  this  there  is  no  vernacular.  The  dorsal  and 
lateral  region  is  spotted  black  ;  beneath  it  is  a  reddish-brown,  and 
above  a  blackish  brown.  The  Chiropsis  nebulosus  is  black  on  the 
upper  region,  olivaceous  beneath,  and  the  caudal  is  sub-concave 
posteriorly.  It  seems  to  prefer  the  brackish  mouths  of  rivers  sub- 
ject to  tide-water. 

There  is  another  so-called  sea  trout  of  a  dark  greenish  black 
color,  spotted  on  its  sides  with  red.  Its  form  is  rather  long,  like 
the  trout  family.  They  are  ve^y  game  and  lively,  and  are  a  good 
fish  for  the  table.  The  sculpins  are  very  numerous,  and  bite  freely 
at  a  hook,  but  they  are  not  used  at  the  table,  owing  to  the  insipid 
character  of  their  flesh.  Some  of  the  sturgeon,  known  there  as  sea 
bass,  weigh  from  forty  to  one  hundred  pounds.  In  the  spawning 
season  they  run  as  far  as  the  Shoshone  Falls,  a  distance  of  several 
hundred  miles  from  the  ocean. 

The  anchovy  ( Engraulis  inordax)  frequents  Shoalwater  Bay 
in  countless  myriads ;  they  are  so  dense,  in  fact,  that  they  can  be 
taken  with  the  hand  in  large  number^  on  the  flats  at  any  time  dur- 
ing the  summer.  This  is  equal  to  the  best  French  sardine,  and  if 
canned  like  it,  could  be  worked  into  a  prominent  industry.  The 
body  is  subfusiform ;  deep  bluish  brown  above,  silvery  beneath. 

Among  the  non-recognized  fishes  of  California  is  a  species  taken 
in  the  salt  marshes  in  Marin  county,  which  lives  in  a  hole  in  the 
ground,  like  an  animal.  The  Academy  of  Sciences  has  a  speci- 
men. It  looks  like  an  ordinary  "  bull-head,"  and  the  skin  is  eel- 
like. They  seem  to  have  the  habits  of  an  eel  more  than  ordinary 
fish,  and  the  flavor  of  their  flesh  i.'-  also  similar  to  an  eel's.  The 
holes  are  similar  to  those  made  by  swallows,  and  are  in  such  a 


PACIFIC  COAST  FISHES. 


369 


position  that  the  entrance  is  under  water  about  half  the  time      The 
u  e  nses  here  about  six  feet,  and  the  mouths  of  the  holes  are  about 

.  s       t'd  St      "    ^^YT'  "*"'•     ^""'^  ^"  ^^-'^^"^  -^«  ^he  bank 
a    hor  distance  and  then  turn  down,  so  that  when  the  tide  falls 

below  them  they  are  still  filled  with  water,  althouc^h  the  entran  e 
may  be  two  or  three  feet  above  the  water  at  low  tide.  The  Ch  nes. 
laborers  gather  great  quantities  of  them  at  low  tide,  by  slicinroff 
a  sect.on  of  the  bank  with  shovels.  Fishing  with  a  shovel  is  a 
method  not  laid  down  in  the  books  ^      ^"  ^  snovel  is  a 

16* 


SOUTHERN   INLAND   FISHES. 


WHEN  we  attempt  to  distribute  our  fishes  geographically, 
we  cannot  justly  include  Virginia  and  Maryland  within 
the  limit  of  Southern  States,  because  so  many  of  their  fishes  are  com- 
mon to  those  of  more  northern  waters.  Indeed  it  is  difficult  to  de- 
fine boundary  lines  anywhere,  as  large  numbers  of  the  ichthyc  fauna 
of  one  region  overlap  or  blend  with  those  of  the  region  next  con- 
tiguous. In  the  Southern  States,  strictly  speaking,  that  is,  in  the 
country  lying  south  of  a  certain  line  of  latitude  (say  thirty-eight 
degrees)  very  few  of  the  inland  fishes  afford  superlative  sport  to 
the  angler.  The  waters  are  warm,  sluggish,  and  muddy  through- 
out three-fourths  of  the  entire  area,  and  not  adapted  to  the  finer 
grades  of  fish  ;  those  that  are  found  in  them  belonging  principally 
to  the  families  of  PercidcB  (Perch),  Cyprinidcc  (suckers,  chubs, 
etc.),  and  Stluridce  (catfish).  The  mountain  trout,  ( Salmo  fon- 
tinalis)  is,  however,  found  in  the  mountain  streams  of  their  ex- 
treme northern  boundary,  where  altitude  compensates  for  latitude, 
and  supplies  all  the  conditions  and  requisites  of  their  natural  habitat 
in  colder  climes.  In  treating  our  subject,  however,  we  shall  de- 
signate all  those  edible  fishes  which  take  the  hook  that  are  found 
anywhere  within  the  area  of  what  are  geographically  known  as  the 
Southern  States,  including  both  Virginia  and  Maryland. 

From  the  characteristics  and  habitat  of  the  fishes  enumerated, 
as  well  as  because  of  the  warmth  and  muddy  condition  of  a  large 
proportion  of  the  southern  waters,  especially  in  the  extreme  south, 
it  will  be  readily  perceived  why  the  gentlemen  of  the  south  are  not 
anglers.  With  the  exception  of  the  black  bass,  or  trout,  there  is 
really  no  fish  beyond  tide-water  that  offers  any  inducement  what- 
ever. The  range  of  the  "  trout "  fortunately  is  large,  and  there  are 
many  clear  waters  where  he  thrives.  Gentlemen  are  beginning  to 
learn  that  a  new  source  of  enjoyment  is  offered  by  his  capture,  and 
are  really  becoming  interested  in  the  subject.     Practice  at  home. 


SOUTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  371 

with  their  limited  opportunities,  will  enable  them  to  better  enjoy 
tUeir  excursions  to  the  north  and  east,  where  the  field  is  wider 
and  the  varieties  of  fish  more  Ramy,  if  not  inore  numerous.  The 
fishes  of  the  south,  however,  afford  a  valuable  contribution  to  the 
larder  ;  and  yielding''  some  sport  as  well  as  food,  attract  the  atten- 
tion of  fishermen  of  the  poorer  classes,  who  may  be  found  at  all 
times  angling  in  their  priaiitive  methods.  Still-fishing  with  bait  is 
perhaps  their  most  scientific  method  ;  nevertheless  they  have  con- 
siderable knowledge  of  the  habits  of  the  finny  tribe,  and  manage 
to  lure  or  oust  them  from  their  hiding  places  by  all  manner  of 
contrivances. 

In  the  extreme  south,  and  indeed,  in  Missouri  and  Tennessee, 
as  well,  the  low  swamp  lands  are  interspersed  with  lakes  and  tra- 
versed by  bayous  which  arc  inhabited  by  innumerable  fishes  of 
low  degree,  beavers,  otters,  turtles,  alligators,  and  the  like.  The 
swamps  are  frequently  inundated  during  the  winter  and  spring,  be- 
coming vast  seas  of  water,  obliterating  all  landmarks,  and  render- 
ing it  impossible  to  locate  the  lakes  and  bayous.  When  the  water 
recedes,  there  is  left  a  deposit  of  mud  which  takes  some  time  to 
dry.  The  principal  growth  is  cypress  and  gum,  both  sweet  and 
black,  the  other  trees  being  killed  by  the  deposit.  As  soon  as  the 
swamp  dries  the  fishing  begins,  and  continues  good  as  long  as  it 
is  in  that  condition.  As  soon  as  the  heat  of  summer  has  tl)oroughly 
warmed  the  watei^s  of  these  lakes,  and  has  somewhat  reduced  their 
volume,  the  season  for  "  muddying  "  begins.  The  appliances  for 
this  sport  are  very  few  and  simple.  They  consist  of  several  cotton 
hoes,  gigs,  a  dip  net  or  two,  or,  in  default  of  that  article,  a  bask'^t 
attached  to  a  light  staff,  and  some  splunges.  The  last-name» 
articles  are  made  by  inserting  a  hoe-handle  into  a  hole  bored  ii 
the  centre  of  a  piece  of  pine  plank,  eight  or  ten  inches  long,  and 
five  or  six  inches  broad. 

After  reaching  the  lake,  the  negroes,  who  do  the  muddying, 
enter  it  with  their  hoes  and  splunges  and  wade  along,  stirring  up 
the  muddy  bottom  as  they  advance.  In  a  verj'  few  moments  the 
perch  commence  to  jump  out  of  the  water,  and  a  large  and  game 
fish,  styled  in  this  section  a  trout,  makes  its  appearance  at  the  sur- 
face. Now  is  the  time  for  the  gigs  to  come  into  play.  Many  use 
the  three-pronged  gig,  resembling  the  representations  of  the  tri- 


// 


.\5^ 


V 


// 


y. 


EMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


lA^IM    |2.5 

■so    *^~     MHB 

■^  1^    112.2 


11.25 


1.8 


1.4    III  1.6 


/, 


'/A 


/>% 


^. 


-*^ 


Is 


372  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

dent,  as  seen  in  the  pictures  of  Neptune  in  the  Mythologies  ;  but 
those  who  pride  themselves  on  their  skill,  will  use  nothing  except 
the  small,  single-pronged  gig,  attached  to  a  bamboo  cane,  eight  or 
ten  feet  in  length.  It  is  by  no  means  an  easy  thing  to  gig  a  trout, 
for  they  move  with  great  rapidity,  and  even  when  struck,  often 
break  away.  As  the  water  becomes  muddier  the  perch  cease 
jumping,  and  appear  at  the  top  of  the  water  gasping  for  breath. 
The  bream  soon  follow  them,  and  are  easily  captured  with  the  net 
or  basket,  and  even  with  the  hand.  The  sucker  is  the  next  to  ap- 
pear, and  his  curiously  shaped  mouth  is  the  only  part  of  him  to  be 
seen,  which  at  a  little  distance  can,  with  difficulty,  be  distinguished 
from  an  air  bubble.  A  well  aimed  blow  with  the  gig,  directed  a 
few  inches  below  the  seeming  bubble,  will  almost  certainly  result 
in  his  capture.  And  thus  the  work  goes  on  until  at  last  the  most 
sluggish  of  the  colony  are  unearthed,  brought  to  the  surface  and 
captured. 

Every  bayou  has  its  colony  of  beavers,  and  it  is  frequently 
necessary  to  cut  their  dams,  so  as  to  let  off  the  superfluous  water, 
and  force  the  fish  into  a  smaller  compass,  reducing  their  feeding 
grounds,  whereby  they  are  more  easily  taken.  The  beaver  are  pre- 
vented from  repairing  their  dams  by  hanging  up  at  the  breach  some 
article  of  clothing,  or  a  newspaper.  They  arc  a  great  nuisance, 
and  almost  worthless.  A  short  time  ago  a  gentleman  in  Missis- 
sippi shipped  to  St.  Louis  a  pack  of  seventy-five  or  a  hundred 
beaver  pelts,  to  a  firm  who  advertised  for  them.  They  did  not 
fetch  enough  to  defray  expenses  (cost  of  traps  and  freight).  They 
keep  hundreds  of  acres  of  land  overflowed  the  entire  year,  and 
when  their  dams  are  located  on  bayous  that  run  through  fields, 
they  cut  down  the  corn  or  cotton  to  keep  their  dams  in  repair.  The 
alligators  rank  next  to  the  beavers  as  nuisances,  being  valueless 
except  for  tlieir  hides  and  oil,  though  their  flesh  is  fed  to  dogs.  The 
female  alligator  lays  her  eggs  in  July.  She  gathers  together  all  the 
bushes,  sticks,  trash,  etc.,  on  a  spot  that  does  not  overflow  in  sum- 
mer. She  piles  it  up  like  a  brush  heap  or  hay  rick.  She  then 
crawls  under  and  deposits  her  eggs  on  the  ground.  She  stays 
about  the  nest  on  guard  until  the  young  come  out,  when  they  go 
immediately  to  water,  and  never  return  to  the  nest.  They  remain 
with  the  mother  unti'  fall ;  then  disperse  to  hibernate.     We  have 


SOUTHERN  INLAND   FISHES.  373 

never  seen  more  than  one  old  one  about  a  nest,  yet  we  have  fre- 
quently found  from  forty  to  eighty  eggs  in  a  nest,  and  believe  they 
were  deposited  by  the  one  female  on  guard.  In  an  extensive  low 
swamp,  where  high  land  is  scarce,  one  sometimes  finds  the  ground 
occupied  by  several  nests  within  a  few  yards  of  each  other.  These 
nests  are  all  taken  off  in  the  winter  by  the  overflow.  When  first 
hatched  the  youngster  is  about  four  inches  long,  and  will  give  bat- 
tle upon  the  least  provocation,  and  die  game.  Alligators  are  never 
known  to  attack  a  person.  When  they  are  approached  on  land 
they  will  blow  themselves  up  as  if  their  lungs  extended  to  their 
toes,  and  emit  a  most  disagreeable  odor ;  but  if  opportunity  offers, 
will  retreat  to  the  water. 

The  soft  shell  turtle  is  indigenous  to  only  the  waters  of  the 
South.  Usual  weight  about  ten  pounds,  though  sometimes  caught 
that  will  weigh  twenty.  It  is  unsurpassed  by  any  of  its  congeners, 
and  is  the  equal  of  the  diamond-back  terrapin  of  Maryland.  It  is 
taken  with  line  or  cut  bait. 

But  as  beavers,  alligators,  and  turtles,  are  not  fish,  although 
denizens  of  the  waters,  we  will  proceed  to  our  enumeration  : 

PERCID^.  •   ^     . 

Trout  ;  lake  trout ;  chub  ;  black  bass  ;  green  ^txc)\.—Micropterus  salmoides. 

This  is  the  best  and  most  common  fish  throughout  the  south, 
and  possesses  all  the  game  qualities  of  its  cousin  german,  the 
black  bass  proper,  (M.  nigricans)  which  is  also  found  in  many  of 
its  more  northern  waters,  and  which,  having  been  referred  to  ex- 
tensively elsev/here,  needs  no  further  mention  here.  Grystes  sal- 
moides, or  the  southern  chub,  is  the  most  abundant  fish  in  mill 
ponds,  and  also  frequents  canals  and  quiet  stretches  of  water  in 
rivers.  It  greatly  abounds  in  the  lakes,  and  is  called  the  lake  trout 
— a  gross  misnomer,  even  greater  than  the  name  of  chub.  It  is  a 
bass  and  very  closely  allied  to  the  black  bass  of  the  Ohio,  which 
has  been  introduced  into  the  Potomac.  There  are  some  slight  but 
very  distinct  organic  differences,  which  while  showing  that  both 
are  of  the  same  genus,  they  differ  in  species.  They  bite  and  watch 
their  young  alike  ;  but  the  chub  likes  still  water,  and  is  not  averse 
to  mud,  while  the  black  bass  prefers  running  water  and  rocky 


374  GAME   FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

bottoms.  It  chooses  for  its  abode  deep  holes,  and  the  shelter  of 
logs  and  trees  that  may  have  fallen  into  the  water.  s 

Color. — Head  and  body  dusky  above,  often  with  a  greenish  or 
bronzed  tint ;  lower  jaw  and  belly  wiiite  ;  opercle  with  a  bluish- 
green  spot  at  its  angle.  Along  the  flanks  runs  a  dusky  band  which 
is  more  or  less  apparent  according  to  the  age  of  the  fish.  It  is  most 
remarked  in  the  young.  Fins  yellowish.  This  fish  grows  to  two 
feet  in  length,  and  has  been  taken  weighing  twelve  pounds.  [For 
specific  characteristics,  see  Black  Bass,  in  Northern  Inland  Fishes.] 

Bass  fishing  is  habitually  practiced  in  the  Potomac  in  April, 
and  from  April  to  June,  at  which  time  the  fish  run  up  the  river  to 
spawn.  We  are  not  sure  but  that  the  first  of  May  is  about  the 
very  best  time  for  bass  fishing  in  the  Potomac.  Black  bass  is 
essentially  a  summer  fish.  They  are  taken  up  to  November  on 
Southern  waters,  and  in  Florida  all  through  the  winter.  But  the 
close  season,  as  defined  by  the  law  of  Virginia,  extends  from  the 
15th  May  until  ist  July.  The  laws  of  different  States  vary  a  fort- 
night or  so  from  this  date.  To  find  the  most  killing  bait  in  your 
locality  you  will  have  to  experiment.  Try  the  artificial  fly  of  vari- 
ous patterns,  live  minnows,  a  troll  with  spoon  or  spinning  bait. 
If  your  waters  are  large  enough,  use  a  sail  or  row  boat  and  a 
spoon  on  two  hundred  feet  of  line,  with  eight-foot  rod  and  reel,  or 
if  small  ponds  throw  the  spoon  near  the  weeds  with  a  stiff  rod,  and 
draw  it  sideways  from  the  bow  of  the  boat,  or  skitter  with  artificial 
minnow.  For  still- fishing  use  the  tail  of  crayfish,  or  hellgramites, 
frogs,  grasshoppers,  beetles,  worms,  larvae,  and  the  like.  Professor 
Williamson,  of  Leesburgh  Academy,  Virginia,  has  written  the  fol- 
lowing interesting  treatise  on  the  habits  of  the  bass  of  the  Potomac. 

He  says  :  "  Considerable  numbers  are  taken  near  the  mouths  of  the 
branches  flowing  into  Goose  Creek,  in  the  creek  itself,  and  in  the 
Potomac  River,  with  live  bait  and  with  the  fly.  The  largest  have 
been  caught  in  the  river ;  those  of  the  creek  are  smaller  as  a  rule, 
but  not  despicable  in  size,  while  those  in  the  branches  are  the 
smallest  of  the  three.  The  largest  bass  captured  in  the  river 
weighed  six  pounds  and  over.  The  largest  in  the  creek  about 
four  pounds ;  and  one  of  a  pound  in  a  branch  would  be  a  "big 
fish."  I  have  no  doubt  from  observations  of  ova  taken  from  bass 
of  different  sizes  and  at  different  times,  that  bass  here  spawn 
throughout  spring  and  early  summer,  prolonging  their  labors  ac- 
cording to  the  depth  of  water,  etc.,  in  their  several  sub-districts, 


'       SOUTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  375 

so  as  to  give  instances  of  spawning  as  early  as  March  and  as  late 
as  the  15th  of  June.  I  have  examined  the  ova  of  five  or  six  (Hfier- 
ent  sizes  of  bass  ranging  from  six  to  eighteen  or  twenty  inches, 
and  found  in  November,  the  eggs  separately  discernible  and 
equally  developed  in  all,  though  the  sacs  were  of  course  of  various 
sizes.  The  ova  mentioned  above  were  about  as  large  as  blunt 
pin  points,  and,  I  think,  would  be  ready  to  flow  in  the  last  part  of 
February,  certainly  by  the  ist  March.  The  earliest  caught  last 
season  were  taken  in  May  ;  the  latest  in  the  latter  part  of  No- 
vember. Anglers  stop  fishing  here  in  December,  but  I  believe  bass 
could  be  taken  even  in  that  month  if  trial  were  made.  The  earli- 
est taken  with  the  fly  were  taken  on  ist  of  June  ;  the  latest,  by 
that  means,  in  November.  They  can  be  taken  with  the  fly  from 
June  1st  till  December,  whenever  the  water  is  clear  enough  for 
the  fish  to  see  the  fly,  and  not  so  clear  as  to  make  apparent  the 
angler.  They  retire  to  deep?r  waters  as  the  weather  gets  cool, 
ami  are  often  taken  thence  .vith  live  bait,  hellgramites,  etc.  They 
may  be  captured  with  the  fly  even  in  cool  weather  on  the  edges  of 
deep  pools  long  after  they  have  deserted  the  shallows  proper. 
Bass  weighing  over  three  pounds  have  been  killed  with  the  fly, 
and  bass  of  over  six  pounds  with  the  live  minnows.  To  sum  up, 
the  bass  spend  the  winter  in  the  deepest  waters — begin  to  ascend 
the  streams  in  early  spring — spawn  in  spring  and  summer,  and 
are  in  their  best  condition  in  autumn.  The  main  army  have 
finished  the  labor  by  the  middle  of  June.  The  open  season  ought 
to  be,  in  this  locality,  from  15th  June  to  ist  December  until 
more  accurate  data  may  be  gathered  of  their  habits.  Their  food 
consists  of  worms,  larva?,  flies,  beetles,  grasshoppers,  crickets  and 
.small  fish  of  all  sorts.  They  are  very  voracious,  fierce,  and  strong. 
In  a  good  pool  they  can  leap  vertically  several  feet.  They  have 
been  found  above  dams  four  or  five  feet  high  after  being  put  in 
below  such  structures.  The  artificial  flies  most  taking  with  these 
scaly  citizens  are  the  Academy  and  Ferguson  flies,  the  latter 
red,  brown  and  ginger  hackles,  and  hackles  brown  and  black 
together.  Of  the  winged  flies,  the  coachman  with  white  wings,  flies' 
with  peacock  herl  body,  ginger  hackle  and  yellowish  white  wings 
with  red  streaks  and  red  antennae  have  been  most  killing.  Most 
of  the  "  bass  flies,"  sent  from  the  tackle  stores  are  entirely  too 
large,  and  ordinary  trout  flies  tied  on  Aberdeen  and  on  Sproat 
hooks  of  small  size  are  much  more  effective  than  the  so-called 
bass  flies  of  the  stores.  The  commonest  caterpillar  here  in  No- 
vember is  black  and  reddish  brown  ;  hackles  like  it  are  quite 
taking." 

For  Florida  waters  the  following  has  proved  a  most  successful  fly : 

^00^.  — Large,  No. 3-0,  Limerick.  7a ;V.— Scarlet  and  blue  feather,  a  portion 
of  each.  ^^rt?>-.— Scarlet  silic  or  mohair  tipped  and  ribbed  with  gold  twist,  a  scarlet 
hackle  wound  in  at  the  same  time,  the  hackle  being  wound  close  at  head  to  form 


37^  GAME   FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

the  legs.  Jr/«^j.— Under  coverts,  a  portion  each  of  bright  yellow  and  blue 
feathers  ;  over  coverts  the  yellowish  grey  mottled  feather  from  the  jungle  cock 
particularly,  or  a  similar  feather  taken  from  the  wild  or  tame  turkey. 

One  native  method  of"  fishing  at  the  south  is  with  a  bob.  which 
is  a  bunch  of  gay  colored  feathers,  v/ith  two  or  three  large  hooks 
concealed  in  it.  This  is  fastened  to  a  yard  or  two  of  strong  line, 
and  this  to  a  stout  reed  pole.  The  fisherman  sits  in  the  bow  of  a 
canoe,  which  is  paddled  by  one  in  the  stern,  and  kept  at  such  a 
distance  from  the  weedy  shore  that  the  bob  may  be  skittered 
along  the  margin.  Out  rushes  the  bass,  and  cannot  well  escape 
being  hooked  ;  he  is  either  hauled  in  by  main  force,  or  breaks 
away. 

The  trolling  spoon  is  also  very  successfully  used  as  at  the  north. 
Indeed  the  methods  of  taking  the  bass  are  as  numerous  as  many 
of  them  are  unscientific.  Angling  has  never  been  a  southern  pas- 
time, the  gentlemen  preferring  the  more  manly  practices  of  the 
chase,  leaving  mere  fishing  to  the  negroes  and  lazy  whites.  Within 
five  years,  however,  very  considerable  interest  has  been  manifested 
in  angling  in  its  higher  branches,  and  choice  tackle  is  now  in  con- 
stant request  from  the  Potomac  to  the  Rio  Grande.  In  Texas, 
where  there  are  many  clear  streams,  considerable  fly  fishing  for 
bass  is  done  ;  while  in  Florida,  whose  winter  visitors  are  chiefly 
northern  people,  angling  in  all  its  parts  and  details  may  be  said  to 
have  attained  a  standard  of  excellence  not  found  elsewhere  in 
North  America,  taking  into  consideration  the  great  variety  of  salt 
and  fresh  water  fish  in  request,  and  the  vast  scope  offered  for 
study  and  practice. 

Many  writers  have  maintained  that  black  bass  will  .in  time  de- 
stroy all  other  fishes  which  may  be  found  in  the  waters  into  which 
they  are  introduced.  We  have  never  supported  this  theory. 
Careful  obser\'ation  disproves  the  charge.  Pro'".  M.  G.  Ellzey, 
one  of  the  Fish  Commissioners  of  Virginia,  says  : 

"  I  have  repeatedly  fished  in  the  upper  waters  of  the  Roanoke 
for  two  years  past,  where  bass  have  been  plenty  for  many  years, 
and  find  the  usual  varieties  of  catfish,  suckers,  sunfish,  chubs, 
minnows,  etc.,  existing  in  great  abundance  in  the  same  pools  in 
which  I  have  been  in  the  habit  of  catching  the  bass.  I  have  re- 
cently observed  the  same  thing  with  regard  to  Goose  Creek,  a 


SOUTHERN  INLAND   FISHES.  377 

large  tributary  falling  into  the  Potomac  near  Leesburg,  in  which 
I  have  fished  ever  since  I  was  four  years  old,  having  been  born 
upon  its  banks.  Notwithstanding  the  presence  of  great  quanti- 
ties of  bass,  the  white  chub,  sunfish,  stone-roller,  etc.,  have  never 
been  more  abundant  in  that  stream  than  now.  Notwithstanding 
what  has  been  said  and  supposed,  the  bass  fishing  on  the  Poto- 
mac has  never  been  better,  nor  have  the  smaller  varieties  of  fish 
appreciably  diminished  in  that  river.  In  almost  all  the  streams 
tributary  to  the  Ohio  these  fish  exist,  along  with  great  abundance 
of  other  sorts,  and  here  they  have  existed  ever  since  the  discovery 
of  that  country.  It  is,  therefore,  plain  that  as  a  general  thing 
these  fish  are  incapable  of  exterminating  other  sorts  in  the  open 
waters  of  running  streams." 

Moreover,  small  fish  do  not  constitute  the  natural  food  of 
the  bass,  capricious  as  they  may  be  respecting  their  diet.  They 
subsist  chiefly  upon  crustaceans,  (crayfish,  dobsons,  and  the  like,) 
devouring  almost  everything  edible.  In  confined  ponds  where  the 
supply  of  food  is  restricted,  and  where  there  are  very  few  rocks, 
weeds,  and  other  shelter  affording  protection  to  the  small  fry, 
the  case  may  be  different,  and  probably  is.  The  bass  must  sub- 
sist, and  when  they  have  devoured  everything  eatable,  they  will 
devour  themselves.     ■    ■  ''■ 

:  We  have  covered  considerable  ground  in  this  volume  in  the 
study  of  this  fish,  yet  the  half  has  not  been  said  that  might  be. 
While  he  continues  to  be  the  chief  game  fish  of  the  south,  no  op- 
portunity should  be  lost  for  investigating  his  habits,  and  enlight- 
ening those  who  look  to  his  active  qualities  for  superlative  sport. 

Vellow  Perch  ;  ring  perch  ;  red-finned  perch. — Perca  flavescens,    Cuv, 

This  well-known  fish  is  common  to  rivers  and  ponds  in  all  parts 
of  the  country,  except  in  the  extreme  North  and  the  Florida  Penin- 
sula. T.  e  back  is  more  or  less  dusky,  tinted  with  greenish-yellow, 
sides  golden  yellow,  and  belly  of  a  paler  tint.  Six  or  eight  dusky 
bars  on  the  sides.  The  fins  are  of  an  orange  color,  and  often  of  a 
brilliant  red.  Dorsal  fin  double.  It  is  a  spring  spawner,  and  is  in 
best  season  in  July  and  August,  when  it  is  found  near  the  surface, 
and  can  be  taken  with  a  fly.  Flies  that  will  kill  the  black  bass  are 
also  suitable  for  the  perch.     Ordinarily  it  swims  deep  and  is  angled 


378  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

for  with  worms,  grasshoppers  and  other  baits.     Flesh  white,  tirm, 
delicate,  and  much  esteemed.     It  is  Indifferent  to  temperature. 

Goggle-eyed  Perch  ;  Strawberrj'  perch ;  chub  (South  Carolina) ;  croppie  (St. 
Louis)  ;  grass  bass  (Ohio)  ;  chinkapin  perch  (Louisiana) ;  sac-a-lac  (New 
Orleans  Creoles.)    Pomoxys  kexacattt/ius. — Agassiz  :  P.  rhoniioides.—lAnn. 

This  fish  of  many  names  and  extended  habitat  has  a  dusky 
bluish-green  back  ;  sides  and  belly  silvery,  and  marked  with  irreg- 
ular oblong  greenish-black  blotches  that  resemble  "  chinkapins." 
Fins  yellowish ;  length  twelve  inches,  and  weighs  up  to  three 
pounds.  Inhabits  ponds  and  streams  of  running  water,  though 
it  prefers  the  former.  It  ranges  from  Lakes  Huron  and  Erie  to 
the  Southwestern  States.  It  feeds  on  insects,  and  takes  bait  freely, 
and  also  minnow,  going  at  it  with  a  rush.  It  is  a  pretty  fish,  and 
much  esteemed.  The  varieties  of  perch  are  numerous,  and  we 
can  but  briefly  designate  them.     The  most  prominent  are : 

The  Red-Bellied  Perch  ;  called  also  Red-eye  and  Red-Bellied 
Bream  and  Red  Breast,  (Ichthelis  rubicunda);  not  found  in  any 
waters  as  far  north  as  the  Appomattox.  Very  common  in  Florida. 
Body  dusky  above ;  sides  and  belly  red  ;  appendix  to  opercle  very 
long  with  black  extremity.     Takes  bait  freely. 

Blue  Bream,  Bream,  or  Copper-nose  Bream. — Ichthelis  incisor. 
This  belongs  to  the  sunfish  family  and  is  found  in  rivers  and  ponds 
in  the  Southern  States,  from  North  Carolina  to  Louisiana.  Varies 
in  color  in  different  waters,  and  is  sometimes  marked  with  dusky 
bars.  It  has  a  black  spot  on  the  lower  edge  of  the  dorsal  fin. 
Grows  to  eight  inches  in  length,  and  takes  bait  freely. 

Maw  Mouth  ;  or  Goggle-eye,  of  Louisiana,  and  the  Southwest. 
They  stay  in  pairs  about  logs,  stumps,  or  trees,  and  the  angler,  in 
fishing  for  them,  always  gets  both,  if  he  takes  one.  They  look  like 
a  hybrid,  or  cross  between  the  black  bass  and  black  perch,  the 
head  about  one-third  their  length,  greatest  weight  about  two 
pounds.  They  are  very  numerous,  taking  any  kind  of  bait,  and 
chasing  the  leaves  that  fall  upon  the  water. 

Silver  Perch,  or  Speckled  Perch  ;  called  also  Strawberry  Bass 
and  Calico  Bass.     [See  Northern  Inland  Fishes.] 

Sand  Perch,  or  Bachelor  Perch  ;  called  also  '•  Tin-mouth." 
Taken  from  Virginia  to  the  Mississippi.  Apparently  a  cross 
between  the  yellow  belly  and  silver  perch.     It  is  a  very  broad  fish, 


SOUTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  3/9 

almost  as  round  as  a  plate,  somewhat  spotted,  the  spots  even  ex- 
tending into  the  fins  ;  long  tinny  mouth.  They  are  found  only  in 
clear  ponds  in  tide-water  districts,  in  deep  water  and  on  sandy 
bottoms,  and  go  in  schools.  They  are  sluggish  biters,  make  but 
feeble  resistance  when  hooked,  show  ail  the  colors  of  the  rainbow 
in  the  sun  when  first  taken  out  of  the  water.  They  rarely  exceed 
two  and  one-half  pounds  in  weight ;  an  excellent  fish  to  eat,  with 
white  meat. 

The  Black  Perch,  sometimes  called  "  tobacco-box  "  ;  found  in 
ponds. 

Sun  Perch,  or  Yellow-belly,  found  both  in  ponds  and  rivers, 
and  called  "  bream  "  in  some  localities. 

The  White  Perch  (Morone  americaua)  a  tide-water  fish  de- 
scribed elsewhere  at  length  ;  and  the  White  Bass. 

Sun-fish,  —  Roccus  chrysops  (Pomotis  vulgaris).  Common 
everywhere,  and  known  to  every  school-boy  from  Maine  to  Texas. 
A  very  beautiful  fish,  olive  brown  back  with  a  slight  shade  of 
green,  marked  with  irregular  spots  of  reddish-brown  ;  sides  and 
belly  yellow  with  brazen  spots.  Fins  yellow.  The  opercle  or  gill 
cover  has  a  bright  vermilion  spot  like  sealing-wax  on  its  edge. 
Inhabits  still,  clear  waters,  regardless  of  temperature,  spawns  in 
spring,  fashions  her  nest  in  the  sand  or  gravel,  in  shallow  water 
near  the  margin  of  ponds,  and  jealously  guards  it  from  every 
intruder.  It  takes  bait,  and  sometimes  a  fly  or  troll,  though 
seldom.  It  sometimes  reaches  a  pound  in  weight,  and  is  then 
very  good  for  the  table.  In  Florida  there  is  a  variety  of  Pomotis 
known  as  Ccntrarchus  iri'deus,  found  in  company  with  the  above, 
with  same  habits.     Color  greenish-yellow,  darker  on  back; 

Striped  Bass. — Roccus  lineatus.  Identical  with  the  striped  bass 
of  the  coast.  It  is  found  in  many  tributaries  of  the  Mississippi, 
and  remains  long  in  fresh  water  where  it  affords  much  sport  to  the 
angler. 

ESOCID^. 

"PiKS-.—Esox  lucius.—E.  affinis.     Holbrook. 

Body  dusky  on  top ;  sides  reticulated  with  yellow  and  olive 
brown,  belly  white.  It  abounds  in  all  ponds  and  rivers  of  fresh 
water,  and  has  the  habits  common  to  its  family.     Holbrook  claims 


380  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  A  ME  NIC  A. 

that  it  is  a  distinct  variety  from  the  northern  pike.     It  grows  to 
the  length  of  two  feet  and  more. 

Pickerel. — Esox  reticulatus  :  E.  ravenelii.    Holbrook. 

Body  above  olive  brown,  often  with  a  greenish  tint ;  belly 
silvery ;  sides  pale  silver  grey  with  dusky  bars  more  or  less  ob- 
lique ;  fins  red.  In  some  waters  its  general  color  is  quite  dark. 
It  is  found  in  small  streams  of  fresh  water,  and  in  canals  about 
rice  fields  ;  seldom  in  larger  or  more  rapid  waters.  Seldom  grows 
to  the  length  of  a  foot,  and  is  found  in  small  streims  of  fresh  water, 
ponds,  and  in  canals  or  about  rice  fields.  It  is  a  great  nuisance 
everywhere,  as  it  is  an  inveterate  eater  of  spawn  and  small  fry. 
This  fish  is  everywhere  confounded  with  the  pike,  which,  although 
of  the  same  origin,  is  of  a  far  nobler  race. 

HYODONTID.E. 

River  Moon-eye  ;  mud  %\^^6..—Hyodon  tergisus.    Le  Sueur. 

Similar  to  the  Western  species.  Body  compressed,  back  very 
slightly  arched.  Scales  large.  Head  small ;  eyes  very  large, 
nearly  filling  up  the  whole  space  between  the  angle  of  the  jaws 
and  the  upper  part  of  the  head.  Back  bluish  ;  sides  silver>^ ;  fins 
tinged  with  yellow.  Length  nine  inches.  It  seems  to  be  little 
esteemed  for  food,  being  considered  bony  and  unsavory.  It  is 
frequently  confounded  with  the  Hickory  Shad. 

CLUPEID^. 

Shad. — Alosa  sapidissima.     Storer. — A .  prasiabilis.    De  Kay. 

The  shad  season  in  the  St.  John  River  is  from  December  first 
until  about  the  8th  of  April.  They  appear  in  that  and  other  rivers 
on  their  way  to  the  upper  lakes  and  creeks  to  spawn.  When  they 
come  in  they  are  fat  and  go  mto  all  parts  of  the  rivers,  returning 
poor  and  lean  in  June,  keeping  the  channels.  The  shad  are  found 
in  the  Mississippi  fourteen  hundred  miles  above  its  mouth,  and  in 
many  of  its  tributaries.  In  the  Washita  River,  Arkansas,  they 
begin  to  appear  about  April  5th,  and  run  until  May  12th.  In 
China  they  are  known  to  ascend  the  Yang-tse-kiang  more  than 
four  thousand  miles. 


SOUTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  ■      38 1 

»  HtCKORY  SHKXt.—Pomolobus  mtdiocris.     Gill. 

Hickory  shad  and  gizzard  shad  are  easily  distinguished  from 
the  white  shad,  in  size,  Havor,  and  shape.  The  true  shad's  mouth 
shuts  together  evenly  and  is  white.  They  are  thicker  and  broader, 
have  a  dark  streak  on  each  side  of  the  backbone  after  cutting  open, 
and  have  a  different  flavor  from  any  other  fish  ;  while  the  hickory 
shad's  under  lip  is  larger  than  the  upper.  It  is  black  and  ex- 
tremely bony,  and  insipid  in  flavor.  The  hickory  shad  makes  its 
appearance  in  the  St.  John  River  the  first  or  second  week  in  No- 
vember. The  fishing  is  best  about  the  first  of  January.  The  sea- 
son ends  about  the  middle  of  April.  The  shad  are  found  in  great 
abundance  in  the  lakes  of  Central  F'lorida,  where  the  tTshermen 
believe  that  most  of  them  deposit  their  ova. 

Herring  ;  glut  herring ;  branch  \xQix'mQ.—PomolobuspseudokarengMs.    Gill. 

Color  of  back  steel-bluish  or  greenish  ;  head  above  and  tip  of 
lower  jaw  of  same  color ;  sides  and  belly  silvery,  the  former  with 
from  four  to  six  dusky  lines.  Length  eight  to  ten  inches.  This  is 
called  the  "  glut  herring  "  of  the  Potomac  River,  so  called  from 
the  vas.  schools  which  crowd  that  river  during  the  spawning  season 
in  May.  It  deposits  its  eggs  on  the  bottom  of  the  river,  seeking 
localities  where  the  water  is  fresh,  and  apparently  preferring  the 
hard  beds  where  the  myriophyllum  grows,  and  no  doubt  the  water 
is  well  aerated.  Some  of  these  fish  deposit* their  eggs  in  the  small 
streams  in  the  same  region,  and  thence  take  the  name  of  *'  branch 
herring."  - 

r      V  CYPRINID^.        ;      ;  ,,    ,  ;\  . 

The  Common  Carp.  ;  called  also  whitefish,  roundfish,  and  large-scaled  sucker. — 

Cyprinus  carpio.     Linn,  • 

Carp  are  very  abundant  throughout  the  Southern  States,  where 
there  are  several  varieties  propagated  from  stock  originally  im- 
ported from  Southern  Europe.  In  Virginia  they  are  highly  es- 
teemed for  food,  and  during  their  run  in  midwinter  constitute  for 
m.-iny  persons  their  entire  supply  of  fresh  fish.  An  intelligent 
observer  in  that  State  speaks  of  their  being  very  abundant  in  the 
Mettaponi  and  Pamunky  Rivers.  They  come  up  the  rivers  early 
in  January,  generally  after  the  first  spell  of  very  cold  weather. 


382  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

They  do  not  ascend  to  the  extreme  headwaters  to  spawn,  but 
leave  the  deeper  parts  of  the  stream  whenever  the  humor  takes 
them,  and  deposit  their  spawn  along  the  edges.  Alter  spawning, 
most  of  them  return  toward  salt  water.  Some  are  found  during 
the  summer.  They  thrive  freely  in  ponds,  and  are  thought  to  be 
not  destructive  to  the  spawn  of  other  fish.  They  vary  in  length 
from  one  to  two  feet,  and  weigh  from  one-half  a  pound  to  five 
pounds.  Shape  long  and  flattened  ;  fins  arranged  something  like 
the  fresh  water  mullets ;  heads  and  mouths  almost  precisely  like 
the  mullet's,  the  mouth  being  a  sucker  and  extremely  small.  They 
run  very  near  the  bottom,  and  only  take  food  lying  on  the  bottom. 
They  bite  at  hooks  baited  with  crumbs  of  bread  or  red  worms,  in 
taking  which  they  assume  a  perpendicular  position,  standing  on 
their  heads,  as  it  were.     They  are  vegetable  feeders. 

Carp  are  said  to  have  been  first  observed  in  Virginia  from  fifty- 
five  to  sixty  years  ago,  though  it  is  hardly  probable  that  their  in- 
troduction antedates  the  year  1832,  when  a  lot  were  brought  over 
from  France  by  the  captain  of  a  Havre  packet.  The  Virginia 
carp  are  said  never  to  go  below  brackish  water.  A  gentleman  in 
Woodville,  Mississippi,  who  is  engaged  in  the  artificial  propagation 
of  carp,  says  that  the  eggs  hatch  in  twenty-four  hours  after  being 
deposited,  they  being  always  attached  to  brush  or  sticks  floating 
in  the  pond. 

Red  Horse  ;  Pittsburgh  %\xc^tt .—Moxostoma  duquesnii.    Jordan. 

A  large-scaled,  red-finned  sucker,  with  dusky  olive  back,  cop- 
pery sides,  and  whitish  abdomen,  attaining  a  weight  of  six  pounds 
and  a  length  of  twenty  inches. 

■  ■        ■  •<      '.;/ 

Jack  Mullet  ;  black  sucker. — Catostomus  maculosus.    Le  Sueur. 

A  reddish  fish  marked  with  irregular  black  blotches  ;  fins  red- 
dish, dashed  with  black  ;  dorsal  bluish.  This  beautiful  sucker 
lives  in  stony  and  rocky  creeks,  in  places  where  the  current  ripples. 
Specimens  may  be  seen  resting  motionless  on  flat  rocks  at  the 
bottom,  and  darting  away  like  a  flash  at  the  approach  of  man. 
The  larger  ones  take  shelter  beneath  rocks,  with  cavities  under- 
neath, where  they  remain  except  when  tempted  away  by  want  of 
food. 


SOUTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  383 

Common  Mud  Suckkk. — C.  teres.    Le  Sueur. 

Dark  green  head,  nearly  black  ;  cheeks  bronze  and  golden, 
body  purplish  above,  with  pink  and  metallic  tints  on  the  sides,  and 
white  beneath.  Not  a  good  fish  to  eat,  flavor  rank.  Length 
sixteen  inches. 

Black  Mud  Sucker.— C.  «/^»V««*.    Le  Sueur. 

Head  large  and  square,  black  above  ;  reddish  yellow  on  the 
sides,  with  black  blotches  ;  white  beneath.  Dorsal  fin  black  ;  the 
others  reddish.     Length  ten  to  thirteen  inches. 

Long-finned  Chuck  Sucker.     Carpiodes  cyprinus.    Agassiz. 

Scales  variegated  with  blue,  yellow  and  green  ;  all  the  fins  are 
grey-blue.     Length  twenty  inches.     A  good  edible  fish. 

"^-       "•"''■   f"  ■        Horned  Sucker. — Eritnyzon  oblongvs.    Jordan.  " 

A  small  fish  reaching  nine  or  ten  inches  in  length.  Head  dark 
olive  green  ;  back  and  sides  of  b'  dy  green  ;  sides  tinged  with 
yellow;  anal  fin  blackish  brown, caudal  lighter,  and  the  remaining 

fins  light  olive  green.     Sometimes  called  Mullet. 

'  ''i 

Goldfish  ;  Golden  Carp. — Carassius  auratus.    Bleeker. 

A  well  known  species  much  fancied  for  globes  and  aquaria, 
often  growing  to  the  length  of  a  foot.  Body  generally  brilliant  red 
or  orange  above  and  silvery  beneath,  although  they  are  found 
grey,  silver)',  golden,  mottled  with  black,  olive,  or  almost  black 
even.     Their  colors  vary  as  much  as  those  of  litters  of  cats  or  dogs. 

Chub  Sucker. — Exoglossum  maxillingua.     Haldeman. 

Color  olivaceous  ;  smoky  above  ;  a  blackish  band  from  pectoral 
to  superior  extremity  of  gill  opening.  Length  eight  inches.  Lives 
in  the  rocky  parts  of  running  streams,  and  feeds  on  physalis  and 
other  small  fish. 

Gasper-Gou  ;  Buffalo. 

Weight  from  one  to  eight  pounds  ;  has  the  general  conforma- 
tion of  the  perch  family,  with  the  exception  of  its  mouth,  which 
is  formed  like  a  sucker's.     Its  color  is  a  bright  silvery  white,  with  . 


384  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

sheen  of  purple.     It  is  a  fair  table  fish,  but  spoils  very  soon  after  it 
is  killed.     Found  in  Louisiana  and  Mississippi. 

Fall  Fish  ;   shiner  ;  shining  dace.    Semotilus  rhotheus.    Leuciscus  nitidus. 

De  Kay. 

Colors  very  brilliant,  having-  as  ground  a  very  pure  silvery 
white  ;  back  is  often  steel  blue,  and  sides  of  head  bright  rose 
color.  In  spring  and  summer  the  adult  males  have  rosy  shades, 
and  the  dorsal  and  pectoral  fins  are  crimson.  Length  twelve 
inches.  Specimens  have  been  caught  weighing  five  pounds. 
Much  esteemed  as  food,  and  affords  good  sport  for  the  angler. 

Another  variety  is  the  Little  Fall  Fish,  or  Corporaalen,  S.  cor- 
poralis,  similar  in  shape  to  the  above,  but  distinguished  by  its  nar- 
rower scales,  and  by  a  dark  spot  at  the  base  "^f  the  dorsal  fin,  and 
darker  colors  above,  cream  colored  below.     Length  twelve  inches. 

Stony  \rlu\T>.—Cerattcthys  biguttatus.     Kirt. 

A  brownish  cream  colored  dun,  shaded  with  slate  above  the 
lateral  line,  where  the  scales  are  tipped  and  margined  with  the 
same.     Length  six  inches.     Much  esteemed  as  food. 

The  Report  of  the  Maryland  Fish  Commissioners  for  1876,  to 
which  we  are  indebted  for  descriptions  of  several  varieties  of  the 
families  Cyprinidae  and  Percidse,  describes  no  less  than  twenty-five 
varieties  of  Cyprinidae  found  in  the  State  of  Maryland  alone, 
but  they  are  generally  small,  and  not  in  request  by  anglers. 

SALMONID^. 

Mountain  Trout.— Common  Speckled  Trout  or  Brook  Trout. — Salmo  fontinalU. 

Mitch. 

The  only  localities  in  the  Southern  States  in  which  this  fish  is 
caught  are  the  headwaters  of  streams  that  have  their  sources  in 
the  Apalachian  Mountain  ranges,  these  constituting  the  tributaries 
or  feeders  of  rivers  in  Virginia,  Maryland,  North  Carolina,  South 
Carolina,  '"-eorgia,  and  Alabama.  Nearly  all  of  them  contaiu 
trout.     [See  Northern  Inland  Fishes.] 

ACIPENSERID^. 
Sharp-nosed  Sturgeon  ;  Jack  Sturgeon. — Acifenser  oxyrhynchus.    Mitch. 

Elongated,  pentagonal  body ;  entire  surface  granulated,  ex- 
cepting that  occupied  by  five  longitudinal  rows  of  flattened  plates, 


SOUTHERN  INLAND  FISHES.  S^S 

of  the  same  structure  as  the  covering  of  the  head,  but  of  a  lighter 
color.  The  largest  plates  form  the  dorsal  ridge.  Head  flattened ; 
eyes  small ;  lips  fleshy,  bilobed  mouth  on  under  side  of  head  ;  be- 
tween the  snout  and  mouth  are  four  barbels.  Color,  greyish- 
brown  above,  silvery  upon  the  inferior  body  of  sides.  Upper  lobe 
of  caudal  fin  twice  as  long  as  the  lower.  Length  two  to  eight  feet. 
Inhabits  the  James,  Potomac,  Rappahannock  and  Susquehanna 
Rivers.     Much  esteemed  as  food  in  Virginia. 

Short-nosed  Sturgeon. — A  brevirostris,    Le  Sueur. 

Head  broad  and  convex  ;  short  snout ;  four  flat  barbels  under 
the  snout.  Dorsal  series  of  tubercles  nine  to  twelve ;  lateral  series 
twenty-three  to  twenty-nine  ;  abdominal  series  five  to  seven.  Tail 
covered  with  lozenge-shaped  plates.  Dusky  above,  with  faint 
traces  of  oblique  bands :  whitish  beneath.  Length  two  to  five 
feet.    Inhabits  Potomac  River. 

SILURID.E. 

The  family  of  Catfish  is  represented  by  the  Channel  Cat  or 
Blue  Cat,  the  Yellow  Cat,  the  White  Cat,  and  the  Mud  Cat,  all 
described  elsewhere,  and  the  Shovel-billed  Cat  of  Louisiana  and 
Mississippi.  All  the  cats  are  much  angled  for  by  the  negroes,  and 
eagerly  eaten  by  the  poorer  classes,  but  the  Channel  Cat  is  really 
an  estimable  food  fish,  and  affords  good  sport  for  the  angler. 

The  salt  water  catfish,  Ariopsis  inilberti,  of  Gill's  catalogue, 
carries  its  peculiar  eggs  and  its  young  in  its  gills.  The  Halifax 
River  in  Florida,  swarms  with  this  species  in  warm  weather,  so 
that  they  become  a  nuisance,  taking  the  bait  intended  for  better 
fish.  They  grow  to  the  weight  of  ten  pounds  or  more,  and  fight 
vigorously  when  hooked,  but  they  are  seldom  eaten,  and  are  cov- 
ered with  a  disgusting  slime,  which  makes  the  handling  of  them 
very  unpleasant ;  besides  which  the  long  bony  rays  of  the  pec- 
torals are  armed  with  a  serrated  bone,  exactly  like  that  of  the 
stingray's  tail,  which  inflicts  very  painful  wounds. 

The  eggs  are  as  large  as  marbles,  and  occur  in  bunches  re- 
semblin"  grapes  in  form  and  color.  We  have  never  been  in 
Florida  at  the  season  when  these  catfish  carry  their  young  in  the 
17       ■ 


386 


GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 


throat  and  gills,  but  are  assured  by  the  fishermen  of  that  coast 
that  such  is  their  habit.  ■. 

•  MUGILID^. 

Of  the  mullet  family  there  are  many  varieties,  of  which  little 
need  be  said,  as  they  afford  no  sport  to  the  angler.  In  the  James 
River,  Virginia,  there  is  a  very  edible  and  toothsome  mullet,  much 
valued  fc.  the  table.  The  common  mullet  of  the  inland  muddy 
rivers  is  a  loathsome  fish  scarcely  filling  the  wants  of  the  impover- 
ished negroes  and  white  trash.  The  "  stone  toter,"  or  "  stone 
roller,"  is  a  far  better  variety,  which  is  found  in  clear  running 
streams  with  pebbly  bottoms.  Mullets  are  much  utilized  for  baits 
for  other  fish.  . 


■',■:■■•.     ['>.;     '!»/>:■      i'-:!'Y-- 


.■'•-. i'v;.-: 


FISHES  OF  THE  SOUTHWEST 

SALMONID.E. 

Rio  Grande  Trout. — Salmo  spilurus.    Cope. 

Specific  characters.  Head  small,  entering  length  of  body 
four  times  ;  muzzle  acute ;  diameter  of  eye  enters  length  of  side  of 
head  five  times ;  scales  large,  cranium  not  keeled  above  ;  dorsal  fin 
nearer  muzzle  than  end  of  caudal  scales  ;  caudal  scarcely  emar- 
ginate.  Br.  ix,  ix.  Color,  lighter  than  S.  pieuriticus  which  it  re- 
sembles ;  yellowish-brown  above,  with  small  spots  composed  of 
decussating  lines.     A  red  band  on  each  side  of  the  chin. 

Habitat,  Head-waters  of  Rio  Grande,  New  Mexico ;  Sangre 
de  Christo  Pass,  Colorado  ;  and  Brazos  and  Chama  Rivers,  New 
Mexico.  This;  species  may  eventually  prove  on  further  examina- 
tion to  be  a  well-marked  variety  of  S,  pieuriticus,  this  latter  being 
found  in  the  same  streams  with  it. 

As  a  game  and  food  fish  it  cannot  be  surpassed  ;  biting  readily 
at  either  fly,  grasshopper,  grub,  minnow  or  worm,  it  affords  ex- 
cellent sport.  The  Indians  of  New  Mexico  capture  them  in  bas- 
kets of  wicker-work,  nets,  and  by  a  running  noose  of  horse  hair  at 
the  end  of  a  stick.  The  noose  opened  wide  is  gently  passed  be- 
neath the  belly  of  I'.he  fish  and  gradually  tightened  ;  a  sudden  jerk 
captures  the  fish.  By  this  method  fish  no  longer  than  one's  finger 
are  taken  by  Indian  boys. 

CYPRINID^. 

Robust  Chub.— G»Va  robusta.    Baird  and  Girard. 

Specific  characters. — Body  sub-fusiform,  anteriorly  stout,  pos- 
teriorly tapering.  Head  one-fourth  total  length.  Eye  small, 
entering  length  of  side  of  head  eight  times.  Anterior  margin  of 
dorsal  fin  nearer  extremity  of  caudal  than  end  of  snout.  On  the 
end  of  the  snout  is  a  small  knot  or  tubercle.  Color,  greyish  brown 
above ;  yellowish  beneath.  Habitat,  Rivers  of  Arizona  and  New 
Mexico. 


388  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Will  bite  at  anything,  grasshoppers,  grubs,  flies,  artificial  and 
natural,  pork,  fishes'  fins  or  eye.     Are  quite  gamy. 

Elegant  Chub.— C/Va  elegans.    Baird  and  Girard. 

Specific  characters. — Body  slenderer  than  preceding,  tail  at- 
tenuated ;  head  one-fifth  total  length,  eye  small,  entering  length 
of  head  seven  times.  Margin  of  dorsal  fin  nearer  snout  than  base 
of  caudal;  scales  larger  than  in  G.  robusta.  Color,  reddish- 
brown  above ;  metallic  yellow  or  white  beneath ;  fins  dull  olive. 
Habitat,  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  California,  Fort  Bridger,  Green 
River,  Wyoming.  Remarks  as  to  capture  of  the  preceding  species 
will  apply  to  this,  in  fact  to  all  of  this  genus. 

Chub. — Gila  gracilis.    Baird  and  Girard. 

This  species  is  intermediate  between  G.  robusta  and  G.  elegans 
but  the  scales  are  smaller  than  in  either.  Color,  same  as  preced- 
ing. Habitat,  Arizona,  Green  River,  Wyoming.  Is  exceedingly 
abundant,  especially  in  the  White  River,  Arizona,  frequenting  the 
deep  pools ;  will  bite  at  anything.  The  fish  is  firm  and  sweet,  but 
full  of  bones.  Where  this  species  resorts  few,  if  any,  other  fish 
will  be  found  except  its  congeners.         ;     , 

Graham's  Chub.— C//«  ^a^awj.    Baird  and  Girard. 

Specific  characters:  Body  sub-fusiform,  compressed  ;  head 
enters  four  and  one  half  in  total  length.  Margin  of  dorsal  fin 
nearer  insertion  of  caudal  than  snout.  Caudal  deeply  forked. 
Color.  Similar  to  preceding.  Habitat.  Fort  Bridger,  Wyo- 
ming, New  Mexico,  Arizona. 

Is  abundant,  especially  in  Arizona;  takes  any  bait. 

Pescadito. — Gila  pandora.    Cope. 

specific  characters :  Head  one-fifth  total  length ;  eye  enters 
Itngth  of  side  of  head  six  times  ;  dorsal  fin  nearer  base  of 
caudal  than  end  of  muzzle.  Color.  Silvery  above.  Habitat.  San 
Juan  River,  Colorado,  Rio  Grande,  and  affluents.  New  Mexico. 

This  species  is  the  most  abundant  in  New  Mexico,  and  is 
readily  taken  with  any  bait. 

Gila  Chub. — Gilagula,    Cope. 

This  chub  resembles  the  preceding,  but  has  larger  head  which 


FISHES  OF  THE   SOUTHWEST.  389 

enters  length  exclusive  of  caudal  fin  three  and  one  half  times. 
First  ray  of  dorsal  midway  between  base  of  caudal  and  posterior 
rim  of  orbit.  Color,  dusky  olive  above  ;  silvery  white  beneath, 
axils  of  fins  crimson.  Habitat,  New  Mexico.  A  beautiful  speci- 
men and  easily  taken. 

UlaCK  CuVB.—Gi'iu  Htgra.    Co^tt. 

specific  characters,  —  Body  fusiform ;  head  enters  length 
minus  caudal  three  and  one  half  times.  Scales  more  numerous 
than  in  G.  pandora  ;  upper  lip  slightly  overhanging  lower.  Color, 
black  above,  olive  beneath.  Habitat,  rivers  and  creeks  of  Arizona. 
Will  take  any  bait. 

Baird's  Chub.— C/7a  etnorii.    Baird  and  Girard. 

specific  characters.  Body  elongated  and  compressed  ;  head 
enters  total  length  five  times,  greatly  resembles  G.  grahami. 
Color,  greyish  silver.  Habitat,  Gila  River,  Arizona.  Will  take 
any  bait. 

There  are  a  number  of  other  species  of  this  fish  commonly 
called  chub,  or  pescadito  in  the  southwest,  such  as  Ceratichthys 
physignathus  of  the  Arkansas  River,  Colorado  ;  C.  sterletus  of  the 
Rio  Grande  River,  New  Mexico ;  C.  squamilentus  of  Green  River, 
Wyoming ;  and  Gila  seminuda,  of  which  little  is  known.  Those 
indicated  afford  tolerable  sport,  and  answer  well  for  the  table 
when  better  cannot  be  had.  -i   > 

Suckers. 

Of  suckers  there  are  several  varieties,  including  Pantosteus 
piatyrhynchus  (Cope)  ;  P.jarrovii  (Cope)  ;  Catostomus  fecundus 
(Cope  and  Yarrow) ;  and  C. guzmaniensis  (Girard). 

There  is  also  a  species  of  "  Red  horse,"  Ptychostotnus  con- 
gestus  (Girard),  met  with  in  the  streams  of  Arizona  and  Texas. 

^  SILURID^   .^.ND  ANGUILLID^. 

In  the  Rio  Grande  are  taken  many  varieties  of  catfish,  the  best 
of  which  is  known  as  the  Amiurus  nebiilosus  (Le  Sueur).  It  will 
take  any  kind  of  bait.  Of  eels,  of  which  there  are  also  many  va- 
rieties, the  best  is  the  Anguilta  tyrannus,  which  is  very  much 
like  the  ordinary  eel. 


SOUTHERN  COAST  FISHES. 


SOLEIDiE. 

Ahbrican  Solb  ;  calico  ;  hog  choker  ;  coverlip  ;  spotted  sole.— AcAi'rus  lineatus, 

(Linn.)  Cuvier. 

Head,  body  and  fins  greenish  brown,  with  numerous  black 
blotches.  There  are  two  pa^^terns  of  markings  on  this  fish,  one 
with  zigzag  bands,  and  the  other  spotted.  Very  abundant  in  the 
lower  Potomac  and  its  tributaries. 


PLEURONECTIDiE. 

Flounder  ;  fltitfish  ;  sole. 

Many  varieties  of  flounders  are  found  in  Northern  waters  which 
are  not  known  south  of  Cape  Hatteias,  and  vice  '•<ersa.  The 
most  common  Southern  varieties,  found  liom  Hew  Jersey  to  Hat- 
teras,  are  the  Lophopsetta  maculata,  called  spottrj  turbot,  win- 
dow-pane, and  sand  flounder  ;  length,  twelve  to  eighteen  inches. 
Citharichthys  microstomus  ;  the  Pomatopsetta  dentata,  or  sum- 
mer flounder ;  and  Chcenopsetta  ocellaris,  or  common  flcmder, 
length  twelve  to  eighteen  inches.  From  Hatteras  to  Florida  there 
are  Chcenopsetta  dentata,  or  southern  flounder,  and  C.  oblonga,  or 
four-spotted  flounder,  which  grows  to  two  feet  in  length.  All  take 
bait  at  the  bottom,  and  are  excellent  food  fish.  Color  greenish 
brown,  brown,  and  olive  brown. 

LABRID^. 

Black  Fish  ;  tautog. — Tautoga  £)«?V/f.— Gunther. 

Color  deep  black,  or  bluish  black.  Length  six  to  eighteen 
inches.  Feeds  on  mud  crabs  or  fiddlers  and  shell  fish.  Found  in 
Chesapeake  Bay. 


SOUTHERN  COAST  FISHES.  39 1 

ErHIPPIIDiC. 

Angel  Fish. — Ej>hippus gigrs.    GUI. 

The  form  of  thL  fish  is  sub-round,  the  dorsal  outline  much 
arched.  The  back  is  dark,  tinged  with  green  ;  sides  and  belly  of 
clouded  silver;  length  eighteen  inches.  Is  taken  with  hook  in 
deep  water  in  July.  It  feeds  on  small  marine  animals  and  fish. 
Another  variety  (E.  faber),  has  a  body  of  lightest  silver  grey, 
marked  with  six  transverse  bars.  It  is  found  on  the  coast  in  May 
and  June.  Length  nine  inches.  Esteemed  as  food.  A  good 
food  fish. 

SCOMBRID.E. 

Common  Mackerel. — Scomber  scombrus.    Linn. 

Found  as  far  south  as  Cape  Hatteras. 

Chub  Mackerel. — S.  colias.    Linn. 

Light  green  on  back  with  numerous  undulating  green  lines 
passing  down  the  sides,  just  crossing  the  lateral  line  ;  dull  bluish 
beneath,  with  large  round  or  oval  blotches  distrouted  irregularly 
on  the  sides.  Length  one  to  two  feet.  Ranges  as  far  south  as 
Hatteras. 

BoNiTO  ;  skipjack. — Sarda  pelamys.    Cuvier. 

Range  extends  to  Florida. 

Spanish  Mackerel. — Cybium  maculatum.    Cuvier. 

Body  sub-cylindrical  elongated ;  silvery  above,  clouded  with 
bluish  green  ;  sides  and  belly  white  with  purple  tints ;  several 
bright  copper  colored  spots  about  a  half  inch  in  diameter,  both 
above  and  below  the  lateral  line.  Teeth  long  and  sharp.  Tail 
bi-lobed — each  lobe  long,  slender,  and  pointed  ;  fins  yellowish. 
It  appears  on  the  coast  of  the  Carolinas  in  April  and  May,  but  is 
rarely  seen  in  the  summer  months.  It  feeds  on  a  variety  of  small 
fish  and  runs  in  schools.  Taken  often  with  a  trolling  line  and  a 
bluefish  rig,  though  it  is  a  very  capricious  fish,  and  will  frequently 
take  no  notice  of  the  lure,  although  there  may  be  thousands  of  fish 
in  sight. 


i 


392  GAME  FISIT  OF  NORTH  AMERICA.  t 

Cbro  ;  black  spotted  Spanish  mackerel  ;  kingfish.— 0'^<«'»  regale.    Cuvler. 
Range  extends  to  Florida.  . 

Albicorb  ;  American  tunny ;  horse  mackerel. — Orcynus  secundi-dorsalts.    Gill. 

Range  extends  to  Florida. 

[See  descriptions  of  all  the  above  in  Eastern  Coast  Fishes.] 

•    '  Jackfish, — Ser tola  car olinensis.    Holbrook.  ^ 

Head  olive  brown,  body  bluish  slate  color  ;  sides  yellow ;  belly 
white  ;  a  yellow  band  from  the  opercle  to  the  tail,  which  is  widely 
forked  ;  fins  bluish  yellow.  Length  two  feet  four  inches.  Lives 
in  deep  water  and  is  taken  with  bait  and  line  at  ail  seasons  of  the 
year,  but  is  never  abundant. 

Banded  Mackerel.— ^ytfr/Wa  zonata,    Holbrook, 

Body  pale  bluish  slate  color,  marked  by  vertical  dusky  bands. 
A  yellow  horizontal  band  extends  from  the  opercle  to  the  tail,  and 
a  second  band  of  same  color,  less  distinct,  is  often  found  below  it ; 
fins  yellowish  ;  tail  deeply  forked.  It  ranges  from  Massachusetts 
to  Florida. 

Green  Mackerel. — Seriola  chloris.    Holbroojf. 

Upper  half  of  body  palest  green  ;  lower  half  silvery,  iridescent, 
with  purple  reflections,  fins  yellow  ;  tail  widely  forked  with  a  black 
spot  at  the  base.  Seen  along  the  coast  during  July  and  August ; 
feeds  on  small  fish. 

:■  .  CARANGID.C. 

'  '  Cavalli  or  Crevalle. —  Trachynotus  caroUnns.    Gill. 

This  fish  very  much  resembles  the  pompano,  belongs  to  the 
same  family,  and  is  often  confounded  with  it,  even  by  naturalists, 
but  its  habits  are  very  different.  The  cavalli  has  a  more  pointed 
head  and  snout,  with  moderately  large  conical  and  pointed  teeth. 
The  mouth  is  larger  than  in  the  pompano,  the  body  not  as  deep 
in  proportion  to  the  length,  the  eye  is  larger,  it  has  two  dorsal 
fins,  and  at  the  junction  of  the  tail  with  the  body  it  is  smaller  than 
the  pompano.    The  principal  structural  difTeret^ces  are  these  :    In 


■     SOUTHERN  COAST  FISHES.  393 

the  pompano  the  first  dorsal  is  represented  by  six  spines,  the  sncuit 
is  truncated,  the  mouth  rather  small  and  toothless.  The  cavalli 
has  two  dorsal  fins,  a  sharper  snout  and  a  larger  mouth,  with  con- 
ical pointed  teeth.  In  color,  both  are  changeable,  the  prevailing 
colors  of  the  pompano  being  blue  and  silver,  those  of  the  cavalli 
green  and  gold.  Both  are  very  brilliant  fishes.  In  color  it  is  , 
olive  green,  and  silvery  above  and  yellow  beneath.  It  goes  in 
schools,  swims  near  the  surface,  and  takes  readily  a  troll,  either 
bait  or  red  rag  or  fly.  It  is  an  active  sporting  fish,  but  of  indif- 
ferent quality  on  the  table,  being  dry  and  tasteless.  It  is  found  far 
up  rivers  (where  the  water  remains  brackish).  It  grows  in  Florida 
to  the  weight  of  ten  or  twelve  pounds.  Spawns  in  May,  in  the 
ocean,  and  is  taken  in  South  Carolina  waters  until  October  ;  in 
Florida  all  through  the  winter.  It  feeds  on  mollusks,  and  crus- 
taceous  animals. 

Pampano. — Botholamus  pampaaus. 

The  pampano  has  a  truncated  snout,  rather  a  small  mouth 
without  teeth,  jaws  strong  and  massive,  eye  of  moderate  size, 
body  much  compressed  and  deep,  about  one-third  the  length : 
first  dorsal  fin  represented  by  six  spines  ;  second  dorsal  soft,  and 
extending  to  the  tail ;  anal  fin  extending  to  the  tail  also.  The 
pampano  is  a  bottom  fish,  and  is  found  singly.  Rarely  takes  the 
hook,  but  when  he  does  fights  vigorously,  running  in  circles, 
darting  in  all  directions,  and  making  a  great  fuss  generally.  His 
colors  when  first  out  of  the  water,  are  as  brilliant  as  those  of  a 
fresh  salmon, — like  a  bar  of  frosted  silver.  After  death  they 
change  to  dark  blue  above  and  lemon  beneath.  Most  delicious 
for  the  table.  Spawns  in  March.  Its  range  extends  to  Massa- 
chusetts.   Holbrook  mentions  four  species  of  Caranx.  • 

;  .   BERYCID^. 

Squirrel  Fish. — Diplectrumfasciculare,    Holbrook.         > 

Body  fawn  color  or  bronze,  marked  with  seven  or  eight  lines 
of  ultramarine  blue ;    fins  blue  and  yellow.      Length   fourteen 
inches.     Is  occasionally  taken  on  the  hook,  on  blackfish  grounds. 
„.The  Carolinas  are  its  extreme  northern  limit. 
17* 


394  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

•'  '  "  .•  '      ■  .'   '  I  ■  *  "  '  '  '  '  '    ■  ,      '  '  ' 

.■,  SCI^NID^.  V    , 

Redfish,  or  Channel  Bass.— ^«>«o/x<»<r^//«/«j.    Gill. 

This  is  a  very  common  and  numerous  species  on  the  Florida 
coasts,  and  is  a  fish  much  resembling  in  habits  its  congener,  the 
striped  bass  of  more  northern  waters.  It  is  taken  with  similar 
baits,  such  as  shrimp,  crab,  or  a  piece  of  mullet ;  it  fights  long 
and  hard  on  the  hook,  and  in  the  proper  season  is  an  excellent 
table  fish,  boiled,  cut  in  steaks,  and  broiled,  or  even  fried.  In  the 
fall  and  winter  the  redfish  is  lean  and  without  flavor,  but  improves 
in  March,  and  in  January  it  is  the  best  of  the  coast  fishes,  as  well 
as  the  most  abundant.  At  that  season  it  swarms  in  the  river 
mouths  and  sounds,  and  can  be  taken  with  almost  any  bait.  It  is 
also  found  of  large  size  in  the  surf  on  the  sea-beaches,  and  can  be 
readily  taken  by  casting  a  baited  hook  with  a  hand  line  from  the 
shore. 

Specimens  under  seven  or  eight  pounds  weight  have  the  back 
of  a  steel  blue,  sides  golden,  and  belly  white — the  larger  fish  are 
of  a  brilliant  golden  red  on  back  and  sides.  All  have  the  black 
spot  near  the  tail,  from  which  the  specific  name  is  derived.  Some- 
times there  are  two  or  more  spots. 

It  comes  into  the  rivers  with  the  tide,  and  is  best  taken  in  the 
channels  near  the  shore  at  half  flood.  As  in  sheepshead  fishing,  most 
persons  use  the  hand  line,  with  the  bait  on  the  bottom,  but  better 
sport  can  be  had  with  a  bass  rod  and  reel  to  hold  sixty  or  seventy 
yards  of  line,  using  a  float  to  keep  the  bait  within  three  feet  of  the 
bottom.  The  same  hook  as  for  striped  bass  ;  this  fish  has  a  tough 
but  not  very  bony  mouth,  and  is  easily  hooked.  It  is  also  taken  fre- 
quently with  a  fly  and  trolling  spoon.  In  March  and  April  in  the 
rivers  and  inlets  they  run  from  five  to  ten  pounds  weight ;  later 
in  the  season  of  larger  size,  say  from  fifteen  to  thirty  pounds. 

It  makes  its  appearance  in  Carolina  waters  in  November.  It 
spawns  in  August  and  September  in  the  shallow  bays  and  inlets. 
In  November  and  December  the  largest  fish  are  caught.  Its  range 
extends  to  New  York. 

Trout  ;  Salt  water  trout,  or  grey  \xo\3X.—Cynoscion  regalit.    Gill. 

This  fish  is  known  as  the  weakfish  and  by  other  names  on  the 
northern  coast.    Ground  color  of  body  silvery.    Black  above  the 


SOUTHERN   COAST  hi  SUES.  395 

lateral  line,  marked  with  numerous  irregular  dusky  blotches. 
Length  twelve  inches.  Taken  with  rod  and  reel,  with  mullet  bait, 
fly  or  troll,  in  Florida  and  other  southern  States  chiefly  with  bait. 
Its  range  extends  to  Massachusetts.  It  belongs  to  the  same  genus 
as  the  C.  carolincnsis  (called  salmon  trout,  spotted  sea  trout,  and 
spotted  silver  sides),  butdifiers  considerably  in  color  and  markings. 
Both  fish  are  caught  together  with  the  same  bait.  It  lives  always 
in  salt  water,  never  ascending  fresh  streams,  and  feeds  on  smaller 
fish  and  shrimp.  Shrimp  is  an  excellent  bait.  It  is  most  abun- 
dant and  of  the  largest  size  in  the  autumn  months.  Spawns  in 
July  and  August  in  rivers  at  tide  water.  Holbrook  mentions  two 
other  varieties  known  in  South  Carolina  waters,  one,  C,  thalass- 
mtis,  body  dusky,  with  a  greenish  lint  above.  Sides  and  belly  yel- 
low. Known  as  the  deep  sea  trout — found  only  in  the  ocean  at  a 
depth  of  twenty  fathoms  and  never  approaching  land  ;  the  other 
C.  nothtis,  or  Bastard  Trout.  Head  and  body  silvery  white  or  but 
slightly  shaded  above ;  length  twelve  inches ;  an  uncommon  va- 
riety.    [See  Weakfish  in  Northern  Coast  Fishes.] 

KiNGFisH  ;  yvhAixng.—Menticirrus  nebulosus.    Gill. 

Body  silvery,  marked  by  several  oblique  dusky  bars.  Length 
sixteen  inches.  The  whiting  remains  all  the  year  round.  It 
spawns  in  May  in  the  ocean.  In  spring  and  summer  very  abun- 
dant, and  are  taken  near  the  bottom  in  the  mouths  of  rivers  and 
bays  with  hook  baited  with  shrimp,  clam,  crab,  or  mullet.  They 
prefer  deep  and  running  waters,  and  afford  excellent  sport  to  the 
angler.  This  fish  is  peculiar  to  southern  waters,  and  is  a  different 
fish  from  the  northern  variety.     [See  Eastern  Coast  Fishes.] 

Drum. — Pogonias  chrotnis.    Lacep. 

The  drumfish  is  very  common  all  along  the  Atlantic  coast, 
from  New  Jersey  to  Florida,  and  is  much  esteemed.  In  the  spawn- 
ing season  in  March  and  April,  it  is  taken  ver}'  abundantly  with 
prawns  for  bait,  which  appear  at  that  period.  Body  is  of  a  dull 
silvery  or  lead  color,  often  with  a  coppery  tint.  It  lives  on  mollus- 
cous and  crustaceous  animals,  which  it  crushes  easily  with  its 
immense  round  teeth.  In  the  spawning  season  it  enters  the  bays 
and  salt  water  inlets,  and  is  constantly  heard  drumming.    This 


Z9^  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

noise  is  made  in  the  air  bladder,  and  can  be  heard  at  long  dis- 
tances, sounding  like  the  tap  of  a  drum.  It  emits  this  sound  only 
in  spawning  season.    Spawns  in  the  bays  and  inlets. 

Lafaybttk  ;  spot  ;  pigfish  ;  bezuga  ;  chub ;  oroakcr  ;  goody.— LiMtomus 

obliquus.    Oc  Kay. 

This  is  a  yellowish  fish,  marked  by  fourteen  dusky  bars  de- 
scending obliquely  forward  from  the  back,  and  always  recognized 
by  a  dark  spot  behind  the  gill-cover.  Fins  yellowish.  Its  range 
extends  from  Florida  to  Rhode  Island.  It  is  taken  with  hook  and 
bait  from  April  until  December.  It  is  highly  esteemed.  Spawns  in 
November  and  December  in  the  bays  and  inlets. 

Vkllow  Tail. — Liostomus  xanthurus.    Lacep. 

Habitat  and  habits  same  as  the  Lafayette,  and  taken  with  the 
same  bait.     Color  golden  brown  above  ;  silvery  below  ;  tail  yellow. 

Black  Perch. — Lobotes  surinamensis,    CuYier. 

General  appearance  olive  black  ;  yellowish  fins.  Is  taken  with 
hook  baited  with  clams  or  shrimp  from  June  to  September.  Range 
from  New  York  to  Florida. 

Young  Drum. — Pogonias  fasciatus.    Lacep.  , 

This  variety  of  the  drum  has  a  silvery  body  with  dusky  vertical 
bars,  and  measures  two  and  a  half  feet  in  length.  It  is  taken  with 
the  hook  at  nearly  all  seasons  of  the  year,  but  the  largest  are  taken 
in  November  and  December.  Its  range  extends  from  Florida  to 
Rhode  Island. 

Surf-whiting  ;  shore  whiting  ;  h?iTh.~-Mentic{rrus  iUtoralh.    Gill. 

Scientists  note  specific  differences  between  this  fish  and  the 
alburnus,  although  their  general  features  are  very  similar.  This 
species  is  only  found  in  shoal  water  where  the  bottom  is  hard  or 
sandy.  Its  favorite  resort  is  the  surf  along  shore  where  it  finds 
abundant  food  rolled  in  from  the  ocean.  It  is  seldom  taken  with 
hook.     Makes  its  appearance  in  April,  and  remains  all  summer. 

CROKER.—Micro/ogvn  undulatus.    Cuv.  and  Val. 

A  good  panfish,  seldom  exceeding  a  foot  in  length,  and  taken 
in  great  numbers  in  the  bays  and  estuaries.     It  winters  in  Florida 


SOUTHERN  COAST  FISHES.  397 

and  makes  its  appearance  on  the  Carolina  coast  in  M.iy,  but  it 
only  becomes  common  in  shallow  water  in  June  and  July,  and  is 
most  abundant  and  of  largest  size  in  October  and  November.  It 
is  of  a  dusky  silvery  color  above  ;  belly  white  ;  fins  yellowish. 

Bullhead. — Larimus  /asciatus.    Holbrook. 

This  fish  resembles  the  Lafayette  fish  at  first  sight.  The  body 
is  of  a  pale  silver  grey,  the  sides  marked  with  seven  vertical  dusky 
bars  ;  fins  yellowish.  Though  a  rare  fish,  it  is  sometimes  found  in 
company  with  the  weakfish,  or  sea  trout,  and  is  caught  with  the 
same  bait.     From  Hatteras  to  South  Carolina. 

SPARIDyE. 

Sheepshbad. — Archosargus  frobatocephalus .    Gill. 

This  fish  is  of  a  semi-oval  form,  head  large,  body  a  silver  grey 
color,  marked  by  seven  transverse  bluish-black  bars.  The  old  fish 
become  more  dusky.  They  weigh  as  high  as  seventeen  pounds 
(that  weight  taken  at  Homosassa,  Florida)  and  are  found  in  all 
Florida  waters,  and  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts.  It  is  taken  in 
Florida  throughout  the  winter.  The  best  fishing  is  usually  in  the 
channels  which  run  along  the  banks,  upon  which  is  a  thick  grove 
of  mangrove  bushes ;  ihe  roots  of  these  are  in  the  water,  and  are 
covered  with  barnacles,  which  attract  the  sheepshead.  From  half- 
flood  to  high  water  they  usually  bite  most  eagerly,  though  here,  as 
elsewhere,  there  sometimes  comes  a  day  on  which  fish  do  not  feed 
— affected  probably  by  the  wind  or  weather. 

In  April  they  become  heavy  with  spawn,  and  lose  their  fine 
flavor.  They  spawn  in  May.  They  are  often  taken  quite  small, 
only  a  few  ounces  in  weight.  Most  fishermen  use  a  hand  line,  with 
two  hooks  resting  on  the  bottom,  but  anglers  find  more  sport  in  the 
use  of  rod  and  reel.  A  four  pound  sheepshead  will  make  a  strong 
fight,  and  a  pair  of  them  will  try  the  angler's  skill  to  save  both. 
Owing  to  the  hard  pavement  of  enamelled  teeth  in  the  mouth,  it  is 
difficult  to  hook  this  fish,  and  when  hooked  his  jaws  are  so  strong 
that  few  hooks  can  resist  their  power.  The  best  hooks  are  those 
known  as  the  Virginia  and  Chestertown  hooks.  The  barb  has  a 
sharp  cutting  edge,  which  penetrates  better.    The  baits  generally 


398  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

used  are  clams  (better  boiled,  being  tougher),  crabs,  fiddlers,  and 
conchs.  The  latter  bait  is  very  tough,  well  resists  the  strong  teeth 
of  the  sheepshcad.  Sinkers  of  different  weights  are  required  to 
suit  the  force  of  the  tide  at  different  times,  the  sheepshead  being  a 
bottom  fish.     Two,  four,  and  six  ounces  will  be  found  sufficient. 

The  sheepshead  appears  in  the  r;ighborhood  of  Charleston  in 
April,  and  continues  until  November.  It  enters  shallow  inlets  and 
mouths  of  rivers,  which  it  ascends  so  far  as  the  water  remains 
brackish.  It  prefers  rocky  bottoms  or  sheltered  places  ;  old  wrecks 
are  favorite  resorts,  because  they  collect  barnacles  and  other  shells. 
They  can  be  easily  tolled  to  a  place  by  sinking  old  logs  or  timbers 
on  which  barnacles  will  collect.  If  these  are  removed,  the  fish  at 
once  disappear. 

PoRGY  ;  fairmaid. — Stenotomus  argyrops.    Gill. 

A  well-known  *ish,  of  an  iridescent  silvery  color,  tinged  with 
blue,  purple  and  green,  and  takes  the  hook  freely  baited  with  clams 
or  other  shell  fish.  Ranges  from  Florida  to  Cape  Cod.  Most 
abundant  in  June  and  July.  Prefers  deep  waters  with  rocky  bot- 
toms, but  is  often  found  in  waters  of  an  altogether  different 
character. 

Rhomboidal  Porgy  ;  bream. — Lagodon  rhomboides.    Holbrook. 

Nearly  oval  in  shape.  Head  above  pale  brown  with  small 
golden  spots ;  sides  of  head  marked  with  several  alternate  pale 
blue  and  golden  lines  ;  the  body  above  the  lateral  line  marked  with 
similar  lines  of  the  same  color,  but  more  clouded  ;  slightly  arched 
and  concentric.  Helow  the  lateral  line  these  are  horizontal  and 
parallel  to  the  belly,  where  the  blue  lines  disappear,  and  are  re- 
placed with  alternate  white  and  golden  lines  ;  belly  white  ;  a  dusky 
spot  above  the  root  of  the  pectoral  fin.  Length  ten  inches.  Feeds 
on  crustaceous  animals  and  smaller  fish.  It  is  abundant  in  May 
and  June.     Takes  bait  freely.     Flesh  palatable. 

PRISTIPOMATID^. 

Red  Mouth  Grunt.— //<yw/«/t»«  chrysopteron.    Cuvier.    "  ^  • 

Back  arched,  pale  umber  grey ;  belly  silvery  ;  fins  yellowish ; 
length  twelve  inches ;  taken  in  Carolina  waters  at  all  seasons  of 


SOUTHERN   COAST  FISHES.  399 

the  year,  though  never  abundant ;  not  esteemed  as  food.    Spawns 
in  April,  in  bays  and  inlets.    , 

Black  Grunt. — Heemulon  arcuatunt.    Cuv.  and  Val. 

Body  umber  brown  above,  paler  on  the  sides ;  head  dusky, 
marked  with  horizontal  lines  of  ultramarine  blue ;  length  ten 
inches.  Lives  in  deepest  waters,  and  feeds  on  shell  fish  and 
smaller  fish.     Spawns  in  April. 

HoGFisH  ;  speckled  red  mouth;  sailor's  choice — Orthopriitis /ulvomaculatui. 

Gill. 

One  of  the  best  Southern  food  fishes,  and  is  angled  for  from 
boats  by  still  baiting  with  shedder  or  soft-shell  crab.  It  is  excel- 
lent when  boiled  or  stuffed  and  baked.  It  should  be  skinned  with 
a  sharp  knife,  as  its  scales  are  very  tenacious.  Body  above  pale 
brown,  belly  silvery  ;  sides  marked  with  numerous  orange-colored 
spots — those  above  the  lateral  line  in  oblique  rows,  those  below  it 
in  horizontal  rows  ;  fins  yellowish  marked  in  same  way ;  sides  of 
the  head  pale  blue,  with  yellow  spots.  This  fish  appears  in  April, 
and  continues  until  November.  It  is  very  common  in  Bermuda  and 
is  caught  as  far  north  as  Chesapeake  Bay.  There  are  four  other 
varieties  of  Grunts  :  the  Hicmulon  forme swn  ;  the  H.  quadrilinc- 
atum,  or  striped  grunt ;  Aiiisotremiis  virginicus  ;  and  Lutjanus 
cants,  the  yelting,  or  glass-eyed  snapper. 

SERRANID^.    • 

Black  Fish,  or  Sea  Bass,  Black  will.— 0«/r(?/r/j/^j  atrarius.     Barn.    (Eastern 

shore  of  Virginia.) 

The  males  of  this  fish  are  bluish-black  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
body,  and  lighter  below  ;  females  a  dingy  brown.  Their  fins  are 
very  large.  They  grow  to  several  pounds  in  weight.  Takes  bait 
voraciously.  It  abounds  in  shallow  as  well  as  deep  waters.  Taken 
from  the  wharves  by  ruu  and  hand  line,  with  clams,  crabs,  shrimp, 
etc.     [See  "  Sea  Bass,"  in  Northern  Coast  Fishes.J 

Black  Grouper. — Epincphelus  nigritus.    Gill. 

Commonly  known  on  the  Florida  coast  as  the  "  grouper ;  "  it  is 
a  perch  also,  and  is  of  the  very  best  quality  on  the  table,  being 


400  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

rich  and  well  flavored.  It  is  shaped  something  like  the  black  bass 
of  fresh  water,  the  color  an  olive  brown,  with  dark  mottled  lines, 
resembling  tortoise  shell.  At  Mosquito  Inlet  it  is  taken  from  two 
to  eight  pounds  in  weight  with  mullet  bait  on  the  bottom.  The 
grouper  has  a  stronghold  under  the  mangrove  bushes,  or  in  a  hole 
in  the  bank,  to  which  it  retreats  when  hooked,  and  being  a  vigor- 
ous fish  often  succeeds  in  reaching  its  fortress,  from  which  it  can 
with  difficulty  be  dislodged,  and  the  loss  of  fish  and  tackle  is  the 
result.  More  hooks  are  lost  by  the  grouper  than  by  any  other  fish, 
but  as  it  affords  good  sport  and  excellent  food,  it  is  a  favorite  ob- 
ject of  the  angler's  pursuit.  A  bass  rod  and  reel,  with  a  strong 
line  and  Virginia  hook,  with  lead  enough  to  keep  the  bait  on  the 
bottom,  is  the  best  rig  for  the  grouper,  and,  after  all,  the  prospect 
of  getting  him  is  uncertain.  He  fights  so  hard  that  you  have  to 
give  him  line,  and  if  you  give  him  too  much  he  is  sure  to  escape 
into  his  hold.    Spawns  in  May  and  June  in  bays  and  inlets. 

Red  Snapper  ;  red  grouper.— 5'^>->'(«)»«j  erythogaster .~^mV\^x,    E^inephtlus 

morh.    Gill. 

This  fish  seems  to  be  called  by  both  names  in  different  local- 
ities. In  east  Florida  it  goes  by  the  name  of  "snapper,"  and  is 
known  by  the  large  canine  teeth  and  by  its  rapacious  habits  ;  when 
put  with  other  fish  alive  in  a  car  it  proceeds  to  devour  those  small- 
er than  itself.  It  has  large  scales,  with  spines  in  the  dorsal  fin, 
and  has  been  placed  by  Cuvier  among  the  perches.  At  Mosquito 
Inlet  they  are  small — from  one  to  three  pounds,  but  in  the  Indian 
River  ten  or  twelve  pounds  weight,  and  in  the  Gulf  of  double  that 
size.  The  snapper  seems  to  be  a  wary  fish,  and  requires  finer 
tackle  and  more  careful  fishing  than  most  of  the  coast  species.  A 
rather  small  hook,  fitie  line,  with  mullet  bait  cast  from  a  reel, 
using  a  float  so  as  to  let  the  line  run  off"  down  the  current  thirty  or 
forty  yards  from  the  boat,  is  the  most  successful  way  to  delude  the 
snapper.  It  bites  sharply,  fights  hard,  and  is  good  eating,  either 
boiled  or  fried.  Color,  reddish  brown  on  back  and  sides,  growing 
darker  after  death  ;  belly  silvery.  Spawns  in  May  and  June  in  bays 
and  inlets.    Twelve  varieties  of  Groupers  are  enumerated. 


SOUTHERN  COAST  FISHES.       ^  40 1 


LABRACID^. 

Striped  Bass,  or  Rockfish. — Roccus  lineatus.    Gill. 

Body  above  dusky  ;  sides  and  belly  silvery  white  ;  sides  marked 
with  seven  or  eight  longitudinal  lines  of  a  bluish  color.  Grow  to 
a  large  size,  but  not  so  large  as  those  taken  ofif  the  coast  of  Massa- 
chusetts. Taken  in  both  salt  and  fresh  water,  although  it  is 
really  a  marine  species.  Its  habits  in  southern  waters  differ  some- 
what from  its  habits  in  northern  waters.  It  is  seldom  taken  in 
salt  water,  but  is  constantly  seen  in  rivers  of  fresh  water  at  great 
distances  from  the  ocean,  even  as  far  up  the  Mississippi  as  St. 
Louis.  It  is  common  in  White  River,  Arkansas,  and  in  the  rivers 
of  all  the  Southern  States.  It  feeds  on  various  small  fish,  and  on 
crustaceous  animals,  and  never  destroys  its  own  kind,  like  the 
bluefish.  Taken  with  rod  and  reel.  [See  Striped  Bass  in  North- 
ern Coast  Fishes.] 

White  Pbrch. —Moratte  amertcana.    Gill. 

Back  and  sides  pale  silver  grey  ;  belly  silver  white  ;  two  dorsal 
fins ;  length  twelve  inches,  rarely  exceeding  two  and  one-half 
pounds  in  weight.  Found  in  both  salt  and  fresh  water  from  Massa- 
chusetts to  South  Carolina.  It  is  really  a  marine  species.  Takes 
minnow,  the  soft  or  "  peeler  "  crayfish,  soft  or  hard  crab,  or  pieces 
of  perch.  In  early  spring  there  is  excellent  fishing  at  the  Little 
Falls  of  the  Potomac.  The  perch,  with  the  herring  and  shad, 
ascend  the  river  to  spawn,  and  remain  in  this  locality  two  or  three 
weeks  before  returning  to  salt  water.  During  the  season  it  is  a 
very  common  thing  to  take  them  weighing  from  three-quarters  of 
a  pound  to  a  pound  and  a  quarter  each,  and  measuring  from  six 
to  twelve  inches  in  length,  and  when  of  this  size  they  make  a  de- 
lightful pan  fish.  But  before  speaking  of  the  habits  of  the  perch, 
a  brief  description  of  their  favorite  haunts  will  not  be  out  of  place. 
Their  spawning  grounds  extend  all  the  way  from  Ead's  Mill  to 
the  foot  of  the  Little  Falls,  a  distance  of  about  a  mile.  The  river 
between  these  points  varies  in  width  from  seventy-five  to  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  yards,  and  in  depth  trom  four  to  fifty  feet.  The 
bottom  is  rocky,  and  at  low  tide  numerous  rocks  are  visible  above 
the  surface  of  the  water.     The  shores  on  both  sides  are  almost  a 


402  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

solid  mass  of  rock,  and  many  fine  perch  are  taken  at  high  tide 
from  the  eddies  formed  by  the  rapid  current  behind  some  of  the 
larger  rocks. 

Many  persons,  in  fishing  for  perch,  do  so  from  the  rocks  along 
the  river  bank  instead  of  from  a  boat.  At  high  tide  they  often 
have  good  sport,  but  never  take  as  many  large  fish  as  the  more 
experienced  fishermen,  who  have  their  boats  anchored  over  the 
deep  holes,  and  above  eddies,  where  they  take  out  the  larger 
ones,  oftentimes  as  fast  as  they  can  bait  their  hooks.  On  many 
occasions  two  or  three  of  us  have  captured  over  two  hundred 
perch  in  less  than  three  hours  by  fishing  from  a  boat. 

The  tackle  used  for  catching  perch  is  very  light,  a  fourteen 
foot  rod,  braided  linen  line,  and  reel ;  the  latter  is  a  matter  of  con- 
venience. The  perch  is  not  a  game  fish,  and  therefore  the  reel  is 
not  necessary  to  give  him  line,  as  in  fishing  for  rock  bass,  and 
other  game  fish.  Perch  bite  rapidly  and  swallow  the  hook,  but 
offer  no  resistance,  and  are  easily  taken  from  the  water.  Two  or 
three  small  hooks  (Limerick,  Aberdeen,  or  Kirby)  are  attached  to 
the  line  above  the  sinker,  and  the  best  fish  are  caught  near  the 
bottom. 

After  spawning  the  perch  start  down  the  river  early  in  May. 
They  breed  and  spend  the  early  summer  months  in  the  fresh  trib- 
utaries, but  by  the  first  of  August  drop  down  to  water  slightly 
brackish  where  they  remain  in  large  schools  until  October.  In 
August  it  seems  that  the  bottom  is  covered  for  acres  with  them. 
The  cream  of  the  perch  season  is  from  the  ist  of  September  until 
the  middle  of  October,  and  the  best  time  to  select  is  those  days 
when  it  is  high  water  from  six  to  nine  o'clock.  Then  you  can  get 
the  benefit  of  both  tides  in  one  day.  In  the  tributaries  of  Chesa- 
peake Bay,  the  best  fishing  is  enjoyed.  There  are  known  resorts 
of  the  fish,  and  an  hour  or  two  before  high  or  low  water,  until  the 
same  time  after  the  turn  of  the  tide,  is  the  time  for  taking  them. 
As  soon  as  the  boat  is  anchored  the  rod  is  extended  from  sides  or 
stern ;  the  sinker  with  the  baits  runs  the  line  from  the  reel  and 
finds  the  bottom.  There  is  a  pull  downward  by  the  perch,  a  pull 
upward  by  the  angler,  and  the  tip  of  the  rod  is  lowered  ;  then 
another  pull,  and  another  perch  hooked,  and  then  a  third  in  the 
same  manner,  when  the  angler  reels  up  and  lifts  his  fish  on  board. 


SOUTHERN  COAST  FISHES.  403 

On  a  good  day  it  is  not  uncommon  for  three  or  four  fishers  to  kill 
from  i^fty  to  eighty  dozen. 

POMATOMID.E. 

Bluefish  or  Skip-jack  ;  greenfish  (Virginia)  ;  tailor  (Maryland  and  Virginia). — 

Pomatomus  saltatrix.     Gill. 

The  form  of  this  fish  is  oblong,  head  rather  large,  snout 
rounded,  mouth  large,  armed  with  bony  sharp  teeth  ;  tail  deeply 
forked,  rolor  brilliant  steel  blue  and  silver  in  young  fish,  and  deep 
greenish  ijlue  in  old  fish  ;  fins  yellowish.  These  fish  are  generally 
small  and  not  esteemed.  Taken  by  trolling  and  by  rod,  bait  and 
float  from  the  wharves.  Shrimp  are  preferred  for  bait.  At  some 
seasons  they  will  take  a  light  colored  fly  of  whitish  yellow  hue,  and 
are  often  so  caught  on  the  Gulf  coast  of  Florida.  The  young  fish 
are  known  in  southern  waters  as  whitefish  and  snap  mackerel. 
[See  "  Bluefish  "  in  Northern  Coast  Fishes.] 

ELACATID^. 

Crab-eater  ;  cobia  ;  sergeant  fish. — Elacate  canadus.    Gill. 

This  fish  resembles  the  pickerel  of  fresh  water  in  form,  size, 
and  habits,  particularly  in  the  long  under  jaw  which  distinguishes 
the  pike  family.  Body  long  and  narrow,  sub-cylindrical,  marked 
with  alternate  dark  and  light  olive  horizontal  stripes  that  extend 
from  the  gills  to  the  tail ;  belly  white ;  tail  deeply  crescentic,  the 
upper  lobe  being  the  longest.  It  has  moreover  a  black  stripe  along 
its  sides  which  gives  rise  to  its  local  name  of  "sergeant  fish." 
Length  three  to  five  feet.  It  is  common  on  the  east  coast  of 
Florida,  particularly  on  the  Indian  River,  though  its  range  extends 
to  Massachusetts.  It  prefers  clear  water,  and  subsists  on  smaller 
fish  and  crabs,  lurking  under  roots  and  sea  weed,  from  which  it 
darts  upon  its  prey.     Takes  the  hook  freely. 

ECHINEIDvE. 

•  SvcK.-visH.—Echeneis  lineata.    Holbrook. 

The  body  of  this  fish  is  similar  in  form  to  the  cobia,  except 
that  its  tail  is  nearly  square.     It  is  banded  like  the  cobia  too,  but 


404  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

the  stripes  are  clouded  yellow  and  sulphur  color.  The  belly  is 
white  and  the  tail  bluish  margined  with  white.  It  has  a  large 
broad  head  which  is  concave  on  top,  where  it  is  occupied  by  an 
oval  adhesive  disk  bordered  by  a  fleshy  thick  movable  substance, 
and  divided  in  *he  mesial  line,  o«  each  side  of  which  are  twenty- 
one  transverse  plates,  their  free  margins  divided  backward  and 
serrated.  By  this  disk  it  attaches  itself  to  any  object,  and  is  found 
adhering  to  the  bottoms  of  boats,  and  to  the  bodies  of  large  tish. 
It  is  frequently  taken  with  blackfish,  (sea  bass)  and  is  attracted  by 
the  same  bait. 

ESOCID^. 

"'  PiKF. — Esox  luctus,  or  rettculatus. 

In  the  salt  waters  of  Chesapeake  Bay  is  found  a  true  pike  whose 
habitat,  it  has  been  ascertained,  is  confined  almost  exclusively  to 
salt  water.  Some  who  have  been  cognizant  of  this  fish  have  main- 
tained that  it  was  a  distinct  variety,  but  there  seems  to  be  no  doubt 
of  its  identity  with  the  inland  pike,  and  we  find  it  referred  to  as 
Esox  reticulatus  (Le  Sueur,  et  al,)  and  E.  lucius  (Mitchell),  in  the 
Reports  of  the  Maryland  Fish  Commissioners,  the  most  valuable 
work  of  the  kind  that  has  yet  been  issued.  Our  extended  investi- 
gations show  that  these  fish  spawn  in  the  Patapsco,  Magoty, 
Chester,  Sassafras,  Choptank  and  Annapolis  Roads.  There  are 
few  caught  below  the  Choptank,  and  scarcely  any  above  the  Sas- 
safras River.  They  are  taken  every  day  in  the  year,  the  largest 
quantity  in  extreme  cold  weather,  when  they  are  brought  to  mar- 
ket by  wagon  loads.  At  Norfolk  they  are  not  common.  Prof. 
Ellzey,  of  Bladesburg,  Virginia,  says  that  they  were  very  numer- 
ous six  or  seven  years  ago  at  West  River,  Marj'land,  where  they 
were  caught  in  seines  in  February  and  March,  but  during  the  past 
few  seasons  only  occasional  specimens  have  been  taken.  He  vol- 
unteers the  opinion  that  they  might  be  taken  with  the  fly.     Prof. 

.    Beal,  of  the  Gown  Agricultural  College,   says  he  has  known  of 
their  being  taken  through  the  ice  in  winter  with  a  hook. 

"  While  residing  at  Annapolis,  I  had  several  opportunities  for 
examining  this  fish  when  fresh  from  the  water,  and  should  pro- 

»   nounce  it  identical  with  the  common  fresh-water  pickerel  (Esox 


SOUTHERN  COAST  FISHES.  403 

reticulattis)  of  the  Eastern  States.  The  color  and  markings  upon 
the  sides  are  the  same,  and  their  habits  of  lying  in  shallow  water 
near  the  shore  and  in  bunches  of  weeds  are  also  similar.  It  is  pos- 
sible that  a  spedalist  in  ichthyology  might  discover  differences,  but 
they  are  not  apparent  to  the  eyes  of  an  ordinary  student  of  nature. 
The  water  of  the  creeks  and  inlets  about  Chesapeake  Bay  are  but 
slightly  salt,  and  but  little  affected  by  tides,  and  are  lined  about  the 
shores  with  patches  of  weeds  and  rushe*,  forming  just  the  sort  of 
places  that  the  pickerel  loves  to  inhabit.  I  see  no  reason  for  sup- 
posing that  the  pickerel  should  not  live  in  salt  water  if  the  other 
conditions  were  suited  to  its  habits,  as  they  so  evidently  are  here. 
The  only  way  that  I  ever  knew  of  these  salt  water  pike  being  taken 
was  by  the  seine  and  by  fishing  through  the  ice  in  winter,  precisely 
as  is  done  for  pickerel  at  the  North." 

Mr.  S.  R.  Scoggins,  a  veteran  marketman  of  Baltimore,  claims 
these  pike  are  essentially  a  salt  water  fish,  and  will  not  go  into 
fresh  water.  He  says,  "  I  have  been  among  them  for  thirty  years, 
and  never  knew  one  to  be  caught  in  fresh  water  unless  it  had 
strayed  away  from  the  school  and  was  in  a  sickly  condition. 
Possibly  they  go  into  fresh  water  to  spawn. 

A  careful  examination  of  five  specimens  of  these  fish,  that  av- 
eraged some  twenty-two  inches  in  length,  and  a  comparison  of  the 
same  with  the  fresh- water  pike,  discovered  but  very  slight  variations 
as  to  fin- rays,  color,  markings,  and  general  structure,  as  between 
each  other  and  the  inland  fish.  We  give  the  formula  for  two 
specimens  which  showed  the  greatest  variation  : 

Length  of  body  twenty-two  and  one-half  inches  ;  head  six 
inches.     Fin  system  :  D.  18  ;  P.  14  ;  V.  10  ;  A.  15  ;  C.  20. 

Length  of  body  twenty-one  inches ;  head  five  and  one-half 
inches.    Fin  system :  D.  18  ;  P.  12  ;  V.  9 ;  A.  15  :  C.  20. 

Color :  Back,  deep  green ;  sides,  olive  yellow  ;  belly,  white ; 
under  fins  and  throat,  deep  red ;  upper  fins,  green ;  irides  blue 
with  yellow  rim  ;  numerous  dark  streaks  on  body  producing  a 
reticulated  appearance. 

The  fin-ray  formula  for  the  inland  pike,  as  given  by  De  Kay 
and  other  authorities,  is  as  follows  : 

D.  18 ;  P.  16 ;  V.  10 ;  A.  14 ;  C.  19. 
'V 'Color  and  description  nearly  as  given  above.      -  <  -  ^  ■- 


'        406  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA. 

Skipjack  ;  skipper  ;  saury  ;  bone-fish  ;  \9iA-<j-^^.—Sco>Hberesox  scutellatut. 

Le  Sueur. 

This  fish  belongs  to  the  genus  scomberesocidse,  and  as  the 
^  name  implies,  this  fish  combines  the  characterisl^s  of  the  mack- 
erel and  the  pike.  He  is  a  beautiful  fish,  growing  to  several 
pounds  in  weight,  is  shaped  like  a  pike,  with  fins  similarly  located, 
large  mouth  well  armed  with  teeth  ;  dark  blue  on  the  back,  silvery 
on  the  sides,  and  white  on  the  belly  ;  fins  white.  He  is  as  vora- 
cious as  either  the  pike  or  mackerel,  and  takes  bait,  spoon,  or  flies 
freely.  He  is  often  hooked  when  not  wanted  while  angling  for 
other  better  fish.  Very  common  in  southern  waters,  especially  in 
Florida.  Tastes  well  enough,  but  is  bony.  Plays  havoc  with  light 
tackle,  and  affords  good  sport.  , 

MUGILID.E.     ' 

'  M.vvi.wr.—Mugil  lineatus.     N.  .iCh. 

There  are  several  species  of  the  mullet.  They  are  found  every- 
where in  the  bays  and  sounds  in  immense  shoals,  and  are  taken  in 
seines  and  cast  nets  in  size  from  half  a  pound  to  six  pounds.  It 
is  a  very  valuable  fish  to  the  inhabitants,  since  it  takes  salt  better 
than  any  other  southern  species,  being  equal  to  the  mackerel  in 
that  respect.  It  also  furnishes  a  valuable  food  in  its  spawn,  which 
is  salted  and  smoked.  It  is  also  used  extensively  as  bait  for  most 
other  fishes.  The  mullet  appears  to  subsist  upon  the  minute 
animals  found  in  the  mud,  with  which  substance  its  stomach  and 
intestines  are  usually  found  to  be  filled.  Eaten  fresh,  the  mullet 
affords  a  rich  and  savory  food.  Spawns  in  January  and  February 
in  strong  currents  on  the  surface. 

ELOPID.E.      .       •  ,' 

.    ,  Jackmariddle  ;  pounder  ;  big-eyed  )\evr\n^,—Elops  saurus.    Linn. 

Color  pale  green  on  upper  part,  and  white  with  roseate  tints 
at  the  sides ;  fins  yellowish.  Length  thirty  inches.  Taken  with 
hook  and  bait  from  June  to  October.     Not  esteemed  as  food.   , 

Js-VFisn;ta.Tpum.—Mfg^aiopst/trisspfi/es.     Giinther.    f,'*..^; 

An  immense  fish,  with  bony  white  silvery  scales  two  inches  in 
diameter,  covering  the  whole  body,  weighing  often  five  hundred 


SOUTirF.R!^  COAST  FISHES.  407 

pounds  and  upwards.  Will  take  a  hook,  but  not  a  convenient  fish 
to  handle.  Very  common  in  Galveston  Bay  and  on  the  Florida 
coast. 

SILURID^E. 

Salt  Watkr  Catfish.— Ario^sis  fttt'/ierit.  Gill. 
Much  resembles  the  fresh  water  catfish,  but  is  a  handsomei 
fish,  both  in  form  and  color.  It  has  the  barbels  dependent  from 
the  mouth,  and  strong  spines  in  the  pectoral  and  dorsal  fins,  capa- 
ble of  inflicting  painful  wounds  upon  careless  hands.  They  are 
numerous,  and  greedy  biters,  but  are  generally  thrown  away,  or 
left  for  the  coons  and  buzzards.  Size  in  the  Indian  River,  Florida, 
ten  or  twelve  pounds.    At  Mosquito  Inlet,  from  two  five  to  pounds. 


,      ■'■•<nV.\.'  ■;:(;,;.. ;.';;;i-;/  -■i:y,'''i::  ,';>.;;<, 


A  SHORT  LECTURE  ON   FISHES. 

OF  all  the  animals  composing  that  great  branch  of  the  animal 
kingdom  called  vertebrates,  the  tishes  are  the  simplest  in 
structure  and  intelligence,  and  are  the  oldest  in  the  history  of  the 
globe,  as  shown  by  the  remains  in  the  rocks.  Fishes  being  des- 
tined to  an  active  life  under  water,  have  all  their  organs  adapted 
to  this  purpose — gills  instead  of  lungs,  limbs  shaped  as  fins,  and  so 
forth.  They  differ  in  form,  but  all  have  the  simple  outline  of  a 
large  head,  no  neck,  and  the  body  tapering  gradually  to  the  end 
of  the  tail.  Some  have  no  fins,  but  generally  they  are  present,  and 
arranged  in  pairs  symmetrically,  or  singly  on  the  back  or  abdomen. 
Behind  the  head  are  large  openings  leading  to  the  gills.  The 
water  entering  the  mouth  in  breathing,  is  driven  across  the  gills 
and  escapes  by  these  openings.  The  scales  greatly  vary,  their 
shape  forming  one  of  the  characters  by  which  a  fish  is  classified. 
They  are  horny  plates  similar  to  our  finger-nails,  containing  min- 
ute, polished  plates  of  color,  giving  certain  fishes  a  dazzling  bril- 
liancy of  tinting  that  reminds  us  of  gold  and  silver. 

The  skeleton  of  fishes  is  either  horny  or  made  of  cartilage, 
which  is  a  tough,  elastic  substance,  better  known  as  "gristle." 
It  is  composed  of  a  head,  trunk  and  limbs.  The  head  is  made  up 
of  a  large  number  of  bones  intricately  put  together,  particularly 
those  supporting  the  arches  of  the  gills  and  gill-covers  {ppercula), 
the  tongue  and  neighboring  parts,  which  has  been  termed  the 
hyoid  apparatus.  Next  behind  the  skull  comes  a  chain  of  bones 
called  vertebrcE,  extending  the  whole  length  of  the  body.  Each 
vertebra  is  shaped  like  an  hour-glass,  and  is  armed  with  spines 
and  projections  termed  processes,  some  of  which,  by  interlocking, 
hold  the  vertebrse  more  firmly  together,  while  others  give  a  strong 
attachment  to  muscles.  This  chain  is  the  backbone  or  vertebral 
column,  which,  by  its  presence  in  every  fish,  bird,  reptile,  and  mam- 
mal, unites  them  into  a  single  group — the  Vertebrata.     Above  the 


A    S/ZOA'T  LECTURE   ON  FISHES.  4O9 

backbone  runs  the  spinal  cord,  that  is  the  great  nerve,  which  is 
a  continuation  backward  of  the  brain,  protected  by  a  bony  tube, 
and  underneath  it  the  great  artery  from  the  heart  that  supplies  the 
body  with  blood.  To  the  sides  of  the  backbone  the  ribs  are  all 
attached,  when  present,  and  upon  the  s[)iny  processes  which  pro- 
ject upward  is  carried  the  framework  of  the  fins  of  the  back  and  the 
tail.  The  side  fins  arc  supported  upon  the  end  of  some  flat  bones 
hinged  to  the  backbone,  which  answer  to  the  fore-limbs  in  higher 
animals,  but  the  ventral  or  belly  fins  are  fixed  more  simply.  The 
skeleton  in  fishes  like  the  sharks  and  skates  is  very  different,  not 
being  bony  at  all,  but  composed  entirely  of  cartilage  ;  hence  they 
have  been  named  cartilaginous  fishes. 

Most  fishes  swim  with  great  rapidity,  using  their  tail  alone  to 
get  ahead  with,  balancing  a,nd  steering  somewhat  with  their  fins. 
Many  possess  a  very  peculiar  organ,  called  the  sivimming-bladder, 
situated  in  the  abdomen,  this  is  a  sac  filled  with  air,  and  so  ar- 
ranged that  the  fish  can  increase  or  decrease  his  weight  with 
respect  to  the  water  (/.  e.,  his  specific  gravity),  and  so  sink  or  float 
as  he  desires. 

The  life  of  a  fish  is  occupied  wholly  in  providing  its  food  and 
escaping  its  enemies  ;  its  senses  are  dull,  and  it  seems  to  be  with- 
out any  remarkable  instinct.  Yet  it  has  a  brain,  abundant  nerves, 
and  all  the  organs  of  sense.  Fishes  are  great  eaters,  and  nearly 
all  live  upon  flesh.  Some  have  no  teeth,  but  generally  there  are 
large  numbers  in  different  parts  of  the  mouth  and  throat,  which 
vary  widely  in  form,  number  and  position.  The  horrid  set  which 
the  shark  carries  is  regularly  shed  and  replaced  by  new.  The 
blood  of  fishes  is  red  and  cold,  but  it  seems  to  circulate  slower 
than  in  warm-blooded  animals,  and  the  heart  is  more  simple. 
Some  fishes,  like  the  electric  eel,  have  the  remarkable  power  of 
producing  electricity.  Fishes  multiply  by  means  of  eggs,  some 
species  producing  hundreds  of  thousands  at  a  single  spawning — 
as  the  dropping  of  the  ^g%  is  called  ;  yet  perhaps  not  more  than 
one  in  a  thousand  of  these  eggs  ever  results  in  a  full  grown  fish. 

Certain  fishes  change  their  residence  with  the  seasons,  or  ac- 
cording to  their  habits,  especially  their  habit  of  spawning.     This 
migration  in  some  is  from  north  to  south  ;  in  others  from  deep  to 
shallow  water  and  back  again  ;  and  many  from  the  sea  up  rivers 
18 


410  GAME  FISH  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

and  down  a^ain  to  the  sea.  One  of  the  best  known  examples  of 
this  latter  class  is  the  salmon,  and  I  will  give  you  a  description  of 
their  habits  in  the  words  of  Milne-Edwards,  an  eminent  French 
naturalist  :  • 

"  Each  spring  it  enters  the  rivers  in  vast  troops  to  ascend  them, 
even  to  their  sources.  In  these  migrations  the  salmon  follow  a 
regular  order,  forming  two  long  files,  united  in  front,  conducted 
by  the  largest  female,  who  precedes,  while  the  small  males  form 
the  rear  guard.  These  trooi)s  swim  in  general  with  much  noise 
in  the  middle  of  rivers,  and  near  the  surface  of  the  water  if  the 
temperature  be  mild,  but  nearer  the  bottom  if  the  heat  be  great. 
In  general,  salmon  advance  slowly,  sporting  as  they  proceed  ;  but 
if  danger  appears  to  threaten  them,  the  rapidity  of  their  course 
becomes  such  that  the  eye  can  scarcely  follow  them.  If  a  dyke  or 
cascade  opposes  their  progress,  they  make  the  greatest  efforts  to 
overcome  it.  Resting  on  some  rock,  and  extending  the  body  sud- 
denly and  with  violence  after  Meing  curved,  they  spring  out  of  the 
water,  leaping  occasionally  to  the  height  of  fifteen  feet  in  the  air, 
so  as  to  fall  beyond  the  obstacle  which  stops  them.  Salmon  as- 
cend rivers  even  to  their  source,  and  search  in  the  small  streams 
and  tranquil  places  a  bottom  of  sand  and  gravel  adapted  to  the 
deposition  of  their  eggs.  The  eggs  are  deposited  in  a  trough  dug 
by  the  female  in  the  sand  ;  they  are  afterward  fecundated  by  the 
male.  The  young  salmon  grow  very  rapidly  ;  and  when  they  are 
about  a  foot  long  they  leave  the  rivers  to  repair  to  the  sea,  which 
they  quit  in  its  turn  to  again  enter  the  river  *  *  *  toward  the 
middle  of  the  summer  that  follows  their  birth." 

These  periodical  visits  are  taken  advantage  of  by  fishe*  nen, 
and  it  is  then  that  all  the  salmon,  herring,  mackerel,  cod,  and  other 
fishes  we  use,  are  caught  and  cured. 

I  have  no  doubt  you  will  be  satisfied  if  I  only  mention  the 
classification,  and  I  have  little  time  to  do  more.  It  is  a  very  large 
class  and  contains  four  sub-classes — The  Myzontes,  the  true  Fish, 
the  Ganoids,  and  the  Selachians  or  cartilaginous  fishes.  The 
myzontes  are  so  low  and  shapeless  that  they  were  at  one  time 
classified  with  worms.  Many  of  them  live  as  parasites  on  other 
fishes  ;  some  holding  on  by  means  of  a  round  sucker-mouth,  like 
the  lamprey  eel.     The  true  Fish   belong  to  two  orders,  separated 


A   SI/OK T  LECTURE  aV  FISHES.  4I I 

by  the  shape  of  their  scales,  which  in  such  fishes  as  the  perch  and 
most  of  our  fresh  water  species,  are  jagged  and  comb-like  along 
the  posterior  edge,  while  in  the  case  of  our  friend  the  salmon,  the 
scales  are  round  and  smooth  at  the  eiiges.  Tli<:  sub-class  in- 
cludes about  two-thirds  of  all  the  fishes,  and  are  the  easiest 
examples  for  you  to  study. 

(A)  Ganoid  fishes  are  well  represented  by  the  gar-pike  or  bill- 
fish  of  the  western  rivers  and  the  common  sturgeon.  The  main 
part  of  this  group,  though,  consists  of  fossil  fishes,  which  are  found 
in  the  same  rocks  from  which  we  get  our  soft  coal.  Many  of  these 
odd  fishes  who  perished  so  long  ago  looked  very  much  like  small 
alligators,  and  others  were  like  our  bill-fishes  and  fikes. 

To  the  fourth  and  highest  sub-class  belong  those  fishes  like 
the  sharks  and  rays  or  skates,  that,  instead  of  a  bony  skeleton  like 
the  true  fishes,  have  one  of  cartilage.  The  sharks  are  noted  for 
their  ferocity  and  their  insatiable  appetite.  They  abound  especially 
among  the  coral  islands  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  where  the  people 
spend  about  as  much  time  in  the  water  as  on  land.  But  so  ac- 
customed do  they  become  to  them  and  so  fearless,  that  it  is  said 
an  Islander  does  not  wait  for  the  shark  to  rush  upon  him,  but 
attacks  him  instead,  with  only  a  knife  or  sharp  stick  for  a  weapon, 
and  generally  conquers.  The  sharks  are  obliged  to  turn  over  to 
seize  anything,  their  mouth  being  a  good  ways  back  from  the  end 
of  the  snout,  which  gives  the  swimmer  an  opportunity  to  plunge 
in  his  knife.  All  sharks,  however,  are  not  so  large.  The  rays  or 
skates,  or  their  cousin  the  torpedo,  are  also  flesh  eaters,  but  not  so 
fierce  as  the  sharks.  They  are  easy  to  recognize  by  their  nearly 
square  shape,  with  the  head  at  one  corner  and  the  long  tail  at  the 
other.  The  two  remaining  corners  are  made  by  the  very  large 
side  fins.  The  many  slender  bones  spreading  out  like  rays  from 
the  shoulder  to  the  edge  of  this  fin  gives  them  their  first  name, 
but  why  they  are  called  "  skates  "  I  cannot  tell. 

Ernest  Ingersoll. 


DOGS  USED  FOR  SPORT. 


THE  ORIGIN  OF  THE  DOMESTIC  DOG. 

THERE  appears  to  be  a  wide  difference  of  opinion  among 
naturalists  as  to  the  stock  from  which  our  dogs  of  the 
present  day  came.  Some  have  it  the  wolf,  others  the  jackal,  or 
fox,  while  not  a  few  claim  that  the  dhole,  or  wild  dog  of  India,  is 
the  source  from  which  sprang  all  the  varieties.  In  our  opinion  it 
canr>ot  be  declared  with  any  degree  of  certainty  what  the  parent 
stock  was.  Certain  it  is  that  to  no  one  animal  can  the  paternity 
of  these  useful  races  be  credited,  as  they  are  so  widely  different  in 
form,  color  and  other  characteristics,  and  man  could  never  have 
developed  and  brought  together  such  vast  differences,  opposite 
natures  and  shapes  as  can  daily  be  seen  in  domestic  dogs,  unless 
the  original  species  were  in  possession  of  the  rudiments.  Neither 
could  food,  climate,  or  any  contrivance  whatever  so  completely 
alter  the  nature,  decrease  the  scenting  poweni,  ren  '^^r  the  coat 
short,  long,  or  curly,  lengthen  or  shorten  the  limbs,  u  ^Iess  sepa- 
rate types  had  furnished  the  material. 

Ancient  bas-relief  and  monumental  delineations  picture  the 
dog  as  distinct  in  its  characteristics  thousands  of  years  ago  as  at 
the  present  day,  and  fossil  remains  have  been  repeatedly  discov- 
ered so  little  resembling  either  the  wolf,  jackal,  or  fox,  and  so  dif- 
ferent in  type,  as  to  be  classified  with  the  spaniel,  terrier,  hound, 
bull  dog,  turnspit,  pointer  and  pug  ;  and  as  these,  or  a  part  of 
them,  we  know  to  be  made  dogs,  or  in  other  words  hybrids,  the 
species  must  have  been  fully  as  numerous  then  as  at  the  present 
time. 

There  are  numerous  species  of  wild  dogs  differing  from  one 
another  almost  as  much  as  our  own  domestic  animals  of  to-day. 
Granting  that  the  spaniel,  grey-hound,  and  terrier,  sprung  origin- 


THE  NATIVE   OR  ENGLISH  SETTER.  413 

ally  from  the  wolf  as  some  argue,  why  not  point  out  first  why  the 
male  dogs  are  so  dissimilar  ?  and  again,  why  the  wolves  of  differ- 
ent countries  are  unlike,  and  which  species  of  wolf  is  the  true  and 
only  one  ?  Without  wishing  to  conflict  with  the  opinions  of  those 
so  much  more  learned  on  the  subject  than  ourselves,  we  would 
ask,  would  it  not  be  much  more  reasonable  to  suppose,  without 
positive  proof,  that  the  origin  of  the  domestic  dog  can  be  referred 
to  numerous  aboriginal  species,  crossing  with  the  wild  varieties, 
as  we  know  our  dogs  will  frequently  do,  including  the  wolf,  jackal, 
and  the  fox  if  we  like ;  climate  assisting,  and  man  aiding  by  ju- 
dicious intermixing  and  breeding,  until  the  present  high  standard 
of  this  useful  animal  has  been  reached  ? 

The  Indian  dogs  maybe  traced  to  the  prairie  wolf,  and  in  Asia 
the  native  domesticated  dog  to  the  jungle  dog.  Whatever  may 
have  been  the  originals  of  the  partly  tamed  canines  of  the  aborigi- 
nrs  of  the  different  sections  of  the  globe,  it  is  probable  that  the 
primitive  dog,  like  other  animals,  was  very  different  from  any  of 
the  present  races. 

THE   NATIVE  OR   ENGLISH  SETTER. 

We  do  hardly  more  than  attempt  to  give  our  readers  a  general 
idea  of  the  various  kinds  of  dogs  used  by  sportsmen  ;  not  entering 
into  minute  descriptions  of  their  specific  characteristics.  There  is 
a  wide  diversity  of  opinions  respecting  the  points  and  sporting 
qualities  of  the  various  species  of  dogs,  which  will  probably  never 
be  harmonized. 
r  A  proper  setter  dog,  as  judged  at  the  show  bench,  should  be 
neither  overgrown  nor  diminutive.  He  should  stand  square  upon 
his  legs,  which  should  be  neither  too  long  nor  too  short,  but  in  pro- 
portion with  the  size  of  his  body,  and  by  all  means  standing  a  shade 
higher  before  than  behind.  Tail  should  come  out  well  up,  and  be 
straight  or  scimeter-shaped,  and  should  be  carried  on  a  level,  or 
rather  above  the  level  of  the  back,  and  by  no  means  too  long.  A 
tail  reaching  to  the  gambrel  joint,  or  an  inch  below,  is  about  right. 
A  cut  tail  is  not  excluded  from  our  bench  shows  unless  so  cut 
as  to  disfigure  the  dog.  The  chest  should  be  deep  and  somewhat 
rounded  ;  loins,  muscular.  Feet  should  be  rounded  and  somewhat 
feathered  between  the  toes.    A  short,  thick  neck  never  looks  well. 


414  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

Ears  should  he  long  and  somewhat  rounded  at  the  points,  but  not 
so  long  as  to  give  a  spaniel  look,  and  they  should  be  well  coated, 
fringe  hanging  below  the  rim.  A  thick  ear  would  indicate  ill  breed- 
ing. Head  should  be  broad  at  the  top,  and  nearly  square  to  the 
eyes,  and  the  latter  should  be  full,  bright,  of  gentle  expression. 
Muzzle  should  be  well  squared  out,  and  lips  slightly  pendulent. 
Coat  should  not  be  curly,  but  long  and  wavy.  Many  persons  pre- 
fer that  the  feather  on  the  hind  legs  should  extend  below  the  gam- 
brel  joint,  and  many  of  the  best  bred  dogs  have  it,  but  we  do  not 
consider  it  either  ornament.l  or  useful.  Black  nose  and  eyes  are 
distinguishing  marks  of  high  breeding,  besides  adding  much  to  the 
beauty  of  the  dog. 

In  regard  to  the  best  colors  for  a  dog  for  field  purposes,  a  great 
diversity  of  opinions  prevails.  In  shooting  over  an  open  country — 
the  prairies,  for  instance — it  does  not  matter  so  much  about  colors ; 
but  in  shooting  in  dense  coverts  it  is  important,  we  think,  that  a 
dog  should  be  of  such  colors  as  can  readily  be  seen — such  as 
orange  and  white,  lemon  and  white,  black  and  white,  or  black, 
white  and  tan. 

Setters  of  various  strains  are  the  preferred  dogs  of  the  country 
for  general  service,  their  thick  coat  of  hair  protecting  them  from 
brush  and  briars  in  tangled  cover,  and  from  wet  and  cold ;  while 
thick  tufts  of  hair  about  their  toes  save  them  from  injury  by  sharp 
stones  and  close  cut  stubble.  One  objection  to  setters  is,  that  they 
cannot  stand  the  summer  heats,  and  another  that  their  coat  catches 
burrs  and  other  trash,  which  often  put  them  to  great  inconvenience 
and  discom.fort;  they  in  some  instances  refusing  to  work  at  all  in 
burrs. 

With  regard  to  the  much  discussed  question  whether  a  setter 
ought  to  be  taught  to  retrieve,  we  reply  :  "  Certainly  ;  we  want  a 
dog  that  will  save  us  the  trouble  of  picking  up  our  dead  birds  and 
walking  long  distances  after  them."  Retrieving  is  one  of  the  chief 
characteristics  of  the  setter.  The  ancestors  of  this  animal  were 
retrieving  spaniels,  and  it  was  their  first  propensity  to  fetch  and 
carry.  In  England  most  of  the  gentlemen  who  patronize  field 
trials  state  that  the  birds  should  not  come  in  too  close  contact 
with  the  dog's  nose  as  it  injures  the  scent.  Suppose  it  does,  which 
we  are  inclined  to  disbelieve.    To  talk  plainly,  the  majority  of  .our 


THE   IRISH  SETTER.  415 

sportsmen  do  not  wish  to  be  bothered,  nor  have  they  the  time,  in- 
clination or  estate  to  keep  a  large  kennel  of  dogs.  What  is  re- 
quired in  our  country  for  the  field  sportsman  is  a  good  all  round 
dog,  an  animal  that  will  be  staunch  on  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock, 
quail  and  snipe  ;  not  that  he  would  be  particularly  grand  on  either 
game,  but  his  action,  ranging  and  nose  should  be  fair,  and  give 
help,  amusement,  and  a  medium  bag  to  the  shooter.  When  gen- 
tlemen talk  of  pedigree,  blood,  performance,  grand  high-headed 
action  in  the  field,  it  is  a  very  different  kind  of  animal  to  the  ordi- 
nary sportsman's  dog  (we  should  all  wish  to  own  this  style  of  setter, 
but  how  few  there  are).  This  dog  on  account  of  his  rarity  and  great 
value,  is  only  to  be  found  in  the  hands  of  the  careful  breeder,  and 
is  usually  kept  wholly  and  solely  as  a  stud  dog  or  brood  bitch.  We 
should  advise  the  breeder  not  to  handle  his  breeders  to  retrieve, 
but  when  the  progeny  have  been  sold,  it  is  the  business  of  the  field 
sportsman  to  train,  break,  and  develop  his  retrieving  qualities. 
The  yearling  of  the  above  description  should  be  thoroughly  broken 
in  one  long  season's  shooting.  How  many  setters  could  be  sold 
to-day,  however  well  trained  and  broken,  if  they  were  deficient  in 
retrieving  } 

Certain  schedules  of  points  have  been  adopted  for  each  kind 
of  dog,  by  which  judges  are  governed  ;  and  as  these  are  sufficiently 
specific  to  afford  a  proper  idea  of  what  a  dog  should  be,  we  are 
content  to  print  them  here  without  further  comment.  We  choose 
to  adopt  the  formulas,  as  given  by  the  London  Fancier's  Gazelle, 
in  each  variety.     For  the  English  Setter  we  quote  : 

POINTS   IN  JUDGING. 

Head 35 

Neck ] 10 

Shoulders 15 

Legs ,0 

Feet 10 

Loins  and  Thighs 15 

Coat to 

Stern 5 

—100 

THE   IRISH   SETTER. 

Of  this  breed  of  Dogs,  "  Idstone  "  says  in  London  Field  : 
This  breed  has  long  been  known  to  sportsmen   throughout 
Great  Britain  as  a  good  one,  especially  in  point  of  stamina,  and  a 
class  was  set  apart  for  it  at  Birmingham  in  i860,  a  year  before  the 


41 6  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

black  and  tans  were  similarly  favored.  In  1873  Dr.  Stone  came 
out  with  his  Dash,  who  was  admitted  to  be  almost  perfect  in  shape, 
and  of  the  true  type.  He  took  every  prize  until  age  compelled  his 
retirement  in  favor  of  Mr.  Hilliard's  Palmerston,  who  may  now  be 
considered  the  best  public  representative  of  the  breed.  Dash  i  5  of 
Dr.  Stone's  own  strain,  which  he  has  kept  to  himself  for  twenty- 
five  years,  in  color  blood-red,  showing  white  on  his  head  and  toes, 
and  also  on  his  neck,  with  great  quality,  and  a  faultless  frame. 

After  a  great  deal  of  discussion,  a  separate  class  has  been  made 
in  Dublin  and  elsewhere  for  reds  and  white  and  reds,  it  being 
shown  that  there  are  two  distinct  strains  of  the  Irish  setter  of 
these  colors  respectively.  The  white  and  reds  stand  no  chance  in 
the  open  classes,  and  yet  it  was  considered  hard  to  debar  them 
from  all  prizes,  especially  as  by  some  good  judges  they  are  thought 
to  possess  better  noses  than  the  reds.  According  to  my  judgment 
the  rich  red,  or  blood-red  color  as  it  is  described,  is  made  a  little 
too  much  of,  and  I  should  strongly  object  to  the  passing  over  of 
excellence  in  shape  because  the  color  is  too  pale,  a  marked  in- 
stance of  which  happened  at  the  Brighton  show  of  1876. 

The  old  breeds  of  this  dog  most  celebrated  are  the  O'Connor 
(generally  known  as  La  Touche),  Lord  Dillon's,  Lord  Clancarty's, 
Lord  Lismore's,  Lord  de  Fresne's,  (usually  called  the  French 
Park),  the  Mount  Hedges,  Lord  Rossmore's,  and  the  Marquis  of 
Waterford's.  In  m.odern  days  Dr.  Stone,  Major  Hutchinson, 
Capt.  Cooper,  Capt.  French,  Mr.  H.  B.  Knox,  Hon.  D.  Plunket, 
Capt.  W.  AUaway,  Mr.  Hilliard,  Mr.  Lipscombe,  Mr.  C.  Brien,  and 
]\Iiss  Warburton  have  been  most  successful  on  the  show  bench  ; 
but,  with  the  exception  of  Plunket,  none  of  them  have  proved  the 
excellence  of  their  strains  at  any  field  trial. 

In  points  the  Irish  setter  only  differs  from  the  English  in  the 
following  : 

1.  The  skull  is  somewhat  longer  and  narrower,  the  eyebrows 
being  well  raised,  and  the  occipital  prominence  as  marked  in  the 
pointer. 

2.  The  nose  is  a  trifle  longer,  with  good  width,  and  square  at 
the  end  ;  nostrils  wide  and  open,  with  the  nose  itself  of  a  deep 
mahogany  or  very  dark  flesh-color,  not  pink  or  black. 

3.  Eyes,  ears,  and  lips. — The  eyes  should  be  a  rich  brown  or 


THE  IRISH   SETTER.  417 

mahogany  color,  well  set,  and  full  of  intelligence  ;  a  pale  or  goose- 
berry eye  is  to  be  avoided.  Ears  long  enough  to  reach  within 
half  an  inch  or  an  inch  of  the  end  of  the  nose,  and,  though  more 
tapering  than  in  the  English  dog,  never  coming  to  a  point ;  they 
should  be  set  low  and  close,  but  well  back,  and  not  approaching 
to  the  hound's  in  setting  and  leather.  Whiskers  red  ;  lips  deep, 
but  not  pendulous. 

5  and  6.  In  frame  the  Irish  dog  is  higher  on  the  leg  than  ei- 
ther the  English  or  black  and  tan,  but  his  elbows  are  well  let  down 
nevertheless  ;  his  shoulders  are  long  and  sloping ;  brisket  deep, 
but  never  wide ;  and  his  back  ribs  are  somewhat  shorter  than 
those  of  his  English  brethren.  Loin  good,  slightly  arched,  and 
well  coupled  to  his  hips,  but  not  veiy  wide  ;  quarters  slightly  slop- 
ing, and  flag  set  on  rather  low,  but  straight,  fine  in  bone,  and 
beautifully  carried.  Breeders  are,  however,  going  for  straight 
backs  like  that  of  Palmerston,  with  flags  set  on  as  high  as  in  the 
English  setter. 

7.  Legs  very  straight,  with  good  hocks,  well-bent  stifles,  and 
muscular  but  not  heavy  haunches. 

8.  The  feet  are  hare-like,  and  moderately  hairy  between  the 
toes. 

9.  The  flag  is  clothed  with  a  long,  straight  comb  of  hair,  never 
bushy  or  curly,  and  this  is  beautifully  displayed  on  the  point. 

11.  The  coat  should  be  somewhat  coarser  than  that  of  the 
English  setter,  being  midway  between  that  and  the  black  and 
tan,  wavy  but  not  curly,  and  by  no  means  long.  Both  hind  and 
fore-legs  are  well  feathered,  but  not  profusely,  and  the  ears  are 
furnished  with  feather  to  the  same  extent,  with  a  slight  wave,  but 
no  curl. 

12.  The  color  should  be  a  rich  blood  red,  without  anv  trace  of 
black  on  the  ears  or  along  the  back  ;  in  many  of  the  best  strains, 
however,  a  pale  color  or  occasional  tinge  of  black  is  shown.  A 
little  white  on  the  neck,  breast,  or  toes  is  by  no  means  objectiona- 
ble, and  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  preponderance  of  white,  so  as 
to  constitute  what  is  called  "  white  and  red,"  is  met  with  in  some 
good  strains. 

In  his  luork,  the  Irish  setter  is  fast  and  enduring  ;  his  nose  is 
quite  up  to  the  average  of  fast  dogs  in  delicacy,  and  to  those  who 
18* 


41 8  DOGS    USED   FOR   SF0A'7\ 

are  limited  to  a  small  kennel,  he  is  an  invaluable  aid  to  the  gun. 
His  style  of  going  is  very  beautiful,  with  head  well  up  and  feeling 
for  the  body  scent ;  he  has  a  free  action  of  the  shoulders,  hind-legs 
brought  well  under  him,  and  a  merry  lashing  of  the  flag  on  the 
slightest  indication  of  scent — often,  indeed,  without  it.  His  advo- 
cates contend  that  he  is  as  steady  as  any  other  setter  when  once 
broken,  but,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  I  scarcely  think  this 
position  can  be  maintained.  Neither  Plunket  nor  any  that  I  have 
seen  of  Mr.  Purcell  Llewellyn's  breeding,  nor  indeed  any  of  those 
which  I  have  had  out  in  private,  have  been  always  reliable,  and  I 
fear  that,  like  almost  all  other  setters  of  such  high  courage,  it 
must  be  admitted  that  he  requires  work  to  keep  him  in  a  state  of 
control  fit  for  immediate  use  with  the  gun.  In  this  respect,  and 
indeed  in  delicacy  of  nose,  both  the  English  and  Irish  setter  must 
yield  to  the  black  and  tan  of  the  best  strains  ;  but  to  do  the  same 
amount  of  work,  at  least  a  double  team  of  the  last  mentioned 
must  be  kept. 

POINTS   IN  JUDGING. 

Head 20 

Neck 5 

Legs S 

Feet 5 

Stern 5 

Shoulders 15 

Back 10 

Loins 10 

Hind-quarters 15 

Color 10 

— 100 

THE  BLACK   AND  TAN   (OR  GORDON)   SETTER. 

The  general  opinion  is  that  the  Gordon  setter  owes  its  origin  to 
Irish  blood,  which  in  a  measure  is  substantiated  by  the  fact  that 
red  pups  often  make  their  appearance,  even  when  bred  from  the 
most  reliable  strains,  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  setters  in  general 
were  originally  manufactured  from  the  spaniel;  but  whether  the 
color  of  the  Gordon  is  derived  from  the  black  spaniel  or  the  Scotch 
colley,  is  a  query  that  cannot  now  be  easily  answered.  The  curl 
in  his  coat  could  not  have  resulted  from  his  taking  the  water.  A 
curly  coat  is  a  great  fault  in  the  setter  of  any  breed,  and  would  be 
dead  against  one  on  the  show  bench.  Of  this  strain  of  dogs,  Mr. 
Walsh  says,  in  London  "Field"  : 

The  black-tan  setter,  until  the  institution  of  shows,  was  com- 


THE  BLACK  A\D   TAN,  OR  GOKDON  SETTER.    4I9 

monly  called  "Gordon,"  from  the  fact  that  the  Dukes  of  Gordon 
had  long  possessed  a  strain  of  setters  of  that  color,  which  had  ob- 
tained a  high  reputation.     *     *    *     'Qxii,  in  spite  of  successes,  it 
cannot  be  denied  that  the  general  opinion  of  good  sportsmen  has 
not  been  in  favor  of  the  breed  since  the  institution  of  field  trials, 
in  which  it  has  been  brought  into  competition  with  the  English 
and  Irish  setter.     *    *     *     Among  the  numberless  specimens  of 
the  breed  (black-tan)  which  I  have  seen  at  work,  not  one  has 
shown  the  solicitude  to  catch  the  eye  of  the  shooter  which  is  so 
essential  to  the  perfect  correspondence  of  man  and  dog  which  en- 
sures sport.     The  pointer  or  setter  ought  always  to  know  where 
his  master  is,  and  if  put  into  high  covert,  such  as  beans,  should 
raise  his  head  at  short  intervals  above  them  to  ascertain  his  where- 
abouts.    Now,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  black-tan  setters,  and 
notably  the  Kents,  never  do  this,  and  cannot  be  taken  off  a  scent, 
without  very  great  severity,  till  they  have  satisfied  themselves  of  its 
fallacy.     Most  of  those  tried  in  the  field  have  been  dead  slow.    On 
the  whole  it  may  be  said  that  the  verdict  has  gone  against  the 
breed  in  England,  and  as  far  as  I  know,  no  breeder  of  experience 
in  the  south  adheres  to  it,  with  the  exception  of  Mr.  J.  H.  Salter ; 
nor  is  it  much  more  approved  of  on  the  moors  by  the  general 
public. 

The  points  of  the  black-tan  setter  are  very  nearly  the  same  as 
those  of  the  English  dog,  the  only  deviations  being  as  follows : 

1.  The  skiM  is  usually  a  little  heavier  than  that  of  the  English 
setter,  but  in  other  respects  it  resembles  it. 

2,  The  nose,  also,  is  like  the  English  setter ;  but  it  is  usually  a 
trifle  wider, 

9,  The  flag  is  usually  a  trifle  shorter  than  that  of  the  English 
setter,  which  it  otherwise  resembles  in  shape. 

11.  The  coat  is  generally  harder  and  coarser  than  that  of  the 
English  or  Irish  setter,  occasionally  with  a  strong  disposition  to 
curl,  as  in  the  celebrated  champions,  Reuben  and  Regent. 

12.  The  color  is  much  insisted  on.  The  black  should  be  rich, 
without  mixture  with  the  tan,  and  the  latter  should  be  a  deep  ma- 
hogany red  without  any  tendency  to  fawn.  It  is  admitted  that  the 
original  Gordons  were  often  black,  tan,  and  white  ;  but,  as  in  all 
our  shows  the  classes  are  limited  to  black-tan,  the  long  arguments, 


420  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

which  liavc  been  adduced  on  that  score  are  now  obsolete.  A  little 
white  on  the  chest  and  a  white  toe  or  two  are  not  objected  to  ;  but 
a  decided  frill  is  considered  by  most  judges  to  be  a  blemish.  The 
red  tan  should  be  shown  on  lips,  cheeks,  throat,  spot  over  the  eyes, 
fore  legs  nearly  to  the  elbows,  hind  legs  up  to  stifles,  and  on  the 
under  side  of  the  flag,  but  not  running  into  its  long  hair. 

POINTS  IN   JUDGING. 

Head 30 

Neck 5 

Legs 5 

Feet 5 

Coat 10 

Shoulders i  S 

Back,  loins  and  hind-quarterv 30 

Stern S 

Color 15 

— 100 

THE   POINTER. 

It  is  noticeable  that  we  have  in  America  far  more  well  bred 
setters  than  pointers,  and  greater  attention  seems  to  have  been 
paid  in  the  last  two  years  in  procuring  the  former  blood  than  the 
latter.  This  arises  from  the  fact  that  the  setter  is  the  greater  fa- 
vorite of  the  two,  and  justly  the  choice  of  the  sportsman  when  he 
desires  a  dog  that  will  unflinchingly  stand  the  rough  and  tumble 
nature  of  our  shooting.  Still,  we  are  sorry  to  see  the  balance  so 
much  weighed  down  by  the  setter,  for  fear  the  staunch  pointer  may 
be  finally  crowded  out  entirely.  Of  the  two,  the  point  of  the 
shorter  haired  animal  is  far  the  most  marked  when  on  game,  and 
the  training  once  received  by  him  is  always  retained,  and  on  each 
returning  shooting  season  he  enters  the  field  to  be  depended  upon 
while  the  setter  oftener  has  to  be  partially  rebroken  each  year ; 
and  if  not  owned  by  a  sportsman  who  shoots  continually,  becomes 
headstrong  and  unreliable. 

For  the  person  whose  business  will  not  allow  him  to  take  his 
gun  in  hand  but  two  or  three  times  in  the  autumn,  we  advise  by  all 
means  that  his  dog  should  be  the  pointer ;  but  for  the  one  who  takes 
advantage  of  the  open  season  for  different  game  from  its  beginning 
to  its  close,  we  recommend  the  setter  as  best  able  to  bear  con- 
tinued work  in  all  descriptions  of  cover. 

The  short  hair  of  the  pointer  enables  him  to  do  work  on  the 


THE  POINTER.  421 

prairies,  where  water  is  seldom  found  while  "chicken  "  shooting, 
and  he  can  do  without  that  necessity  for  a  much  longer  time  than 
the  setter ;  but  the  latter  is  frequently  used  with  advantage  for  the 
same  purpose  when  a  supply  for  his  benefit  is  taken  to  the  field. 
In  New  Jersey,  Delaware  and  Maryland,  and  in  countries  where 
the  game  invariably  takes  to  briery  thickets  on  being  started,  the 
pointer  is  at  a  disadvantage,  for  we  have  seen  but  few  that  were 
not  intimidated  by  these  thorny  coverts,  refusing  entirely  to  enter. 
Moreover,  the  pointer  is  more  liable  to  take  cold  when  hunting  in 
wet  land  than  the  setter  is. 

Far  more  birds  are  accidentally  flushed  by  the  setter  than  the 
pointer,  who  is  generally  more  cautious,  notwithstanding  he  may 
be  fully  as  fast.  Certainly  we  cannot  condemn  those  that  write 
in  favor  of  the  pointer  as  having  the  best  nose,  for  they  are  given 
strong  proofs  of  its  truth. 

The  pointer  originally  is  a  cross  of  the  Spanish  dog  with  the 
grey-hound  or  fox-hound,  by  which  the  delicacy  of  the  nerves  of 
the  nose,  to  some  extent,  is  diminished,  and  the  body  rendered 
more  light  and  elegant.  No  dog  has  a  higher  sense  of  smell,  or 
shows  greater  intelligence  or  docility.  The  principal  reason  that 
he  becomes  rigid,  or  points,  by  the  scent  of  game  is  from  the  ex- 
traordinary condition  of  his  nervous  system,  acquired  hundreds  of 
years  ago  and  handed  down  to  him  in  a  fair  unbroken  line  by  his 
ancestors.  A  thoroughly  broken  pair  of  high-bred  pointers  are  so 
obedient  to  the  voice  and  gesture  of  their  master  and  so  well 
trained  to  act  with  each  other,  that  a  wave  of  the  hand  will  sep- 
arate them,  one  going  to  the  right  and  the  other  to  the  left,  so  that 
they  hunt  the  entire  ground,  crossing  each  other  regularly  in  front 
of  the  sportsman  as  he  walks  forward.  There  is  one  matter  that 
is  generally  overlooked  in  ranging  with  the  pointer.  If  in  early 
life  you  have  taught  him  to  retrieve,  and  a  case  occurs  in  the  field 
where  he  has  to  cross  a  stream,  as  the  dog  returns  with  the  bird, 
never  tell  him  "down  charge."  His  coat  is  so  thin,  and  as  v/e 
Said  before,  his  organization  so  delicate,  that  he  is  sure  to  catch 
cold  ;  therefore  by  all  means  allow  him  to  run  around  a  little,  tak- 
ing care  not  to  disturb  other  game.  The  color,  size^  etc.,  of  the 
pointer  have  so  often  been  described,  we  will  leave  that  to  the  dis- 
cretion of  the  sportsman,  and  remark  that  they  ought,  if  possible, 


422  DOCS   USED   FOR   SPORT. 

to  he  light  colored,  so  that  the  animal  may  be  readily  distinguished 
from  the  grass,  herbage,  etc.,  as  no  doubt  the  dark  colored  dog  is 
very  attractive  to  the  eye  in  the  house,  but  cannot  be  seen  so  easily 
in  the  field,  thereby  causing  much  annoyance  to  the  sportsman. 

The  pointer  we  should  never  teach  to  retrieve  as  a  rule. 
Pointers  are,  or  ought  to  be,  used  for  open  field  shooting  only,  as 
their  delicate  organization,  thin  skin,  slight  coat,  and  having  no 
hair  between  their  toes,  prevents  them  retrieving  successfully 
through  scrub  oaks,  thick  cover,  swamps  and  water.  Nine  times 
out  of  ten  a  shooter  will  tell  his  pointer  to  charge  after  he  has  just 
fetched  a  snipe  or  cock  out  of  a  heavy  watery  swamp,  to  the  coit- 
trary  notwithstanding  ;  the  dog  having  comparatively  little  cloth- 
ing will  take  cold.  It  is  true  that  a  high-blooded  pointer  will  gc 
anywhere,  but  not  without  ill  effects  to  his  person,  such  as  dr^.w- 
ing  blood  and  otherwise  injuring  his  physique.  We  think  it  is 
quite  sufficient  for  the  pointer  to  stand  his  dead  bird.  Pointers  do 
not  make  as  good  retrievers  as  setters  for  the  reasons  stated  above, 
and  moreover  if  most  of  the  celebrated  retrieving  pointers  be 
traced  back  one  or  two  generations,  it  will  very  likely  be  fountl 
that  the  grand  dam  or  grand  sire  was  a  setter,  which  will  account 
for  this  inherent  retrieving  propensity. 

We  consider  the  split  nose  a  decided  objection  in  either  setter 
or  pointer,  but  particularly  in  the  latter  as  indicating  impurity  of 
breed.  It  probably  originated  with  the  old  Spanish  breed  of  pointer, 
and  now  crops  out  occasionally  where  there  is  mixed  blood.  If  it 
were  merely  a  freak  of  nature,  as  some  contend,  it  could  not  be 
transmitted  or  reproduced  as  it  undoubtedly  is  when  dogs  possess- 
ing it  are  bred  from.  The  word  "  dropper  "  is  used  to  designate  the 
cross  between  setter  and  pointer  only,  and  a  very  good  word  it  is. 

Points  for  the  Show  Bench,  as  given  \  j  he  Fancier  s  Gazette 
are: 

Head  should  be  moderately  long,  narrowing  from  the  skull ;  the 
skull  not  too  prominent  above  the  eyes,  as  this  gives  a  heavy  ap- 
pearance ;  rather  deep  in  the  lip,  but  not  any  flaw,  or  very  slight ; 
nostrils  open,  with  level  jaw  ;  eyes  moderately  bold  ;  ears  thin,  set 
in  to  the  head,  just  where  the  skull  begins  to  recede  at  the  sides 
of  the  head,  hanging  fiat  on  the  cheek  ;  throwing  the  ears  back  so 
as  to  show  the  insides  has  a  bad  appearance,  and  too  often  indi- 
cates a  cross  ;  neck  medium  in  proportion  to  head,  and  body  rather 


CHESAPEAKE   BA  Y  DOG.  423 

inclined  to  be  long,  but  not  much  so,  thickening  from  the  head  to 
the  set  in  of  the  shoulders  ;  no  looseness  of  the  throat  skin  ;  shoul- 
ders narrow  at  the  meeting  of  the  blade  bones,  with  a  great  amount 
of  muscle,  long  in  the  blades,  set  slanting,  with  arm  of  tjie  leg 
strong  and  coining  away  straight,  and  elbow  neither  out  nor  in  ; 
the  legs  not  great  heavy  boned,  but  with  a  great  amount  of  mus- 
cle ;  leg  pressed  straight  to  the  foot,  well  rounded  and  symmet- 
rical, with  foot  well  rounded,  this  is  the  fore  legs  and  feet ;  chest 
moderately  deep,  not  over  witle,  but  sufficiently  wide  and  deep  to 
give  plenty  of  breathing  room  ;  back  level,  wide  in  loins,  deeply 
ribbed,  and  with  ribs  carried  well  back;  hips  wide  and  full  of 
muscle,  not  straight  in  the  hock,  but  moderately  bent  ;  stifles  full 
and  well  developed  ;  the  stern  nearly  straight,  going  off  tapering  to 
the  point,  set  in  level  with  the  back,  carried  straight,  not  above  the 
level  of  back ;  symmetry  and  general  appearance  racy,  and  much 
beauty  of  form  appears  to  the  eye  of  a  real  pointer  breeder  and 
fancier.  The  weights  we  consider  best  for  different  purposes  are 
from  fifty  pounds  to  about  sixty-five  pounds.  Coat  short  and 
glossy,  but  a  deal  here  depends  on  condition. 

POINTS   IN    JUDGING. 

Head aj 

Neck 10 

Shoulders 15 

Legs in 

Feet :o 

Loins 10 

Stifles 5 

Stern 15 

— 100 

Color  and  Coat. — The  coat  ought  to  be  very  short  and  soft,  and  fine,  and  the 
skin  thin  and  flexible.  Most  people  in  England  prefer  the  leiuon-and-white  to 
liver  and  white,  or  black-and-white. 


CHESAPEAKE  BAY  DOG. 

This  is  the  dog  par  excellence  for  ducking  in  those  waters 
where  great  courage  and  endurance  is  required  ;  not  simply  a  re- 
triever but  a  dog  who  will  face  the  heaviest  seas  or  surf;  a  dog 
that  will  scramble  over,  or,  if  needs  be,  dive  under  the  heaviest 
ice.  That  his  ancestors  came  from  the  Irish  coast  appears  to 
be  generally  conceded,  yet,  with  the  exception  of  color,  we  can 
find  no  trace  of  any  similar  breed  of  dogs,  omitting  of  course  those 
specimens  which,  being  crossed  at  a  later  day,  possess  some 
marked  characteristics  of  the  water  spaniel.  He  is  smooth-haired, 
which  is  a  great  point,  as  the  Newfoundland  suffers  terribly  from 


424  DOiSS   USED  /^'OA'   SPORT, 

the  freezing  of  his  shaggy  coat ;  his  color  is  either  black,  with 
white  breast  and  grey  nose,  or  tawny  yellow,  the  latter  preferred. 
Generally  he  is  fierce,  and  the  best  of  watch-dogs,  deep-mouthed 
and  powerful.     A  writer  in  Appleton's  Journal  says  : 

"  I  have  seen  one — a  mere  puppy — sit  for  hours  in  the  summer 
watching  the  fish  hawks  as  they  pursued  their  craft.  Whenever 
the  hawk  would  make  his  plunge,  Leo  would  rush  through  the 
"jumping  water  "  and  swim  for  the  spot.  He  never  brought  out 
a  hawk  that  I  know  of,  but  never  seemed  to  be  discouraged  at  his 
failures.  One  used  to  be  famous  for  his  thieving  propensities. 
He  would  sneak  off  and  seize  every  duck  he  could  lay  his  teeth  on 
and  deposit  it  on  his  master's  pile.  Another  would  never  touch 
a  whiffer  or  southerly  unless  ordered  by  his  master  to  do  so,  but 
would  swim  a  half-mile  through  floating  ice  to  secure  a  canvas- 
back  or  red-head." 

The  Maryland  Fanciers'  Association  has  divided  the  Chesa- 
peake Bay  Dogs  into  three  classes,  as  follows  :  First,  the  otter 
dog,  second,  the  curly-haired  dog,  third,  the  straight-haired  dog. 
The  color  of  the  first  class  is  a  tawny  sedge,  with  very  short  hair. 
The  color  of  the  second  class  is  a  red  brown.  The  color  of  the 
third  class  is  a  red  brown.  The  bitches  must  show  the  color,  and 
approximate  to  the  general  points  of  the  class  to  which  they  belong. 
In  the  three  classes  a  white  spot  on  the  breast  is  not  unusual. 
Measurements  as  follows :  From  fore  toe  to  top  of  back,  twenty- 
five  inches ;  from  tip  of  nose  to  base  of  head,  ten  inches  ;  breast, 
nine  inches  ;  around  fore  feet,  six  inches ;  around  fore  arm  below 
shoulder,  seven  inches  ;  between  eyes,  two  and  one-fourth  inches  ; 
length  of  ears,  five  inches  ;  from  base  of  head  to  root  of  tail,  thir- 
ty-five inches  ;  tail,  sixteen  inches  in  length  ;  around  muzzle,  below 
eyes,  ten  inches. 

POINTS   IN  JUDGING. 

Head 15 

Neck 5 

Shoulders 10 

Chest 15 

Size S 

Loin 10 

Coat ij 

Tail 5    , 

Feet 10 

Legs 10 

— 100 

THE   IRISH   WATER  SPANIEL. 

Throughout  Ireland  the  brown  water  spaniel  is  found  quite 
generally,  but  the  best  breed  is  somewhat  scarce  and  is  confined 


TIFE  IK  I  SI f   WATER   SPANIEL.  425 

to  the  kennels  of  a  few  gentlemen.  This  strain  is  readily  known 
by  its  marked  peculiarities.  The  larger  ♦he  dog  is  the  better  it  is 
appreciated  among  fanciers.  The  body  is  round  and  strongly 
made,  the  legs  are  rather  short,  the  feet  broad,  the  hind  quarters 
or  stern  should  be  short,  broad  and  tapering  to  a  fine  string,  and 
covered  with  short  hair  like  a  pointer.  Some  have  short,  crisp 
curls,  and  in  this  case  there  should  be  no  straight  hair  or  fringe. 

The  head  should  not  be  broad  or  coarse ;  the  nose  should  be 
long  and  free  from  wave  ;  the  ears  should  be  long  and  so  broad  in 
the  leather  that  they  will  meet  across  the  nose,  and  be  covered 
with  the  long  ringlets  which  give  the  animal  such  a  striking  ap- 
pearance. A  moustache  is  consid.^red  a  sign  of  bad  blood  or  im- 
purity ;  so  this  is  an  important  point  to  be  considered  by  pur- 
chase/s  or  breedets. 

On  the  forehead,  between  the  ears,  there  is  a  long  ringlet  which 
hangs  down  between  the  eyes.  This  is  one  of  the  most  important 
signs  of  the  thoroughbred,  and  should  be  carefully  noted,  as  some 
are  inclined  to  wear  a  "  wig,"  instead,  and  in  this  case  such  a 
peculiarity  is  most  objectionable. 

The  legs  of  the  pure  blood  are  heavily  feathered  with  ringlets, 
while  the  remainder  of  the  body  is  covered  with  short,  crisp  curls 
of  a  rich,  dark  liver  color,  entirely  free  from  white.  A  breed  in 
the  North  of  Ireland,  known  as  the  "  Lough  Neagh,"  differs  some- 
what from  this  description,  and  though  all  are  splendid  retrievers, 
yet  they  are  not  considered  as  good  as  the  type  described.  They 
are  readily  recognized  by  their  "  feathered  "  tail. 

As  a  retriever,  the  Irish  spaniel  cannot  be  surpassed.  The 
perseverance  and  intelligence  used  in  the  retrieving  of  ducks  from 
the  soft  and  miry  marsh,  the  heaviest  billows  or  the  tall  and 
heavy  rice  with  which  many  of  our  Western  lakes  abound,  con- 
vinces us  that  there  is  not  the  equal  of  this  breed  from  which  to 
produce  just  such  dogs  as  the  sportsmen  of  this  country  desire  for 
duck  shooting.  He  is  an  admirable  diver,  swift  swimmer,  and  is 
greatly  assisted  in  these  arts  by  the  breadth  of  its  paws.  Much  of 
these  qualities  in  the  dog  is  owing  to  the  abundant  supply  of  nat- 
ural oil  with  which  his  coat  is  supplied,  and  which  prevents  it 
from  really  becoming  wet.     A  real  water  spaniel  gives  himself  a 

good  shake  as  soon  as  he  leaves  the  lake,  and  is  dry  in  a  very 

t 


426  DOGS  USED  FOK   SPORT. 

short  time.  This  oil,  although  useful  to  the  dog,  gives  forth  an 
unpleasant  odor,  and  therefore  debars  him  from  becoming  an  in- 
mate of  the  house  ;  so  much  the  better.  Some  people  fancy  that 
the  water  spaniel  possesses  web  feet,  and  that  his  aquatic  prowess 
is  due  to  this  formation.  Such  is  not  the  case.  All  dogs  have  their 
toes  connected  with  each  other  by  a  strong  membrane,  and  when 
the  foot  is  wide,  and  the  meml)rane  rather  loosely  hung,  as  is  the 
case  with  the  water  spaniel,  a  large  surface  is  presented  to  the 
water.  This  dog  is  of  moderate  size,  measuring  about  twenty-two 
inches  in  height  at  the  shoulders,  middling  stout,  ears  very  long, 
measuring  from  point  to  point  about  the  animal's  own  height. 
The  pure  bred  ones  are  acknowl'^dgcd  not  excv  '  in  beauty  or 
intelligence  by  any  breed.  I  might  enumerate  many  instances 
where  they  have  seemed  to  evince  almost  the  intellect  of  the  human 
race. 

The  points  of  the  Irish  Water  Spaniel,  as  given  in  the  Fancier's 
Gazette,  are : 

POINTS   IN  JUDGING. 

Head 35 

Ears 10 

Feet 5 

Legs 5 

Back 10 

Loins 10 

Hind-quarters 10 

Coat I S 

Stern k) 

— lOO 

THE   FIELD   SPANIEL. 

The  field  spaniel  is  remarkable  for  the  intense  love  which  it 
bears  for  huniing  game,  and  the  nervous  manner  in  which  it  car- 
ries out  the  wishes  of  its  master.  There  are  two  breeds,  the  one 
termed  the  "  Springer  "  being  used  among  the  thick  scrub  oak 
and  brambles,  and  the  other  employed  principally  on  woodcock, 
and  therefore  called  the  "Cocker."  Some  of  these  dogs  contin- 
ually give  tongue  while  engaged  in  pursuit  of  game,  and  utter  di*"- 
ferent  sounds,  according  to  the  description  of  game  which  they 
have  reached,  while  otliers  are  perfectly  mute.  Each  of  these 
qualities  is  useful  in  its  way — it  should  not  be  too  noisy,  and  the 


RETRIEVERS.  42/ 

note  should  be  musical.  While  hunting  the  spaniel  sweeps  his 
well  feathered  tail  from  side  to  side,  never  carrying  it  as  high  as 
the  back,  aiirl  is  a  very  pretty  object  to  any  one  who  has  an  eye 
for  beauty.  A  spaniel  must  possess  a  thick  coat,  as  it  is  subject 
to  continual  wetting  from  the  drippings  of  the  scrub  oaks,  etc., 
through  which  he  !ias  to  force  his  way  ;  he  should  weigh  not  less 
than  fourteen  pounds,  and  may  with  advantage  weigh  thirty 
pounds,  as  do  the  breed  known  by  the  name  of  "  Clumber  ;  "  these 
animals  work  silently.  The  Cocker  is  a  much  smaller  animal ; 
his  average  weight  is  about  fifteen  pounds.  He  is  an  active  and 
lively  dog,  dashing  about  his  work  with  an  air  of  gay  pleasure  that 
assists  materially  in  adding  to  the  spirits  of  his  master,  and  will 
be  found  the  most  useful  animal  for  woodcock  in  the  fall. 

RETRIEVERS. 

There  are  two  species,  the  water  and  the  land  retriever.  The 
water  retriever  is,  or  ought  to  be,  a  cross  between  the  smaller  kind 
of  Newfoundland  dog,  sometimes  called  the  Labrador  dog,  and 
the  setter.  This  dog  is  especially  useful  to  the  sportsman  when 
shooting  wild  fowl,  through  creeks,  bayous,  etc.,  and  saves  him  an 
infinite  deal  of  trouble,  and  is  by  no  means  in  the  way.  Many 
sportsmen  imagine  that  this  dog  will  scare  wild  fowl,  but  his 
actions  leach  us  just  the  contrary,  as  his  careful  trainin::^,  natural 
instinct,  and  color,  act  as  a  decoy  rather  than  otherwise.  A  good 
water  retriever  is,  however,  seldom  to  be  met  with,  and  should  be 
taught  when  quite  young.  Nothing  answers  this  purpose  better 
than  shooting  divers  or  any  young  duck,  then  sending  the  retriever 
in  the  water,  and,  after  he  has  got  his  bird,  call  him  to  j-ou,  take 
the  bird  gently  out  of  his  mouth,  caress  and  pat  him.  In  three  or 
four  lessons,  if  the  water  be  not  too  cold,  you  will  find  there  will 
be  no  necessity  of  even  telling  him  to  fetch,  as  instinct  and  his 
natural  fondness  for  the  water  will  be  all  that  is  necessary  to  make 
a  thorough  retriever  of  him.  The  great  drawback,  however,  is 
that  he  must  be  kept  in  almost  constant  practice,  and  should  be 
carefully  broken  from  rats,  which  abound  on  the  banks  of  rivers 
and  lakes. 

The  best  cross  for  l.ind  is  a  setter  with  a  springer  or  cocker 


428  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

spaniel.  If  your  setter  has  never  been  taught  to  retrieve,  a  more 
valuable  clog  than  the  land  retriever  it  is  hardly  possible  to  possess, 
especially  when  shooting  w^oodcock  and  English  snipe  in  the  fall 
of  the  year.  The  head  of  the  race  of  retrievers,  we  refer  to  the 
large  and  handsome  animal,  the  Newfoundland.  The  pure  breed 
of  this  animal  is  very  scarce,  and  is  not  of  that  gigantic  size  which 
it  is  generally  supposed  to  be. 

"  Caractacus,"  in  discussing  in  the  I^ancter' s  Gazette  the  ques- 
tion as  to  whether  the  Newfoundland  dog  was  indigenous  to  the 
island  from  which  he  takes  his  name,  says  : 

"  My  ovt^n  opinion  is  that  European  settlers,  finding  dogs  of 
draught  an  absolute  necessity,  and  thinking  they  might  improve 
on  the  native  breeds,  imported  large  dogs  of  various  kinds,  as,  for 
instance,  the  mastiff,  the  colley,  the  Alpine  spaniel,  arid  the  Matin- 
dog  of  France,  and  that  the  present  breed  sprang  from  many 
roots,  and  has  acquired,  from  change  of  climate  and  other  causes, 
certain  peculiarities  of  its  own,  and  that  by  careful  selection  a  fixed 
variety  has  become  established.  *  *  *  j  ^^hj^k  the  probabili- 
ties are  that  it  owes  its  origin  to  several  types,  and  that  time, 
selection,  and  climatic  influences  have  at  last  worked  it  into  a  dis- 
tinct variety.  I  have  never  been  able  to  hit  on  any  record  which 
would  tend  to  prove  that  such  a  dog  existed  when  the  island  was 
discovered  by  Europeans  ;  and  if  any  one  can  point  to  any  that 
will  throw  a  light  on  the  darkness,  I  shall  be  delighted  beyond 
measure." 

THE   FOX-HOUND. 

The  fox-hound,  of  all  dogs  used  m  the  field,  is  by  far  the  most 
numerous.  It  is  generally  supposed  that  the  modern  fox-hound 
derives  its  origin  from  the  old  English  hound,  and  its  various  points 
of  perfection  from  judicious  crosses  with  other  breeds.  There  are 
various  breeds  of  dogs  which  are  remarkable  for  the  great  devel- 
opment of  some  peculiar  faculty — such  as  speed  in  the  grey-hound, 
courage  in  the  bull-dog,  delicacy  of  scent  in  the  bloodhound,  saga- 
city in  the  poodle,  etc.,  so  when  a  breed  of  dogs  begins  to  fail  in 
any  of  these  points  the  fault  is  amended  by  the  introduction  of  a 
dog  belonging  to  the  breed  which  exhibits  the  needful  quality  in 
greatest  perfection.     The   fox-hound  has  not   only   the   greatest 


THE  FOX-HOUND.  A;2(^ 

sagac'ty  and  the  most  refined  powers  of  scrutiny,  but  is  far  supe- 
rior in  bottom  and  stoutness  to  any  other  breed  of  the  hound  race. 
Only  consider  the  immense  distance  a  hound  travels  over  during 
the  many  hours  that  he  is  frequently  absent  from  home.  The 
country  he  travels  over  is  generally  of  the  very  roughest  descrip- 
tion, such  as  sharp  rocks,  scrub  oak,  brambles,  etc.,  and  he  fre- 
quently takes  to  the  water. 

The  best  breed  for  fox-shooting  is  the  English  fox-hound, 
crossed  with  the  American  hound.  The  English-bred  hound  is 
too  delicate.  The  ground  you  ride  over  and  the  ground  you  shoot 
over  are  totally  different.  The  English  dog  is  too  finely  bred  to 
suit  our  rocky  ground  ;  its  pace  is  too  fast,  as,  unless  it  runs  in 
the  open,  it  is  apt  to  overrun  the  scent.  A  dog  running  at  thirty 
miles  an  hour  cannot  be  expected  to  hold  the  scent  as  strongly  as 
one  running  at  fifteen  miles  an  hour.  The  speed  which  can  be  at- 
tained by  fox-hounds  may  be  estimated  from  the  well  known  match 
which  took  place  upon  the  Beacon  course  at  Newmarket,  England. 
The  length  of  the  course  is  four  miles  and  352  yards,  and  this 
distance  was  run  by  the  winning  dog,  Bluecap,  in  eight  minutes 
and  a  few  seconds.  The  famous  racehorse  Flying  Childers,  in 
running  over  the  same  ground,  was  little  more  than  half  a  minute 
ahead  of  the  hound,  Now,  if  we  compare  the  dimensions  of  the 
horse  and  the  hound  we  shall  form  a  tolerably  accurate  idea  of  the 
extraordinary  speed  to  which  the  latter  animal  can  attain.  In  the 
match  no  less  than  sixty  horses  started,  together  with  the  compet- 
itors, but  of  the  sixty  only  twelve  were  with  the  dogs  at  the  end 
of  this  short  run.  The  English  hound  is  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance to  our  fox-shooting  friends,  as  what  they  require  in  a  hound 
is  a  good  nose,  Rard  feet,  padded  with  a  thick  sole,  strong  pro- 
pelling powers  behind,  and  more  endurance  than  excessive  speed, 
not  forgetting  a  musical  tongue,  which  can  only  be  attained  by  the 
cross  of  the  American  hound  with  the  English.  As  there  has  been 
so  much  breeding  "  in-and-in,"  and  very  little  fresh  stock  imported, 
the  fox-hound  is  sadly  deteriorating,  as  we  only  hear  of  a  few  in- 
stances of  fresh  blood.  The  first  fox-hounds  ever  brought  to 
Plorida,  Vv^ere  from  a  celebrated  "pack  "  owned  on  the  estate  of 
the  "  Marquis  of  Berresford,"  in  England.  Sir  Reginald,  (subse- 
quently Marquis)  of  Berresford  came  to  America  and  opened  ex- 


430  DOGS   USED  FOR   SFOJ^T, 

tensive  indigo  plantations,  on  the  bank  of  the  St.  Johns  river  iu 
East  Florida,  at  a  place  still  known  as  Lake  Berresford,  in  the  be- 
ginning of  the  last  century. 

Unfortunately  for  the  fox-hound  of  England,  the  Marquis  soon 
discovered  that  the  fox  of  Florida  wouldn't  run  half  a  mile  before 
he  climbed  a  tree,  and  fox-hunting  was  abandoned  reluctantly.  The 
dog  remained,  however,  and  through  neglect  they  rapidly  mixed 
with  the  cur  of  the  country,  and  the  blood  has  become  extinct.  In 
the  South  they  have  some  splendid  new  blood,  which  they  have 
crossed  with  the  southern  fox-hound,  and  have  produced  the  per- 
fection of  a  hound  for  their  purposes. 

There  are  at  least  five  thousand  fairly  bred  fox-hounds  in  Geor- 
gia, and  at  least  twenty  thousand  if  you  include  Maryland  as  one 
of  the  Southern  States.  A  small,  or  rather  medium  size,  with 
bushy  tail,  and  color  white  and  red.  The  best  dogs  we  have  now 
is  a  cross  of  the  English  fox-hound  and  a  native  dog  of  Maryland. 
These  Maryland  dogs  are  a  cross  with  the  long-haired  Scotch 
hound  and  the  old  English  fox  dog  imported  into  Maryland  many 
years  since.  They  combine  speed,  endurance,  and  nose,  and  are 
only  found  in  Hancock  county,  Georgia.  The  hounds  most  in  use 
in  the  State  of  Georgia  are  a  cross  of  the  English  fox-hound  with 
a  small  hound  called  the  beagle,  which  gives  nose  to  the  English 
dog,  but  takes  away  his  speed.  Excessive  speed  is  not  required  ; 
a  speed  of  about  a  mile  in  two  and  three-quarter  minutes,  capable 
under  a  hot  scent  of  being  increased  for  a  short  time  to  two  min- 
utes and  ten  seconds,  is  all  that  is  wanted.  A  fox  is  killed  in  an 
hour  at  an  average  speed  of  three  and  a  quarter  minutes  to  the 
mile.  A  medium  sized  dog  is  much  the  best,  is  often  more  fleet, 
and  being  of  light  weight  his  feet  do  not  become  sore  after  a  run. 
Feed  greasy  mush  once  a  day,  when  the  dogs  are  not  expected  to 
run,  and  bread  once  a  day.  Twice  a  week  give  them  meat  stewed 
with  corn  meal,  when  you  do  not  run  them.  If  you  wish  to  run 
them  in  the  morning,  give  them  the  night  before  as  much  hard 
bread  as  they  will  eat,  and  in  the  morning,  before  starting,  give 
each  dog  a  small  piece  of  hard  bread  to  keep  him  from  nausea. 
Train  the  pups  with  the  old  dogs  at  one  year  old,  often  practicing 
with  a  drag,  and  we  find  it  the  only  method  to  train  and  break  cross 
bred  fox-hounds  successfully.     The  best  breeds  of  fox-hounds  in 


HARRIERS.  •  431 

the  North  are  owned  in  Buffalo ;  Guernsey  county,  Ohio ;  Mr. 
Taylor's  Connecticut  farm  ;  the  Leatherstocking  Club,  of  Oswego. 
The  points  of  a  fox-hound  given  in  the  Fancier's  Gazette  are : 

Head  expressive,  muscular ;  ears  pendent ;  head  a  little  wrin- 
kled in  chap  ;  face  rather  long,  with  strong  jaw  ;  neck  inclined  to 
be  long,  set  into  shoulders  strongly ;  the  shoulders  of  great  depth 
and  strength,  sloping  back  well,  but  not  so  fine  and  close  at  point 
of  shoulder  blades  as  a  greyhound,  as  speed  is  not  required  so 
much  as  in  the  greyhound,  but  rather  endurance.  A  model  of  a 
stud  fox-hound  should  measure  round  behind  his  shoulders  thirty- 
one  to  thirty-two  inches  ;  the  elbows  should  be  straight,  and 
neither  bowed  out  nor  pressed  into  the  chest ;  fore  leg. to  continue 
straight  to  the  foot,  as  if  one  bone,  but  of  great  substance,  full  of 
muscle  ;  from  the  pasterns  the  foot  must  not  turn  out,  but  appear 
straight  and  round  like  ;  the  back  ought  to  be  straight,  wide  all 
through  ;  rigid-backed  dogs  considered  not  so  pleasant  to  the  eye  ; 
it  should  be  well  loined  up,  not  short  of  ribs,  but  short  in  the  tlank  ; 
body  an  average  depth  ;  hind  quarters,  where  set  into  loin,  power- 
ful ;  thighs  full  of  muscle  ;  stern  carried  well  up,  but  not  as  a 
squirrel's  ;  not  feathered  ;  coat  thick  and  smooth.  There  are  dif- 
ferent colors,  the  pie,  black  and  tan,  tan  and  white,  and  blue 
grizzles. 

POINTS   IN   JUDGING. 

Head i; 

Neck 5 

Legs lo 

Feet 15 

Shoulders 15 

Back 10 

Loin 10 

Hind-quarters 15 

Stern 5 

— IOC 

HARRIERS. 

The  Harrier,  as  its  name  implies,  is  used  for  hunting  the  hare, 
and  is  nothing  more  or  less  than  a  small  fox-hound  and  would  be 
found  a  very  useful  animal  for  tracking  rabbits.  The  American 
rabbit  is  a  somewhat  different  animal  from  its  English  cousin  ;  the 
latter  in  a  wild  state  live  together  in  warrens  in  immense  numbers. 
The  warren  is  a  series  of  burrows  or  holes  in  the  ground,  of  ex- 
tremely irregular  construction,  and  often  communicate  with  each 
other  to  a  remarkable  extent.  The  American  rabbit,  so  called,  on 
the  contrary  live  together  in  couples,  bring  forth  their  young  on 


432  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

the  surface,  and  when  their  offspring  are  able  to  take  care  of  them- 
selves they  quit  the  parental  roof  and  forage  on  their  own  account. 
The  scent  of  the  American  rabbit  is  much  stronger  and  holds 
to  the  ground  as  it  were,  for  a  longer  time,  and  in  this  respect 
bears  a  marked  similarity  to  the  English  hare.  The  points  of  a 
good  harrier  are  similar  to  those  of  the  fox-hound.  There  are 
necessary  points  in  the  shape  of  a  hound  which  ought  always 
be  attended  to  by  a  sportsman,  for  if  he  be  not  of  a  perfect  sym- 
metry' he  will  neither  run  fast  nor  bear  much  work.  Keep  in  mind 
that  the  hound  has  much  tedious  labor  to  undergo,  and  should 
have  strength  proportioned  to  it.  Let  his  legs  be  straight  as  ar- 
rows, his  feet  round  and  not  too  large,  his  shoulders  well  back, 
his  breast  rather  wide  than  narrow,  his  chest  deep,  his  back  broad, 
his  head  small,  his  neck  thin,  his  tail  thick  and  bushy,  and  if  he 
carry  it  well  so  much  the  better.  Many  of  our  friends  will  say  it  is 
impossible  to  procure  such  a  dog,  so  perfect  in  all  his  points. 
Get  one  as  nearly  like  the  description  as  possible,  and  such 
hounds  as  are  weak  from  the  knees  to  the  foot — mongrel  breeds 
of  pointers  and  setters — shoot  them  at  once.  Attention  to  the 
proper  weeding  out  of  bad  stock  is  the  only  way  in  which  good 
staunch  strains  can  be  bred. 

The  following  are  the  judging  points  of  the  Harrier,  as  given 
in  the  Fancier's  Gazette  : 

The  harrier's  head  is  something  of  the  stamp  of  the  fox- 
hound's head,  only  a  little  lighter ;  rather  a  long  neck,  deep  in 
shoulder  ;  chest  deep  ;  fore-legs  straight  and  muscular,  with  a  cat- 
like formation  of  foot ;  back  straight,  well  ribbed  up,  with  shoj-* 
flank,  strong  across  the  loin  ;  stiff  and  well-bent  stifles  ;  stern  car  • 
ried  well  up.  The  usual  colors  are  blended  pies,  black,  tan,  and. 
white  and  blue  mottles.  There  are  several  heights  admissible, 
from  eighteen  inches  up  to  the  height  of  a  fox-hound,  judged  by 
the  best  combination  of  the  essential  characteristics. 

POINTS   IN   JUDGING. 

Head ij 

Neck 5 

Legs lo 

Feet lo 

Shoulders 15 

Back 10 

Loin 10 

Hind-quarters 15 

^  Stern 5 

Girth  or  depth  of  rib 5 


-100 


BEAGLES.     •  433 


BEAGLES. 


Imagine  an  ordinary  fox-hound  with  his  legs  cut  down  about 
half  their  natural  length  and  bowed  like  those  of  a  bull  terrier, 
with  nose  even  elongated  beyond  that  of  the  hound,  and  ears  of 
equal  flaptitude,  and  body  rounder  and  chunkier  ;  give  him  the 
same  tremendous  power  of  yelping  and  howling — on  eveiy  and 
too  often  on  unsuitable  occasions — and  you  have  a  faint  idea  of  the 
beagle. 

The  beagle  is  a  very  useful  little  dog  for  our  junior  friends,  and 
is  generally  used  to  track  rabbits.  There  are  two  kinds,  the  rough 
and  the  rabbit  beagle  ;  the  former  is  supposed  to  have  been  crossed 
by  the  terrier,  and  his  bark  is  rather  that  of  the  terrier  than  the 
musical  intonation  of  the  beagle.  The  nose  of  this  variety  is  fur- 
nished with  the  stiff  whisker-hairs  which  are  found  on  the  muzzle 
of  the  rough  terrier,  and  the  fur  isjiearly  as  stiff  as  the  terrier's. 
The  dwarf  or  rabbit  beagle,  as  it  is 'sometimes  called,  is  the  small- 
est of  the  breed,  delicate  in  form  and  aspect,  but  of  good  nose,  and 
swift  of  foot.  So  small  are  these  little  creatures,  that  a  whole 
pack  of  them  have  been  conveyed  to  and  from  the  field  in  baskets 
slung  over  the  back  of  a  horse,  and  on  one  occasion  three  gentle- 
men placed  thirteen  of  these  little  dogs  in  their  shooting  jackets, 
walked  to  the  woods,  hunted  all  day  with  them,  killing  eight  rab- 
bits, and  then  returning  them  to  their  pockets,  thus  saving  the 
dogs  the  fatiguing  walk  to  the  woods  and  back  again.  These  lit- 
tle dogs  are  chiefly  employed  by  the  rabbit  shooter,  and  are  not 
sufficiently  swift  of  foot  to  hunt  the  larger  rabbit  or  hare. 

Beagles  do  not  trust  to  their  speed  entirely  for  killing  game, 
but  to  their  exquisiteness  of  nose,  tracing  it  through  all  its  wind- 
ings with  the  greatest  accuracy.  The  beagle  will  puzzle  an  hour 
on  on€  spot  rather  than  leave  the  scent ;  the  slower  he  goes  the 
less  likely  he  will  be  to  overrun  the  scent,  and  will  kill  the  game 
sooner.  The  hare  or  rabbit  generally  describes  a  circle  as  he  runs, 
large  or  small,  according  to  his  strength,  and  the  openness  of  the 
countiy.  Among  enclosures  where  there  is  much  cover  and  sheep- 
stains,  it  is  a  constant  puzzle  to  fox-hounds.  Yet  the  beagle  being 
able  to  endure  great  fatigue,  will  invariably  kill  his  game,  if  the  day 
be  long  enough.  There  are  several  good  strains  in  this  country 
19 


434  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT, 

at  Morristown,  New  Jersey ;  Milford,  Pike  Co.,  Pa. ;  and  in  Guern- 
sey Co.,  Ohio.  Some  members  of  the  Dean  Richmond  Club,  of 
Batavia,  have  the  purest  breeds. 

•  No  amusement  would  afford  our  college  students  in  the  coun- 
try a  more  health-giving  recreation,  or  a  pleasanter  afternoon  sport 
than  a  little  drag  hunt  in  this  lovely  autumnal  weather.  Take,  for 
instance,  the  best  and  longest  winded  runner  in  the  college  or 
school,  trailing  after  him  a  rabbit  skin  well  saturated  with  turpen- 
tine or  aniseed,  put  the  beagle  on  the  scent,  and  let  the  boys  fol- 
low. If  the  scent  be  good,  and  the  course  lie  tolerably  straight, 
the  endurance  of  the  boys  will  be  tested,  and  the  miniature  hounds 
often  come  to  a  check  at  a  small  pool,  etc.,  when  the  little  beauties 
will  start  off"  again  in  an  instant,  uttering  their  flute-like  bark,  and 
any  one  of  average  strength  and  speed  can  easily  be  in  at  the 
finish.  Try  it,  and  see  if  it  is  not  good  fun.  You  ask  where  are 
we  to  get  the  dogs  ?  A  male  and  female  will  cost  about  twenty- 
five  dollars,  and  in  one  year's  time  you  will  have  all  the  dogs  neces- 
sary, and  be  able  to  supply  other  friends  and  schools  as  they 
require  them.  The  cost  of  keeping  them  is  very  small,  any  farm- 
er's son  would  be  glad  to  keep  them  for  a  trifle,  say  twenty-five 
cents  a  week  per  head. 

Beagle  points,  as  given  by  Fancier's  Gazette,  are  : 

Head  intelligent,  eyes  most  expressive  and  ladylike,  the  head 
much  finer  in  all  proportions  than  that  of  the  harrier  which  it 
somewhat  resembles  ;  sharp-nosed  ;  body  very  compact  and  mus- 
cular ;  short  legs ;  height  from  twelve  to  fifteen  inches  ;  color 
same  as  harrier's.  This  class  is  judged  almost  similarly  to  the 
harrier,  but  so  few  come  under  the  eyes  of  the  judges,  that  the 
breed  has  not  been  taken  so  much  notice  of  as  some  others  ;  and 
to  define  all  the  separate  points  required  is  very  difficult.  The 
above  will  give  an  idea  of  what  is  really  wanted  for  the  show  yard 
in  the  beagle  class, 

POINTS  IN  JUDGING. 

Head 15 

Neck S 

Legs 10 

Feet 10 

Shoulders ao 

Back 10 

Loins 10 

Hind-quarters 15 

Stern 5 

— 100 


DA  CHSH  UNDS.  43  5 


DACHSHUNDS. 

In  Germany  there  are  two  kinds  of  dachshunds — one  with  long 
hairs  and  bushy  tails ;  these  are  very  rare,  but  far  the  best ;  the 
other  with  short  hairs.  Of  these  there  are  only  two.  First,  the 
regular  black  with  spots  over  the  eyes  and  on  the  legs,  of  a  brown 
color  resembling  the  rust  of  iron  (white  throat).  Second,  the 
quite  brown  ones.  Other  colors  are  not  correct.  Of  both  dachs- 
hunds— with  long,  and  those  with  short  hair — there  are  again 
some  with  straight  and  some  with  bended  legs.  The  dogs  with 
straight  legs  are  said  to  be  better. 

Herr  F.  Van  Ivernor's  edition  of  Der  Waidmann,  Bavaria,  says : 

"  What  they  call  in  Bavaria  "  dachshunds  "  are  the  most  dis- 
gusting dogs  I  know  of.  Since  the  first  of  January  I  have  killed 
two  and  wounded  three,  and  I  pay  to  every  one  of  my  game- 
keepers, two  thalers  for  the  tail,  which  he  must  bring  as  a  token 
that  he  shot  him. 

Every  peasant  here  has  one  or  two  of  these  abominable  curs, 
which  follow  them  when  plowing  and  driving,  and  which,  as  soon 
as  they  get  on  the  track  of  a  roebuck,  deer  or  hare,  chase  him, 
•  pif  paf!  pif  paf!'  all  through  the  wood,  and  so  disturbing  the 
game.  These  beasts  !  (the  noble  name  dog  is  too  good  for  them) 
spoil  the  shooting  grounds  so  much  that  I,  for  instance,  have  on 
my  five  different  reviers  (shooting  grounds)  not  more  than  about 
seven  or  eight  coveys  of  partridge,  and  altogether  I  have  the  hunt- 
ing on  over  46,000  Prussian  chatgen — deer,  roebucks,  and  chamois 
are  abundant,  nevertheless.  What  they  call  here  dachshunds  are 
as  far  distant  from  a  good  dachshund  as  a  donkey  from  a  Gladi- 
ateur,  or  any  pretty  good  thoroughbred  horse.  They  are  too  large 
and  high,  show  marks  from  all  kinds  of  dogs,  butcher-dogs,  poodles, 
rat-catchers,  etc.,  with  which  their  mothers  have  been  in  love ;  do 
not  go  in  the  burrow  of  a  fox  (the  only  thing  for  which  one  ought 
to  use  a  dachshund),  have  no  obedience,  and  are  only  fit  for  dis- 
turbing the  game,  and  making  '  pif  paf! '  behind  a  roebuck,  and 
to  hunt  him  until  he  is  almost  dead." 

In  the  London  Field  we  find  a  long  treatise  on  this  dog,  from 
which  we  quote  the  following : 

This  dog  is  generally  considered  in  Germany  to  be  a  pure  and 
independent  breed,  for  a  long  time  confined  to  the  mountain  chain 
and  high  forests  of  Southern  and  Central  Europe,  extending 
through  Germany  and  into  France,  where  he  is  probably  the  orig- 
inal of  the  basset  ajambes  torses.     The  old  English  turnspit  some- 


43^  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

what  resembled  him,  but  differed  in  his  ears,  which  were  more 
terrier-like,  and  also  in  his  nose,  which  had  even  less  of  the  hound 
character  than  that  of  the  dachshund. 

During  the  last  ten  or  fifteen  years  this  breed  has  been  largely 
imported  into  England  for  badger  dogs,  as  well  as  for  hare  hunt- 
ing. Opinions  differ  as  to  their  merits  in  these  capacities,  some 
declaring  that  they  are  inferior  to  our  own  beagles  and  terriers  ; 
while  others  maintain  that  a  good  one  will  face  any  badger  with 
as  much  pluck  as  our  gamiest  terrier.  The  balance  of  evidence  in 
my  possession  is,  however,  strongly  against  this  last  opinion,  and 
I  think  it  may  be  alleged  that  any  of  our  terriers  will  beat  him  in 
going  to  ground  to  fox  or  badger.  As  to  nose,  I  am  induced  to 
believe  that  it  is  on  the  average  better  than  that  of  our  modern 
beagles. 

Dr.  L.  J.  Fitzinger,  in  his  book  on  dogs,  mentions  twelve  vari- 
eties of  the  dachshund,  but  it  is  generally  believed  that  all  but  one 
of  them  are  cross-bred.  The  one  pure  strain  is  that  described  by 
him  as  der  Krummebcimgc,  or  crooked-legged,  which  is  known  in 
this  country  as  the  dachshund,  par  excellence,  and  will  be  alluded 
to  here  only.  This  dog,  in  proportion  to  his  height  and  weight, 
possesses  great  strength  ;  but  his  muscular  power  can  be  better 
displayed  in  digging  than  in  running,  wherein  his  remarkably  short 
and  crooked  forelegs  render  his  gait  ungainly  and  rolling  to  a 
degree  amounting  to  the  ridiculous,  hence  his  use  in  Germany  is 
to  mark  the  badger  or  fox  to  his  earth,  for  which  also  his  keen 
nose  is  well  suited,  and  as  the  entrance  to  the  sleeping- chamber 
of  the  former  is  kept  as  small  as  is  consistent  with  his  size,  the 
dachshund  is  able  to  dig  away  the  earth  so  as  to  reach  the  exact 
spot,  which  his  tongue  at  the  same  time  serves  to  show  his  master, 
and  thus  enable  him  to  dig  down  to  it.  The  dachshund  is  also 
used  for  driving  deer  to  the  gun  ;  but  for  this  purpose  the  straight- 
legged  cross  geradbeinige  dachshund  is  most  in  demand,  which 
variety  is  generally  also  larger  in  size  and  more  hound-like  in 
character.  In  constitution  the  dog  is  hardy,  but  in  temper  some- 
what wild  and  headstrong,  so  that  he  is  often  difficult  to  get  under 
command  when  once  on  the  scent.  He  is  also  snappish  in  kennel, 
and  inclined  to  fight  on  the  slightest  provocation,  or  often  without 
it.  His  tongue  is  loud  and  shrill,  without  the  deep  bell-note  of  the 
old-fashioned  hound.  The  best  breeds  are  met  with  in  the  vicinity 
of  Scharzwald,  Stuttgard,  Lonberg,  and  Eberstein,  near  Baden- 
Baden.  The  points  of  the  dachshund  are  as  follows  in  numerical 
value  and  description  : 

1.  The  skull,  value  lo,  is  long  and  slightly  arched,  the  occiput 
being  wide,  and  its  protuberance  well  developed  ;  eyebrows  raised, 
but  without  any  marked  "  stop." 

2.  The/rtiw,  V.  lo,  is  long  and  tapering  gradually  from  the  eyes  ; 
but,  nevertheless,  it  should  not  be  "  pig-jawed  " — the  end,  though 


DA  cnsffUNDS.  43  7 

narrow,  being  cut  off   square,   with   the  teeth    level  and  very 
strong. 

3.  The  ears,  eyes  and  lips,  v.  10.— The  ears  are  long  enough 
to  reach  the  tip  of  the  nose  when  brought  over  the  jaw  without 
force.  They  are  broad,  rounded  at  the  ends,  and  soft  in  "  leather" 
and  coat,  hanging  in  graceful  folds  ;  but  when  excited,  brought 
forward  so  as  to  lie  close  to  the  cheeks.  Eyes  rather  small,  pierc- 
ing, and  deeply  set.  In  the  black  and  tan  variety  they  should  be 
dark  brown,  or  almost  black  ;  but  in  the  red  or  chocolate,  deep 
hazel.  Dr.  Fitzinger  has  often  observed  the  two  eyes  vary  in 
color,  and  even  in  size.  The  ///Jjare  short,  but  with  some  little  flew 
towards  the  angles  ;  not  at  all  approaching,  however,  to  that  of 
the  blood-hound.  The  skin  is  quite  tight  over  the  cheeks,  and 
indeed  over  the  whole  head,  showing  no  blood-hound  wrinkle. 

4.  Length  of  body,  v.  15. — In  taking  this  into  consideration  the 
neck  is  included  ;  this  part,  however,  is  somewhat  short,  thick, 
and  rather  throaty.  The  chest  is  long,  round,  and  roomy,  but  not 
so  as  to  be  unwieldy.  It  gradually  narrows  toward  the  back  ribs, 
which  are  rather  short.  The  brisket  should  only  be  two  and  a 
half  to  three  inches  from  the  ground,  and  the  breast  bone  should 
project  considerably.  The  loin  is  elegantly  arched,  and  the  flanks 
drawn  up  so  as  to  make  the  waist  look  slim,  the  dog  measuring 
higher  behind  than  before.  The  quarters  are  strong  in  muscle  as 
well  as  the  shoulders,  the  latter  being  especially  powerful. 

5.  Legs,  V.  15. — T\\Qfore  legs  should  be  very  short,  strong  in 
bone,  and  well  clothed  with  muscle.  The  elbows  should  not  turn 
out  or  in,  the  latter  being  a  great  defect.  The  knees  should  be 
close  together,  never  being  more  than  two  and  a  half  inches  apart, 
causing  a  considerable  bend  from  the  elbows  inwards,  so  as  to 
make  the  leg  crooked,  and  then  again  turning  outwards  to  the 
foot.  In  order  that  the  brisket  should  approach  the  ground  as 
above  described,  the  fore  legs  must  be  very  short.  On  the  hind 
legs  there  is  often  a  dew  claw,  but  this  is  not  essential  either  way. 

6.  Thtfeet,  v.  7|,  should  be  of  full  size,  but  very  strong  and 
cat-like,  with  hard,  horny  soles  to  the  pads.  The  fore  feet  are 
generally  turned  out,  thus  increasing  the  appearance  of  crooked- 
ness in  the  legs.  This  formation  gives  assistance  to  the  outthrow 
of  the  earth  in  digging. 

7.  The  stern,  v.  10,  is  somewhat  short  and  thick  at  the  root, 
tapering  gradually  to  the  point,  with  a  slight  curve  upwards,  and 
clothed  with  hair  of  a  moderate  length  on  its  under  surface,  when 
excited,  as  in  hunting,  it  is  carried  in  a  hound-like  attitude  over 
the  back.  Its  shape  and  carriage  indicate  high  breeding  and  are 
valued  accordingly. 

8.  The  coat,  v.  5,  is  short  and  smooth,  but  coarse  in  texture, 
and  by  no  means  silky,  except  on  the  ears,  where  it  should  be  very 
soft  and  shiny. 


438  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

"9.  The  color,  v.  9. — The  best  colors  are  red,  and  black  and  tan, 
which  last  should  be  deep  and  rich,  and  this  variety  should  always 
have  a  black  nose.  The  red  strain  may  have  tlesh-colored  nose, 
and  Sonne  good  judges  in  England  maintain  that  it  is  indispens- 
able, but  in  Germany  it  is  not  considered  of  any  importance.  In 
the  black  and  tans,  the  tan  should  extend  to  the  lips,  cheeks,  a 
spot  over  each  eye,  the  belly  and  flank,  underside  of  the  tail,  and 
a  spot  on  each  side  of  the  breast  bone  ;  also  to  the  lower  part  of 
both  fore  and  hind  legs  and  feet.  Thumb  marks  and  pencilling  of 
the  toes  are  not  approved  of  in  this  country  ;  but  they  are  often 
met  with  in  Germany.  Whole  chocolate  dogs  are  often  well  bred, 
but  they  are  not  liked  in  England,  even  with  tan  markings,  which 
are,  however,  an  improvement.  Whole  blacks  and  whites  are  un- 
known out  of  Germany,  where  they  are  rare.  In  England  white 
on  toes  or  breast  is  objected  to,  but  not  in  Germany. 

10.  Size,  symmetry  and  quality,  v.  10. — In  size  the  dachshund 
should  be  in  an  average  specimen  from  thirt  nine  to  forty-two 
inches  long,  from  tip  to  tip,  and  in  height  ten  to  eleven  inches  at 
the  shoulder ;  the  weight  should  be  from  eleven  to  eighteen  pounds, 
the  bitches  being  considerably  smaller  than  the  dogs. 

GREY-HOUNDS. 

The  grey-hound  is  the  beau  ideal  of  an  animal  formed  for  speed 
and  endurance.  There  are  several  species.  The  English  dog  has 
long  legs,  with  muscles  like  whip-cord  which  denote  extreme  length 
of  stride,  and  rapidity  of  movement.  His  chief  use  is  in  coursing 
the  hare,  and  in  actual  speed  he  far  surpasses  the  hare  ;  the  latter, 
however,  has  the  advantage  of  stopping  short,  and  turning  quick- 
ly, while  the  grey-hound,  owing  to  his  immense  stride,  which  gives 
him  excessive  impetus,  carries  him  far  beyond  his  prey.  Coursing, 
as  practiced  in  England  as  an  amusement,  is  of  very  ancient  date. 
Two  grey-hounds  are  sent  after  each  hare,  and  matched  against 
each  other,  for  the  purpose  of  trying  their  comparative  strength 
and  speed.  Some  hares  are  so  crafty  and  agile,  that  they  baffle 
the  best  hounds  and  get  away  fairly  into  covers  from  whence  the 
grey-hound,  working  only  by  sight  (he  has  no  scent)  is  unable  to 
drive  them. 

The  coursing  of  the  Western  hare,  or  what  is  called  the  jackass 
rabbit,  by  grey-hounds,  is  fast  becoming  a  favorite  amusement  with 
our  army  officers  located  at  frontier  posts,  especially  in  Texas, 
■where  ground  well  adapted  to  the  sport  is  convenient. 


GRE  Y-IIO  UNDS.  439 

The  Irish  grey-hound  is  a  remarkably  fine  animal,  being  four 
feet  in  length  and  stoutly  built.  His  hair  is  of  a  pale  fawn  color, 
and  much  rougher  than  that  of  the  smooth  English  grey -hound. 

The  Scotch  grey-hound  is  still  rougher  in  its  coat  than  its  Irish 
relative,  but  not  so  large  a  dog  in  make  and  is  chiefly  used  in 
coursing  the  hare.     There  is  only  one  breed  of  this  animal. 

The  Persian  grey-hound  derives  its  origin  from  a  source  which 
is  hidden  in  the  mists  of  antiquity.  It  is  chiefly  used  to  cope  with 
that  swift  and  daring  animal,  the  wild  ass,  the  milder  antelope, 
and  the  more  dangerous  wild-boars.  This  dog  crossed  with  the 
Scotch  deer-hound  is  used  by  many  officers  on  our  frontiers  to  run 
down  the  antelope  and  black-tailed- deer,  and  where  could  there 
be  a  more  magnificent  coursing  country  than  the  vast  plains  of 
the  West  ? 

The  Italian  grey-hound  is  a  little  creature  whose  merit  consists 
in  its  diminutive  proportions,  and  slender  limbs.  It  is  useless  for 
all  purposes  of  sport. 

Judging  points  of  the  grey-hound,  as  given  in  the  Fancier's 

Gazette : 

Head  long  and  narrow  ;  ears  pendulous,  or  partly  so,  small, 
and  fine  in  substance  ;  eyes  bright  and  full  of  fire  ;  jaw  long  and 
muscular,  lean  in  appearance,  with  a  set  of  good  teeth  ;  neck  long, 
muscular,  with  a  slight  inclination  to  arch,  just  sufficient  to  be  per- 
ceptible to  an  observer  of  symmetry,  which  gives  to  the  head  and 
neck  that  graceful  appearance  hardly  to  be  described.  No  throat- 
iness  or  loose  skin  to  appear  ;  shoulders  should  be  oblique,  slanting 
back,  with  elbow  straight  from  the  shoulder ;  fore-arm  straight 
and  full  of  muscle ;  lower  leg  round  and  strong,  with  nice  moder- 
ately round  foot,  slightly  in-arched  toes  ;  chest  deep,  with  a  pro- 
portionate width  ;  back  broad,  deeply  ribbed  ;  loin  wide  and  full 
of  muscle  ;  hip  full  of  muscle,  and  wide  where  loin  and  hip  are  set 
together,  with  enormous  well  developed  stifles  ;  well-bent  strong 
hock  ;  good  round  muscular  lower  leg,  with  good  strong  round'  h 
feet ;  stern  nicely  set  on,  long  and  tapering,  free  from  featheri' 
colors,  many. 

Head V 15 

Neck 10 

Shoulders 15 

Legs 10 

Feet 10 

Hind-quarters 15 

Back 10 

Loins 10 

Tail 5 

— 100 


440  DOGS  USED  FOR   SPORT. 


THE    DEER-HOUND. 

The  deer-hound  is  a  noble  specimen  of  his  race,  his  proportions 
being  quite  as  good  as  those  of  the  grey-hound,  in  which  he  resem- 
bles the  rough  variety  of  that  beautiful  dog.  He  is  possessed  of 
better  powers  of  scent  than  the  grey-hound,  and  in  chasing  game 
depcMids  as  much  on  his  nose  as  on  his  eyes.  It  is  curious  that,  ' 
although  he  makes  use  of  his  nose  when  running,  he  holds  his 
head  higher  from  the  ground  than  the  grey-hound,  which  only  uses 
his  eyes.  The  purity  of  the  breed  is  judged  a  good  deal  by  the 
coat,  which  should  be  very  wiry,  long,  without  being  woolly.  The 
old  deer-hound  is  becoming  scarcer  every  year,  and  a  cross  of  the 
fox-hound  with  the  deer-hound  makes  the  most  useful  dog  to  hunt 
the  stag.  The  object  is  to  obtain  a  fine  nose,  so  as  to  hunt  a  cold 
scent,  but  united  with  such  speed  that  he  may  be  able  to  keep  the 
deer  in  sight.    Judging  points  as  given  in  Fancier's  Gazette: 

Head  somewhat  of  the  grey-hound  shape,  only  more  massive 
and  muscular  in  all  points,  with  a  narrow,  long,  "tear-away"  ap- 
jK'arancc* ;  ears  narrow,  somewhat  pendent — rather  rat-like — not 
too  long,  and  just  suflicient  leather  in  them  to  well  cover  the  ori- 
fice ;  very  ])rominent  eye,  looking  sharp  and  far-seeing  ;  jaw  long 
and  powerful,  with  a  set  of  good  teeth  ;  no  pendulous  lip  ;  neck 
long  and  muscular,  free  from  throatiness,  but  set  deep  into  chest ; 
shoulders  slojjing,  with  a  raci?ig  a])p('arance  ;  chest  deep,  with  a 
fair  and  symmetrical  width  ;  back  Hat  and  wide,  with  good  deep 
ribs  ;  loins  wide  and  muscular  ;  hips  powerful  where  set  on  to  the 
loin,  with  very  muscular  stifles,  well-bent  hocks,  and  with  a  good 
substance  from  the  hock  to  the  foot ;  fore-legs  must  be  strong, 
straight,  and  full  of  muscle,  with  a  nice  in-arched  foot,  slightly 
roundecl  ;  stern  long,  and  tapered  off  to  a  point,  nicely  set  into 
back  ;  coat  harsh  and  wiry. 

POINTS   IN   JUDGING. 

Head 15 

Neck 10 

Slioulileis 15 

Lc'Ks 10 

Kent I J 

I.oin - 10 

(<()iit 10 

Ilind-quarters 15 

--IOO 

THE  BLOOD-HOUND. 

Head  large,  slightly  conical ;  forehead  long,  inclined  to  be  nar- 
row ;  eyes  brown  and  surk  in  the  head,  but  expressive,  showing 


THE   OTTER-HOUND.  44 1 

haw  very  plainly,  which  causes  it  to  have  an  appearance  of  red- 
ness;  the  ears  very  long,  well  spread  out,  and  nicely  turned,  and 
not  puckered,  fine  in  texture,  in  excitement  they  ought  not  to  be 
carried  up,  but  to  hang  tolerably  near  to  the  face  ;  upper  jaw  and 
face  inclined  to  be  narrow  ;  flews  thin  and  pendulous,  almost  so 
that  they  could  meet  under  the  chin.  The  neck  proportionately 
long;  the  skin  on  the  throat  loose,  slightly  wrinkly;  shoulders 
powerful,  not  upright,  but  blades  slightly  slanting  ;  what  we  mean 
is,  not  straight  from  the  foot  to  front  of  shoulder ;  deep  chest ; 
fore-legs  muscular  and  straight ;  feet  round  and  cat-like ;  back 
not  too  long,  thick,  powerful  and  well  ribbed  up,  short  in  loin  ; 
hind-quarters  well  set  on,  well  furnished  with  good  muscle  ;  stifles 
not  too  long,  but  plenty  of  substance ;  stern  set  in  level  with  the 
back-bone,  pliant  and  tapering  to  the  point,  feathering  or  coarse- 
ness a  great  fault.  Color  reddish  tan,  darkening  into  black  as  it 
reaches  the  back.  Some  breeds  show  the  body  white  flecked, 
which  many  old  breeders  very  much  admire.  The  coat  should  be 
short,  glossy,  and  lie  as  close  as  a  thoroughbred  race-horse's  ; 
patches  of  white  on  chest  or  eet  are  objectionalile ;  height  in 
bitches  twenty-seven  inches,  dogs  twenty-nine  inches,  but  two 
inches  over  those  heights,  if  proportionate,  would  rather  be  an  ad- 
vantage. Judging  is  not  tied  only  to  these  points,  as  there  is  a 
something  in  sight  you  cannot  define,  but  can  act  on  ;  but,  as  a 
whole,  this  we  consider  a  pretty  fair  description  of  the  main  items 
of  a  good  animal. 

POINTS  IN  JUDGING. 

Head 33 

Neck 5 

Shoulders 15 

Legs 10 

Feet 5 

Hack 10 

Loins 15 

Hind-quarters 10 

Stern 5 

— 100 

THE  OTTER-HOUND. 

There  is  something  so  dignified  and  noble  about  an  otter-hound, 
that  if  you  once  see  a  good  one  you  will  not  soon  forget  him. 
They  are  large  dogs,  and  very  muscular,  as  ihey  well  need  be,  and 
good  ones  are  rather  scarce  owing  to  various  crosses.  The  head 
is  very  grand  in  shape,  "  something  between  a  fox-hound  and 

,9* 


442  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

blood-hound,"  but  more  hard.  Ears  long  and  sweeping-,  but  not 
feathered  down  to  the  tips  ;  eyes  large,  deeply  set,  and  have  a 
peculiarly  thoughtful  appearance,  they  show  the  "  haw ; "  nose 
large  and  well  developed  ;  muzzle  well  covered  with  wiry  feather  ; 
nostrils  expanding ;  neck  strong  and  muscular,  but  rather  long ; 
the  flews  are  well  developed  ;  dew-lap  also  loose  and  in  folds  ; 
chest,  deep,  and  not  too  wide  ;  back,  strong,  wide,  and  arched  ; 
shoulders  ought  to  be  sloping,  but  we  seldom  tind  them  so  ;  arms 
and  thighs  well  developed  as  to  muscle  ;  stern  like  that  of  a  rough 
Welsh  harrier,  and  moderately  well  coated  ;  coat,  wiry-haired, 
hard,  long  and  close  at  the  roots  ;  color,  grey,  or  buff,  or  yellowish, 
or  black,  or  rufous  red,  mixed  with  black  and  grey. 

POINTS   IN   JUDGING, 

Head 3. 

Neck 5 

Legs 10 

Feet 5 

Shoulders 10 

Back 10 

Loin 10 

Hind-quarters 15 

Stern S 

Coat g 

— xoo 

THE  BOAR-HOUND. 

This  strain  of  hound  will  be  found  useful  in  hunting  wild  pigs 
in  Louisiana,  and  is  derived  from  a  mingling  of  the  mastiff  with 
the  grey-hound,  crossed  afterwards  with  the  largest  sized  English 
terrier.  Our  friends  who  own  and  breed  dogs  will  at  once  see  the 
necessity  of  using  these  three  animals,  in  order  to  get  at  the  best 
strain  to  hunt  the  wild  boar  or  the  less  ferocious  wild  pig.  The 
grey-hound  element  is  required  in  order  to  give  the  dog  sufficient 
speed  for  overtaking  the  boar,  which  is  a  much  swifter  animal 
than  is  generally  supposed  from  his  unwieldy  piggy  form.  The 
mastiff  is  needed  to  give  it  the  requisite  muscular  power  and  di- 
mensions of  body,  and  the  terrier  is  introduced  for  the  sake  of 
obtaining  a  sensitive  nose  and  a  quick  spirited  action.  To  train 
this  dog  properly  is  a  matter  of  some  difficulty,  because  a  mistake 
is  generally  fatal,  and  puts  an  end  to  further  instruction  by  the 
death  of  the  pupil.  It  is  comparatively  easy  to  train  a  pointer  or 
setter,  because  if  he  fails  through  eagerness  or  slowness,  the  worst 
consequence  is  that  the  shooter  loses  his  next  shot  or  two,  and 
the  dog  is  easily  corrected.  But  if  a  boar-hound  rushes  too  ea- 
gerly at  the  bristly  quarry,  he  will  in  all  probability  be  laid  bleeding 


TERRIERS.  443 

on  the  ground  by  a  rapid  stroke  from  the  boar's  tusks,  and  if  he 
should  hang  back  he  would  be  just  as  likely  to  be  struck  by  the  in- 
furiated beast.  The  limbs  are  long  and  exceedingly  powerful,  and 
the  head  possesses  the  square  muzzle  of  the  mastiff,  together  with 
the  sharp  and  somewhat  pert  air  of  the  terrier.  It  is  a  very  large 
animal,  measuring  thirty  inches  to  the  shoulder.  Wild  boar  hunt- 
ing, next  to  lion  and  tiger  shooting,  is  a  dangerous  sport,  and  the 
most  destructive  to  hounds  that  the  travelled  sportsman  will  en- 
counter. The  boar  is  a  most  tierce  and  savage  animal,  and  when 
irritated  or  disturbed  by  hounds  will  rush  at  any  man  or  animal 
and  attack  them  with  his  tusks.  In  fact,  a  boar  has  been  known 
to  turn  with  such  terrific  effect  upon  a  pack  containing  fifty  dogs, 
that  only  ten  escaped  scatheless,  and  six  or  seven  were  ripped  up 
and  killed  on  the  spot.  The  speed  of  this  beast  is  no  less  re- 
markable, as  when  fully  aroused  he  puts  the  mettle  of  the  swiftest 
and  staunchest  horse  fairly  to  the  test.  Even  on  ground  where  the 
horse  would  have  the  advantage,  he  frequently  gets  away  from  the 
sportsman  to  regain  his  haunt,  which  is  usually  in  a  cane-brake. 
Another  cross  or  breed  of  the  boar-hound  which  would  suit  our 
southern  friends  (as  thoroughbred  mastiffs  and  terriers  are  a 
rarity),  may  be  derived  from  the  mingling  of  the  Southern  hound 
and  grey-hound,  which  would  answer  every  purpose  for  wild  pig- 
shooting  in  Texas  and  Louisiana. 

TERRIERS. 

The  Terrier,  although  not  used  to  any  great  extent  in  the  field 
as  a  sporting  dog,  is  deat'  n  vermin,  and  bemg  very  intelligent, 
apt  at  learning,  delicate  of  nose,  and  quick  of  eye  and  scent,  will 
be  found  the  best  dog  for  raccoon  hunting.  There  are  several  va- 
rieties of  the  Terrier — the  English,  the  Bull,  the  Fox,  the  Scotch, 
the  Skye,  and  the  Dandie  Diamont,  so  called,  in  honor  of  the  char- 
acter of  that  name  in  Walter  Scott's  "Guy  Mannering."  The 
English  terrier  possesses  a  smooth  coat,  a  tapering  muzzle,  eye 
small  and  bright,  and  has  a  habitual  custom  of  digging  the  ground 
with  his  fore  feet  and  dragging  away  the  stones  and  other  substan- 
ces in  his  mouth.  The  Scotch  terrier  is  a  quaint-looking  animal 
broken  or  wire-haired,  always  ready  for  work  or  play,  good  to  hunt 


444  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

rats,  and  in  fact  will  dig  a  fox  out  of  his  hole  when  he  fancies  him- 
self in  safety.  The  color  of  the  Scotch  terrier  is  generally  the 
same  as  that  of  the  English  dog,  he  has  so  long  been  kept  as  a 
pet  that  unless  a  pure  breed  is  obtained  from  his  native  country, 
he  will  be  found  valueless  as  a  sporting  dog.  All  these  dogs 
would  be  of  the  greatest  value  for  successful  raccoon  hunting. 

KANGAROO   DOG. 

This  dog,  which  is  much  used  in  Australia  for  hunting  the 
kangaroo,  is  a  cross  of  the  grey-hound  and  blood-hound,  stands 
thirty-four  inches,  and  from  tip  of  nose  to  stern  post,  fifty-four 
inches.  In  form  he  resembles  the  grey-hound,  but  in  muscle 
and  power  is  equal  to  half  a  dozen.  His  limbs  are  symmetrical — 
a  mass  of  muscles — ears  small  and  pointed  ;  nose  long ;  mouth 
deep  ;  eyes  large,  lustrous,  and  soft  as  a  woman's ;  color,  a  de- 
cided brindle,  with  bars  of  black  across  his  back  and  loins  ;  weight, 
eighty-five  pounds.  In  body  and  limbs  he  seems  all  muscle,  lithe, 
wiry,  and  as  elastic  as  rubber.  In  disposition,  as  affectionate  as  a 
setter,  playful  and  good  natured. 

They  are  tremendous  leapers,  as  well  as  runners,  and  have 
been  known  to  clear  a  twelve  foot  fence  with  apparent  ease  at  a 
jump.    They  are  fine  deer  dogs  as  well.    A  pair  is  worth  $600. 

COLLEYS. 

Although  the  coUeys  are  not  sporting  dogs,  they  have  sense 
enough  to  be  taught  anything,  and  ought  to  be  cultivated,  espe- 
cially with  the  rapid  growth  of  sheep  raising  in  this  country,  more 
particularly  in  Colorado,  California,  and  New  Mexico.  In  Great 
Britain  regular  field  trials  are  held  in  which  the  shepherd's  friend 
and  assistant  displays  the  most  wonderful  intelligence  in  penning 
and  driving  sheep,  and  by  the  publicity  of  their  trials  and  the 
prizes  awarded,  great  encouragement  is  given  to  breeding  and 
training.  An  Englishman,  Mr.  W.  Fothergill,  has  lately  pub- 
lished a  little  book  of  twenty  pages  on  the  management  and  train- 
ing of  coUeys,  which  gives  some  useful  hints.  The  first  lesson,  he 
says,  is  to  teach  the  whelp  to  lie  down  at  command  ;  then  come 
this  way  or  that,  always  behind  you.     In  a  short  time  he  will  leap 


COLLE  VS.  445 

over  a  hedge  at  your  bidding,  stand  still  at  command,  or  even  walk  " 
backwards  or  forwards  as  you  wish.  All  this  may  be  done  before 
even  it  sees  a  sheep,  and  indeed  many  whelps  have  been  thor- 
oughly trained  before  they  have  been  called  upon  to  work.  The 
more  general  practice,  however,  is  to  take  the  young  dog  alone, 
when  quite  strong  enough  to  keep  a  few  sheep  up  in  the  corner 
of  a  field,  and  teach  him  to  bring  them  after  you  short  distances, 
and  so  make  him  handy  at  working  to  the  right  or  left.  He  should 
never  be  allowed  to  run  between  his  trainer  and  the  sheep,  for  the 
great  object  ought  to  be  to  throw  the  dog  well  off  so  hat  he  may 
run  wide.  There  is  a  great  boldness  or  dash  in  a  coUe)  so  taught, 
and  he  does  not  harass  the  sheep  nearly  so  much  as  one  in  the 
habit  of  running  at  or  close  after  them.  You  may  teach  him  to 
obey  signs,  or  words,  or  a  whistle,  and  for  far  distances  on  the 
mountain  the  last  is  best.  A  dog  so  taught  will  gather  miles  of 
mountain,  bringing  all  the  sheep  to  the  shepherd's  feet,  and  then 
by  an  alteration  in  the  note  will  take  them  right  back  again.  It 
should  always  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  sagacity,  or  sense  if  you 
will,  of  the  colley  develops  with  his  years  ;  and  therefore,  if 
you  are  quiet  and  patient,  and  have  plenty  of  work  for  him,  he 
will  teach  himself  rapidly  without  your  worrying  yourself  very 
much  about  him.  It  would  be  hard  indeed  for  an  intelligent  man 
who  has  been  working  steadily  upon  the  mountain  with  sheep 
dogs  for  a  whole  season,  and  witnessed  day  by  day  their  shrewd 
cleverness,  to  declare  that  they  do  not  reason. 

In  this  country  in  the  States  and  Territory  we  have  mentioned, 
the  colley  has  another  duty  to  perform.  He  is  not  only  guide  and 
herdsman,  but  protector  as  well ;  for  the  sneaking  coyote  is  to  be 
kept  away,  and  if  need  be,  fought ;  and  sometimes  a  hungry  bear 
with  a  taste  for  mutton,  as  well. 

The  Fancier's  Gazette  gives  the  judging  points  of  the  colley 
as  follows : 

The  head  has  a  great  resemblance  to  a  wolf's — being  rather 
conical,  and  going  off  gradually  sharp  to  the  nose,  with  a  long  jaw 
— only  longer,  and  with  a  more  foxy  and  intelligent  look  and  wider 
and  longer  ears,  which  are  a  little  feathered  and  pendent ;  eyes 
have  a  sort  of  flashing  and  "  miss-nothing  "  look,  always  on  the 
alert ;  jaw  long  ;  nose  sharp  ;  neck  long,  and  well  furnisheu  with 


440  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPOKT. 

apron  and  ruffle  ;  shoulders  fine  and  deep  ;  chest  well  let  down ; 
legs  straight  and  full  of  muscle,  with  cat-like  feet.  A  good  broad 
back  and  thick  over  the  loins,  with  well-bent  hocks  ;  stifles  well 
developed ;  tail  feathered,  not  carried  over  the  back ;  coat  long 
and  straight,  wiry  to  the  touch,  with  a  pily  coat  underneath  the 
"  over-coat."  Color  various  ;  but  that  most  in  vogue,  black-and- 
tan,  the  tan  to  be  pale,  not  rich.  This  is  the  present  fashionable 
show-dog. 

POINTS  IN  JUDGING. 

Head _, 

Neck !.*.!!.' .".".!    f 

Shoulder '.'.'.','.  lo 

Chest !.!!*!!!!!!!!!!  lo 

Back .*...'.*.'...*.'.".'.'  lo 

Loins jQ 

Coat !!!!!!!!!!!!!;!!  15 

Legs 

Feet 

Stem I..".. 

— 100 


THE  CARE,  TRAINING  AND  MANAGE- 
MENT OF  DOGS. 

AS  the  taste  for  field  sports  increases,  we  hear  from  every 
quarter  the  inquiry  :  "  How  shall  I  obtain  a  good  dog  ?  " 
This  is  a  question  that  must  be  answered  largely  by  the  common 
sense  of  the  propounder.  While  believing  that  every  one  in  need 
of  an  animal  should  take  the  same  pains  to  inform  himself  as  to 
the  characteristics  and  points  of  the  race,  in  the  same  manner  as 
he  would  if  a  horse  were  desired,  we  are  aware  that  many  have 
not  the  time,  or  lack  the  inclination  for  such  study.  Such  we 
would  advise  to  put  themselves  in  communication  with  some  dealer 
of  known  character  and  reliability,  with  the  determination  to  abide 
by  the  result.  Some  men  never  are,  and  never  can  be  satisfied  ; 
for  the  reason  that  few  have  the  honesty  to  acknowledge  that  they 
do  not  know  how  to  break  or  handle  a  dog,  and  such  usually  ruin 
the  animals  that  they  purchase.  Hence  from  overweening  self- 
sufficiency  and  superficial  information  on  the  one  hand,  opposed  to 
practical  knowledge  on  the  other,  arise  most  of  the  difficulties 
between  the  purchaser  and  the  dealer.  We  are  convinced  that  if 
the  most  skilful  of  breakers  should  sell  twenty  of  the  best  dogs 
ever  whelped  to  the  same  number  of  purchasers,  allowing  them 
the  privilege  of  trying  them  and  then  returning  if  they  failed  to 
suit,  at  least  one-half  the  animals  would  be  thrown  back  upon  the 
breaker's  hands,  and  he  himself  slandered.  And  this  difficulty 
will  continue,  for  the  reason  that  almost  every  man  who  shoots 
well  believes  that  he  must  necessarily  be  fully  competent  to  under- 
take the  management  of  dogs.  To  be  able  to  shoot  well  is  to  be 
desired  ;  though  there  is  no  great  difficulty  in  acquiring  the  art ; 
there  are  plenty  of  men  with  but  a  mere  modicum  of  intellect  who 
are  proficients  ;  but  to  be  able  to  handle  a  dog  skilfully  is  a  very 
rate  and  much  to  be  desired  accomplishment — one  well  worthy  the 
close  attention  of  every  sportsman,  particularly  if  compelled  to 


448  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

purchase  clogs  broken  by  other  hands.  A  skilful  handler  has  no 
difficulty  in  purchasing  a  good  animal,  because  he  knows  what  to 
expect  from  a  strange  dog,  and  how  to  work  to  gain  his  confidence  ; 
on  the  other  hand,  there  are  many  purchasers  who  never  give  an 
animal  a  chance  to  show  his  education,  and  saddle  their  own 
ignorance  upon  the  dog  and  his  breaker. 

While  it  is  frequently  argued  that  each  one  should  break  his 
own  dog,  and  while  allowing  that  there  is  much  to  be  said  in  favor 
of  so  doing :  it  can  not  be  denied  that  the  number  of  those  who 
are  capable  of  the  complete  self-government  necessary  to  the  suc- 
cessful education  of  the  animal  is  extremely  limited.  As  proof 
of  this,  look  at  the  numbers  of  children,  and  the  training  they  re- 
ceive !  If  we  cannot  successfully  control  them,  how  much  less  can 
we  hope  to  succeed  with  an  animal  to  whom  speech  is  denied,  and 
in  which  the  power  of  understanding  is  but  limited. 

It  is  not  within  our  province  to  point  out  the  choice  of  breeds, 
distinctions  of  color,  etc. ;  these  being  matters  in  which  the  pur- 
chaser must  please  himself.  But  a  few  hints  of  a  general  char- 
acter may  not  be  amiss. 

CHOOSING  A  DOG. 

First  satisfy  yourself  as  to  the  antecedents  of  the  animal  in 
question.  Purchase  no  dog  whose  pedigree  is  entirely  unknown, 
at  the  same  time  avoiding  all  suspicious  taint  whether  of  form, 
character,  or  disease.  See  him  in  the  field  (if  broken,)  and  under 
the  gun  ;  note  well  his  mode  of  ranging,  and  that  he  does  not 
rake.  See  that  he  possesses  a  good  nose,  is  staunch  on  point  and 
charge,  heels  properly,  is  not  gun  shy,  is  a  tender-mouthed  re- 
triever, and  quick  to  respond  to  command.  Study  his  trainer's 
mode  of  delivering  his  commands,  and  if  he  be  a  foul-mouthed, 
loud  shouting  individual,  shun  both  him  and  his  dogs  ;  for  you 
may  be  assured  that  he  who  uses  expletives  in  abundance,  and 
bellows  at  his  dogs  at  the  top  of  his  voice,  is  not  possessed  of  the 
temperament  requisite  for  their  proper  training.  Even  if  they 
appear  well  broken,  it  is  not  seemly  to  purchase  animals,  in  the 
working  of  which  it  becomes  necessary  to  transform  yourself  into 
an  animated  fog-horn,  alarming  both  the  neighborhood  and  the 


CHOOSING  A    DOG.  449 

game.  Better  than  all  is  the  dog  who  works  by  the  silent  method, 
obeying  the  movements  of  the  hand. 

Not  only  see  the  dog  in  the  field,  and  note  the  breaker's 
method  of  working,  but  try  your  hand  under  his  supervision. 
Nothing  is  more  detrimental  than  to  attempt  to  work  a  dog  whose 
ways  you  do  not  know,  and  who  likewise  does  not  understand 
yours  ;  the  result  is  always  disastrous  ;  you  lose  yourself,  command 
of  the  animal,  and  the  animal  his  respect  for  you,  and  in  sheer 
self-defence  he  becomes  sulky  ;  the  crack  of  the  whip  with  an 
accompaniment  of  oaths  does  not  mend  the  matter,  but  probably 
irretrievably  ruins  the  animal. 

Having  satisfied  yourself  as  to  physical  attributes,  and  obtained 
your  dog,  do  not  at  once  turn  him  over  to  another  to  feed  and  care 
for,  but  let  this  duty  devolve  upon  yourself  alone.  When  a  dog 
changes  masters,  he  will  attach  himself  to  the  first  person  who 
treats  him  kindly  ;  consequently  it  is  important  that  you  be  the 
one  to  whom,  the  affections  of  the  animal  are  transferred.  Take 
full  charge  of  him  then,  and  feed  with  your  own  hand,  until  he  has 
learned  to  know  your  person,  your  voice,  and  to  look  with  pleasure 
for  your  coming.  As  soon  as  safe,  let  him  loose  from  the  chain, 
take  him  to  walk,  and  attempt  to  gain  his  confidence  by  gentle 
coercion  and  kindness,  showing  him  meantime  that  you  are  his 
master,  and  that  he  must  obey.  A  few  days'  attention,  with  the 
exercise  of  reasonable  skill  and  patience,  will  accomplish  all  this, 
when  he  may  be  taken  to  the  field. 

Let  it  be  remembered,  that  no  dog  can  be  so  perfectly  broken, 
that  when  he  goes  into  the  hands  of  a  stranger  he  will  at  once 
work  and  obey  him  with  the  same  readiness  that  he  exhibited  to- 
wards his  former  breaker  and  master.  Also  take  him  out  alone, 
as  no  dog  will  or  can  work  well  in  a  new  place  and  among  stran- 
gers ;  to  demand  such,  would  be  to  ask  more  of  the  animal  than 
could  be  expected  of  yourself.  Working  a  dog  alone  for  a  single 
day,  or  even  half  a  day,  will  have  the  effect  to  start  him  aright,  and 
save  trouble  and  vexation  afterwards.  You  may  have  to  use  the 
whip,  but  in  such  a  case  apply  it  judiciously,-  without  anger,  point- 
ing out  to  the  animal  his  fault.  By  no  means  lose  your  self-con- 
trol, for  the  result  will  inevitably  be  disastrous  both  to  the  animal 
and  yourself. 


450  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

As  before,  if  gentlemen  who  purchase  broken  dogs  to  shoot 
over  could  be  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  exercising  good 
judgment  in  their  management,  there  would  be  no  difficulty  in 
purchasing  good,  staunch,  well  broken  dogs.  In  consequence  of 
mismanagement,  many  breakers  will  not  sell  a  dog  to  any  one,  un- 
less they  know  to  a  certainty  that  the  purchasers  possess  skill, 
and  will  exercise  it.  One  trainer  utterly  refuses  to  break  dogs  for 
strangers  at  any  price,  for  fear  the  animals  will  pass  into  the 
hands  of  bunglers,  and  thus  be  condemned. 

THE  KENNEL. 

It  is  important  that  your  animal  be  provided  with  a  proper 
habitation.  It  is  true  a  dog  can  be  kept  in  a  barn  or  stable,  but 
those  who  keep  them  there  can  best  inform  you  whether  their 
dogs  are  capable  of  answering  the  purposes  designated.  The 
sense  of  smell  is  acute  in  the  dog,  and  as  every  odor  that  salutes 
the  nostrils  owes  its  flavor  to  the  mote-like  particles  held  in  sus- 
pension in  the  air  coming  in  contact  with  the  sensitive  membrane 
with  which  the  olfactories  are  lined,  we  cannot  but  suppose  that 
the  stench  of  the  effete  material,  decaying  vegetable  matter,  and 
ammoniacal  gases,  which  constantly  originate  in  and  around 
such  buildings,  are  more  or  less  detrimental  to  the  nose  of  the 
animal. 

"  The  merciful  man  is  merciful  to  his  beast."  Exercise  that 
mercy,  and  build  your  dog  a  house  in  the  open  air,  away  from  the 
barnyard,  and  so  far  distant  from  other  buildings  that  they  may 
not  interfere  with  either  the  sunlight,  or  circulation  of  pure  fresh 
air.  Give  him  a  large  yard  to  run  in,  and  plenty  of  grass  under 
foot ;  above  all  see  that  quitch  or  dog-grass  ( Triticum  rdpens),  is 
planted  therein,  for  it  will  not  only  be  eagerly  sought  and  eaten  by 
the  animal,  but  goes  far  towards  preserving  his  health.  If  more 
than  one  dog  is  kept,  a  building  of  two  rooms  may  be  erected, 
each  opening  into  separate  yards,  that  one  may  be  occupied  while 
the  other  is  cleaned,  or  for  convenience  of  separating  the  sexes. 
Doors  and  windows  are  essential  to  admit  of  free  entrance  ;  and  a 
free  circulation  of  air.  The  bench  on  which  they  lie  should  be 
fronted  that  the  dogs  may  not  crawl  underneath,  and  provided 
with  plenty  of  bedding  in  the  shape  of  straw,  shavings  or  beach 


THE  KENNEL.  45  ^ 

sand  ;  if  none  of  these  arc  available,  spruce  cuttings  may  be  sub- 
stituted with  advantage.  An  excellent  plan  is  to  have  the  bench 
movable  on  rollers,  that  it  may  be  trundled  about  freely,  and  even 
run  out  doors.  Let  the  bedding  be  shaken  up  and  aired  in  the 
sun  each  day,  and  at  least  once  a  week  replaced  by  fresh  material, 
the  benches  and  room  having  first  undergone  a  thorough  scrub- 
bing. The  yards  also  should  be  cleaned  and  raked  frequently, 
every  attention  being  paid  to  neatness  and  cleanliness,  as  dogs 
are  liable  to  many  diseases  to  which  poverty  and  nastiness  will 
very  much  contribute.  Turpentine  or  strong  whitewash  will  be 
found  to  aid  in  the  prevention,  or  eradication  of  vermin.  If  the 
floor  be  of  wood,  see  that  it  is  thoroughly  wiped  and  dried  after 
cleaning,  and  before  the  dogs  are  allowed  to  enter  the  house,  as 
damp  is  prejudicial  to  canine  health. 

House  your  dogs  every  night,  but  turn  them  out  on  going  to 
feed  them  in  the  morning.  At  such  times  a  little  attention  to  their 
coats  will  not  be  amiss,  such  as  combing  and  brushing  ;  when  the 
hide  is  very  greasy,  a  little  chalk  rubbed  in  before  brushing  is  ad- 
vantageous. Water  should  be  supplied  in  abundance,  that  the 
animals  may  drink  when  thirsty.  If  a  pure  stream  be  led  through 
the  yard,  all  the  better ;  but  if  this  be  impossible,  supply  them 
freely  with  queensware  drinking  pans,  which  must  be  kept  in  the 
shade,  and  emptied  and  replenished  twice  each  day,  being  thor- 
oughly washed  at  each  alternate  refilling.  If  a  piece  of  roll  brim- 
stone is  kept  in  the  water  pan,  it  will  aid  materially  in  keeping  the 
dogs  in  condition.  Iron  dishes,  even  when  porcelain  lined,  are  not 
to  be  used,  the  metal  itself  oxidizing,  and  its  porcelain  lining 
containing  lead  and  arsenic  in  dangerous  quantities. 

If  but  one  animal  is  possessed,  a  small  dog  house  will  suffice  ; 
but  let  the  roof  be  not  only  water  tight,  but  see  that  it  projects 
sufficiently  beyond  the  ends  and  sides  to  protect  them  from  the 
driving  rain.  The  top  may  be  made  movable  for  convenience  in 
shaking  up  the  bedding,  and  sunning  and  airing  the  interior.  The 
house  should  moreover  be  raised  sufficiently  to  avoid  the  damp- 
ness of  the  ground  underneath,  and  provided  with  a  door  hung 
from  above  in  such  a  manner  as  to  easily  swing  in  or  out.  Avoid 
the  general  fault  of  too  small  a  kennel,  many  of  them  not  allowing 
sufficient  room  for  the  occupant  to  turn  round  comfortably,  and 


452  DOGS   USEn   FOK   SPORT. 

see  that  no  projectinjj  and  uncHnched  nails  remain  which  may 
injure  the  eyes. 

The  Toronto  (Canada)  Hunt  Club  has  a  model  kennel  house, 
a  very  pretty  gothic  lodge  for  the  huntsmen  and  spacious  kennels 
for  the  pack.  A  house  for  cooking  the  canine  diet,  a  stable  for 
one  or  two  horses  and  a  large  rangy  shed  for  the  horses  of  mem- 
bers of  the  club,  the  whole  enclosed  with  a  close  eight-foot  fence. 

FEEDING. 

In  feeding,  an  anatomical  and  physiological  view  cannot  fail  to 
be  a  safe  index  to  the  system  to  be  pursued.  By  these  aids  we 
are  led  to  conclude  that  dogs  are  not  wholly  carnivorous,  but  are 
so  formed  as  to  derive  nutriment  from  either  vegetable  or  animal 
matter.  We  see  them  voluntarily  seeking  vegetable  substances  at 
certain  seasons,  which  they  devour  with  avidity  ;  probably  as  a 
necessary  corrective  of  the  tendency  to  putridity  which  a  diet  en- 
tirely confined  to  animal  food  begets. 

Carrion  is  to  be  avoided,  it  being  universally  admitted  that  it 
works  to  the  injury  of  the  animal's  sense  of  smell ;  at  all  events  it 
tends  to  give  an  unhealthy  and  disagreeable  odor  to  the  animal. 
Healthy  animal  food  when  properly  administered,  forms  the  most 
nutritious  of  diets,  and  is  better  adapted  for  sustaining  the  sport- 
ing powers  of  dogs  than  any  other.  Sprat's  biscuits  are  for  this 
reason  highly  recommended ;  but  we  would  suggest  they  be  fre- 
quently broken  up  and  made  into  broth  instead  of  feeding  them 
continuously  in  a  dry  state.  Barley  and  oat  meals,  the  dross  of 
wheat  flour,  or  any  mixture  of  these  same,  with  broth  or  skimmed 
milk,  is  very  proper  food,  varying  it  twice  or  thrice  a  week  with 
greaves,  from  which  the  tallow  has  been  pressed,  mixed  with  flour ; 
or  sheep's  feet  and  heads,  well  baked,  or  boiled,  form  a  very  good 
diet.  Good  scraps  from  the  table  undoubtedly  answer  as  well ; 
the  greatest  objecHon  to  their  use  being  the  natural  tendency  to 
dispose  of  all  such  at  once,  without  reference  to  quantity,  by  giving 
to  the  dog,  whereby  he  becomes  over-fed. 

Puppies  demand  more  food  in  proportion  than  adult  dogs  ;  and 
there  is  also  greater  danger  of  surfeiting  with  certain  foods.     Never , 
allow  your  dogs  to  loaf  around  the  kitchen  ;  in  spite  of  all  you  may 
say  or  do,  servants  cannot,  and  will  not,  resist  the  beseeching  and 


FEEDING  PUPPIES.  453 

wise  loving  looks  of  the  animals,  and  will  surreptitiously  supply 
them  with  food. 

Bones  are  not  to  be  withheld,  except  such  as  are  so  small  as 
to  be  swallowed  ;  they  contain  phosphate  of  lime  which  is  essen- 
tial to  the  proper  nourishment,  especially  of  young  dogs,  and  like- 
wise answer  all  the  sanitary  purposes  of  a  tooth  brush. 

Feed  your  dogs  but  on  e,  or  at  most  twice  each  day,  selecting 
the  same  hours  for  each  meal,  and  observe  punctuality  so  far  as 
lies  in  your  power.  Your  temper  is  not  sweetened  by  your  meals 
being  delayed  :  do  not  ask  more  of  your  dogs  than  of  yourself.  "In 
the  hunting  season,  feed  the  evening  before,  giving  nothing  the 
morning  you  take  them  out  except  it  be  a  little  milk.  In  the  mid- 
dle of  the  day  when  resting  for  your  own  refreshment,  remember 
him  who  has  worked  so  faithfully  for  you.  A  few  of  Sprat's  bis- 
cuit may  be  carried  for  the  purpose  in  your  pocket ;  though  if  at  a 
farm  house,  a  little  bread  and  milk  will  be  more  wholesome. 
When  the  day's  labor  is  over,  a  full  meal  of  the  biscuit  or  meal  and 
scraps  may  be  allowed. 

Avoid  Indian  meal,  very  salt  food  and  raw  meat,  as  tending  to 
vitiate  the  secretions  ;  not  but  that  a  little  raw  meat  may  be  good  ; 
but  it  is  to  be  avoided  as  a  steady  article  of  diet.  A  judicious 
mixture  of  green  vegetable  food,  boiled,  and  even  raw  potatoes 
(where  the  animal  will  eat  them)  will  be  found  advantageous  to 
the  well-keeping  of  dogs. 

FEEDING  PUPPIES. 

No  animal  can  be  expected  to  attain  its  full  size  and  form 
except  it  receive  a  full  supply  of  wholesome  food.  Only  those 
breeders  who  have  given  the  matter  close  attention  can  realize  how 
much  a  healthy  growing  puppy  will  consume,  consequently  very 
many  young  animals  are  injured  through  want  of  sufficient  and 
proper  nourishment. 

Some  bitches  will  supply  nourishment  for  nine  or  ten  puppies 
until  they  are  four  or  five  weeks  old.  Others  have  but  a  small  se- 
cretion of  milk,  and  can  sustain  no  more  than  four  or  five,  but  for 
a  short  time  ;  hence  it  is  necessary  to  watch  closely  to  know  what 
the  bitch  is  doing  for  her  progeny,  and  supply  any  deficiency  ac- 
cordingly.   Even  when  the  maternal  supply  is  ample  to  keep  the 


454  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

offspring  in  good  condition,  it  is  decidedly  better  to  commence  feed- 
ing the  litter  with  other  food  when  they  are  four  or  five  weeks  old, 
in  order  to  avoid  too  sudden  change  of  diet  when  they  are  taken 
from  the  mother,  A.bout  the  best  food  at  such  time,  is  good  sweet 
cow's  milk  with  the  addition  of  a  little  scalding  hot  water,  to  which 
may  be  added  after  a  few  days,  well-cooked  corn  or  oat  meal,  the 
latter  being  preferable.  When  seven  or  eight  weeks  of  age,  give 
them  beef  or  mutton  soup  with  mush  and  milk  ;  substituting  in  turn 
wholly  or  in  part,  scraps  from  the  table  as  this  age  is  doubled. 
Meat,  bones,  bread,  vegetables,  gravy,  etc.,  form  an  excellent  diet 
for  growing  puppies  of  this  age,  as  well  as  for  adult  animals,  when 
given  in  quantities  sufficient  to  keep  them  in  proper  condition.  One 
of  the  most  important  matters  in  the  rearing  of  young  animals  is, 
that  they  be  kept  in  proper  form,  consequently  they  should  ht  fre- 
quently fed,  and  receive  as  much  food  as  they  will  eat  cleanly.  If 
feeding  is  allowed  but  twice  a  day,  they  become  almost  famished, 
and  eat  so  ravenously  when  supplied  as  to  become  "potbellied," 
and  missha[)en,  and  frequently  out  of  health  ;  consequently  from 
the  time  they  are  weaned  until  they  are  two  or  three  months  old, 
they  should  be  supplied  with  food  at  least  five  times  per  day,  the 
two  extreme  meals  being  given  at  corresponding  early  and  late 
hours  of  the  day.  After  three  months  thrice  daily  will  be  found 
sufficient. 

In  regard  to  the  rearing  of  pups  solely  upon  animal  food,  we  may 
say,  that  so  far  as  personal  experimental  knowledge  reveals,  it  is  by 
no  means  the  proper  course  to  pursue.  Youngsters  tht^s  fed  '11,  if 
not  overtaken  by  disease,  grow  to  an  unreasonable  and  undes..  able 
size,  and  having  become  habituated  to  meat  only,  it  will  be  found 
difficult  to  induce  them  to  accept  of  sufficient  vegetable  food  to  keep 
them  in  anything  like  proper  condition  for  work.  Besides  they  are 
more  apt  to  maul  or  mouth  the  game  they  retrieve.  All  growing 
pups  and  adult  hunting  dogs  require  more  or  less  meat  with  their 
food,  but  in  the  case  of  the  former,  it  is  better  for  the  animals,  if  it 
be  in  the  form  of  broth  mixeu  with  their  mush. 

AGE. 

To  tell  the  age  of  a  dog  approximately,  examine  the  upp?r  front 
leeth.     Until  eighteen  months  old,  these  are  rounded  on  the  edge  ; 


DOCKING    TAIL.  455 

at  the  end  of  two  years  they  begin  to  square  off,  and  gradually  wear 
down  and  shorten,  until,  when  the  animal  has  entered  the  sixth 
year  they  are  nearly  even  with  the  gums.  The  lower  teeth  usually 
wear  out  earlier.  The  appearance  of  the  eye  is  also  an  indication 
of  age,  and  all  dark-colored  dogs  show  their  years  by  the  growth 
of  white  hairs  about  the  muzzle. 

MUZZLING  DOGS. 

The  muzzle  is  an  instrument  properly  belonging  to  the  Dark 
Ages,  and  should  be  classed  with  the  vise,  thumbscrew,  and  rack. 
It  is  as  likely  to  force  an  attack  of  rabies  in  the  wearer  as  to  answer 
any  sanitary  purpose,  and  incalculrtbly  injures  the  animal,  prevent- 
ing free  respiration,  and  denying  to  him  the  privilege  of  drinking 
at  that  season  of  the  year  when  water  is  most  sought  and  needed. 
For  four  years  the  writer  has  collected  statistics  of  the  cases  of 
rabies  reported  through  the  papers  and  medical  journals,  which 
show  that  at  least  three  out  of  every  five  cases  that  have  occurred 
during  that  time  occurred  in  the  months  of  December,  January 
and  February,  and  not  a  single  authenticated  case  has  occurred  in 
the  months  of  July  and  August.  Two  in  /.ugust,  first  designated 
as  hydrophobia,  but  later  proven  to  be  hysteria,  are  reported. 
September  shows  three  cases  of  doubtful  character,  one  of  which 
is  traceable  only  to  a  cut,  probably  developing  tetanus,  simulating 
hydrophobia ;  of  another  no  definite  information  could  be  obtained  ; 
and  the  third  had  been  bitten  fifteen  months  previously.  With  this 
result  before  us,  we  can  but  consider  the  muzzle  as  a  mechanical 
contrivance  desirable  for  vicious  dogs,  or  useful  only  to  prevent 
dogs  from  eating  or  destroying  articles  with  which  they  m'  be 
placed  in  contact,  and  to  be  used  at  no  other  time.  It  also  p»t  iS 
to  be  an  excellent  shuttle-cock  for  the  Solons  who  constitute  the 
law-givers  of  our  cities. 

DOCKING  TAIL. 

There  is  a  great  diversity  of  opinion  among  sportsmen  and 
breeders  in  regard  to  the  docking  of  dr^-^s'  tails.  Many  consider 
it  altogether  wrong  to  alter  the  caudal  appendage  in  anv  respect, 
and  in  England  such  :x<.  excluded  from  all  bench  shows.     Idstone 


456  DOGS  USED  FOR   SPORT. 

suggests  that  those  sportsmen  who  desire  short  tailed  animals, 
had  best  breed  them  from  short  tailed  sires,  and  stigmatizes  the  act 
of  docking  as  a  piece  of  cruelty.  Such  is  undoubtedly  true  in  part, 
but  there  is  nothing,  in  our  opinion,  that  detracts  so  much  from 
the  beauty  of  a  setter  or  pointer  as  a  very  long  crooked  tail.  If 
we  could  not  have  ^good  dog  without  such  a  deformity,  we  would, 
of  course,  endure  it.  But  there  is  a  remedy  for  it,  and  consequently 
we  resort  to  it  when  we  can,  and  by  docking  improve  the  appear- 
ance of  the  dog ;  neither  need  it  be  an  act  of  cruelty,  if  skilfully 
and  properly  performed.  How  often  do  we  meet  with  pointers 
who  have  the  skin  whipped  off  from  their  very  long  tails,  for  two 
or  three  inches  !  To  work  a  dog  thus  is  not  only  cruelty,  but  the 
animal,  being  in  constant  iviin,  does  not  work  nearly  so  well  as  he 
would  with  a  good  sound  tail  of  proper  dimensions.  Therefore, 
it  is  better  to  take  off  a  small  piece  of  the  mil  of  most  pointer 
pups,  unless  the  appendage  appears  of  the  proper  length.  If  this 
is  done  when  the  pup  is  but  three  or  four  weeks  old,  he  will  not 
show  a  docked  tail  when  he  arrives  at  adult  age.  Some  setters, 
too,  have  tails  entirely  out  of  keeping  in  length  ;  and  what  can  be 
more  currish  in  appearance  than  a  veiy  long  tail  turned  up  over 
the  stern,  or  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  turned  to  one  side  or  the 
other  }  Most  sportsmen  would  consider  the  animal  improved  if 
he  were  tailless. 

The  operation  is  simple,  consisting  merely  of  laying  the  tail  on 
a  block,  and  turning  back  the  hair  at  the  point  where  it  is  desired 
to  be  shortened,  and  with  a  chisel  cutting  it  off  between  the  joints. 
The  bleeding  usually  ceases  of  itself  in  due  time,  but  if  not,  the 
application  of  a  little  muriate  tincture  of  iron,  or  the  persulphate 
(Monsel's  salt),  will  control  it.  If  the  operation  be  skilfully  per- 
formed no  deformity  will  result,  the  hair  falling  over  the  end  and 
hiding  the  alteration.  As  may  be  surmised,  it  is  better  to  wait 
until  the  setter  is  full  grown  before  docking,  otherwise  you  are  as 
likely  to  detract  as  to  add  to  his  appearance.  Many  animals,  both 
setters  a|j^  pointers,  have  been  marred  by  unskilful  docking,  hence 
the  operation  should  never  be  attempted  except  by  those  who  are 
skilled  in  its  performance. 

A  good  rule  to  follow,  to  get  the  tail  in  proportion  to  the  length 
of  the  dog's  back,  is  to  stand  the  dog  square  upon  his  legs,  take 


BREAKING  DOGS.  457 

the  tail,  and  measure  down  to  the  hock,  and  remove  all  over  and 
above  what  will  reach  to  the  middle  of  the  joint  of  the  hock. 

SPAYING. 

The  question  is  frequently  propounded  :  "  Does  the  operation 
of  spaying  impair  the  usefulness  of  a  bitch  ?  " 

If  the  operation  is  performed  at  an  adult  age,  it  usually  ener- 
vates the  animal,  when  of  course  their  usefulness  is  impaired. 
But  if  the  animal  is  spayed  while  still  in  puppy-hood — the  sooner 
after  it  is  four  weeks  old  the  better — no  harm  results,  and  such  is 
a  very  desirable  animal  to  possess,  except  when  one  is  required 
for  stock  purposes. 

The  operation  is  performed  in  two  ways.  In  both  an  opening 
in  the  flank  is  made  ;  and  in  one  the  uterus  and  appendages  are 
removed  entire  ;  in  the  other  the  ovaries  alone  are  extirpated. 
This  should  never  be  undertaken  but  by  a  skilful  operator,  one 
well  acquainted  with  the  anatomy  of  the  animal.  It  is  at  best  an 
uncertain  operation  in  its  results,  so  far  as  the  life  of  the  animal  is 
concerned  ;  though  the  fatality  is  less  than  would  be  supposed  by 
any  one  acquainted  with  the  anatomical  situation  and  relation  of 
the  organs  removed. 

BREAKING  DOGS. 

All  that  is  really  necessary  in  the  breaking  of  dogs,  is  a  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  what  constitutes  a  good  dog  and  the  manner 
in  which  it  should  work  in  the  field,  added  to  such  judgment  as 
will  enable  a" man  to  determine  between  the  different  dispositions 
and  characters  he  has  to  encounter.  Few  can  be  handled  pre- 
cisely alike  ;  some  are  timid  and  need  encouragement,  others  are 
headstrong  and  demand  strict,  and  at  times,  ev^n  severe  treatment. 
An  absolute  command  of  temper  must  be  observed  by  the  in- 
structor during  his  teachings  so  that  not  an  unnecessary  blow  may 
be  given  ;  for  work  done  cheerfully  and  with  a  desire  to  serve  and 
benefit  the  master,  is  one  nundred  fold  better  than  service  per- 
formed grudgingly  or  only  throuq^h  compulsion. 

A  puppy  should  have  but  ot-e  teacher,  no  matter  how  close 
the  methods  of  two  trainers  may  agree  ;  he  must  learn  your  voice, 
your  manner,  your  very  look  ;  therefore,  if  you  determine  to  break 
20 


458  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

your  dog,  do  it  entirely  yourself;  do  not  break  down  in  the  midst 
of  your  labor  and  leave  it  to  be  finished  by  another ;  the  result  will 
never  be  favorable. 

From  the  beginning  attend  to  the  feeding  of  your  youngster 
yourself,  and  if  possible,  let  all  food  be  taken  from  your  hands. 
This  is  advised  that  the  puppy  may  the  sooner  attach  himself  to 
you  alone  and  look  upon  you  as  his  master,  for  no  dog,  either 
setter  or  pointer  should  ever  be  loaned,  or  hunted  by  others  than 
his  trainer  ;  therefore  the  breaking  of  all  field  dogs  is  better  done 
by  the  sportsman  himself,  provided  he  possesses  the  requisite 
patience,  and  can  devote  to  it  the  necessary  time. 

The  check  cord  will  be  found  of  far  greater  assistance  than  the 
whip,  the  most  unruly  and  headstrong  animals  being  readily 
brought  under  subjection  by  it,  while  at  the  same  time  it  can  be  so 
applied  as  not  to  intimidate.  Always  bear  in  mind  that  a  dog 
should  not  be  corrected,  except  it  is  certain  he  understands  the 
fault  for  which  he  is  rated.  Punishment  becomes  absolutely  ne- 
cessary at  times  with  some  dispositions,  and  that  too  of  the  most 
severe  character ;  but  you  must  be  satisfied  that  the  act  which  de- 
mands it  was  committed  with  full  consciousness  of  its  wrong. 
Where  you  see  a  dog  responding  to  command  in  a  cringing  and 
supplicating  manner,  you  may  know  that  his  master  possesses  an 
ungovernable  temper,  unfitting  him  for  training  or  managing  any 
animal  possessing  consciousness.  Such  a  dog  has  been  unmerci- 
fully flogged,  perhaps  kicked,  before  he  has  been  taught  and  made 
to  understand  his  line  of  duty,  and  fearful  of  a  repetition  of  the 
lash,  for  what  he  knows  not,  obeys  the  summons  crouching  and 
creeping,  an  object  of  sympathy  to  the  beholder,  while  his  master 
is  viewed  with  disgust. 

From  the  moment  you  come  into  possession  of  your  puppy, 
say  at  three  or  four  months  of  age,  lessons  of  obedience  may  be 
given  at  feeding  time,  before  you  undertake  the  more  difficult  part 
of  yard  or  in-door  breaking ;  in  fact,  whenever  you  may  choose  to 
offer  him  food,  by  placing  it  before  him  and  not  allowing  it  to  be 
touched  until  ordered,  slightly  tapping  him  when  greediness  or  a 
non-regard  of  your  command  is  observed,  persisting  until  you  feel 
he  understands  nothing  can  be  gained  by  disobedience. 

The  first  important  lesson  to  be  given  is  that  the  puppy  shall 


BREAKING  DOGS.  459 

charge  or  drop  at  command,  retaining  this  position  until  permitted 
to  rise  by  the  order  "  hold  up."  Very  few  dogs  in  this  country 
are  trained  to  absolutely  go  down  at  the  report  of  the  gun,  or  as 
it  is  called,  drop  to  shot ;  most  sportsmen  are  satisfied  if  their  dogs 
do  not  break  shot,  and  rush  for  the  game  the  moment  it  is  killed, 
and  charge  at  the  word,  remaining  until  commanded  to  fetch,  or 
keep  the  upright  position  until  the  gun  is  reloaded  and  they  are 
ordered  to  move  on  again. 

Notwithstanding  so  few  dogs  are  broken  to  drop  to  shot  with 
us,  it  should  be  done  in  every  instance,  as  it  undoubtedly  tends  to 
give  steadiness  in  every  active  point,  and  acts  as  a  check  on  any 
desire  the  animal  may  have  to  break  in  and  mouth  game  when 
fallen ;  for,  in  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  the  sportsman  may 
neglect  to  give  the  order  to  drop  or  charge  when  he  has  brought 
down  his  bird,  and  the  dog  being  left  to  act  as  he  chooses,  nat- 
urally moves  toward  it  also,  which,  if  too  often  repeated,  will  cer- 
tainly unsteady  him  ;  hence  the  necessity  of  teaching  to  drop  to 
shot,  which,  with  very  little  trouble,  may  be  accomplished  by  the 
following  method : 

Fasten  to  your  dog's  collar  a  strong  cord  thirty  or  forty  feet 
long,  and  take  him  into  a  yard  or  lot  where  no  one  will  be  pres- 
ent ;  secure  the  loose  end  to  a  short  stake  firmly  driven  in  the 
ground  ;  place  him  in  a  crouching  position  in  front  of  you  and  keep 
him  there,  meantime  exclaiming,  "down  !  "  or  "charge  !  "  The 
moment  you  remove  your  hand,  he  will,  of  course,  attempt  to  rise, 
but  foil  him  immediately  with  a  sharp  jerk  of  the  cord,  and  an 
imperative  "charge  I  "  until  he  obeys,  after  which  encourage  and 
caress,  allowing  him  to  rise,  using  the  v/ords  "  hold  up  !"  You 
may  now  make  use  of  the  cord  in  a  more  forcible  manner,  as  a 
reminder  that  your  command  must  be  obeyed.  Take  the  dog  to 
the  stake  and  make  him  charge  there,  not  allowing  him  to  move 
while  you  slowly  walk  from  him.  Go  a  few  steps  beyond  the  dis- 
tance to  which  the  rope  will  allow  him  to  come,  and  tell  him  to 
hokl  up.  He  will  naturally  run  towards  you,  when,  just  as  he 
reaches  the  end  of  his  tether  and  receives  the  jerk,  cry  "  charge." 
This  teaches  quick  and  prompt  obedience  to  the  order. 

It  is  time  now,  supposing  that  you  have  thoroughly  inculcated 
this  lesson,  to  have  the  dog  learn  that  the  holding  of  the  hand  aloft 


4^0  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

is  equivalent  to  the  verbal  order  to  drop,  and  from  the  start  it 
would  be  decidedly  better  to  alv/ays  uplift  the  hand  when  the 
command  is  given,  practicing  him  until  the  signal  only  is  required 
to  cause  him  to  charge  promptly. 

In  the  same  manner  can  dropping  to  shot  be  taught  by  firing 
off  a  pistol  and  instantly  jerking  the  cord  and  saying  "charge  ;  " 
but  it  is  best  to  commence  with  the  cap  only,  advancing  to  very 
small  loads,  and  gradually  increasing  to  full  charges.  The  dog 
must  fully  understand — to  be  perfectly  broken  in  this  particular — 
that  the  uplifted  hand  means  he  should  charge,  no  matter  how  far 
he  may  be  from  you  in  the  field  ;  and  likewise  that  the  report  of 
the  gun  has  a  similar  signification. 

In  these  lessons  patience  must  be  studied,  and  the  dog  forcibly 
impressed  with  the  necessity  of  obedience,  without  being  cruelly 
treated  ;  on  the  contrary,  praise  and  caress  him  when  he  does 
well,  but  then  only. 

BACKING. 

In  order  the  more  readily  to  teach  your  pupil  to  back  another's 
point  when  in  the  field  and  hunting,  he  should  understand  that 
"  Toho  "  is  the  command  to  stop  or  halt ;  this  is  taught  him  af- 
ter he  has  become  prompt  in  charging,  using  the  check  cord  as  in 
the  first  lessons.  Provide  yourself  with  some  morsels  of  food  ; 
take  the  dog  when  hungry  (having  fastened  the  cord  to  his  collar 
as  before),  into  an  apartment  or  yard  where  there  is  nothing  to 
distract  his  attention,  and  throw  a  portion  of  food  where  he  can 
see  it  fall.  He  will  naturally  run  for  it ;  as  he  does  so,  and  when 
on  the  point  of  seizing  it  pull  the  cord  sharply  and  cry  out  "  To- 
ho !  "  He  will  probably  drop  or  charge,  remembering  the  lesson 
you  first  taught  him.  This  is  what  is  desired,  so  long  as  he  stops. 
Continue  this  until  the  cord  is  no  longer  required,  and  he  will  halt 
at  the  verbal  command,  at  the  same  time  keeping  him  perfectly 
familiar  with  the  down  charge  by  signal,  and  dropping  to  shot  as 
well,  if  you  have  determined  to,  and  have  already  begun  to  teach  it. 

In  order  to  encourage  a  young  dog  to  quick  movement,  and  to 
cultivate  in  him  a  free  and  speedy  gait,  take  him  with  you  in  your 
walks  as  often  as  possible,  extending  your  rambles  to  the  suburbs 
where  there  are  open  fields  and  plenty  of  room.     For  a  time  keep 


BACKING.  461 

the  cord  attached  to  his  collar,  allowing  it  to  trail  after  him  as  he 
moves  about  ;  it  will  impede  him  but  little,  especially  it"  you  select 
a  strong  one,  about  the  diameter  of  an  ordinary  lead  pencil,  and 
point  the  end  with  thread  to  keep  it  from  fraying.  You  will  find 
it  will  greatly  add  to  the  control  you  may  have  to  exercise  over 
him,  and  have  the  effect  of  impressing  him  while  at  liberty,  that 
you  are  still  master.  During  these  walks,  accustom  the  animal  to 
the  sound  of  the  whistle,  summoning  him  from  time  to  time  that 
he  may  become  perfectly  familiar  with  it.  Practice  him,  while  you 
are  out,  in  the  same  lessons  you  began  at  home,  until  each  and 
every  one  is  obeyed  promptly  ;  when  at  the  down  charge  walk 
away  from  him,  each  time  extending  the  distance,  meantime,  in- 
sisting that  this  posture  be  retained  until  ordered  to  hold  up. 

No  doubt  he  will  notice,  and  perhaps  show  an  eagerness  to  hunt 
sparrows  and  other  small  birds  you  may  meet  in  your  walks,  and 
his  natural  instinct  will  probably  lead  him  to  point,  when  he 
scents  them.  This  need  not  be  checked,  but  rather  encouraged 
for  a  short  time,  as  it  will  give  a  greater  desire  for  the  chase, 
and  when  his  education  is  sufficiently  complete  to  work  him  on 
game,  and  it  is  once  shown,  he  will  readily  distinguish  between 
the  two,  and  choose  the  latter. 

These  walks  should  be  more  frequent  as  the  shooting  season 
approaches,  when  you  will  desire  to  enter  the  field,  to  confirm  and 
put  to  practical  use  the  lessons  taught. 

On  taking  the  field  with  the  beginner,  it  is  desirable  for  the  first 
day  or  two,  that  you  have  the  companionship  of  a  fellow  sports- 
man with  a  thoroughly  broken  and  experienced  animal.  Attach 
the  cord  as  before  to  the  collar  of  the  youngster,  allowing  it  to  trail 
after  him.  He  will  naturally  watch  the  movements  of  the  old  dog, 
and  when  the  game  is  scented  will  be  eager,  and  perhaps  head- 
strong. When  the  old  dog  draws  on  the  birds  and  points,  the 
youngster  may  of  his  own  accord  back  at  once  ;  if  he  does  not, 
endeavor  to  be  near  enough  to  have  command  of  the  cord,  and 
check  him  with  a  sharp  jerk  and  an  emphatic  "  to  ho  !  "  holding 
him  firmly.  Have  your  companion  flush  the  birds,  and  as  they 
rise  at  the  report  of  the  gun,  check  him  down  smartly,  saying 
charge!  and  see  that  he  obeys.  If  the  bird  is  killed,  and  the 
youngster  has  previously  been  taught  to  retrieve  in-doors,  com- 


462  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

niand  him  to  fetch,  after  z'nszsiinir  upon  his  keeping  the  down 
charge  for  a  sufficient  time  to  entail  steadiness.  He  may  not  be 
successful  in  fniding  the  bird  for  a  time,  when  you  may  assist  him, 
repeating  occasionally  the  word  "  fetch."  If  you  are  the  first  to 
discover  it,  call  him  and  have  hiin  lift  it  from  the  ground,  when, 
as  you  remove  it  from  his  mouth,  reward  him  with  notice  and  a 
caress.  By  repeating  this  method  a  few  times,  you  gradually  and 
surely  impress  upon  the  youngster  the  utility  of  that  which  was 
taught  him  before  entering  the  field. 

During  the  day,  you  will  no  doubt  have  many  opportunities  of 
confirming  the  puppy  in  the  backing  of  another  dog,  using  "  loho" 
always  as  the  command  to  stop,  punishing  with  the  cord  for  diso- 
bedience and  non-observance  of  the  order.  The  young  animal 
that  has  the  example  set  him  of  ranging,  is  wonderfully  improved 
in  speed  thereby,  but  it  must  be  remembered  that  puppies  are  fre- 
quently ruined  by  working  them  too  freely  with  old  dogs.  They 
soon  discover  that  the  oldster  understands  fully  how  to  find  the 
game,  and  instead  of  finding,  they  are  content  to  watch  and  back 
the  older.  Great  care  must  be  taken  that  your  animal  does  not 
fall  into  such  a  habit.  As  soon  as  a  young  dog  begins  to  watch 
the  older,  depending  upon  him  to  find  the  birds,  he  should  be  at 
once  withdrawn  and  worked  entirely  alone  until  habits  of  self- 
reliance  are  fully  imbued,  and  he  depends  upon  his  own  individual 
efforts  in  the  search  for  game  ;  when  this  object  has  been  fully 
attained,  he  may  again  be  worked  in  company  with  older  and  well 
broken  animals  in  order  to  confirm  him  in  the  habit  of  backing. 

At  different  t»m(  ;  while  ranging  in  the  field  move  in  the  direc- 
tion you  wish  your  puppy  to  take,  waving  your  hand  toward  it  also  ; 
then  suddenly  taking  an  opposite  course,  wave  that  way  also.  In 
this  manner  you  can  soon  teach  that  he  must  go  to  whichever  por- 
tion of  the  field  you  desire,  by  the  motion  of  the  hand. 

Quail  are  undoubtedly  the  best  birds  on  which  to  break  a  young 
dog,  and  you  cannot  be  too  particular,  the  first  season,  in  demand- 
ing absolute  obedience.  Allow  the  least  infraction  of  the  neces- 
sary rules,  and  he  will  always  be  on  the  look-out  for  an  opport^- 
jiity  to  exercise  his  own  will.  Never  allow  him  to  flush  for  you, 
even  once,  as  the  habit  will  grow  upon  him,  and  he  will  repeat  it 
with  every  opportunity  that  offers  when  out  from  under  your  eye. 


RETRIEVING.  463 


RETRIEVING. 

One  of  the  most  important  items  that  demand  the  considera- 
tion of  those  who  raise  and  break  dogs  to  shoot  over  is  that  they 
are  properly  taught  to  retrieve.  There  is  nothing  more  vexatious 
while  shooting  than  when,  having  made  a  good  clear  shot,  you  dis- 
cover your  bird  has  fallen  across  a  stream,  a  deep  muddy  ditch, 
or  in  some  dense  briery  covert  from  whence  if  your  dog  does  not 
retrieve  it,  you  are  obliged  to  turn  your  back  upon,  and  leave  it, 
and  this  must  frequently  happen  with  those  who  shoot  over  dogs 
not  broken  to  this  accomplishment.  Who  would  not  rather  miss 
a  half  dozen  shots  than  leave  a  dead  bird  ?  For  this  reason,  if 
none  other,  invariably  make  it  a  point  to  have  your  dogs  thor- 
oughly broken  in  the  art  of  retrieving. 

A  few  years  since,  the  idea  was  generally  entertained  at  home, 
as  it  is  now  abroad,  that  a  pointer  or  setter  broken  to  retrieve 
could  not  be  well  controlled,  and  that  through  the  holding  of 
birds  in  the  mouth,  immediate  injury  resulted,  by  blunting  their 
powers  of  scent.  This  doctrine  is  not  only  erroneous,  but  abso- 
lutely silly,  and  to-day,  many  of  the  best  sportsmen  of  Great 
Britain  and  Ireland  have  abandoned  the  views  which  have  been  so 
widely  disseminated  and  thoroughly  inculcated,  and  are  having 
their  young  dogs  broken  to  retrieve.  A  friend  in  Scotland  writes ; 
"  Having  tried  your  Yankee  plan,  I  am  delighted  with  it.  I  find 
the  setter  when  perfectly  broken,  is  as  good  a  retriever  as  any  in 
the  world.  He  is  by  far  the  most  useful  dog,  and  I  now  consider 
that  for  him  to  be  a  retriever  is  a  sine  qua  non.  What  we  have  so 
long  seen  to  admire  in  the  big  heavy  looking  dog  we  call  a  re- 
triever, I  do  not  know.  I  am  satisfied  that  any  pointer  and  setter, 
who  possesses  industry,  perseverance,  courage  and  activity,  is  par- 
ticularly suited  for  retrieving  purposes  ;  in  fact  if  he  is  good  for 
anything,  he  may  be  taught  to  retrieve  not  only  without  detriment 
to  any  of  his  good  qualities,  but  to  their  positive  advantage.  We 
have  not  tried  the  Irish  breed  yet,  but  are  having  a  puppy  broken. 
We  fear  for  him  because  he  is  too  impulsive.  He  is  Irish  all  over 
and  if  he  had  a  coat,  he  would  always  be  wanting  some  one  to 
tread  on  the  tail  of  it.     When  game  is  in  view  he  is  positively 


464  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

irrepressible,  and  is  inclined  too  to  hunt  by  the  eye  rather  than 
the  nose." 

There  are  two  modes  of  breaking  a  dog  to  retrieve,  one  of 
■which  is  to  take  a  puppy  of  five  or  six  months  of  age  in  a  room  or 
yard  where  escape  is  impossible,  and  by  rolling  a  ball  or  some  such 
object  from  him,  he  will  soon  become  fond  oi  running  after  it,  and 
will  pounce  upon  it,  bringing  it  back  when  called.  After  he  does 
this  well  the  wing  of  a  bird  should  be  attached  to  the  ball,  when 
after  a  few  lessons,  he  will  as  readily  bring  a  bird  when  thrown  for 
him.  Almost  any  one  with  a  little  skill  and  patience  can  in  this  way 
inculcate  in  his  puppy  a  fondness  for  retrieving.  This  is  known  as 
"  teaching  a  dog  to  retrieve  in  play"  but  by  many  is  not  considered 
the  best  method,  for  the  reason  that  if  the  animal  thus  broken 
should  mouth  a  bird,  and  not  fetch  properly,  and  be  punished  for 
the  fault,  the  chances  are,  that  he  would  thenceforth  cease  to  re- 
trieve altogether.  The  other  method  is  to  break  the  animal  under 
compulsion,  which  is  to  first  let  him  know  what  is  required  in  the 
matter,  and  then  to  make  him  do  it.  It  is  better  perhaps,  before  a 
dog  is  thus  broken  to  retrieve,  that  he  be  partially  or  fully  field 
broken,  and  that  he  be  not  less  than  eight  or  ten  months  old  when 
taken  in  hand.  The  very  first  thing,  if  he  has  a  propensity  to  rush 
in,  pounce  upon,  and  bring  in  things  voluntarily,  is  to  break  up  all 
such  nonsense  at  once,  giving  him  to  understand  that  there  is  to 
be  no  play  in  the  matter,  but  business  from  the  very  start ;  and  be- 
fore giving  him  the  first  lesson  a  good  strong  check-cord  and  force 
collar  should  be  provided,  for  the  lesson  will  be  a  disagreeable  one, 
and  much  care  must  be  exercised  that  the  dog  does  not  escape 
from  it :  should  he  escape  once,  irretrievable  harm  is  done,  as  he 
will  ever  after  be  on  the  lookout  for  an  opportunity  to  avoid  instead 
of  heeding,  your  instruction. 

In  breaking  a  dog  to  retrieve,  nothing  answers  the  purpose 
better  than  a  corn  cob,  or  a  newspaper  compactly  wrapped  with 
twine,  and  he  is  first  to  be  taught  to  sit  down,  hold  up  the  head, 
and  take  the  object  from  the  hand.  In  order  to  do  this,  his  mouth 
must  be  opened  and  the  cob  inserted  as  the  bit  is  placed  in  the 
mouth  of  a  horse,  at  the  same  time  commanding  him  to  "  take  t'/." 
If  he  is  stubborn  and  refuses,  twitch  him  with  ihe  check-cord,  or 
rub  his  gums  with  it  until  he  is  forced  to  open  his  mouth,  and  takes 


HE  TRIE  VING.  4^5 

it,  .md  will  hold  until  he  is  ordered  to  "ktgo."  When  this  lesson 
is  fairly  learned,  compel  him  to  walk  around  the  room  with  it  in  his 
mouth.  The  chances  are  that  he  will  drop  it  with  the  first  move, 
and  if  so,  box  his  ears,  replace  the  cob,  and  force  him  to  walk 
round  with  it  until  he  is  ordered  to  "  let  go."  There  is  very  little 
trouble  in  teaching  any  dog  to  do  this,  the  greatest  difficulty  being 
to  make  him  pick  up  from  the  floor,  which  should  not  be  attempted 
until  he  is  thoroughly  confirmed  in  the  above.  Then  the  cob  must 
be  held  a  few  inches  below  his  mouth,  and  he  be  made  to  take  it, 
which  being  done,  it  may  be  held  a  few  inches  lower,  gradually 
dropping  it  nearer  and  nearer  the  ground  until  the  object  is  taken 
from  the  hand  while  resting  upon  the  ground  ;  when  by  the  exer- 
cise of  a  little  force  he  will  pick  it  up  when  ordered.  After  he  has 
been  thoroughly  educated,  the  object  may  be  thrown  to  increasing 
distances,  and  the  animal  will  thus  be  taught  to  "go  fetch  "  "  come 
in,"  -'sit  do7vn,"  and  "hold  it,"  until  he  is  ordered  to  "  let  go." 
When  proficient  in  all  this,  then,  and  then  only  may  he  be  taken  to 
the  field,  where  having  been  brought  to  a  "  down  charge,"  his  eyes 
are  covered  with  the  hand,  and  the  cob  is  thrown  that  he  will  be 
compelled  to  find  it  with  his  nose,  when  he  is  ordered  to  "fetch  it" 
It  frequently  happens  after  a  dog  has  been  perfectly  broken  to  re- 
trieve a  cob,  ball,  package,  etc.,  that  he  will  not  at  first  touch  a 
bird ;  but  by  placing  it  in  his  mouth,  and  compelling  him  to  carry 
it  a  short  distance,  he  will  readily  be  confirmed  in  the  habit. 

Much  care  should  be  taken  not  to  confuse  the  dog  by  attempt- 
ing to  teach  too  much  at  one  time ;  and  also  that  his  disposition 
be  steadied,  and  that  no  more  punishment  is  given  than  is  abso- 
lutely necessary.  A  skilful  breaker  will  teach  almost  any  dog,  of 
whatever  age,  to  retrieve  properly,  and  that  too,  in  a  short  space 
of  time,  finding  it  necessary  to  occupy  but  ten  or  fifteen  days  in 
perfecting  their  instruction.  But  there  is  a  "  knack "  in  thus 
training,  which  very  few  people  possess,  and  fewer  still  ever  attain. 
In  a  recent  publication  on  this  subject,  the  aphorism  is  laid  down, 
"  That  any  man  may  attempt  to  break  a  dog  with  certainty  of  suc- 
cess, provided,"  (ah!  there's  the  rub!)  "provided  he  will  ever 
keep  in  mind  the  watchwords  of  this  science  :  observation,  patience 
ixn^l  perseverance ."  To  this  we  would  add,  complete  self  control, 
without  which  all  else  is  useless. 
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4^6  DOGS   USED  FOR  SPORT. 


FLUSHING. 

No  dog  will  break  shot  after  having  been  thoroughly  broken, 
ixnd  ever  after  skilfully  handled.  The  trouble  is  usually  traceable 
ll  to  hi3  master,  who  by  rushing  for  the  bird  the  instant  it  falls,  sets 
r  an  example  which  the  dog  very  naturally  follows.  When  you 
have  "pii'cked  the  beam,"  the  "  mote  "  may  be  eradicated  in  the 
following  manner :  Hunt  your  dog  with  a  short  check  cord,  and  if 
more  than  usually  headstrong,  a  force  collar.  When  he  comes  to 
a  point,  let  your  companion  do  the  shooting,  while  you  hold  the 
cord,  and  the  instant  he  starts,  bring  him  up  with  a  sharp  jerk, 
forcing  him  to  down  charge  until  the  gun  is  reloaded,  and  until  he 
is  ordered  to  seek  dead.  Repeat  the  treatment.  If  this  proves 
insufficient,  the  whip  must  be  resorted  to  ;  after  which,  these  fail- 
ing, nothing  remains  but  to  dispose  of  the  animal. 

For  those  who  may  not  understand  what  is  meant  by  the  word 
/  "  force  collar,"  we  add  that  it  consists  merely  of  a  strap  of  leather 
on  which  is  inserted  a  number  of  carpet  tacks,  sewed  with  the 
heads  downward  to  the  inner  side  of  a  common  collar,  thus  pre- 
venting the  heads  from  dropping  out,  while  the  points  are  directly 
applied  to  the  neck.  Such  should  be  loose  enough  not  to  irritate 
except  when  the  cord  is  used. 

RAKING. 

• 

All  young  dogs  are  apt  to  rake ;  that  is,  to  hunt  with  their 
noses  close  to  the  ground,  following  their  birds  by  the  track  rather 
than  by  the  wind.  Birds  lie  much  better  to  dogs  that  wind  them, 
than  those  that  follow  by  track.  The  animal  that  winds  the  scent 
approaches  the  birds  by  degrees  and  without  disturbing  them ; 
but  they  are  at  once  alarmed  when  they  see  a  dog  tracing  their 
footsteps.  When  you  perceive  that  your  dog  is  committing  this 
fault,  call  to  him  in  an  angry  tone  to  "  hold  up ; "  he  will  then 
grow  uneasy  and  agitated,  going  first  to  the  one  side  and  then  to 
the  other,  until  the  wind  brings  him  the  scent  of  the  birds.  After 
finding  the  game  four  or  five  times  in  this  way,  he  will  take  the 
wind  of  himself,  and  hunt  with  his  nose  high.  If  it  be  difficult  to 
correct  this  fault,  it  will  be  necessary  to  put  \\\%  puzzle,  peg  upon 
him.    This  is  of  very  simple  construction,  consisting  only  of  a 


APPARENT    WANT  OF  NOSE.  467 

piece  of  inch  board,  one  foot  in  length,  and  an  inch  and  a  half  in 
breadth,  tapering  a  little  to  one  end  ;  at  the  broader  end  are  two 
holes  running  longitudinally,  through  which  the  collar  of  the  dog 
is  put,  and  the  whole  is  buckled  round  his  neck  ;  the  piece  of 
wood  projecting  beyond  his  nose  is  then  fastened  with  a  leather 
strap  or  thong  to  his  under  jaw,  passing  between  the  canine  teeth 
and  the  molars.  By  this  means  the  peg  advancing  five  or  six 
inches  beyond  his  muzzle,  the  dog  is  prevented  from  putting  his 
nose  to  the  ground. 

APPARENT  WANT  OF  NOSE. 

J  Although  it  sometimes  happens  that  young  dog^  lack  those 

olfactory  powers  for  which  they  are  so  valuable  to  the  sportsman, 
they  should  not  be  condemned  without  a-  fair  trial.  It  often  hap- 
pens that  this  defect  is  remedied  as  the  animal  advances  toward 
adult  age.  With  dogs  that  have  but  just  recovered  from  distem- 
per, this  defect  is  frequently  noticeable,  but  is  seldom  if  ever  per- 
manent. During  a  long  drought,  when  the  herbage  is  in  a  very 
dry  state,  it  happens  that  the  keenest  nosed  animals  are  frequently 
unable  to  find  game.  In  such  case  let  a  second  trial  be  given 
when  the  state  of  the  weather  and  moisture  of  the  fields  will  be 
more  advantageous  to  the  animal.  We  are  confident  such  will 
prove  satisfactory'. 

A  beautiful  setter  pup  presented  to  the  writer  a  few  years 
since,  seemed  to  be  absolutely  without  the  faculty  of  scenting 
game.  Being  shut  in  the  office  one  night,  in  his  "high  jinks,"  he 
overturned  a  jar  of  leeches,  and  probably  nosed  them,  as  in  the 
morning  he  was  found  bleeding  profusely  from  the  nostrils,  and 
had  evidently  been  suffering  from  hemorrhage  the  greater  part  of 
the  night,  as  he  was  badly  ensanguined.  An  examination  into 
the  state  of  affairs  showed  the  leech  jar  broken,  whereupon  it  was 
conjectured  that  some  of  the  reptiles  had  found  lodgment  in  the 
nose  or  throat.  The  result  confirmed  the  diagnosis,  two  being 
found  attached  to  the  posterior  fauces,  and  three  were  washed  out 
of  the  nostrils,  four  remaining  to  be  accounted  for,  after  those  on 
the  floor  were  picked  up.  They  were  probably  swallowed.  The 
animal  recovered,  and  with  the  recovery  his  infirmity  disappeared. 
Such  active  treatment  is  not  however  recommended. 


468  DOGS  USED  FOR  SPORT. 

GUN-SHYNESS. 

It  is  sorely  discouraging  to  the  sportsman,  after  purchasing  a 
setter  or  pointer  puppy,  apparently  well  bred  and  of  good  points, 
and  successfully  bringing  him  through  the  many  ills  the  young 
dog  is  heir  to,  to  find  the  pupil  gun-shy,  when  that  portion  of  his 
education  where  the  gun  is  used,  is  reached.  No  definite  cause 
can  be  assigned  for  this  weakness,  and  we  are  fain  to  believe  it  to 
be  inherent,  or  due  to  heredity.  To  enter  upon  a  full  discussion 
of  this  subject  and  the  various  causes  assigned,  would  demand  a 
volume. 

Another  not  improbable  cause  is  breeding  from  either  broken 
down  or  worn  out  animals,  or  from  those  whose  extreme  youth 
renders  it  impossible  for  them  to  beget  perfect  offspring.  Too 
close  in  breeding  is  also  objectionable  for  the  same  reasons.  Many 
fine  bred  puppies  are,  however,  too  high  strung,  having  an  ex- 
tremely sensitive  nerve  organization,  and  to  the  carelessness  with 
which  such  are  handled  may  be  largely  attributed  their  gun-shy- 
ness. This  is  especially  the  case  with  setters,  who  are  much  more 
liable  to  cerebral  or  brain  affections  than  is  generally  supposed. 
If  the  causes  of  these  attacks  were  known,  we  could  th-;  better  sug- 
gest a  cure.  A  friend,  an  army  surgeon  and  a  thorough  patholo- 
gist, desiring  further  light  upon  this  subject,  obtained  a  notoriously 
gun-shy  animal  for  anatomical  purposes.  He  was  unable  to  prose- 
cute his  researches  as  thoroughly  as  desired,  but  discovered  suffi- 
cient disorganization  of  nerve  material  to  lead  him  to  believe  gun- 
shyness  to  be  but  a  symptom  of  disease.  If  the  animal  is  gun-shy 
merely  as  the  result  of  alarm  or  some  transient  impression,  it  may 
be  corrected  with  care,  and  the  exercise  of  patience.  The  treat- 
ment must  accord  with  the  peculiar  temperament  of  the  animal, 
and  will  depend  largely  upon  the  astuteness  of  the  owner.  Mod- 
erately gun-shy  animals  have  been  cured  by  discharging  fire-arms 
slightly  loaded,  or  but  capped  to  begin  with,  in  their  presence,  be- 
fore feeding,  causing  the  dogs  to  associate  the  report  with  the 
pleasure  of  satisfying  their  hunger.  This  may  be  used  to  advan- 
tage, ofttimes,  even  with  old  dogs,  by  bringing  them  to  the  verge  of 
starvation.  But  as  before  remarked,  this  is  a  problem  the  solution 
of  which,  each  must  work  out  to  his  own  satisfaction.    As  **  an 


THE    WHIP;  ITS   USE  AND  ABUSE.  469 

ounce  of  prevention  is  worth  a  pound  of  cure,"  so  too  you  will  find 
that  the  earlier  you  indoctrinate  your  puppies  with  a  love  for  the 
gun  in  some  such  method  as  stated,  the  less  frequently  will 
you  have  to  complain  of  gun-shy  animals  in  your  kennel.  At 
all  events,  if  you  are  so  unfortunate  as  to  have  such  an  animal, 
do  not  give  it  up  as  incurable  without  an  earnest  attempt  at  eradi- 
cating the  habit.  Moreover,  we  pay  some  respect  to  the  theory 
that  dogs  become  gun-shy  after  a  certain  age,  those  periods  vary- 
ing with  the  different  species  of  dogs.  Just  as  with  old  people,  so 
do  the  nerves  of  old  dogs  become  weak  and  sensitive.  Setters 
and  pointers  become  g^n-shy  after  reaching  their  fourth  to  sixth 
'•ear. 

WIDE   RANGING. 

To  use  a  Hibemianism  the  cure  is  best  accomplished  by  its 
prevention.  Break  your  puppy  to  obey  the  whistle,  and  turn  at  the 
first  sound  of  it.  Some  young  dogs  are  so  fleet  and  rash  as  to  re- 
quire a  stout  check  cord/sufficiently  heavy  to  moderate  their  speed 
and  tire  them  down.  Few  dogs  are,  however,  too  fast  if  they  have 
good  noses  and  are  staunch  on  game.  Many  persons  judge  of  the 
speed  of  their  dogs  before  they  have  time  to  run  off  the  wire  edge  ; 
but  take  the  field  with  these  runaway  fellows  and  it  will  be  found 
that  not  one  of  ten  will  keep  up  the  gait  for  more  than  three  or 
four  hours. 

In  general,  wide  ranging  may  be  overcome  entirely  without 
punishment  or  speaking  a  word  to  the  animal.  The  dog  which  is 
continually  disappearing  from  sight  and  hearing,  will  continue  to 
do  so  as  long  as  you  indulge  yourself  in  shouting  after  him.  Cease 
this,  and  he  will  soon  tire  of  your  lack  of  attention,  particularly  if 
you  make  it  in  your  way  to  lose  him  once  or  twice,  and  will  there- 
after work  as  well  as  could  be  wished. 

THE  WHIP;  ITS  USE  AND  ABUSE. 

It  is  a  great  mistake  to  suppose  that  the  whip  is  essential  to 
the  government  and  regulation  of  a  kennel.  To  castigate  a  puppy 
ten  minutes  after  he  has  committed  a  gross  error,  would  be  ab- 
surd, as  his  latent  natural  instinct  is  almost  lost  for  the  time  being ; 
but  if  he  is  punished  the  instant  the  fault  is  committed,  he  at  once 


470  DOGS   USED  FOR  SPORT. 

recognizes  the  cause  of  his  chastisement.  On  no  account  whip 
him  more  than  once  a  day,  for  if  you  continue  to  lash  him  for  every 
mistake  committed,  his  dumb  instinct  becomes  mixed,  and  the 
animal  remains  the  same  as  when  you  began  his  schooling,  except 
that  you  have  cowed  and  injured,  him.  Accustom  the  puppy  to 
the  sound  of  your  voice  ;  he  will  soon  learn  to  distinguish  the  pe- 
culiar tones,  and  understand  their  meaning ;  by  this  means  you 
arouse  the  dormant  insiinct  of  the  animal. 

Every  animal  which  possesses  an  average  quantity  of  good  sense 
and  temper,  is  so  eager  for  his  master's  approbation  that  he  will 
exert  himself  to  the  utmost  to  obtain  it ;  and  if  this  fact  were  con- 
stantly kept  in  mind  there  would  seldom  arise  a  demand  for  cor- 
poral punishment.  We  have  no  hesitancy  in  saying  that  at  least 
five  out  of  every  six  dogs  may  be  completely  broken  without  a 
blow  of  the  whip,  quiet,  patient  reasoning  being  all  that  is  requi- 
site to  secure  obedience  and  attention.  We  know  this  is  quite  con- 
trary to  the  opinion  of  most  breakers,  who  depend  mainly  upon  the 
whip  and  loud  rating ;  which,  however,  are  generally  but  escape 
valves  to  the  temper,  which  blows  off  at  high  pressure  in  full  force 
upon  the  poor  animals.  The  oath  and  the  whip  are  inseparable ; 
he  who  uses  one  demands  the  other  to  give  the  first  pungency. 
We  object  to  the  whip  for  this  very  reason  ;  it  is  too  handy,  and 
in  a  moment  of  passion  the  puppy  is  so  severely  lashed  that  in- 
stead of  understanding  that  he  has  done  wrong,  and  writhing  with 
pain,  and  frightened  at  the  violent  manner  of  his  master,  he  seeks 
only  to  escape,  and  once  successful  in  so  doing  he  is  ever  after 
a  confirmed  runaway.  Moreover  it  effects  nothing  that  the  check 
cord  will  not  do  t;s  well,  even  better,  and  that  too  without  danger. 
Many  naturally  fine  dogs  have  been  utterly  ruined  by  a  single  in- 
judicious thrashing  ;  but  we  have  yet  to  note  the  first  instance  in 
which  the  cord  has  produced  ill  results  even  in  the  hands  of  a 
novice. 

After  a  dog  has  been  thoroughly  broken,  we  grant  you  the  whip 
may  be  used  to  advantage  in  certain  cases.  And  when  you  do 
punish,  flog  soundly  ;  but  only  when  you  catch  him  "  red  handed  " 
in  flagrante  delictu.  He  cannot  then  mistake  the  cause  ;  but  at 
the  same  time  watch  the  animal  critically,  never  allowing  castiga- 
tion  to  go  beyond  reasonable  punishment,  lest  you  awaken  an 


THE    WHIP;  ITS   USE  AND  ABUSE.  47I 

angry  obstinate  resistance  that  either  induces  sullenness  or  devel- 
ops sly  cunning  with  which  the  dog  attempts  to  circumvent  you 
the  moment  he  is  at  liberty.  Before  allowing  him  to  go,  talk  to 
him,  but  with  more  of  warning  than  reproof,  and  tinaliy  send  him 
off  with  a  gravely  spoken  caution  ;  when  it  becomes  evident  that 
an  attempt  is  being  made  to  atone  for  the  fault  with  good  work, 
encourage  him  with  pleasant  cheerful  words,  which  materially  as- 
sist in  a  natural  and  sympathetic  understanding. 

Never  enter  the  field  without  the  whip,  for  circumstances  may 
arise  where  its  use  is  absolutely  necessary  ;  yet  with  the  exercise 
of  proper  vigilance  its  use  may  be  avoided,  ofttimes  throughout 
the  entire  season.  By  this  we  mean  watching  the  animal  at  all 
times ;  never  removing  your  eye  from  him  when  it  can  be  avoided, 
that  you  may  know  the  moment  he  strikes  a  trail,  when,  if  he 
appear  in  the  slightest  degree  careless  or  excited,  you  may  check 
and  thus  prevent  the  commission  of  a  graver  fault  which  would 
demand  the  lash.  This  gives  the  most  perfect  control  since  the 
dog  learns  that  he  is  constantly  under  ycur  eye,  and  that  the 
slightest  fault  will  be  detected  ;  nor  is  such  supervision  difficult,  as 
by  practice  it  will  become  so  habitual  as  to  be  involuntary,  and 
besides  the  advantage  in  handling  the  dog,  it  keeps  you  constantly 
on  the  alert,  and  prevents  your  being  surprised  by  birds  rising  wild 
and  unexpectedly,  and  thus  escaping  unshot. 

You  will  be  amply  repaid  by  treating  your  dogs  as  reasoning 
and  reasonable  beings.  We  are  constantly  surprised  at  the  depth 
of  their  perception  and  their  appreciative  faculties.*    With  many 

•  Dr.  E.  D.  Rogers,  U.  S.  Army,  is  the  owner  of  a  brace  of  setters  which  pos- 
sess a  depth  of  understanding  and  degree  of  intelligence  rarely  witnessed.  Al- 
most any  command  given.in  an  ordinary  tone  of  voice  seems  to  be  comprehended, 
even  when  the  face  of  the  speaker  is  turned  from  them,  or  he  is  in  another  apart- 
ment. When  reading  or  writing  the  Doctor  will  sing  in  a  low  tone  of  voice,  and 
without  looking  up,  "  one  of  you  dogs  shut  that  door,"  when  both  rush  to 
perform  his  bidding ;  but  if  he  specifies  either  by  name,  the  other  does  not 
move. 

•*  Flora,  bring  me  my  gloves,"  era  "  glove,"  the  animal  distinguishing  between 
the  singular  and  the  plural ;  "  Jack,  find  my  gauntlets  ; "  "  bring  me  the  shears ; " 

•'  carry  in  that  stool ;  "  "  Take  this  note  to ; "  "  Jack  bring  Flora  here  "  and 

vice  vena  ;  these  are  a  few  of  the  commands  given  and  obeyed  by  these  dogs. 
Calling  up  either  he  introduces  by  saying  "  Jack,"  or  "  Flora,"  as  the  case  may  be, 

"  this  is  Mr. ,"  and  the  dogs  seem  ever  after  to  recognize  the  person  by 

name.    If  either  one  is  told  that  they  are  to  work  for  another  during  the  day,  he 


472  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

animals  an  appeal  to  them  by  exhibitions  of  feeling  is  far  more 
effectual  than  seventy ;  hence,  you  cannot  study  your  dogs  too 
closely ;  always  believe  them  to  be  endowed  with  a  fair  amount 
of  reason  and  allow  them  full  opportunity  to  exercise  it.  Never 
punish  a  dog  for  a  mere  blunder ;  he  is  no  more  infallible  than 
yourself ;  do  not  thevi,  demand  more  of  him  than  of  his  master. 
The  best  of  dogs  will  commit  mistakes  ;  but  he  will  recognize  his 
error  as  quickly  as  his  master,  when  a  simple  reproof  or  warning 
given  quietly  and  gravely,  as  you  would  speak  to  a  person,  will  be 
all  sufficient,  causing  him  to  go  off  with  an  air  of  mortification 
which  is  not  lost  until  the  fault  is  fully  atoned  for ;  now  give  him 
that  look  of  approval,  and  the  word  of  commendation  which  he  so 
manifestly  expects  and  desires  ;  for  the  dog  is  a  physiognomist  in 
his  way,  and  responds  to  the  expressions  of  his  master's  counte- 
nance, showing  thereby  a  mental  condition  working  more  effectu- 
ally in  your  interest  than  if  stimulated  by  the  application  of  the 
lash. 

BREEDING. 

The  following  principles  should  be  observed  for  the  proper 
breeding  and  rearing  of  the  canine  race  : 

1.  A  perfect  development,  and  sound  vigorous  health  constitu- 
tionally, especially  in  the  generative  organs,  are  conditions  of 
fertility. 

2.  In  the  maintenance  and  improvement  of  a  breed  the  truth 
that  "  sitnilia  similibus  generantur," — that  the  reproductive  germ 
will  stamp  upon  the  animal  developed  from  it  the  characters  of  the 
parent  organism,  is  the  backbone  of  success. 

3.  We  can,  in  a  great  degree,  at  will,  produce  variations  and 
improvements  in  breeds,  as  by  care,  a  mild  and  salubrious  climate, 
moderate  use,  education,  stimulation,  or  selection  of  desirable 
qualities  ;  by  disuse  or  rejection  of  undesirable  characters  and 
properties ;  by  soliciting  the  weight  of  imagination  in  our  favor, — 
as  Jacob  piously  swindled  his  too  confiding  father-in-law ;  by  allow- 
ing the  breeding  animals  to  mix  only  with  those  of  the  stamp  de- 

or  she,  as  the  case  may  be,  takes  position  at  the  heels  of  the  person  indicated  and 
works  properly  and  conscientiously  until  dismissed. 

Dr.  Rogers  uses  no  bluster,  no  whip,  no  signs.    He  addresses  his  dogs  aa  intel- 
ligent beings,  and  in  the  same  manner  as  he  would  a  servant. 


BREEDING.  ^Jl 

sired  ;  by  crossing  less  improved  breeds  systematically  with  males 
of  a  better  race ;  and  by  crossing  animals  faulty  or  deficient  in  some 
particular  point  with  others  in  which  this  pjoint  is  developed  in  excess. 

4.  The  kenneling  of  pregnant  high-class  animals  with  low  bred 
ones,  and  the  resulting  attachments  between  the  two  races,  are  to 
be  especially  avoided,  as  occasionally  affecting  the  progeny  injuri- 
ously ;  ♦  strong  impressions  from  a  new  or  unusual  condition  of 
surrounding  objects  are  to  be  equally  guarded  against. 

5.  If  a  valuable  bitch  be  allowed  to  breed  to  an  inferior  male, 
she  cannot  be  relied  upon  to  produce  pure  bred  animals,  for  several 
succeeding  pregnancies,  at  least.  Through  a  strong  and  retained 
impression ;  through  the  absorption  into  the  system  of  living  par- 
ticles (germinal  matter)  from  the  foetus  ;  or  through  some  influence 
during  pregnancy  on  the  ova,  then  being  most  actively  developed, 
the  good  or  bad  features  of  the  first  sire  are  perpetuated  in  the 
progeny  of  succeeding  ones. 

6.  All  breeds  have  a  tendency  to  "  throw  back,"  that  is,  to  pro- 
duce offspring  bearing  the  marks  of  their  less  improved  and  com- 
paratively valueless  ancestors ;  hence  individuals  of  this  kind  must 
be  rejected  from  the  best  breeds,  if  we  would  maintain  their  ex- 
cellence. 

7.  Certain  bloods  and  individuals  have  their  characters  more 
fixed,  and  will  transmit  and  perpetuate  them  in  greater  proportion 
than  others  with  which  they  may  be  crossed.  If  their  qualities  are 
desirable,  they  prove  highly  valuable  in  raising  other  stock  of 
greater  excellence ;  if  undesirable,  they  will  depreciate  the  value 
of  any  stock  crossed  for  many  generations.  That  fixedness  of  type, 
however,  is  above  all,  a  characteristic  of  those  bloods  which  have 
been  carefully  selected  and  bred  up  to  a  certain  standard  for  many 
generations,  so  that  in  the  best,  longest  established,  and  most  es- 
teemed breeds  we  have  a  most  valuable  legacy  left  us  by  the  suc- 
cessful breeders  of  the  past,  with  which  we  may  mould  our  inferior 
bloods  at  will. 

*  The  following  will  serve  as  an  example :  A  youngr  setter  bitch  belonging  to 
the  writer  conceived  a  violent  attachment  for  an  emasculated  bull  dog  with  which 
she  was  constantly  associated.  The  first  time  she  was  served  it  was  by  a  male  of 
her  own  species,  and  was  thereafter  carefully  secured,  all  possibility  of  an  illicit 
liaison  being  prevented.  At  birth  four  out  of  five  of  the  puppies  littered  were 
marked  like  the  bull,  even  partaking  in  many  respects  of  his  features. 


474  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

8.  While  breeding  continuously  from  the  nearest  relations  tends 
to  a  weakened  constitution,  the  aggravation  of  any  taint  in  the 
blood,  and  to  sterility,  these  may  be  avoided  by  infusing  at  inter- 
vals fresh  blood  of  the  same  family,  but  which  has  been  bred  apart 
from  this  branch  for  several  generations.  Moreover  the  highest 
excellence  is  sometimes  attainable  only  by  breeding  very  closely 
for  a  time. 

9.  Diseased  or  mutilated  animals  are  generally  to  be  discarded 
from  breeding.  Mutilations  resulting  from  disease,  disease  exist- 
ing during  pregnancy,  ind  disease  with  a  constitutional  morbid 
taint,  are  above  all,  to  be  dreaded  as  transmissible. 

10.  There  is  some  foundation  for  the  opinion  that  the  dog  tends 
to  contribute  more  to  the  locomotion  and  external  organs,  nerve 
and  vigor,  and  the  bitch  to  the  size  and  internal  organs,  so  that  if 
we  cannot  obtain  the  greatest  excellence  in  both,  we  should  at 
least  seek  to  have  each  unexceptionable  in  the  parts  and  qualities 
attributed  to  it. 

11.  Judicious  breeding  in-and-in,  improves  the  animal  in  the 
points  desired,  only  when  possessed  by  both  male  and  female ;  but 
the  mixing  of  two  utterly  distinct  races,  with  the  view  of  uniting 
the  valuable  properties  of  both,  is  to  be  condemned. 

12.  While  early  maturity  may  be  attained,  animals  that  grow 
rapidly  are  less  firm  in  tissue,  and  break  down  sooner  than  those 
of  slow  growth  ;  hence,  while  the  breeder  may  be  benefited  by 
pursuing  the  forcing  process,  the  purchasers,  especially  of  those 
animals  intended  for  active  field  work,  will  be  more  or  less  the 
sufferers.  The  terms  cultivation  and  improvement,  as  used  by 
breeders,  too  frequently  are  but  imposing  synonyms  for  the  arti- 
ficial induction  of  disease,  premature  development,  and  systematic 
degeneration. 

SHOULD  DOGS  BE  ALLOWED  TO  BREED  AT  PUBERTY  } 

The  process  of  reproduction  is  the  most  characteristic,  and  in 
many  respects  the  most  interesting  of  all  the  phenomena  presented 
by  organized  bodies.  It  includes  the  whole  history  of  the  changes 
taking  place  in  the  organs  and  functions  of  the  individual  at  suc- 
cessive periods   of  life,  as  well  as  the   production,  growth,  and 


DOGS  BREEDING  AT  PUBERTY.  475 

development  of  the  new  genus  which  make  their  appearance  by 
generation. 

Life  is  but  a  continuation  of  that  development  which  began 
with  the  impregnation  of  the  ov"  within  the  maternal  body  pass- 
ing through  progressive  stages,  until  a  certain  period  or  acme  is 
reached,  where  it  is  marked  by  a  corresponding  retrocession,  end- 
ing eventually  in  decay  and  death. 

During  the  early  life  of  the  young  dog,  the  skeleton  is  incom- 
plete, the  nervous  system  imperfect,  and  the  muscular  and  ali- 
mentary organization  lacking  in  many  of  the  attributes  necessary 
to  71  perfect  animal.  At  the  age  of  puberty,  these  have  to  a  great 
extent  assumed  the  outlines,  but  lack  the  necessary  development, 
which  is  assured  only  at  adult  age.  Ossification  is  never  complete 
in  the  canine  race  until  after  the  twentieth  month,  and  seldom 
before  the  twenty-fourth.  The  relative  development  according  to 
sex  is  tv/enty-four  months  in  the  female,  and  thirty-four  in  the  male. 

The  signs  of  puberty  in  the  bitch  are  not  an  indication  that  she 
is  prepared  to  undergo  the  pangs  of  maternity,  or  that  she  is  im- 
bued whh  the  necessary  qualities  for  the  successful  propagation 
of  her  species.  It  is  merely  proof  that  the  organs  of  reproduction 
have  entered  upon  the  preparatory  stage  which  is  to  result  in  per- 
fect development.  It  indicates  that  the  period  of  infancy  has 
expired  and  adolescence  supervened. 

Under  the  forcing  system  so  prevalent  with  the  mania  for  im- 
ported dogs,  the  constant  demand  for  blood  is  fulfilled  to  the 
sacrifice — in  a  great  extent — of  the  physical  attributes  so  essential 
to  perfect  animals.  Many  puppies  are  found  to  have  reached 
puberty  at  the  age  of  ten  or  twelve  months  when  the  period 
should  not  develop  itself,  at  the  very  earliest  calculation,  before  the 
sixty-fourth  week.  This  may  be  attributed  in  part  to  improper, 
perhaps,  to  put  it  fairly,  aver  care.  Confinement  in  illy  ven- 
tilated kennels,  hot  stifling  atmosphere,  constant  inhalation  of  the 
heated  and  noxious  vapors  of  the  stable,  association  with  young 
animals  who  have  already  reached  or  just  past  the  climactic  period, 
high  feeding  or  highly  seasoned  food,  and  nursing  the  parent  when 
again  in  heat,  as  sometimes  happens  ;  all  these  have  more  or  less 
influence  in  forcing  the  oestrum  upon  the  young  bitch  prematurely.* 

*  We  are  aware  that  the  argument  will  be  used,  that  dogs  in  /era  naturm 


47^  DOGS   USED  FOR  SPORT. 

Nutritive  changes  are  constantly  taking  place  in  the  young 
animal,  and  correspond  in  rapidity  with  the  activity  of  other  vital 
phenomena.  Up  to  the  age  of  two  years  then,  the  demand  is  fully 
equal,  even  in  excess  of  the  supply,  nothing  being  in  reserve,  as  the 
osseous,  muscular,  circulatory  and  other  systems  are  undergoing 
a  process  of  development,  and  are  withal  so  interwoven  with  each 
other,  that  nothing  may  be  taken  from  one  without  detracting  from 
the  whole,  and  consequently  rendering  that  which  is  now  incomplete 
still  more  imperfect,  taking  away  a  balance  which  cannot  be  re- 
stored. Hence,  to  breed  a  young  animal  while  undergoing  the 
process  of  development  is  not  only  to  withdraw  a  portion  of  the 
vital  force  necessary  to  its  existence,  but  induces  a  strain  which 
cannot  be  borne  without  detriment,  and  forces  into  action  organs 
which  are  as  yet  insufficiently  matured  for  the  proper  performance 
of  the  functions  for  which  they  are  intended.  Worst  of  all  is  the 
strain  upon  the  circulatory  and  nervous  systems  ;  the  mainspring 
and  compensation-balance,  so  to  speak,  of  existence. 

The  vital  forces  having  been  thus  injured,  weakened,  it  can 
but  be  expected  that  the  impress  will  be  stamped  upon  the  off- 
spring ;  and  this  is  more  particularly  the  case  in  physical  and 
mental  attributes.  The  father's  impress  being  psychological  rather 
than  real,  hence  the  age  of  the  paternal  parent  cannot  be  expected 
to  make  up  for  the  lack  of  development  possessed  by  the  mother. 
Then,  to  demand  perfect  offspring  we  must  needs  have  perfect 
parents,  and  this  we  do  not  have  when  the  parents  are  yet  adoles- 
cent. Lack  of  mental  attributes  in  parents  entails  a  correspond- 
ing lack  in  the  offspring,  and  hence  we  find  gun-shyness,  timidity 
and  idiocy.  Mating  adolescent  dogs  is  like  marrying  adolescent 
children. 

With  regard  to  the  use  of  the  male,  we  can  but  add  that  it  is 
likewise  detrimental  for  reasons  physiological.  It  would  afford  us 
pleasure  to  go  into  the  physiology  and  aetiology  of  the  subject,  but 

have  no  supervision  in  the  matter  of  the  exercise  of  their  sexual  appetites.  While 
this  is  true,  it  mus!*:  be  remembered  that  the  education  of  the  wild  animal,  and  its 
treatment  in  early  life,  has  stamped  it  as  an  entirely  different  animal  from  the 
more  delicate  and  carefully  nurtured  dogs  of  which  we  are  writing,  and  to  a  great 
extent,  an  artificial  production.  Most  wild  animals  mature  earlier  than  domestic 
ones,  but  reach  adolescence  later.  There  are  few  true  canidee  in  the  wild  state, 
that  breed  much  before  two  years  of  age. 


DOGS  BREEDING  AT  PUBERTY.  477 

it  is  beyond  the  limits  of  this  work.  To  breeders  we  would  say  ; 
if  you  desire  full  and  comprehensible  information  on  the  subject  of 
reproduction,  purchase  a  work  known  as  "  Acton  on  the  Repro- 
ductive Organs,"  published  by  Lindsay  and  Blackiston,  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

The  argument  that  gun-shy  and  otherwise  nervous  and  defec- 
tive animals  are  produced  by  adult  parents  does  not  militate  against 
our  statement.  It  must  be  remembered  likewise,  that  any  animal 
in  excess  of  six  years  of  age  is  unfit  for  breeding  purposes,  having 
passed  the  prime  of  life,  and  is  consequently  in  the  descending 
scale  where  there  is  no  provision  of  nature  for  other  acts  than  that 
of  nourishment ;  waste  now  even  exceeding  repair.  Bitches  are 
better  constituted  to  bear  young  at  six  years  of  age  than  males  are 
to  procreate.  Consequently  a  dog  is  truly  valuable  for  stock  pur- 
poses for  two  and  one-half  or  three  years  ;  or  more  correctly,  five 
seasons,  allowing  the  bitches  to  be  in  heat  twice  each  year.  The 
bitch  on  the  contrary  is  capable  of  giving  full  impress  of  the  parent 
for  four  years  or  more ;  approximately,  nine  heats.  The  reason 
of  this  difference  is  solely  due  to  the  reflex  action  upon  the  nervous 
syst'  ,n,  which  takes  place  in  the  male  in  consequence  of  sexual 
indulgence.  This  becomes  more  marked  in  stock  dogs,  which  line 
several  bitches  in  a  season.  But  the  female  does  not  meet  with 
the  same  proportionate  shock  through  sexual  congress,  hence  the 
disorganization  of  nerve  material  is  less  rapid  than  in  the  opposite 
sex. 

Like  all  good  rules  the  above  may  have  exceptions,  yet  the  fact 
remains  the  same.     Therefore  the  safe  rules  to  be  observed  are : 

First*  Use  no  bitches  for  breeding  purposes  except  between 
the  ages  of  two  and  six  and  one-half  years  if  the  fullest  and  best 
features  of  the  stock  are  to  be  transmitted. 

Second.  Use  no  dog  for  stock  purposes  who  is  under  the  age 
of  three  years,  or  over  five  and  one-half  with  expectation  that  the 
best  qualities — particularly  the  intellectual — of  the  animal  will  be 
reproduced  in  his  offspring. 

*  It  has  been  argued  that  young  mothers,  as  among  Jersey  cattle,  raise  the 
best  offspring.  Dogs  and  cattle  do  not  admit  of  like  comparison,  as  their  anatomi- 
cal, and  more  particularly  their  physiological  peculiarities  are  widely  different. 
However,  bitches  between  two  and  three  years  of  age  do  malce  the  best  mothers; 
but  not  younger. 


478  noGs  USED  for  sport. 

Third.  It  is  desirable  that  all  bitches,  to  be  successful  breeders 
and  parents,  be  impregnated  previous  to  reaching  the  age  of  three 
years.  The  reason  for  this  is,  that  the  '•^productive  organs  are  at 
their  best  during  that  season  ;  whereas,  at  or  during  the  third 
year,  certain  anatomical  and  physiological  changes  are  liable  to 
take  place,  owing  to  non-use  of  the  organs,  which  render  the  last 
stage  of  gestation,  parturition,  extremely  difficult. 

BREEDING  FOR  KIND. 

Periodically  some  French  enthusiast  announces  a  plan  for  re- 
ducing that  great  process  of  nature,  reproduction,  to  a  level  where 
it  maybe  goveu.ed  by  scientifically  applied  rules.  And,  as  fre- 
quently the  German  physiologist  steps  to  the  front,  and  with  pro- 
found and  thoroughly  inductive  logic,  backed  by  the  most  careful 
experimentation  and  thorough  physiological  researches,  proves  its 
falsity.  While  the  physiologists  of  both  countries  have  long  at- 
tempted the  solution  of  the  problem,  one  is  continually  jumping  at 
conclusions,  while  the  other  toils  patiently  for  the  goal,  conning 
carefully  as  he  goes  the  facts,  and  proving  each  new  deduction 
pro  and  con.  The  great  Virchow,  the  most  celebrated  as  well  as 
the  greatest  physiologist  and  pathologist  of  the  age,  has  decided 
that  the  production  of  the  sex  at  will  is  an  utter  impossibility,  ex- 
cept so  far  as  may  be  regulated  by  the  psychical  condition  of  the 
parents  at  the  time  of  the  sexual  act. 

PLURALITY  OF  SIRES. 

The  admission  of  a  bitch  when  in  heat  to  the  embraces  of  two 
different  males,  even  when  of  the  same  breed,  is  highly  reprehen- 
sible and  prejudicial  to  good  offspring,  and  more  likely  to  perpetu- 
ate the  bad  qualities  of  both,  than  the  good  of  either.  Even  when 
the  lining  of  the  bitch  by  each  takes  place  at  intervals  so  widely 
apart  as  to  induce  superfoetation,  the  result  is  liable  to  be  the 
same.  The  effect  is  much  the  same  as  when  two  dogs  are 
matched  for  their  widely  different  attributes,  as  when  a  bitch  who 
is  imperfect  in  her  hind-quarters  is  lined  by  a  dog  who  is  imperfecf 
in  the  slioulders ;  the  result  being  a  worthless  animal,  as  imper- 
fections are  much  more  easily  transmitted  than  perfections. 


/  V;. 


DISEASES  OF  DOGS—lVOh'MS.  ^79 

Where  imperfection  does  not  appear  either  mentally  or  other- 
wise as  the  result  of  a  plurality  of  sires,  it  must  be  looked  upon  as 
the  result  of  an  accident,  which  will  not  readily  bear  repetition. 

Is  more  than  one  copulation  necessary  to  successful  impregna- 
tion?— More  than  one  sexual  congress  is  not  necessary  to  impreg- 
nation, though  it  is  sometimes  advisable  for  the  following  reasons. 

Young  bitches,  when  desiring  the  male,  eject  a  viscous  fluid 
from  the  glands  of  the  vagina,  the  mouth  of  uterus,  and  the  neigh- 
boring parts.  In  some  respects  it  appears  to  be  the  analogue  of 
the  periodical  discharges  of  those  of  the  same  sex  among  animals 
that  assume  the  erect  posture.  These  discharges  are  always  proof 
that  the  female  has  arrrived  at  the  age  of  puberty  ;  that  her  ovary 
is  now  performing  its  office,  and  that  she  is  disposed  to  propagate 
her  kind.  Whatever  be  the  cause  of  this  orgasmus,  it  is  often  so 
strong  as  to  counteract  the  natural  effects  of  the  seminal  fluid,  and 
prevent  impregnation.  For  this  reason  vcidiny  young  and  lascivious 
bitches  do  not  conceive  immediately  upon  the  first  coition.  It  is 
sometimes  a  practice  to  beat  the  female,  plunge  her  in  water,  weary 
her  with  running,  and  to  use  other  means  after  copulation  to  pre- 
vent the  return  of  sexual  desire,  and  its  resultant  secretions. 

:    ;■  DISEASES  OF  DOGS.~WORMS.  -^ 

Of  the  number  of  ills  canine  flesh  is  heir  to,  intestinal  parasites 
is  one  of  the  most  common.  Of  these  there  are  three  varieties, 
viz.,  the  ascarus  mystax,  or  round  worm — the  analogue  of  a.  lum- 
bricoides  in  man,  oxyuris  vermicularis,  or  thread  worm,  and  three 
species  of  tcenia,  or  tape  worm.  Besides  these  a  fourth  variety 
known  as  tricocephalus  dispar,  is  said  to  be  sometimes  met  with. 
The  fasciola  hepatica  inhabits  the  liver.  These  last  two,  how- 
ever, we  have  nothing  to  do  with,  as  too  rare  to  merit  notice. 

The  first,  a.  mystax,  or  round  worm,  is  the  animal  most  com 
monly  met  with,  and  the  one  that  usually  demands  the  interfer 
cnce  of  medicine,  and  serves  to  amuse  the  man  who  delights  ii 
prescribing   for  his  animals,  and   upon  whose  backs   all   ills  are 
placed,  which  should  ofttimes  be  borne  by  the  master  of  the  ani- 
mal whose  interior  is  inhabited.     It  is  much  smaller  than  the  cor- 
responding parasite  in  the  human   race,  attaining  a  length  of  but 


480  DOGS   USED  FOR  SPORT. 

six  centimetres*  in  the  male  against  twelve  in  the  female,  and  is 
distinguished  by  two  wing-like  appendages,  which  extend  from 
the  head  on  each  side  for  a  distance  from  two  to  fourmillimetres.t 
The  eggs  develop  in  about  four  weeks,  and  have  great  power  to 
resist  external  influences  ;  their  development  not  being  arrested  in 
strong  spirits  of  wine,  chromic  acid,  or  turpentine. 

The  method  of  transmission  is  up  to  the  present  time,  (1877) 
unknown.  Leuckhart  found  young  round  worms  in  the  stomachs 
of  dogs  which  resembled  embryos,  both  in  size  and  shape.  Be- 
sides these,  he  found  in  the  stomach  and  small  intestine,  worms 
in  every  stage  between  this  and  the  full  matured  ascarns  mystax.\ 
He  failed,  however,  to  produce  such  forms  by  feeding  animals  on 
eggs  containing  embryos,  as  they  either  passed  through  the  ani- 
mals unchanged,  or  were  thoroughly  digested.  The  proper  habi- 
tation of  this  worm  is  the  small  intestine,  and  from  a  clinical 
standpoint  is  distinguished  by  its  great  activity,  it  frequently  mak- 
ing its  way  into  the  stomach.  One  may  often  see  dogs  get  rid  of 
whole  coils  of  them  by  vomiting.  '" 

Although  the  cause  of  these  parasites  is  unknown,  it  would 
seem  that  climate  and  habits  had  much  to  do  with  their  incep- 
tion. A  damp  climate,  or  damp  kennel,  with  corresponding  un- 
cleanHness,  and  unhealthy  diet,  seem  to  be  predisposing  causes. 

The  primary  symptoms  of  invermination  are  griping  pains — 
which  may  be  noted  by  the  inflection  of  the  voice  ;  the  presence  of 
worms  eliminated  with  or  without  faeces  ;  acrid  eructations ;  shiny 
Ctools  ;  and  inflammation  of  the  bowels. 

The  secondary  symptoms  are,  occasional  sickness  and  vomit- 
ing, variable  and  voracious  appetite,  wasting  away  of  the  body,  a 
short  hacking  cough,  heat  and  itching  about  the  anus,  and  a  vast 
number  of  sympathetic  affections,  such  as  dizziness,  disturbed 
dreams,  grinding  of  the  teeth  when  napping,  or  champing  of  the 
jaws,  etc. ;  and  also  the  formation  of  a  regular  disease,  as  vermin- 
ous colic,  convulsions,  chorea  Sancti  Viti,  pneumonia,  and  even 
hemorrhage. 

The  treatment  of  verminous  symptoms  and  disease,  consists 
of  getting  rid  of  the  worms  by  destroying  them,  or  driving  them 

•  A  centimetre  Is  .39371  in.  t  A  millimetre  .03937. 

%  Leuckhart,  Vol.  II.  p.  358. 


DISEASES  OF  DOGS— WORMS.  48 1 

from  the  body,  and  by  strengthening  the  system  generally,  par- 
ticularly the  alvine  canal.  In  every  case  the  bowels  should  be 
kept  freely  open,  or  the  vermifuges  will  not  act  successfully. 

The  list  of  vermifuges  is  almost  interminable.  They  may  be 
conveniently  divided  into  two  classes  : 

1.  Those  that  dislodge  and  drive  away  intestinal  worms  by 
some  mechanical  or  other  external  action ;  as  all  drastic  purges, 
all  oleaginous  vermifuges  as  oil  of  beech  nuts,  castor,  sulphur,  pe- 
troleum, sea  salt,  tin  filings,  powdered  glass,  pomegranate  root, 
kamela,  areca  nut,  koosso,  and  the  down  of  the  pods  of  cowhage. 
The  last  four  more  particularly  act  by  setting  up  an  inflammatory 
condition  of  the  bowek,  which  are  remedies  the  effects  of  which 
are  frequently  more  to  be  deplored  than  the  disease. 

2.  Those  that  destroy  them  by  killing  before  they  are  expelled  ; 
as  the  male  fern,  hellebore,  fetid  hellebore,  cevadilla,  Chabert's  oil 
(obsolete),  tansy,  savine,  rue,  dittany,  tobacco,  wormseed  and  its 
active  principle  santonine,  oil  of  turpentine,  the  bark  of  the  bulge- 
water  tree  and  of  the  cabbage  tree,  the  spigelias,  and  Indian  scab- 
iosa.  Many  of  these  are  hardly  worth  noticing ;  while  others  are 
most  effectual  in  the  elimination  of  tape  worms ;  savine,  rue,  tansy 
and  tobacco  must  be  avoided  in  pregnant  animals,  and  at  best  are 
very  uncertain  in  action.  Of  the  prescriptions  at  the  end  of  the 
section,  i  represents  the  best  of  the  first ;  and  2  and  3  of  the  second. 

Thread  Worm. — This  a  small,  white  round  worm,  which  is 
tapered  off  at  both  ends.  They  vary  in  length  from  three  to  twelve 
millimetres  *.  The  embryos  are  hatched  in  the  rectum,  and  ap- 
pear to  betake  themselves  almost  immediately  to  the  upper  por- 
tion of  the  small  intestine,  where  they  rapidly  increase  in  size, 
obtaining  their  nourishment  from  the  chyme  and  the  intestinal 
mucus.  As  soon  as  they  attain  a  certain  size,  some  of  the  young 
worms  have  sexual  intercourse  while  here  residing ;  others  how- 
ever, descend  into  the  cascum  for  this  purpose.  In  favorable  cases 
one  finds  large  numbers  of  females  in  every  stage  of  development, 
in  the  small  intestine,  and  in  the  caecum,  with  a  like  number  of 
males.  The  young  fructified  females  gradually  collect  in  the  cae- 
cum, and  live  there  for  considerable  time, — until  they  are  full- 

*  I  use  the  French  measurement  as  the  English  is  not  sufficiently  fine  for  the 
purpose. 

21 


482  DOGS  USED  FOR   SPORT. 

■grown,  and  filled  to  bursting  with  eggs.  They  then  commence 
slowly  to  descend  the  large  intestine,  and  finally  deposit  the  chief 
part  of  their  eggs  in  the  rectum  ;  they  occasionally  even  leave  the 
latter  and  creep  about  on  the  moist  skin  around  the  anus.  By  this 
it  wil'  be  seen  that  the  generally  prevalent  idea,  and  that  which  is 
upheld  in  all  the  books,  that  the  oxyuris  inhabits  the  rectum,  is  en- 
tirely false.  The  untenability  of  this  view  should  have  long  since 
been  deduced  from  the  fact  that  it  is  impossible  to  get  rid  of  the 
worms  by  most  thorough  local  treatment  applied  to  the  rectum. 

The  symptoms  of  the  presence  of  these  worms  are  rather  vague,  - 
except  where  they  descend  to  the  rectum  to  lay  their  eggs,  and 
cause,  by  their  active  boring  movements,  and  unbearable  tickling 
and  painful  itching  just  within  and  in  the  folds  of  the  anus,  which 
frequently  become  so  unbearable  as  to  cause  the  poor  dog  to  en- 
deavor by  every  change  of  posture,  by  dragging  his  rump  upon  the 
ground,  by  biting,  and  by  walking  about,  to  ruuse  the  troublesome 
sensations  to  cease.  As  a  rule,  however,  they  Tast  for  considerable 
time,  and  only  go  away,  sooner  or  later  to  again  appear.  Some- 
times emptying  the  rectum  brings  ease  by  removing  mechanically 
the  worms  that  were  buried  there. 

Bitches  are  further  inconvenienced  by  worms  that  have  escaped 
from  the  rectum,  creeping  into  the  vulva  and  vagina,  and  there  giv- 
ing rise,  from  their  serpentine  and  boring  movements,  to  very  great 
irritation  of  the  sexual  organs. 

Except  as  local  irritants,  these  parasites  exercise  no  prejudicial 
effect  upon  the  animal.  The  diagnosis  of  the  disorder  is  usually 
easy,  as  if  very  many  worms  are  present,  we  can  usually  find  one 
or  two  on  the  skin  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  anus,  especially 
directly  after  the  fseces  have  been  voided,  which  also  usually 
contain  them. 

So  long  as  the  rectum  was  looked  upon  as  the  chief  seat  of 
these  worms,  there  could  be  no  hope  of  thoroughly  getting  rid  of  / 
them.  Since  this  worm  inhabits  the  cascum,  all  internal  medicines 
which  are  absorbed  in  the  small  intestine  are  without  effect.  We 
are  forced  to  re-echo  the  complaints  of  Bremser,  who  says  :  "  Their 
number  is  legion,  and  if,  after  we  have  slaughtered  thousands,  we 
lay  our  weapons  aside  for  a  moment,  imagining  ourselves  safe  from 
a  fresh  attack,  new  cohorts  again  advance  with  increased  reinforce- 


^      TAPE    WORM.  ^  483 

ments.  The  fasces  and  intestinal  mucus  contained  in  the  large 
intestine,  behind  which  they  hide  themselves,  serve  them  for  a 
breastwork  and  a  parapet.  If  one  attacks  them  from  in  front  with 
vermifuges,  these  become  so  weakened  by  the  long  march  through 
the  small  intest:  °  that  the  worms  only  laugh  at  them.  If  we 
attack  them  in  the  rear  with  heavy  artillery,  the  foreposts  stationed 
in  the  rectum  must  certainly  succumb  ;  but  the  heaviest  bombard- 
ment cannot  reach  those  encamped  in  the  caecum  ;  and  so  long  as 
ever  so  few  remain  behind,  in  some  hiding  place,  they,  from  the 
amazing  rapidity  with  which  they  are  reproduced,  soon  again 
become  a  large  army." 

For  the  temporary  relief  of  the  animal,  we  make  use  of  an 
injection  as  per  prescription  No.  4.  This  will  also  effect  a  cure  if 
used  repeatedly,  and  the  injection  be  carried  high  up  by  means  of 
a  gutta-percha  rectum  tube  ;  but  this  should  be  left  to  the  experi- 
enced practitioner.  Also  physic  should  be  given  occasionally, 
especially  aloes,  which  increases  the  fetid  secretions  peculiar  to  the 
rectum  of  the  dog,  and  thereby  becomes  in  a  measure  fatal  to  the 
worms  that  have  found  lodgment  in  that  portion  of  the  alimentary 
tract. 

>   -     ^  ^  •    '    ■  TAPE  WORM. 

TcEtiia  elltpttca :  This  is  a  delicate  tape  worm  common  to  the 
canine  race,  and  is  said  to  be  propagated  by  meails  of  the  dog 
louse,  (Trichodectes  canis)  which  the  embryo  inhabits.  It  meas- 
ures from  one  hundred  to  three  hundred  millimeters  in  length,  and 
the  head  is  furnished  with  a  rostellum,  which  the  animal  has  the 
power  of  projecting  forwards,  on  which  are  placed  about  sixty 
hooks,  arranged  irregularly  in  three  or  four  rows.  The  anterior 
portion  of  the  body  is  like  a  thread,  and  the  segments  are  very 
short ;  more  posteriorly  they  become  somewhat  longer.  As  they 
become  ripe,  the  divisions  between  the  segments  become  more  and 
more  marked,  so  that  the  worm  presents  a  chain-like  appearance. 
-The  ripest  segments  have  a  reddish  white  color,  and  very  readily 
become  detached.  They  creep  about  actively  in  the  intestine,  and 
A,  are  either  expelled  with  the  fasces  or  escape  of  themselves.  In 
^  each  segment  there  is  a  double  set  of  sexual  organs,  and  there  is 
.  a  genital  pore  situated  on  the  margin   of   the  segment.     This 


Tt! 


484  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

worm  inhabits  the  small  intestine,  and  is  frequently  fo'ind  therein 
in  considerable  numbers. 

Bothriocephalus  cordatus:  This  tape  worm  is  found  only  in 
dogs  which  inhabit  arctic  countries,  hence  does  not  demand  our 
consideration.  .^_ 

Bothriocephalus  latus :  This  species  will  be  found  in  only  im- 
ported animals,  and  is  by  far  the  most  serious  parasite  we  have 
to  deal  with,  besides  being  the  largest.  It  attains  a  length  of 
froiii  iive  to  eight  metres,  sixteen  to  twenty-four  feet,  and  is  neces- 
sarily oftentimes  repeatedly  doubled  upon  itself.  The  head  is 
almond  shaped,  and  about  two  millimetres  long,  and  one  broad. 
The  flat  surfaces  of  the  head  correspond  to  those  of  the  body. 
Along  each  side  of  the  head  runs  a  fissure-like  pit  in  which  its 
suction  apparatus  is  placed.  When  fresh  the  worm  has  a  dull 
bluish  grey  color. 

The  mode  of  development  is  unknown.  It  is  supposed  that  B. 
latus  exists  during  its  immediate  stage  of  development  in  some 
aquatic  animal,  which  acts  as  its  temporary  host.  This  is  but  a 
merv;  deduction  drawn  from  the  experiments  of  Abildgard,  who 
proved  that  a  kindred  species,  B.  solidus,  which  occurs  in  the  ab- 
domen of  fishes,  only  becomes  developed  into  a  tape  worm  after 
its  host  has  been  devoured  by  some  animal,  in  the  intestines  ot 
which  it  becomes  developed.  Tcsnta  solum  and  T.  saginata  so 
common  to  the  human  race,  are  unknown  to  canines,  except  as 
artificially  propagated  i.\  them  for  the  purpose  of  experiment. 
>  No  anatomical  change  has  ever  been  found  that  could  be  said 
to  be  caused  by  tapeworm,  except  that  T.  elliptica  (cucumertna) 
lies  in  tunnel-like  spaces  in  the  intestine,  formed  by  the  flattening 
out  and  adhesion  of  the  villi.  Dogs  are  frequently  inhabited  for 
years  by  tape  worm  v^^ithout  their  ever  giving  rise  to  the  slightest 
unpleasant  feeling ;  and  we  sometimes  have  our  attention  acci- 
dentally drawn  to  their  presence  in  animals  which  are  thriving 
most  satisfactorily,  by  the  expulsion  of  segments  of  the  worm. 

In  general,  however,  the  animal  that  plays  the  host  to  one  of 
these  parasites,  presents  symptoms  of  more  or  less  disturbance  of 
digestion  and  nutrition  ;  and  even  abnormal  phenomena  in  the 
nervous  system,  occur  without  our  being  in  the  least  able  to  local- 
ize the  trouble.    The  sufferer  gives  evidence  of  various  unpleasant 


TAPE    WORM.       .;'A  485 

sensations  in  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen,  which  take  on  all  the 
appearance  of  colic  ;  these  sensations  are  most  marked  when  the 
animal  has  tor  some  time  been  deprived  of  food,  or  after  the  use 
of  particular  articles  of  diet,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  they  are  miti- 
gated by  eating,  and  especially  by  the  use  of  certain  articles  of 
food,  as  mush  and  milk,  oatmeal,  etc.  Ravenous  hunger  is  of 
frequent  occuirence,  and  when  we  see  a  well  fed  dog  eating  vora- 
ciously throughout  his  meal,  and  simulating  a  half  starved  animal, 
it  behooves  us  to  suspect,  and  to  be  on  the  look  out  for,  these  in- 
testinal parasites,  particularly  if  he  suffers  from  distension  of  the 
abdomen,  disturbance  of  the  digestive  canal,  especially  diarrhoea 
alternating  with  constipation.  Cramps,  blindness,  deafness,  chorea, 
salivation  without  appreciable  cause,  vomiting,  and  marked  unre- 
liability of  the  olfactory  organs  are  likewise  symptomatic. 

Unless  the  diagnosis  is  certain,  it  is  scarcely  allowable  to  make 
such  an  attack  on  the  economy  of  the  intestinal  canal  as  a  tape- 
worm cure  always  must  be.  And  the  diagnosis  can  only  be  cer- 
tain when  it  is  known  that  segments  of  a  worm  have  been  expelled. 

The  cure  can  only  be  said  to  be  complete  if  the  head  is  found,  or 
if  several  worms  are  present,  a  head  for  each.  There  is  no  such 
thing  as  a  partia  cure.  It  is  judicious,  before  commencing  the 
actual  cure,  to  gi/e  the  dog  some  preparatory  treatment,  by  which 
we  empty  the  intestinal  tract,  so  that  the  worm  when  detached 
may  pass  more  quickly,  and  the  cure  therefore  be  sooner  ended. 
With  this  object,  however,  only  the  very  mildest  purgatives  should 
be  given.  For  strong  purgatives  readily  cause  parts  of  the  worm 
to  be  torn  off  and  expelled,  and  as  a  consequence  our  efforts  to 
dislodge  the  part  that  remains  may  fail.  Of  the  many  medicines 
that  are  more  or  less  effectual,  koosso  and  male  fern  are  most 
to  be  recommended.  Where  the  former  is  used,  two  hours  after 
it  is  swallowed,  the  animal  should  be  given  a  dose  of  castor  oil. 
See  prescriptions  5,  6,  7,  and  8.  The  last  may  be  used  as  prepar- 
atory. 

Once  the  cure  is  over,  we  must  take  compassion  on  the  diges- 
tive tract  that  has  suffered  such  rough  usage,  and  the  animal  should 
therefore  get  some  mucilaginous  soup,  or  an  emulsion  with,  in  some 
cases,  a  few  drops  of  laudanum.  (No.  9.)  Bark  of  pomegranate 
root  has  been  recommended,  but  it  is  too  powerful  for  canine  con- 

• 


486  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT.  ,   ' 

stitutions,  causing  violent  pains  in  the  abdomen,  nausea  and  vom- 
iting of  severe  character,  and  a  number  of  other  troublesome  and 
indirect  effects. 

To  prevent  tapeworm  in  the  dog,  it  is  essential  that  care  be 
taken  m  his  diet,  that  he  be  not  allowed  to  feed  on  carrion  or  ex- 
crementitious  matters,  and  that  the  meal  with  which  he  is  fed 
is  thoroughly  cooked.  We  may  say,  as  a  general  rule,  that  no 
meat  should  be  used  which  still  retains  a  red  color,  still  less  such 
that  contains  blood  ;  and  no  reddish,  still  less  red,  fluid  should 
escape.  The  use  of  raw  meat,  or  of  swine  flesh  in  any  form, 
should  be  entirely  condemned.  I  will  here  say  too,  not  only  in 
behalf  of  the  canine,  but  the  human  race,  that  the  presence  of  a  . 
tapeworm  is  not  only  a  source  of  danger  to  the  health  of  the  indi-  ; 
vidual,  but  to  every  one  else  in  the  same  house  with  him,  and  to 
every  domestic  animal  attached  thereto ;  and  a  persort  afflicted 
with  these  parasites  is  more  to  be  shunned  than  one  suffering  from 
small  pox  or  the  itch  ;  the  ways  by  which  the  parasite  may  be  con- 
veyed being  both  numerous  and  insidious.  It  is  hardly  necessary 
to  say  that  a  tapeworm  that  has  been  expelled  should  not  be 
thrown  aside.  It  should  first  be  rendered  harmless,  which  is  best 
done  by  pouring  boiling  water  over  it. 

ENTERITIS.    INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS.     IN- 
TESTINAL CATARRH. 

In  order  to  understand  the  frequency  of  intestinal  inflamma- 
tions, it  is  necessary  to  recall  some  of  the  anatomical  peculiarities 
of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestines.  Those  who  are  famil- 
iar with  anatomy  will  remember  that  the  network  of  minute  blood- 
vessels in  the  villi  of  the  small  intestine  is  situated  immediately 
under  the  epithelium,*  and  for  this  reason  the  vessels  are  directly 
exposed  to  the  influence  of  irritating  substances.  Furthermore  the 
venous  twigs  in  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  large  intestine  are 
exactly  the  same  as  in  the  corresponding  membrane  of  the  stomach 
(they  form  a  capillary  network,  each  twig  of  which  returns  upon 
itself  in  a  loop  at  the  extremity  of  the  projection,  communicating 
freely  with  the  adjacent  vessels,  forming  a  close  plexus  around  the 

*  Epithelium. — Mucous  membrane. 


ENTERITIS.  487 

areolar  tissue  which  binds  together  the  small  glandular  epithelium 
cells,)  so  that  the  return  of  blood  from  the  capillaries  meets  with  a 
certain  degree  of  resistance.  A  similar  effect  is  produced,  also  by 
another  anatomical  peculiarity  of  the  intestinal  circulation,  viz.,  that 
while  the  arteries  in  their  passage  through  \\\c  muscularis  *  of  the 
intestine  are  surrounded  by  quite  a  strong  sheath  of  connective  tis- 
sue, the  venous  twigs,  on  the  contrary,  pierce  the  muscular  coat  in 
an  exposed  condition,  so  that  every  muscular  contraction  produces 
more  or  less  interference  with  the  rettirn  flow  of  blood.  Finally, 
from  the  fact  that  during  the  process  of  digestion  the  chyle  f-ves- 
sels  of  the  mesentery'  always  contain  red  blood-corpuscles,  it  may 
probably  be  inferred  that  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane  is  one 
of  the  regions  of  the  body  where  the  passage  of  blood  cells  through 
the  walls  of  the  vessels  takes  place  with  special  facility.  It  is  not 
surprising,  therefore,  that  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane  should 
be  particularly  liable  to  inflammation,  and  that  even  slight  irrita- 
tions may  suffice  to  excite  the  same. 

The  exciting  causes  of  enteritis  are  therefore  extremely  numer- 
ous, as  the  following  enumeration  will  abundantly  show. 

Not  to  speak  of  the  inflammations  which  are  produced  by  the 
extension  to  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane  of  an  inflammation 
in  a  neighboring  organ,  the  occurrence  of  such  always  presupposes 
one  of  two  causes :  either  the  irritations  are  of  abnormal  character, 
the  mucous  membrane  being  normal,  or  for  some  cause,  the 
intestinal  mucous  membrane  has  lost  its  normal  character,  so 
that  even  normal  irritations  are  sufficient  to  excite  an  inflam- 
mation. 

Under  the  first  of  these  classes  of  causes  are  included  all  articles 
of  food  which  produce  severe  mechanical  or  chemical  irritation,  as 
indigestible  or  fermenting  food,  foreigti  bodies,  poisons  and  power- 
ful purgative  medicines.  Intestinal  inflammation  is  sometimes 
produced  also  by  a  massive  accumulation  of  worms.  Anotlier  not 
unfrequent  cause  is  the  presence  of  intestinal  concretions,  or  in- 
durated fasces,  especially  above  places  where  the  intestine  has  been 
narrowed  by  a  bend  of  the  bowels,  adhesions,  etc.  The  latter  of 
these  causes — faecal  impaction — not  merely  acts  mechanically  upon 

*  MusculariR.    Belonging  to  the  muscles. 

t  Chyle.    The  milk-like  substance  from  which  blood  is  formed. 

\ 


488  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

the  intestinal  mucous  membrane,  but  also  chemically  by  means  of 
the  putrefactive  changes  which  take  place  in  the  retained  faeces. 

Another  very  common  cause  of  intestinal  inflammation  is  the 
influence  of  cold,  which  probably  acts  by  driving  the  suddenly 
cooled  blood  upon  the  surface  of  the  body  into  the  intestines 
where  the  irritation  excites  increased  peristaltis  *  and  inflamma- 
tion.   Finally  abdominal  injuries  may  produce  enteritis  even  of  a   , 
chronic  character. 

In  the  second  category  of  causes,  are  included  all  abnormal 
conditions  which  induce  a  morbid  hyperaemiaf  of  the  intestinal 
mucous  membrane.  Chief  among  these  are  the  passive  conges- 
tions in  the  portal  circulation  J  produced  by  affections  of  the  liver, 
or  of  the  portal  vein  itself,  or  by  tumors  compressing  the  mesen-  i 
teric  veins  ;  also  the  general  congestions  which  occur  in  connection 
with  the  diseases  of  the  circulating  system  and  of  the  air  passages. 

According  as  the  exciting  cause  of  enteritis  is  of  temporary, 
frequently  recurring,  or  permanent  character,  the  affection  runs  an 
acute  Qx  di  chronic  co\xx%^.  >'r  b:f.  !•;,.    '::','-'''■•  ?     .-■.:-viJi:rg 

The  disease  is  a  very  frequent  one,  and  spares  no  age.  Young 
animals  are  particularly  apt  to  be  attacked,  chiefly  on  account  of 
the  sensitiveness  of  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane  in  puppy- 
hood,  and  the  facility  with  which  their  food  becomes  decomposed. 
Meteorological  conditions  are  well  known  to  influence  the  fre- 
quency of  the  disease.  Thehottest  months  are  regarded  as  having 
especial  influence,  particularly  when  there  is  a  rapid  alteration  of 
day  and  night  temperatures. 

The  symptoms  of  this  disorder  are  usually  not  very  character-" 
istic,  at  least  they  vary  considerably  in  their  degrees  of  develop- 
ment in  different  cases,  and  are  very  irregular  in  their  occurrence. 
Furthermore,  the  differences  in  the  anatomical  structure  and  the 
functions  of  the  various  divisions  of  the  intestine  must  modify  the 
symptoms  to  such  a  degree,  according  as  the  inflammation  is  differ-  i 
ently  situated,  that  it  will  be  impossible  to  give  a  general  descrip- 
tion which  is  applicable  to  all  cases  of  enteritis.     I  will  therefore 

*  The  vermicular  or  worm-like  motion  of  the  intestines. 
t  The  name  given  to  congestion  of  blood  in  a  part,  from  whatever  cause. 
X  The  circulation  of  venous  blood  derived  from  the  abdominal  organs  through 
the  liver. 


ENTEKITIS.  489 

point  out  only  the  most  common  forms  of  this  disease  and  give 
their  distinctive  characteristics  and  general  treatment. 

Mucous  enteritis  is  attended  with  a  diffuse  soreness  over  the 
whole  abdomen,  rather  than  with  pain.  This  is  sometimes  in- 
creased on  pressure,  but  never  to  the  extent  that  prevails  in  serous 
enteritis.  There  is  no  considerable  tension  in  ihe  belly.  The 
pulse  is  quick,  with  thirst,  languor,  the  tongue  whitish  and  pap- 
pillated,  and  considerable  febrile  oppression,  the  temperature  of 
the  body  being  80°  to  84",  rarely  90''.  Vomiting  is  frequently 
noticed,  with  loss  of  appetite,  indigestion,  and  irregularity  in  the 
alvine  evacuations.  Diarrhoea  is  almost  uniformly  present,  often 
attended  with  straining  and  perhaps  tinged  with  blood.  This  is 
the  only  diarrhoea  of  canines  worthy  of  especial  attention,  and  must 
not  be  treated  as  a  diarrhoea.  Remove  the  cause  and  the  diarrha-a 
will  take  care  of  itself.  This  disease  is  not  itself  fatal,  but  may 
give  rise  to  peritoneal  inflammation  ;  it  may  advance  to  ulceration 
of  the  mucous  coat  with  softening  and  perforation.  Gentle  pur- 
gatives, as  sweet  oil  and  aloine  only,  are  admissible.  (No.  8). 
Demulcents  and  anodynes  are  afterwards  used  to  allay  the  irrita- 
tion of  the  bowels,  (No.  9)  and  tonics  may  be  used  when  this  has 
been  accomplished.  Blue  moss  and  extract  of  hyoscyamus  con- 
stitute a  very  serviceable  medicine  in  allaying  irritation,  but  must 
be  used  with  caution.  Aconite  is  also  serviceable  particularly 
when  the  disease  remains  unnoticed  until  it  has  assumed  its 
severer  forms.  The  diet  must  be  milk  and  soups,  and  change  of 
air  with  gentle  exercise  are  necessary. 

Sec.  No.  8. 9. 10.  and  1 1.  Particular  symptoms  as  vomiting  and 
tenesimus,*  must  be  met  as  occasion  demands.     Sec.  12.  13.  14. 

The  second  form  of  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  in  which  the 
serous  and  muscular  coats  of  the  intestine  are  involved,  is  known 
as  peritonitis. 

The  symptoms  of  this  disease  are  much  like  the  former,  but 
are  more  intensified.  The  eyes  are  dull,  and  there  is  a  general 
appearance  of  languor ;  loss  of  appetite ;  the  animal  lying  on  the 
belly  with  outstretched  legs  ;  high  temperature,  reaching  100*'  and 
over ;  tongue  dry  and  rough  ;  nose  dry  and  hot ;  ears  and  legs 
cold  ;  pulse  small,  hard  and  wiry,  about  45,  marked  thirst ;  respi- 

•  Frequent  straining  accompanied  by  a  desire  to  void  laecal  matter,  etc. 
21* 


490  DOGS  US^D  FOR  SPORT. 

ration  difficult  or  long  dru.vvn  ;  and  general  symptoms  of  uneasi- 
ness and  inquietude. 

The  bowels  are  usually  constipated,  and  the  urine  very  high 
colored  and  scanty.  The  animal  is  constanty  licking  or  attempt- 
ing to  swallow  stones  and  other  cold  articles,  and  during  the  first 
stages  scratches  his  bed  up  into  a  heap,  and  presses  the  belly  upon 
it,  and  darkness  is  preferable  to  light.  The  tail  is  also  drawn  firmly 
downwards,  and  in  many  cases,  not  always,  the  pupil  is  dilated. 

When  vomiting  is  absent,  the  disease  is  generally  more  trouble- 
some. As  the  trouble  progresses,  the  symptoms  are  more  aggra- 
vated, and  in  the  second  stage  the  flanks  are  drawn  in,  the  mus- 
cles of  the  abdomen  hard  and  tense,  the  dog  continually  giving 
expression  to  low  moans  with  occasional  sharp  cries  of  pain.  Con- 
stipation is  frequently  present  from  first  to  last,  though  diarrhoea 
often  supervenes  in  the  last  stage  enhancing  the  prostration,  already 
excessive,  of  the  poor  animal. 

Great  care  must  be  taken  at  the  outset  not  to  confound  this 
disease  with  colic.  The  moment  that  peritonitis  i.i  diagnosed 
beyond  doubt,  remove  the  animal  to  cool  dry  quarters,  and  ad- 
minister at  once  a  full  dose  of  calomel  and  opium  (No.  15).  You 
will  doubtless  be  told  that  the  bowels  are  already  inflamed  and 
demand  rest,  and  they  should  not  move.  Pay  no  attention  to  such 
advice.  Nine  times  in  ten  the  impaction  of  faecal  matter  is  aggra- 
vating the  inflammation,  and  safety  demands  its  removal.  If  this 
does  not  operate,  follow  with  a  saline  cathartic  as  Rochelle  salts, 
which  will  not  only  remove  the  difficulty,  but  prove  very  grateful 
to  the  patient.  Except  the  first  dose,  do  not  again  give  opium  in 
full  dose.  The  cathartic  having  operated  the  pulse  will  be  found 
to  have  diminished.  Now  administer  one  drop  of  tincture  of 
aconite  with  three  grains  of  bromide  of  potash  (No.  11)  every 
two  hours,  watching  the  pulse  carefully,  resorting  to  opium  in  the 
form  of  tincture  of  wine  in  case  the  bromide  is  not  sufficiently 
sedative  ;  as  six  drops  of  tincture  repeated  every  half  hour  will  be 
sufficient,  and  answer  the  purpose  better  than  larger  doses  given 
less  frequently.  Should  the  stomach  be  too  irritable  to  retain  the 
medicine,*  pursue  just  the  same,  giving  with  each  dose  three  grains 

*  Should  vomiting  occur  witliin  six  hours  after  calomel  is  given,  pay  no  atten- 
tion to  it.    It  will  pass  off  of  itself  with  the  action  of  the  medicine. 


COLJIC  ILLEUS.  491 

of  Squibb's  sub  carbonate  of  bismuth,  (14)  or  one  grain  of  the  oxa- 
late of  cerium.  If  the  opium  does  not  control  the  pulse,  resort  to 
the  aconite  again  after  the  stomach  is  quieted.  Six  or  eight  hours 
subsequent  to  the  operation  of  the  cathartic,  the  animal  will  be 
entirely  relieved  if  your  medicines  have  taken  effect ;  but  by  no 
means  consider  him  out  of  danger.  If  the  pulse  1ms  become  as  it 
should  be  by  this  time,  soft  and  full,  suspend  the  aconite,  continu- 
ing the  bromide,  but  give  one-quarter  grain  of  quinine,  and  one- 
quarter  grain  of  leptandrin  every  two  hours,  (No.  17)  alternating 
with  the  bromide,  and  continue  the  treatment  for  several  days, 
giving  a  moderate  dose  of  opium  at  night,  or  a  pill  of  hyoscyamus 
(solid  extract)  one-quarter  grain.  The  animal  may  be  nourished 
meantime  by  beef  tea,  bland  soups,  arrow  root,  etc.  Bread  and 
meat  to  be  avoided.  -Every  care  must  be  taken  of  the  animal  foi 
at  least  a  month  thereafter,  and  it  will  be  advantageous  to  continue 
the  quinine  and  leptandrin  for  two  or  three  weeks  at  meal  times, 
it  answering  all  the  purposes  of  other  tonic. 

DIARRHCEA   AND  DYSENTERY. 

Both  of  these  disorders  are  dependent  upon,  and  usu-'dly  the 
sequela  of  other  diseases.  The  free  use  of  opium  as  severally 
recommended  and  astringents  is  to  be  deplored.  Nature,  already 
poisoned,  is  attempting  to  rid  herself  of  the  cause,  and  hence  we 
have  diarrhoea  and  dysentery.  Astringents  only  are  demanded 
when  the  discharge  is  so  free  as  to  endanger  the  life  of  the  animal 
by  the  drainage  of  the  fluids  of  the  body.  Opium  is  used  only  to 
relieve  pain  and  tenesimus,  and  may  be  administered  both  by  the 
mouth  and  as  an  enema.  When  given  by  the  mouth  it  may  be 
given  with  leptandrin,  quinine  and  tannin.  By  the  rectum  with 
starch.  (See  20.)  The  combination  of  tannic  acid  and  quinine  is 
particularly  happy,  it  forming  the  tannate  of  quinine  which  in  these 
disorders  is  often  invaluable. 

Besides  the  foregoing,  general  tonics  will  be  found  of  value,  as 
the  mineral  acids,  etc.    (See  Tonics.) 

COLIC   ILLEUS. 

This  complaint  is  largely  confounded  with  both  forms  of 
enteritis.    The  distinction  is  best  made  by  watching  the  animal. 


492  DOGS   USED   FOR   SPORT. 

If  he  appear  perfectly  well  just  previous  and  subsequent  to  the 
spasm,  with  cool  and  moist  nose,  in  fact  no  more  symptoms  than 
constipation,  and  the  frequently  recurring  attacks  of  pain,  we  may 
fairly  conclude  that  he  is  suffering  with  colic.  In  such  case  ad- 
minister 12  and  13,  with  the  addition  of  five  grains  of  bromide  of 
potassium,  every  half  hour  until  relief  is  obtained.  You  may  with 
advantage  use  No  21  either  alone  or  in  combination  with  the 
above  prescription.  As  soon  as  comfort  is  obtained,  give  full  dose 
of  22. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  EYE."        '  ' 

Simple  Inflammation  or  Irritation. — When  the  eyes  of  a  dog 
are  inflamed  from  contact  with  minute  particles  of  dust,  grass  seeds, 
pollen,  etc. ;  or  have  received  some  slight  superficial  injury,  the 
organ  should  be  gently  sponged  with  tepid  rain  water,  until  all 
extraneous  matters  are  removed.  Now  bathe  the  eye  with  eye 
water,  as  per  prescription  No  23  or  24.  For  external  bruises  or 
cuts,  apply  25  or  26.  .;•  :    '  •  :     '  •     . 

This  is  all  sufficient  for  minor  troubles,  though  if  the  cornea  or 
iris  be  scratched,  or  cut,  No  24  must  be  used  in  preference  to  23, 
as  the  deposit  of  lead  will  make  a  white  opaque  scar.  See  Scars 
No  27. 

Ophthalmitis. — Miscalled  ophthalmia.  This  is  a  term  applied 
to  an  inflammation  of  the  membranes  of  the  eye,  or  of  the  whole 
bulb  of  the  eye.  The  form  of  disease  that  is  common  to  young 
puppies  may  be  relieved  by  cleanliness,  and  the  free  use  of  No  23 
or  24.  Ophthalmitis  conjunctivce  is  sometimes  met  with  in  the 
immature  animal,  though  it  is  commonly  a  disease  of  adult  age, 
and  is  produced  by  cold  wind,  dust,  or  other  external  irritation. 
It  generally  begins  with  the  appearance  of  a  net  work  of  blood- 
vessels on  some  part  of  the  conjunctiva,  the  mucous  membrane 
covering  the  exposed  surface  of  the  eyeball  and  lining  the  internal 
surface  of  the  lid,  of  the  eyeball  or  eyelids.  The  eyelids  become 
swollen  and  tender,  and  the  redness  soon  covers  the  whole  con- 
junction ;  there  is  an  increased  discharge  of  tears,  and  intolerance 
of  light.  A  glutinous  matter  is  now  secreted,  which  frequently 
causes  the  eyelids  to  stick  very  firmly  together.  It  is  no  unusual 
thing  for  the  disease  to  commence  in  one  eye,  and  in  a  day  or  two 


DISEASES  OF   THE  S/CIN.  493 

seize  the  other.  Mild  cases  of  conjunctival  ophthalmitis  are  re- 
moved by  some  mild  astrinj^ent  application.  The  eye  should  be 
well  cleansed  from  the  glutinous  matter  with  warm  milk  and  water, 
when  the  eyelids  may  be  eveited  and  gently  touched  upon  their 
inner  surface  with  a  crayon  of  alum  or  sulphate  of  copper.  The 
crayons  are  made  by  whittling  out  a  pencil  from  a  lump  of  crude 
alum  or  blue  vitriol — the  former  is  best — which  must  be  afterwards 
carefully  smoothed  and  rounded.  Nitrate  of  silver  or  lunar  caus- 
tic had  best  be  avoided,  as  it  is  seldom  necessary  to  resort  to 
its  use,  and  is  moreover  a  dangerous  remedy  in  the  hands  of  un- 
professionals. 

There  is  an  acute  form  of  this  disorder  which  demands  active 
constitutional  treatment.  It  as  well  as  the  other  diseases  of  the 
visual  organ  should  be  treated  only  by  professional  gentlemen. 

Cataract, — Prescription  No.  29  is  used  in  Europe  to  promote  the 
absorption  of  cataract.  It  may  be  used  without  fear,  and  in  a  lim- 
ited percentage  answers  all  the  purposes  of  an  operation  ;  but  it 
cannot  be  applied  with  absolute  certainty  of  success,  and  is  more- 
over utterly  useless  in  cataracts  of  long  standing.  These  must  be 
operated  upon  by  a  skillful  oculist ;   and  be  certain   that   he  is 

skillful. 

.'I 

.       ,.       ,  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN.  •   "• 

"  ■  ■  Alopecia.  Falling  out  of  the  Hair. — The  causes  for  the  falling 
of  the  hair  are  defective  development  of,  and  defective  circulation 
in  the  formative  organs.  The  remote  causes  are,  hereditary  pe- 
culiarity, age,  termination  of  acute  diseases,  excess  of  venery  in 
the  dog,  ill  nourishment,  and  certain  diseases  of  the  skin. 

Except  in  the  latter  case,  or  where  senility  is  the  cause,  we  may 
remedy  by  giving  proper  nourishment,  and  the  application  of  20  or 
31,  as  directed.  '        .  •  -^ 

Mange. — This  is  a  term  applied  promiscuously  to  all  diseases 
which  affect  the  integument  of  the  dog.  It  is,  however,  properly 
used  only  when  applied  to  the  first  of  the  following. 

Scabies  Canina,  Scab  Mange,  Canine  Itch. — This,  like  the 
"  old  Scotch  fiddle  "  that  affects  the  human  race,  is  dependent  upon 
a  minute  insect,  which  finds  its  way  beneath  the  surface  of  the 
cuticle  and  there  breeds  and  disseminates  itself  to  the  other  parts. 


494  i^OGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

For  reasons  obvious,  the  back  is  most  seriously  affected  ;  the  dis- 
ease being  milder  and  less  marked  toward  the  extremities.  The 
canine  acarus  is  not  identical  with  the  human  parasite,  and  cannot 
live  in  the  integuments  frequented  by  the  latter. 

The  treatment  as  usually  laid  down,  is  as  nauseous  to  the  owner 
of  the  animal  as  the  disease  itself.  There  is  no  reason  for  this 
whatever.  Wash  your  dog  thoroughly  with  warm  water,  and  Cas- 
welly  Hazard  and  Co.'s"  Juniper  Tar  Soap" ;  none  other,  and 
administer  an  occasional  cathartic.  Saponaceous  compounds  as 
32,  33  may  be  used  to  advantage,  the  animal  being  easily  cleaned 
thereafter,  and  possess  the  advantage  of  not  soiling  the  habiliments 
of  the  person  who  applies  them. 

If  the  above  fail,  34  thoroughly  rubbed  in  and  allowed  to  dry 
will  prove  infallible.  r  :  :  ■  ■,.;;  '  ^.,..,11 

This  disease  is  readily  diagnosed  from  the  fact  that  while  the 
skin  is  partially  denuded  of  hair,  that  which  remains  is  coarse  and 
unnatural  to  the  touch,  and  looks  all  awry  and  unthrifty.  The 
skin  too,  if  not  absolutely  red  and  inflamed,  is  dry  and  scaly. 

Trichoses  Furficracea  Canina.  Ring  Worm  of  Dogs. — This 
too,  is  known  as  mange.  I  give  it  the  above  title  as  most  applica- 
ble, it  most  resembling  Trichoses  furfuracea  as  exhibited  in  the 
human  subject,  and  apparently  depending  upon  the  same  causes. 

My  attention  was  first  called  to  the  similarity  some  years  since 
when  a  medical  student,  by  the  late  Prof.  Howard  Townsend,  of 
Albany,  New  York. 

The  hair  partially  falls  off,  and  the  disorder  is  well  marked  by 
bare  patches  of  small  dimensions  appearing  upon  the  most  promi- 
nent angles  of  the  body,  so  as  to  lead  one  to  suppose  that  they 
were  the  result  of  chafing.  And  so  they  are,  but  there  is  a  cause 
for  the  rubbing. 

In  the  early  stages  of  the  attack,  the  only  appearance  of  dis- 
order that  can  be  detected  is  a  thin  layer  of  scurf,  either  in  sepa- 
rate scales  around  single  hairs,  or  in  patches,  including  several,  or 
a  more  considerable  number.  This  formation  is  accompanied  by 
a  slight  degree  of  itching,  which  is  relieved  as  soon  as  the  scurf  is 
torn  away  by  rubbing  against  some  convenient  post.  At  a  later 
period  the  skin  upon  which  the  furfuraceous  scales  are  dusted  ap- 
pears reddish  and  slightly  raised ;  the  papillae  next  make  their  ap- 


DISEASES  OF   THE   SKIN.  49$ 

pearance  on  the  slightly  reddened  patches,  and  subsequently  the 
peculiar  alteration  of  the  hair. 

The  hairs  in  the  neighborhood  of  this  disease  are  remarkable 
for  their  bent  and  twisted  shape,  and  resemble  the  fibres  of  hemp 
in  appearance  as  well  as  texture ;  they  are  irregular  in  thickness, 
and  are  broken  off  at  variable  and  various  distances  from  the  in- 
tegument, giving  rise  to  the  moth-eaten  appearance  so  character- 
istic of  the  disease. 

The  crusts  which  form  the  morbid  patches  when  the  disease  is 
neglected,  are  composed  of  furfuraceous  scales  and  diseased  hairs 
agglutinated  together  by  the  moisture  which  rises  from  the  skin ; 
they  are  greyish  in  color,  and  when  of  large  size  are  apt  to  break 
up,  in  consequence  of  the  movements  of  the  integument,  into  sec- 
tions. On  the  surface  of  the  crust,  which  is  dry  and  harsh,  the 
tow-like  fibres  of  the  diseased  hairs  may  generahy  be  per- 
ceived. 

In  the  early  part  of  its  course,  this  disease  is  unattended  with 
discharge  of  any  kind,  and  often  the  absence  of  secretion  is  con- 
spicuous throughout  its  entire  existence.  At  other  times,  and 
especially  when  negle':ted,  the  crusts  give  rise  to  considerable  itch- 
ing, and  the  attempts  made  to  relieve  the  annoyance  aggravate  the 
inflammation  of  the  skin,  and  occasion  discharges  of  ichor  and  pus. 
Occasionally  too,  as  a  complication  of  disease  dependent  upon  in- 
creased inflammation,  pus  forms  around  the  apertures  of  the  fol- 
licles and  a  small  crop  of  pustules  is  the  result.  These  pustules, 
when  they  exist,  are  observed  in  the  most  active  part  of  the 
patches,  namely,  along  the  edge,  and  in  this  situation  1  have  some- 
times seen  them  forming  a  double  or  triple  row. 

This  is  a  disease  of  deranged  nutrition,  the  cause  being  debility 
of  the  organization,  originating  probably  in  defective  innervation  ; 
this  must  be  attributed  in  turn  to  ill  care,  and  general  lack  of  at- 
tention to  cleanliness.  It  is  a  disorder  to  which  poverty  and  filth 
greatly  contributes.  '-  '    ;  ;  •       »■ 

It  is  not  contas'ious.  "'::-.i:' --i^i.  ""^n-x,.!     - -.  ■ 

The  indications  in  the  treatment  are  : 
''"  First. — To  restore  the  defective  power  of  the  constitution. 
Second. — To  restore  the  local  power  of  the  skin. 
These  objects  are  to  be  fulfilled  by  similar  means ;  the  first  in- 

4 


49^  DOGS  USED  FOR  SPORT. 

dication  calling  for  improved  hygienic  conditions,  and  toiiic-alter- 
ative  medicifies  ;  the  second  requiring  stimulating  applications. 

The  important  hygienic  principles  as  air,  exercise,  and  cleanli- 
ness, cannot  be  too  strongly  urged  in  this  disorder.  Cases  may 
sometimes  be  cured  by  placing  the  kennel  in  an  airy  place,  where 
sunshine  is  abundant  throughout  the  day,  seconded  by  a  better 
assorted  diet,  and  by  a  local  application  of  the  simplest  kind. 
Washing  with  'Juniper  Tar  Soap  answers  the  latter  purpose  <o 
which  we  may  add  a  good  strong  diet  of  animal  food.  Many  cases 
may  be  traced  directly  to  a  too  exclusive  vegetable  and  milk  diet ; 
as  for  instance,  this  disease  was  caused  in  a  young  dog  of  my  own 
by  an  exclusive  diet  of  corn  meal.  Raw  or  cooked  potato  diet,  the 
use  of  apples  of  which  many  animals  are  fond,  will  be  found  valu- 
able adjuncts  of  animal  food  in  the  eradication  of  this  disease. 

The  medicines  which  are  best  adapted  to  this  disease  are,  the 
Liquor  Arsenicalis  et  Hydrargii  lodii,  as  being  both  tonic  and 
alterative  (35),  the  citrate  acetate,  or  hydrochlorate  of  iron  ;  iodide 
of  iron  ;  iron  with  quinine ;  nitro-muriatic  acid  (made  with  equal 
parts  of  each  acid)  either  alone  or  with  the  tincture  of  cinchona  or 
gentian.    (See  Tonics.)  .  .     .  .^        .    .    - 

The  general  functions  of  the  body  are  to  be  regulated  in  the 
usual  way  ;  but  aperients  and  purgatives  are  to  be  used  sparingly, 
and  with  care.  As  a  laxative,  there  is  none  better  than  the  confec- 
tion of  senna  with  sulphur  and  cream  tartar.     (36.) 

If  there  be  any  swelling  of  the  glands  of  the  neck,  as  is  often 
the  case,  use  the  iodinized  cod-liver  oil  of  Caswell  &  Co.,  or  of 
Fougera ;  and  in  animals  that  lack  in  solidity  of  bone,  lime  water. 

When  the  disease  is  severe,  the  crusts  should  be  pencilled 
with  glacial  acetic  acid,  and  then  anointed  with  No,  26.  With 
milder  cases  the  black  wash  No.  37  and  Juniper  Tar  Soap  will 
be  found  sufficient.  From  an  ointment  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  or  the 
comp.  sulpt.  oint.,  good  results  are  often  obtained.  It  must  be  re- 
membered, however,  that  the  eradication  of  this  disorder  is  slow 
and  perseverance  and  patience  are  essential  to  its  proper  treat- 
ment. 

Osmidrosis ;  alteration  of  secretions  {Mange?) — This  is  a 
disease  of  the  perspiratory  glands.  Those  who  believe  that  dogs 
perspire  only  through  the  tongue  or  mouth,  may  as  well  abandon 


DISEASES  OF   THE   SAVJV.  49/ 

the  idea  first  as  last ;  for  the  skin  of  the  animal  is  provided  with 
true  glands  of  this  character. 

.;^T;-This  disorder,  which  is  also  miscalled  mange,  may  be  at  once 
known  by  the  enormously  thickened  hide  of  the  animal,  largely 
devoid  of  sensation,  and  the  odor  which  exhales  from  his  body  ;  the 
latter  is  peculiarly  acid  and  rank.  The  animal  passes  the  entire 
day  in  apathy,  showing  activity  at  meal  time  alone  or  when  licking, 
biting  or  scratching  his  body.  The  hair  is  more  or  less  removed 
from  the  back,  and  the  thickest  portion  of  the  skin  is  just  above 
the  neck,  or  just  before  the  tail.  '     .     .  :r  m       .'..•:  v    /t.ra    ■ 

This  is  in  a  great  measure  the  direct  opposite  of  the  preceding 
disorder,  being  caused  by  too  exclusive  an  animal  diet,  and  attacks 
only  very  fat  and  over-fed  animals  ;  uncleanliness  contributes 
much  to  the  disorder  also. 

Undoubtedly  the  best  remedy  is  that  said  to  be  practiced  by 
dog  fanciers  upon  the  disgustingly  obese  and  ill-tempered  animals 
that  enjoy  the  life  peculiar  to  lap-dogs,  viz. :  the  brute  is  tied  to  a 
crow  bar  or  post  in  the  middle  of  a  yard,  kicked  that  he  may  wail, 
and  left  to  exhaust  himself  with  cries,  and  starved  until  he  looks 
upon  the  most  dirty  and  thoroughly  picked  bone  as  an  especial 
dainty.  This  is  followed  by  starvation  diet  for  a  few  weeks.  The 
treatment  is  undoubtedly  effective,  particularly  for  the  class  of 
dogs  indicated.        '-;•  -ir; j  ■  :'  ..•  :'^.>     .  :);r-'.i::A     ,i  :;»:>  v::/..' OiJa 

Low  vegetable  diet  is  to  be  given.  If  the  animal  refuse  it,  let 
it  be  at  once  removed,  and  not  offered  again  until  the  following 
day.  If  he  choose  to  starve  for  a  week,  all  the  better.  Wash  the 
animal  with  juniper  tar  soap  once  every  day  in  the  morning  \i 
possible,  and  at  night,  sponge  with  a  weak  solution  of  chloride  of 
lime.  An  emetic  of  ipecac  or  tartarized  antimony  may  be  given  at 
the  outset  followed  by  a  laxative,  (36.)  Each  day  the  animal  to  be 
exercised  thoroughly,  and  when  he  begins  to  accept  the  food 
offered  he  should  be  given  the  liquor  arsenicalis  et  hydrargii  iodidii, 
increasing  the  dose  as  per  prescription  35.  Now  apply  to  the  back 
No.  26,  25,  or  37. 

Purpura  canina,  {Mange  f) — This  is  usually  either  a  disorder 
of  senility  or  puppyhood,  dependent  upon  imperfect  nutrition.  It 
is  much  the  same  as  scurvy  in  the  human  subject,  and  makes  its 
appearance  in  an  efflorescence  of  purple  and  livid  spots  on  the 


49^        ^.i.':^-yy.':DOGS   USED  FOR  SPORT. 

skin,  interspersed  here  and  there  with  pustules.  The  hair  falls 
off;  young  animals  more  especially,  being  frequently  rendered 
almost  void  of  covering.  

With  puppies,  the  cause  must  be  looked  for  in  the  milk  which 
the  parent  provides  for  their  nourishment,  and  the  food  of  the 
bitch  must  be  carefully  looked  to,  and  an  entire  vegetable  diet  sub- 
stituted. We  must  also  restore  power,  and  remove  the  cause, 
which  is  sometimes  difficult  to  determine. 

The  cause  must  be  locked  for  either  in  the  food  or  in  the  sur- 
roundings of  the  animals  themselves.  If  there  is  defective  ventila- 
tion, or  the  kennel  is  placed  in  a  damp  situation,  exposed  to  noxious 
malarious  vapors,  or  noisome  odors  from  the  sewers  or  stables,  we 
may  with  tolerable  safety  assign  these  as  the  cause.  Insufficient 
food  is  another,  as  is  neglect  of  exercise  and  habits  of  cleanliness ; 
or,  again,  it  may  be  the  consequence  of  some  organic  disease,  of 
local  weakening  of  the  tissues,  as  in  dropsy,  or  of  general  and  local 
weakening,  as  in  old  age.  _  :, 

The  treatment  opens  with  saline  laxatives  as  Rochelle  salts  (i6 
or  36),  or  a  cathartic  and  alterative  dose  of  calomel  may  be  advis- 
able, to  remove  any  irritant  matters  or  secretions  that  may  be 
present  in  the  alimentary  canal,  or  in  the  ducts  of  the  liver  and 
kidneys  ;  sometimes  we  may  conjoin  a  tonic,  with  an  aperient  as 
the  citrate  of  potash  in  solution  with  quinine,  from  which  after 
sufficient  action  has  been  obtained,  we  change  to  the  citrate  of  iron 
and  quinine.  Iodide  of  potassium  for  nursing  bitches,  combined 
with  columba  (38)  will  probably  be  the  most  serviceable,  alternat- 
ing with  quinine  and  queveenes  iron,  (39)  avoiding  acids  ;  but  in 
other  cases  great  benefit  will  be  found  from  elixir  of  vitriol  and 
tincture  or  fluid  extract  of  cinchona,  (40)  or  nitro-muriatic  acid  and 
fluid  extract  of  gentian  or  cinchona  (41).  Puppies  when  nursing 
need  little  or  no  medicine,  that  which  is  administered  to  the  parent 
being  all  sufficient. 

For  external  applications,  the  muriate  of  ammonia  pomade 
(No.  30)  or  a  moderate  solution  of  borax  (47)  applied  to  the  skin 
will  be  all  sufficient. 

Having  used  vegetable  diet  for  a  few  days,  beef  or  mutton 
soup  strained,  may  be  mixed  with  thence — rice  and  potatoes  being 
the  best  diet. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGAN'S.     499 

This  disorder  may  be  prevented,  by  providing  your  dogs  with 
plenty  of  quitch  grass.  A  fluid  extract  made  from  this  grass, 
{Triticum  repens  48),  will  be  all  the  medicine  puppies  will  need. 


f '.' 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 


Pneumonia  ;  Simple  Inflammation  of  the  Lttngs  ;  Lung  Fe- 
ver.— With  the  canines,  pneumonia  and  pleuro-pneumonia  are 
each  more  strongly  marked  than  in  the  human  race.  Of  the  for- 
mer, nothing  need  be  said,  the  treatment,  etc.,  as  laid  down  in  the 
succeeding  subject  being  ample.       ■     '•''•;•■...■,    >'■    ..  ■■■■■; 

Distemper  Proper. — True  canine  distemper  is  of  extremely 
rare  occurrence,  if  indeed  it  ever  makes  its  appearance  in  the  U.  S. 
and  Canadas.  As  laid  down  by  that  eminent  pathologist,  Kolli- 
ger,  it  is  a  disease  attended  by  a  catarrh,  consisting  essentially  in 
an  irritation  of  the  brain  and  spinal  marrow,  and  characterized  by 
frequent  convulsions  tetanic  in  character ;  its  fatality  being  en- 
hanced by  the  Supervention  of  inflammation  of  the  lungs. 

The  disease  is  wondrously  fatal,  only  about  ten  per  cent 
making  recoveries. 

The  (X\'s,Q.z.'?>^,  generally  known  throughout  the  world  as  distem- 
per, is  commonly  pleuro-pneumonia,  though  many  other  disor- 
ders are  ofttimes  included  under  the  same  title. 

Distemper  ;  Pleuro-pneumonia  ;  Lung  Fever. — There  appears 
to  be  two  forms  of  plet/ro-pneumoftia  to  which  the  dog  is  sub- 
jected :  one  of  which  seems  to  be  somewhat  epizootic  in  charac- 
ter.    This  is  then,  perhaps,  entitled  to  be  called  distemper. 

It  may  be  that  pleuro-pneumonia  as  exhibited  in  the  dog  only 
takes  this  form.  Or  it  may  be  that  it  assumes  two  forms :  the 
one  due  to  irritation  and  inflammation  resultant  upon  the  use  of 
a  morbific  poison ;  and  the  other,  from  more  natural  causes.  At 
all  events,  the  disease,  though  not  contagious,  would  seem  to  be 
infectious  in  one  of  its  forms ;  this  may,  however,  be  due  to  the 
fact,  that  gangrene  of  the  lung  is  commonly  attendant  upon  the 
disorder,  though  not  usually  virulent  in  character.  I  am  drawn 
to  this  belief,  not  only  from  the  deductions  of  pathologists,  but 
from  the  results  of  personal  observation,  verified  by  an  autopsy  of 
an  animal  which  died  from  an  unusually  severe  attack  of  so-called 


500      ,  '  tvviM     DOGS  USED  FOR   SPORT.    '      ' 

distemper  but  a  few  days  previous  to  the  writing  of  this  article. 
The  result  of  the  examination  will  be  found  farther  on. 

It  is  very  difficult  to  point  out  the  diagnostic  symptoms  of  pneu- 
monia to  the  non-professional  observer,  as  we  ascertain  its  extent, 
its  situation,  and  every  step  of  its  progress,  by  means  of  the  ear. 
All  the  symptoms  that  give  us  the  most  sure  information  respect- 
ing the  nature  of  the  disease,  the  event  to  which  it  tends,  and  the 
remedial  treatment  which  it  requires,  spring  out  of  the  actual 
changes  wrought  in  the  pulmonary  substance  itself;  and  these 
changes  are  disclosed  to  us  by  the  method  of  auscultation.  It  is 
necessary,  therefore,  in  order  to  treat  this  disease  understandingly 
and  properly,  you  should  know  first  of  all,  what  those  changes  are 
which  are  produced  by  inflammation  of  cl:e  substance  of  the  lungs  : 
that  you  should  know  the  morbid  anatomy  of  pneumonia,  as  an 
indispensable  gioundwork  for  the  knowledge  of  its  pathology. 
For  this  reason,  if  none  other,  the  account  of  the  autopsy  given 
would  be  valuable  in  order  to  grasp  more  fully  the  rationale  of 
treatment. 

The  majority  of  cases  of  simple  pneumonia  in  dogs,  is  allowed 
usually  to  run  its  course  unnoticed,  no  symptoms  being  observed 
other  than  a  slight  cough,  or  comparative  dull  condition  of  the 
animal ;  or  it  passes  for  a  very  slight  attack  of  distemper,  and  runs 
its  usual  course  terminating  favorably,  thanks  to  the  constitution 
of  the  animal,  and  not  the  so-called  distemper  remedies.  But  if 
the  simple  imflammation  of  the  lungs  involves  the  surrounding 
tissues,  as  may  be  the  case  from  the  outset,  or  as  a  result  of  pneu- 
monia proper,  it  becomes  an  entirely  different  affair.  The  pleura, 
(the  serous  membrane  that  lines  the  interior  of  the  thorax,)  is 
most  likely  to  be  involved,  and  the  disease  becomes  pleitro-pneu- 
monia.  •(  w-.v/ .v-'/l//:,  :t.\:M  ■'Lq^'^t>i»: 

Autopsy  of  a  Newfoundland  bitch,  aged  thirteen  months. 
Examination  six  hours  after  death  : 

The  internal  changes  were  confined  almost  entirely  to  the 
chest.  On  opening  this,  the  animal  being  placed  on  the  back,  we 
found  layers  of  yellowish,  friable,  false  membrane,  varying  in  tena- 
city, stretched  across  and  around  the  sack  containing  the  heart. 
Adhesions  of  this  character  existed  on  both  sides  of  the  chest,  and 
were  bathed  in  a  yellowish  grumous  fluid  or  serum,  which  proved 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.      501 

to  be  highly  albuminous,  and  charged  with  shreds  of  solid  deposit. 
Both  lungs  were  found  adhering  firmly  to  the  pleura,  and  in  at- 
tempting to  pass  the  hands  round  the  large  posterior  lobes,  we 
found  it  extremely  difficult  to  detach  the  diseased  portions  from 
the  ribs. 

The  false  membranes  were  found  adhering  closely  to  the  pleura 
covering  the  lung,  and  to  the  pulmonary  substance  itself;  and  the 
former — the  pleura — mottled  in  color,  with  more  or  less  marked 
papillary  or  warty  looking  eminences.      ^  ^ 

si  .  This  development  showed  that  the  disease  had  been  one  of 
unusual  virulence. 

There  was  considerable  fluid  around  the  lungs,  the  quantity  of 
*  which  we  could  not  estimate,  as  it  was  found  impossible  to.  sepa- 
rate it  from  the  shreds  of  lymph  and  false  membrane  in  which  it 
was  held.  Examination  revealed  a  large  quantity  of  pus  cells, 
and  a  portion  of  the  fluid  placed  in  a  tumbler  partially  gelatinized 
on  prolonged  exposure  to  the  air.  The  lower  portion  of  the  right 
lung  was  gangrenous  and  abscesses  were  found  therein,  which 
gave  out  a  highly  offensive  odor  on  opening.  The  left  lung  had  a 
small  gangrenous  spot  upon  the  inner  posterior  portion  of  the  apex. 

On  removing  the  lungs,  both  were  found  to  present  a  badly 
diseased  appearance,  the  right  being  the  worst.  The  collapsed 
portions  with  the  normal  pink  color,  denoting  healthy  tissue,  were 
extremely  small,  showing  the  animal  possessed  more  than  ordinary 
vitality  to  have  existed  with  so  little  means  of  aeration  of  blood,  as 
long  as  circumstances  indicated  she  did.  On  cutting  into  the  hard 
and  mottled  diseased  portions,  a  very  peculiar  marbled  appearance 
was  presented :  the  substance  of  the  lobules  being  solid  and  of  a 
darkened  color,  while  the  tissue  between  the  lobes  was  yellowish, 
more  or  less  dotted  with  red  points.  The  gradation  from  healthy 
to  diseased  tissue  was  very  marked,  showing  first,  lobules  slightly 
infiltrated  with  semi-liquid  serum,  followed  by  those  more  thick- 
ened, and  of  a  lighter  red  color  showing  the  more  recent  deposits, 
and  lastly  the  thoroughly  consolidated  portions.  Now  we  find 
the  lung  substance  entirely  broken  down,  the  more  solid  portions 
detached  and  imbedded  in  the  cavities  of  the  diseased  tissue,  acting 
as  foreign  bodies,  and  hastening  gangrene.  The  adimssion  of  air 
'  through  the  air  passages  into  the  cavities  by  dissolution  of  lung 


502  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

tissue,  accounts  for  the  cavernous  sounds  that  may  be  sometimes 
detected  in  these  diseases,  and  also  for  the  intolerable  fetor  of  the 
breath  so  often  present,  and  for  the  discharges  from  the  nose, 
matter  being  forced  by  coughing  into  the  posterior  portions  of  the 
throat,  and  there  lodged,  finding  its  way  out  through  the  nostrils 
by  the  attempts  of  the  animal  to  expel  it  ;  besides  the  nasal  passa- 
ges become  diseased  through  sympathy,  and  contact  with  the 
morbific  matter  thrown  off  during  exhalation. 

The  air  passages  were  found  coated  with  patches  of  false  mem- 
brane, and  bathed  in  purulent  matter  throughout  their  entire 
length.  ..•  -      f  ': 

The  heart  was  contracted  and  pale,  containing  a  little  very 
dark  semifluid  blood  in  both  the  left  auricle  and  ventricle.  The 
pericardium  (heart's  sack)  was  slightly  thickened  by  deposits 
around  it,  and  contained  a  slight  excess  of  serum. 

The  brain  presented  no  abnormal  characteristics.  There  was 
marked  and  diffused  redness  of  the  stomach,  and  the  large  intes- 
tine contained  a  little  dark  fetid,  slightly  blood-stained  excrement. 
No  other  pathological  changes  were  found  in  the  digestive  appa- 
ratus.    The  tissues  generally  were  bloodless. 

I  know  not  whether  I  have  made  this  intelligible  to  the  general 
reader  or  not :  at  all  events  it  may  be  of  some  value  to  my  profes- 
sional brethren,  no  small  number  of  whom  are  ardent  sportsmen. 

Although  difficult  to  instruct  the  uninitiated  in  the  manner  of 
making  a  diagnosis,  it  must  be  attempted.  We  first  inquire 
what  signals  of  its  existence  inflammation  holds  out ;  and  how  far 
we,  not  having  the  power  of  seeing  what  is  going  on  within  the 
cavity  of  the  chest,  may  nevertheless  ascertain  the  import^t  pro- 
cesses which  are  there  transacted. 

If  the  ear  be  applied  to  the  chest,  and  the  portion  of  lung  adja- 
cent to  that  surface  happen  to  be  in  the  first  stage  of  inflammation, 
you  hear  a  peculiar  crackling  sound  ;  the  smallest  and  finest  pos- 
sible kind  of  crepitation,  which  has  been  happily  illustrated  by 
saying  that  it  resembles  the  multitudinous  little  crackling  explosions 
made  by  salt  when  it  is  scattered  over  red  hot  coals  ;  another  re- 
semblance is,  like  the  rumpling  of  a  very  fine  piece  of  parchment, 
or  like  the  sound  produced  by  rubbing  a  lock  of  your  hair  between 
your  thumb  and  finger  close  to  the  ear.    This  is  the  crepitation  or 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.      503 

crackling  of  pneumonia,  and  maybe  heard  only  in  a  very  limited 
spot  in  the  beginning.  We  cannot  too  highly  value  this  simple 
symptom,  as  it  gives  the  earliest  and  surest  intimation  that  the 
disease  has  begun. 

When  you  catch  the  inflammation  in  its  earliest  stage  the  mi- 
nute crepitation  which  announces  the  commencing  engorgement  of 
the  part  is  heard  mingled  with  the  ordinary  sounds  of  respiration. 
This  obscures  the  material  sound,  though  it  does  not  yet  entirely 
cover  it — but  as  the  inflammation  advances,  the  crackling  becomes 
more  pronounced,  until  at  length  it  totally  supersedes  it.  So  long 
as  the  natural  sounds  of  respiration  prevail  over  the  crackling,  we 
may  conclude  the  inflammation  is  slight.  But  the  crackling  does  not 
remain  long  in  any  part.  As  the  case  proceeds,  the  sound  is  less 
and  less  hard,  and  at  length  not  heard  at  all  in  that  spot ;  and  it 
may  be  succeeded  by  one  of  two  very  different  sounds.  Its  place 
may  be  taken  by  the  respiratory  murmur  again,  in  which  case  it 
denotes  the  termination  of  the  inflammation.  But  the  crackling 
may  cease,  and  either  no  sound  at  all  be  heard  in  its  stead,  or  a 
new  morbid  sound  which  I  will  presently  describe  ;  and  this  teaches 
us  with  absolute  certainty,  that  the  disease  is  growing  more  severe 
and  serious  ;  that  the  lung  is  becoming  or  has  become  hcpatised, 
that  is,  solidified,  liver-like.  '      :•'••'.;•' 

The  new  sound  is  audible  as  a  whiffing,  like  air  blown  through 
a  quill.  Little  gusts  of  air  are  puffed  in  and  out ;  often  most  dis- 
tinct at  the  termination  of  a  slight  cough.  The  hepatized  lung 
allows  the  air  to  pass  in  the  larger  bronchial  tubes,  but  has  closed 
up  the  smaller  ones  and  the  lung  vesicles,  wherefore  the  whiffing, 
blowing,  gusty  sound  of  the  breath  as  it  enters  and  departs  from 
the  large  bronchi,  which  still  remain  open,  and  bronchial  respi- 
ration, as  the  new  sound  is  called,  is  heard.  By  means  of  these 
three  sounds,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  position  of  the  lungs,  you 
may  easily  master  their  condition  by  the  sounds  heard  as  you 
apply  your  ear  to  different  portions  of  the  chest. 

In  the  majority  of  cases,  the  commencement  of  inflammation  of 
the  lungs  is  marked  by  the  animal's  shivering,  or  having  a  chill, 
followed  by  an  increase  of  temperature  of  the  body,  and  increased 
frequency  of  pulse.  A  little  later  difficulty  of  breathing  is  appa- 
rent, and  the  animal  begins  coughing.     At  first  the  cough  may  be 


504  '^^^'^'^"^       DOGS  USED  FOR  SPORT.     *-''''^'^ 

dry.  but  it  is  attended  with  a  very  characteristic  expectoration. 
The  difficulty  of  breathing  is  sometimes  slight  in  the  outset;  some- 
times severe. 

Apart  therefore,  from  the  physical  signs,  we  may  say  that  the 
usual  symptoms  of  this  disease  are  pain,  more  or  less  severe,  dif- 
ficulty of  breathing  ;  cough  ;  a  peculiar  expectoration  ;  loss  of 
appetite  ;  and  fever,  alternated  with  shivcrings  ;  though  the  latter 
are  usually  nervous  in  character,  rather  than  the  result  of  cold. 

As  the  disorder  progresses  we  have  discharges  of  thick  tena- 
cious mucus,  which  becomes  encrusted  upon  the  lips  and  nose  ; 
the  eyes  become  rheumy  and  blood-shot,  the  lids  being  frequently 
agglutinated,  especially  in  the  morning  ;  and  the  animal  seeks  re- 
pose, and  is  disinclined  to  move.  Farther  on  we  find  the  cough 
becomes  less  frequent,  or  it  may  cease  entirely.  It  has  no  particular 
character  at  any  time,  and  affords  little  information,  though  it  is 
usually  dry  at  the  outset ;  but  in  a  few  hours  is  accompanied  by 
expectoration  of  a  yellowish  frothy  mucus  which,  later,  becomes 
streaked  with  tawny  rust-colored  spots,  which  evidently  constitute 
the  greater  portion  of  the  expectoration.  The  discharge  from  the 
nostrils  undergoes  the  same  changes.  Ulcers  appear  upon  the  lips 
in  this  stage,  and  the  animal  utters  cries  of  pain,  particularly  after 
pressure  upon  the  chest.  Emaciation  supervenes,  the  sufferer 
grows  thinner  and  weaker,  until,  no  longer  able  to  rise,  it  remains 
lying  upon  the  side.  The  breath  now  has  a  highly  offensive  odor, 
which  might  have  been  remarked  in  a  less  degree  at  an  earlier 
stage  of  the  disease ;  diarrhoea  supervenes,  and  the  faecal  dischar- 
ges have  the  peculiar  fetid  s"iell  before  noticed,  in  speaking  of 
post-mortem  appearances,  'ihis  is  the  last  stage,  which  closes • 
with  death. 

Having  thus  given  a  crude  outline,  I  will  explain  some  of  the 
points  further :  •'  '.' . 

At  the  outset,  the  expectoration  and  nasal  discharges  consist 
of  clear  mucus,  or  else  there  is  no  secretion  ;  but  the  second  or 
third  day  generally,  they  assume  the  characteristic  appearance  : 
i.  e.,  they  come  to  be  composed  of  mucus  intimately  united  and 
combined  with  blood,  though  it  may  be  streaked  with  blood  at 
first,  it  generally  is  blood  and  mucus  at  the  outset,  and  is  always 
at  the  expiration  of  twenty-four  hours.     Even  when  this  trans- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  HESriKATORV  ORGANS.     ^0$ 

parent  mucus  is  yellcnu,  the  color  is  clue  to  blood,  and  the  dis- 
charges are  not  as  the  vets,  claim,  from  the  stomach,  but  the  lungs. 
If  to  water  rendered  viscid  by  dissolving  a  certain  quantity  of 
gum  in  it,  sufficient  to  give  it  the  consistency  of  mucus,  you  add 
blood,  drop  by  drop,  you  will  obtain,  in  succession,  all  the  shades 
of  color  that  are  presented  in  the  discharges  from  the  mouth  and 
nasal  passages  in  this  disease  :  first  a  yellow  tinge ;  then  a  t.awny 
yellow  which  loses  itself  in  red,  and  comes  to  represent  the  color 
of  the  rust  of  iron,  and  lastly  intensely  red.  A  part  of  the  dis- 
charges from  the  nose,  however,  the  clearest  portions,  may  come 
•  from  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nostrils  and  fauces,  induced  by 
the  irritation  of  the  lung  matter.  If  a  little  of  this  discharge  be 
taken  up  on  a  stick,  and  it  runs  readily,  or  even  slowly,  we  may 
hope  that  the  disease  has  not  passed  the  first  stage.  But  if  it  be 
thick,  viscid,  or  jelly  like,  and  hard  to  get  rid  of  when  so  taken, 
we  may  fear  that  the  second  stage  is  reached. 

Although  these  rust  or  orange-colored  discharges  are  com- 
monly present  during  the  more  active  period  of  this  disease,  you 
ought  to  be  aware  that  they  do  not  constantly  accompany  it. 
Sometimes  they  are  like  those  of  a  catarrh  ;  and  sometimes  there 
is  scarcely  any  at  all. 

Having  given  you  an  idea  of  the  symptoms  individually,  I  must 
now  hastily  glance  over  them  collectively,  as  they  must  be  studied 
together  ;  and  some  will  be  found  to  confirm  or  correct  the  indi- 
cations that  might  be  drawn  from  others. 

The  first  symptom  is  usually  a  slight  difficulty  in  breathing,  the 
animal  moving  gingerly,  as  with  pain,  or  humoring  onfe  side  more 
than  another  in  lying  down.  Make  a  movement  as  though  to  grasp 
his  sides,  and  he  will  likely  follow  the  motion  of  your  hand,  with 
his  muzzle  close  to  it,  fearing  he  may  be  hurt ;  the  eye  also  shows 
suffering :  this  may,  or  may  not  have  been  preceded  by  shivering, — 
rigors ;  and  he  coughs  slightly,  but  without  expectorating.  At  this 
period  the  ear  applied  to  his  chest  and  back  may  generally  detect 
the  slight  crepitating  sound  before  mentioned,  and  some  fever  will 
be  noticed  withal.  The  second  or  third  day  new  symptoms  appear. 
The  expectoration  and  nasal  discharge,  heretofore  absent,  or  ca- 
tarrhal in  character  become  characteristic  ;  being  at  first  moderately 
viscid,  and  having  a  degree  of  color  proportionate  to  the  variable 
2a 


506  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 


K  . 


quantity  of  blood  it  contains.  The  minute  crepitation  increases 
and  drowns  or  supersedes  the  respiratory  murmur,  and  less  symp- 
toms of  pain  are  noticed,  but  he  prefers  to  lie  flat  on  his  belly  to 
his  side,  or  lies  upon  one  side  only,  resisting  all  attempts  at  being 
turned  over  and  made  to  lie  on  the  other. 

In  this  condition  of  pneumonia,  though  the  disease  may  be 
severe,  the  inflammation  is  yet  in  its  primary  stage.  It  often  re- 
mains stationary  for  a  while,  then  recedes,  and  terminates  by 
resolution. 

As  soon  as  this  stage  is  diagnosed,  administer  a  full  dose  o( 
calomel,  and  eight  or  ten  grains,  with  half  as  much  quinine,  and 
five  grains  of  jalap.  See  that  this  operates  thoroughly,  following 
with  sweet  oil  (8a)  if  necessary.  Also  administer  one  or  two  drops 
of  Norwood's  tincture  of  veratrum  viride,  one-half  drachm  to  a 
drachm  of  nitre,  and  four  or  five  gr.'iiiis  of  muriate  of  amnjunia  at 
a  dose  (49a)  in  water ;  let  this  be  given  everj'  hour,  watching  the 
pulse  and  the  fever.  As  soon  as  the  pulse  becomes  steady  even  if 
it  be  not  quite  normal,  and  the  fever  is  allayed,  give  the  doses  only 
once  in  four  hours.  This  carefully  followed,  the  animal  being  kept 
in  a  moderately  warm,  dry,  and  airy  room,  will  usually  cut  the  dis- 
ease short  at  once.  If  it  does  not,  begin  the  use  of  carbonate  of 
ammonia  in  six  grain  doses,  (50)  with  enemas  containing  small 
doses  of  spirits,  >l\  grains  every  four  hours  ;  use  on  chest  liniment 
as  per  prescripts-     No.  52. 

Second  Stage. — If  the  inflammatory  engorgement  does  not  cease 
by  resolution,  and  the  symptoms  that  announce  it  are  exasperated, 
we  must  expect  the  second  stage  to  be  established.  And  we  may 
be  certain  that  it  exists  when  we  observe  the  following  phenomena  : 
the  breathing  becomes  more  and  more  constrained,  short,  acceler- 
ated ;  if  the  animal  cries  out  with  pain,  he  does  it  in  a  short,  pant- 
ing manner,  in  a  series  of  short,  quick  yaps  between  the  inspira- 
tions. The  discharges  acquire  such  a  degree  of  viscidity  that  they 
can  no  longer  be  detached  from  the  stick,  even  by  shaking  it  vio- 
lently; the  sound  aflbrded  by  tapping  the  diseased  side  with  the 
fingers  is  decidedly  dull, — no  resonance  as  in  health ;  at  first  we 
hear  a  little  of  the  minute  crepitation,  without  the  admixture  of  the 
natural  sounds  of  respiration  ;  then  that  little  crepitation  ceases,  and 
either  no  sound  at  all  is  perceived  by  the  ear,  or  in  the  part  where 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.      %oy 

there  is  dullness  on  tapping  with  the  finger,  bronchial  respiration 
is  heard.  The  animal  continues  to  lie  on  the  belly  or  support  him- 
self with  his  fore-legs.  In  this  degree  of  the  disease  the  prognosis 
is  always  uncertain.  The  animal  often  sinks  rapidly  and  dies  of 
asphyxia.  We  now  begin  a  still  more  stimulant  treatment,  using 
the  veratrum  as  before  but  in  larger  doses  and  adding  tincture  of 
aconite  root,  one  drop  to  each  dose  (49/^).  Enemas  of  brandy, 
and  beef  tea  must  be  given,  as  well  as  by  the  mouth,  in  order  to 
sustain  the  sufferer.  We  also  give  the  turpentine  and  ^gg  mixture 
by  the  mouth  (54),  and  bark  tea  and  the  fresh  solution  of  acetate 
of  ammonia  (No.  55),  quinine,  leptandrin  and  powdered  iron  too, 
in  large  doses  with  sub-carbonate  of  bismuth  if  there  is  vomiting. 
Small  doses  of  quinine  do  not  answer  the  purpose,  exerting  an  in- 
fluence upon  the  heart  that  we  do  not  desire.  A  blister  too  will  be 
of  value  applied  over  the  affected  side,  though  the  liniment  will  per- 
haps do.  If  there  is  delirium,  look  out  for  trouble,  for  the  animal 
will  not  only  be  diPT.cult  to  manage,  but  the  disease  may  be  looked 
upon  as  fatal.  Now  no  opium  must  be  given,  but  full  doses  of 
hyoscyamus,  cannabis  indica,  and  similar  sedatives  may  be  used 
instead. 

When  resolution  begins  to  take  place,  we  hear  afresh  the  small 
crepitation,  at  first  alone,  then  m.ixed  with  the  natural  respiratory 
murmur,  which  in  its  turn  becomes  alone  audible.  The  discharges 
return  to  their  catarrhal  character.  In  the  meantime  the  dysp- 
noea and  fever  diminish,  and  then  cease  entirely. 

It  would  doubtless  be  very  interesting  to  determine,  in  a  given 
case,  whether  the  lung  of  the  sufferer  was  in  the  second  or  third 
stage  of  inflammation.  But  there  are  no  certain  means  for  mak- 
ing this  distinction.  We  may  guess  that  such  is  the  fact  when  the 
discharges  assume  a  prune  juice  color.  The  appearance  of  diar- 
rhoea is  not  to  be  depended  on,  as  it  appears  frequently,  with  the 
inception  of  the  second  stage.  However,  the  discharges  will  not 
help  us  much  ;  for  sometimes  the  lung  may  be  in  a  state  of  suppura- 
tion on  the  fifth  day  ;  and  again  it  may  be  found  in  a  state  of  red 
hepitization  as  late  as  the  twentieth  or  twenty-second  day. 

When  pneumonia  passes  into  gangrene,  which  is  much  oft- 
ener  the  case  with  dogs  than  is  supposed,  the  discharges  become 
of  a  greenish,  or  reddish,  or  dirty  grey  color,  and  exhale  a  pecu- 


ioS         •^^'•^'^       DOGS  USED  FOR   SPOUT.     iV^\Cv 

liar  fetid  smell.  We  can  little  hope  to  save  the  life  of  the  animal 
in  case  this  becomes  marked. 

Before  leaving  this  subject,  let  me  apologize  for  its  length. 
But  the  disease  has  never  before  been  properly  written  up.  so  far  as 
known  to  me,  or  its  pathological  characters  noticed.  I  have  made 
this  brief,  too  brief  considering  the  subject.  The  popular  writers 
on  diseases  of  canines  are,  unfortunately,  all  in  the  dark,  which  is 
to  be  regretted.  Mayhew,  who  is  perhaps  as  much  read  by  sports- 
men as  any  author,  gives  no  rationale  of  the  disease,  but  deals  in 
generalities,  which  show  he  was  entirely  at  sea,  and  that  he  knew 
nothing  of  its  pathology  ;  or  indeed  of  hardly  ^ny  other  disease  he 
attempts  to  treat  of.  The  symptoms  he  gives,  however,  will  be 
noticed  as  almost  identical  with  those  of  pleuro-pneumonia. 

Splenic  Fever. — This  is  another  disease  which  in  its  various 
stages  is  either  called  distemper,  or  mistaken  for  inflammation  of 
the  bowels.  There  is  the  same  characteristic  discharge  from  the 
nose,  and  diarrhoea  is  often  present.  The  mucous  membranes  of 
the  mouth  are  pallid,  the  flanks  drawn  in,  the  animal  nervous, 
and  finally  paralysis  of  the  hind  quarters  supervenes. 

I  can  give  nothing  of  value  concerning  the  pathology  of  the 
disease,  except  that  the  spleen  and  kidneys  are  enormously  en- 
larged, and  the  grey  matter  of  the  upper  portions  of  the  spinal 
cord  takes  on  ulceration  and  suppuration.  I  am  indebied  to  two 
medical  gentlemen  of  the  U.  S.  Army  for  the  little  knowledge  I 
possess  on  this  subject,  and  that  little  cannot  well  be  given  here. 
The  disease  is  called  splenic  fever,  because  that  organ  shows 
greater  changes  than  any  other.  From  the  symptoms  as  given  me, 
I  should  think  this  might  be  the  true  distemper.  Thus  far  cases 
have  been  noticed  only  in  New  Mexico,  Texas,  and  Arizona. 

The  indications  would  seem  to  be  a  tonic  treatment.  Opium 
aggravates  the  disease,  it  inevitably  proving  fatal  where  this  drug 
is  administered.  The  pathology  of  these  two  diseases  proves  that 
vaccination  is  useless  as  a  preventive. 

ik  DISEASES  OF  THE   NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

Epilepsy ;  Convulsions. — Epilepsy,  Convulsions,  or  Fits  may 
arise  from  a  variety  of  causes,  the  most  common  of  which  are 
intestinal  worms.rage  habit,  defective  nutrition  ;  under  which  may 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  509 

be  classed  bad  food  and  under  feeding,  or  over  feeding  and  conse- 
quent want  of  assimilation  ;  rickets,  obstructions  of  the  bowels, 
malformation  of  one  side  of  the  head,  improper  treatment  of  skin 
diseases,  prolonged  retention  of  urine,  disease  of  the  brain  or 
spinal  column,  as  the  result  of  mechanical  injury,  or  as  a  sequel  to 
splenic  fever,  excess  of  venery,  heredity,  etc.,  etc. 

With  this  array  of  causes,  to  which  much  might  be  added,  it 
would  appear  as  though  all  attempts  to  treat  this  disease  would 
necessarily  be  futile.         '■' nif.-r  ^Lii  •  r-   ^' ■:::!  .r^  ,;-■;-- vr^i  ?,-  -ts'rr 

The  leading  symptoms  of  this  disease  are,  a  temporary  suspen- 
sion of  consciousness,  with  clonic  spasms,  recurring  at  intervals. 

The  dog,  in  apparent  enjoyment  of  perfect  health,  may  some- 
times give  notice  of  an  attack  by  a  peculiar  short  yelp,  when  he 
falls  ii.stantly  to  the  ground,  senseless  and  convulsed  ;  again  the 
seizure  is  only  known  by  finding  the  animal  prostrate,  he  having 
fallen  suddenly,  dropping  in  his  tracks  as  though  fatally  shot.  He 
strains  and  struggles  violently,  his  breathing  is  embarrassed  or 
suspended  ;  he  foams  at  the  mouth ;  a  choking  sound  is  heard  in 
his  windpipe;  and  he  appears  to  be  at  the  point  of  death  from 
asphyxia — and  indeed  so  dies  sometimes.  But  presently,  and  by 
degrees  these  alarming  phenomena  diminish,  and  at  length  cease  ; 
the  animal  is  left  exhausted,  heavy,  stupid  and  comatose:  but  his 
life  is  no  longer  threatened.  And  in  a  short  time,  he  is  once  more 
to  all  appearances  perfectly  well.  The  same  train  of  morbid  phe- 
nomena recur,  however,  again  and  again,  at  different,  and  mostly 
at  irregular  intervals.  This  is  a  brief  description  of  the  most  ordi- 
nary forms  of  epilepsy. 

The  suddenness  of  the  attack  is  remarkable  :  in  an  instant, 
when  least  expected  by  the  animal  or  his  master,  in  the  midst  of  a 
point,  or  a  movement  perhaps,  the  change  takes  place  ;  and  the 
poor  animal  is  stretched  foaming,  struggling,  and  insensible  upon 
the  earth.  The  muscular  convulsions  are  strong,  irregular,  and 
often  universal ;  and  one  side  of  the  body  is  usually  more  agitated 
than  the  other.  The  integument  of  the  forehead  above  the  eyes  is 
usually  puckered  into  folds ;  the  eyes  sometimes  quiver  and  roll 
about,  sometimes  are  fixed  and  staring,  sometimes  are  turned  up 
beneath  the  lids,  so  that  the  whites  alone  are  visible  ;  the  tongue 
is  thrust  through  the  sides  of  the  jaws,   perhaps  bitten,  often 


5IO         .V  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPOUT.      ^-^'^- 

severely ;  and  the  foam  which  issues  from  the  mouth  is  reddened 
by  blood.  It  often  happens  too,  that  the  urine  and  excrement  are 
expelled  during  the  violence  of  the  spasm.  '^'  '■''''^''  '''I'Hw'  :.';v  j..->;ft 
When  the  convulsive  paroxysm  is  over,  the  animal  appears 
buried  in  deep  sleep,  and  it  might  be  supposed  that  this  was  the 
result  of  exhaustion  ;  but  there  is  something  more  than  this ;  the 
animal  passes  into  a  state  of  incomplete  coma,  or  rather  the  insen- 
sibility continues.  When  he  wakes,  he  appears  dizzy  and  con- 
fused ;  by  degrees,  however,  he  resumes  his  ordinary  appearance 
and  condition.  ■   j'»      '  -  -      ^  ^     •-      ^'  '        '  ■•  -     .:■;''.;-: 

As  may  be  supposed,  so  much  irregular  contraction  of  the 
muscles  of  voluntary  motion  is  not  likely  to  occur  without  some 
derangement  or  modification  of  the  functions  of  the  circulation. 
The  breathing  is  irregular,  gasping,  or  arrested.  The  heart  pal- 
pitates violently  ;  the  pulse  becomes  frequent  and  feeble  ;  and 
sometimes  ceases  to  be  tangible  during  the  height  of  the  fit,  and 
is  to  be  felt  again  as  the  spasms  subside.  The  inside  of  the  Hps 
becomes  blue  and  pallid,  and  the  eyes  blood-shot,  the  veins  being 
visibly  distended. 

This  is  one  form,  the  most  severe  and  the  most  common,  as 
well  as  the  best  marked,  in  which  an  epileptic  attack  occurs. 

But  there  is  a  large  class  of  cases  in  which  the  symptoms  are 
much  more  mild.  There  is  very  slight  and  transient,  or  even  no 
convulsion  at  all ;  no  signs  of  turgescence  about  the  organs  of  the 
face  ;  no  foaming  at  the  mouth  ;  no  quivering  of  the  eyes ;  but  a 
sudden  suspension  of  consciousness,  a  short  period  of  insensibility, 
a  fixed  gaze,  a  totter  perhaps,  a  look  of  confusion  or  wonderment, 
but  the  animal  does  not  fall.  This  is  momentary  ;  consciousness 
quickly  returns ;  the  dog  resumes  the  action  in  which  he  has  been 
previously  engaged,  and  is  ofttimes  not  aware  that  he  has  been 
interrupted.     This  constitutes  the  mildest  form  of  the  disease. 

Between  the  two  extremes  there  are  many  links  of  gradation  ; 
but  they  are  all  epilepsy. 

On  discovering  this  disease  in  your  animal,  no  matter  how 
slight  the  attack,  if  not  at  home  take  him  there  ;  and  at  once  cast 
about  for  the  cause.  If  you  are  convinced  it  arises  from  any  of 
the  ordinary  diseases,  treat  them.  Whatever  you  do,  at  once 
evacuate  the  bowels,  and  keep  them  slightly  lax,  and  begin  a  bland 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.         51I 

and  nutritious  diet.  If  no  cause  can  be  assigned,  the  best  treat- 
ment consists  of  tonics,  as  iron,  the  barks,  quinine,  mineral  acids, 
etc. ;  with  these  may  be  combined  small  doses  of  musk,  assafoetida, 
camphor,  or  other  anti-spasmodics.  Muriate  of  ammonia,  oft- 
times  seems  to  be  a  specific,  as  does  the  fluid  extract  of  the  Aus- 
tralian fever-tree — Eucalyptus.  No  definite  treatment  can  be  as- 
signed ;  you  must  work  out  the  problem  for  yourself.     See  41, 

42,43.56,59- 

Opium,  bleeding,  etc.,  are  not  to  be  thought  of  under  any  con- 
sideration. Do  not  put  stones  in  the  ear  of  the  sufferer  with  ex- 
pectation of  a  cure  ;  it  not  unfrequently  happens  that  some  foreign 
body  in  the  ear  is  the  cause  of  the  attack.  Where  the  disease  is 
the  result  of  softening  of  the  spinal  cord  or  brain,  it  becomes 
hopeless  ;  but  it  is  more  commonly  the  result  of  reflex  irritation. 

All  forms  of  so-called  fits,  as  they  occur  in  dogs,  may  be  re- 
ferred to  this  disorder.  I  may  remark,  too,  that  tape  worm  is  the 
most  frequent  cause  of  the  disease. 

Chorea  Sancti  Viti. — Another  disease  of  :;  spasmodic  kind, 
and  essentially  belonging  to  the  nervous  system,  is  Chorea — St, 
Vitus'  dance.  This  is  far  less  serious  in  some  respects  than  the 
disease  we  have  just  had  under  consideration  ;  but  it  is  very  un- 
pleasant to  possess  an  animal  suffering  from  this  disorder. 

The  pathology  of  this  disease  is  obscure.  None  of  the  ana- 
tomical researches  hitherto  made  upon  the  subject,  nor  any  study 
of  its  symptoms,  give  us  any  positive  information  as  to  the  real 
point  whence  the  morbid  irritation  of  the  motor  nerves  proceeds. 
The  result  of  the  somewhat  rare  autopsies  which  have  been  either 
negative,  or  else  so  discordant  than  any  lesion  discovered  in  the 
central  organs  of  the  nervous  system  could  not  be  referred  to  the 
chorea,  but  rather  to  some  accidental  complication,  or  to  the  dis- 
ease of  which  the  patient  died.  The  general  implication  of  nearly 
all  the  cerebro-spinal  motor  nerves  altogether  contradicts  the  sup- 
position that  the  origin  of  the  disease  lies  in  the  peripheral  nerves, 
as  has  been  claimed.  The  complete  integrity  of  the  other  cere- 
bral functions  makes  it  improbable  that  the  movements  of  the 
chorea  originate  in  the  brain.  On  the  other  hand,  certain  paus.^s 
in  the  muscular  restlessness  which  occur,  particularly  during 
sleep,  would  imply  that  the  motor  influence  is  derived  from  the 


512      U'iW        DQQs   USED  FOR   SPORT.     ^"'^ 

brain  rather  than  the  spinal  marrow.  There  is  no  good  ground 
for  the  hypothesis  that  chorea  is  dependent  upon  a  disproportion 
in  size  between  the  spinal  canal  and  the  spinal  marrow,  or  upon 
inflammation  of  the  vertebrae,  or  upon  spinal  irritation,  for  we  do 
not  even  know  that  the  seat  of  the  malady  really  lies  in  the  spinal 
marrow.  ,  , 
.3  The  prominent  symptom  of  this  disorder  is,  an  irregular  and 
involuntary  clonic  contraction  of  some  of  the  voluntary  muscles, 
which,  however,  are  not  wholly  or  constantly  withdrawn  from  the 
government  of  the  will.  In  epilepsy  with  convulsive  spasm,  we 
tind  suspension  of  mental  functions ;  a  temporary  interruption  of 
consciousness,  and  therefore  of  volition.  But  in  chorea  there  is 
no  loss  of  consciousness  ;  no  defect  of  volition.  The  ordinary 
movements  of  the  body  can  be  performed  in  some  degree,  under 
the  direction  of  the  will ;  but  it  would  seem  as  if  some  other  power 
wantonly  interfered  to  excite  them  where  they  are  not  needed,  to 
render  them  unsteady  and  imperfect,  and  to  arrest  natural  action. 
The  symptoms  then,  are  involuntary  movements  and  twitching  of 
the  muscles,  which  may  vary  more  or  less  according  to  circum- 
stances.          I  "^^     ■      ;                       ^        ....-,..         .,:    ,..    ,A 

The  cause  of  the  disease  being  unknown,  we  are  largely  in  the 
dark  as  to  treatment.  As  it  so  frequently  results  as  a  sequel  to 
distemper  ( ?)  and  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  we  may  look  upon 
it  as  due  in  part  to  defective  nutrition  ;  we  therefore  prescribe 
tonics  and  nervines.  Of  those  drugs  which  combine  both  prop- 
erties, the  following  are  the  best ;  valerianate  of  quinine,  of  iron 
and  zinc  ;  erythroxylon  coca  ;  iodoform,  bromide  of  ammonium,  etc. 
These  may  each  be  tried  as  occasion  demands.  The  happiest 
results  are  frequently  had  from  the  use  of  Hubbel's  elixir  of  valeri- 
anate of  ammonia,  and  the  mineral  acids,  combined  with  the  tonic 
barks. 

.J;:ifi  j,j_  B_  Both  chorea  and  epilepsy  may  be  frequently  traced  to 
the  breeding  of  the  parent  or  parents  at  an  immature  age. 

Rabies  Cam'na  ;  Lyssa  ;  Hydrophobia, — It  is  much  to  be  re- 
gretted that  dogs  suspected  of  rabies  are  usually  quickly  destroyed. 
When  a  person  has  been  bitten  by  a  dog  or  any  other  animal  sus- 
pected to  be  rabid,  the  beast  ought  by  no  means  to  be  killed,  but 
to  be  secured,  and  kept  under  surveillance,  and  suffered,  if  it  shall 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  5I3 

so  happen,  to  die  of  the  disease.  If  he  does  not  die,  in  other 
words,  if  he  is  not  rabid,  that  will  soon  appear ;  and  the  mind  of 
the  person  bitten  will  then  be  relieved  from  a  very  painful  state  of 
suspense  and  uncertainty,  which  might  otherwise  have  haunted 
him  for  months  or  years.  Again,  it  would  reduce  the  number  of 
deaths  from  hydrophobia,  though  not  rabies,  as  fewer  persons 
would  die  of  fear,  brought  on  by  no  contagion,  and  no  disease, 
except  as  caused  by  their  own  overwrought  fancies.  If  the  dog 
dies  mad,  the  injured  person  will  be  no  worse  off  than  if  the  ani- 
mal had  been  killed  in  the  first  instance.  ''  Give  a  dog  a  bad 
name,"  says  the  proverb,  "  and  hang  him  ; "  and  it  is  literally  so 
with  the  imputation  of  madness.  A  poor  wretch  of  a  dog  is  per- 
haps ill,  or  weary,  or  cross,  or  he  may  have  been  worried  already 
by  mischievous  boys ;  the  cry  of  mad  dog  is  raised  ;  and  then  he 
can  expect  no  mercy.  There  are  gross  errors  prevalent  with  re- 
gard to  the  signs  of  rabies  in  the  dog.  If  a  dog  be  seen  in  a  fit  in 
the  street,  some  person  charitably  offers  a  conjecture  that  perhaps 
he  may  be  mad  ;  the  next  person  has  no  doubt  of  it ;  and  then 
woe  to  that  dog  !  Now  a  rabid  animal  never  has  convulsions  : 
the  existence  of  epilepsy  is  a  clear  proof  that  there  is  no  rabies. 
Again,  it  is  a  very  common  belief,  that  a  rabid  dog,  like  a  hydro- 
phobic man,  will  shun  water  ;  and  if  he  takes  to  a  river,  it  is  thought 
to  be  conclusive  evidence  that  he  is  not  mad.  But  the  truth  is, 
that  the  disease,  in  the  quadruped,  cannot  be  called  hydropJiobia  : 
there  is  no  dread  of  water,  but  an  unquenchable  thirst ;  no  spasm 
attending  the  effort  to  swallow,  but  sometimes  an  inability  to  per- 
form the  act  from  paralysis  of  the  muscles  about  the  jaws  and 
throat.    They  will  stand  lapping,  without  getting  any  of  the  liquid 

down.  ;.     ^-    y         .     ,,,_,.,■    .  ^^     /'..::-": 

There  is  another  superstitious  opinion  not  at  all  uncommon,  viz., 
that  healthy  dogs  recognize  one  that  is  mad,  and  fear  him,  and  run 
away  from  his  presence,  in  consequence  of  some  mysterious  and 
wonderful  instinct,  warning  them  of  danger.  This  is  quite  un- 
founded. Equally  mistaken  are  the  notions  that  the  mad  dog 
exhales  a  peculiar  and  offensive  smell,  and  that  he  may  be  known 
by  his  running  with  his  tail  between  his  legs  ;  except  as  Mr.  Youatt 
says,  when  weary  and  exhausted,  he  is  seeking  his  home. 

"  The  earliest  symptoms  of  rabies  in  the  dog,  are  sullenness, 
22* 


514  •>''^'        DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT.  ^z'- 

fidgetiness,  continual  shifting  of  the  posture,  a  steadfast  gaze  ex- 
pressive of  suspicion,  an  earnest  licking  of  some  part  on  which  a 
scar  may  generally  be  found.  If  the  ear  be  the  affected  part,  the 
animal  is  incessantly  and  violently  scratching  it.  If  it  be  the  foot 
he  gnaws  it  till  the  integuments  are  destroyed.       ."  '  '  '  '    •   '"'  V^ 

"  Occasional  vomiting  and  a  deepened  appetite  are  very  early 
noticeable.  The  dog  will  pick  up  and  swallow  most  anything  that 
comes  in  his  way,  even  his  own  excrement.  Then  the  animal  be- 
comes irascible  ;  flies  fiercely  at  strangers  ;  is  impatient  of  correc- 
tion ;  seizes  the  whip  or  stick  ;  quarrels  with  his  own  companions  ; 
demolishes  his  bed  ;  and  if  chained  up,  makes  violent  efforts  to 
escape,  tearing  his  kennel  to  pieces  with  his  teeth.  If  he  be  at 
large,  he  usually  attacks  only  those  dogs  that  come  in  his  way ; 
but  if  he  be  naturally  ferocious,  he  will  diligently  and  persever- 
ingly  seek  his  enemy." 

According  to  Mr.  Youatt.  the  disease  is  principall}'  propagated 
by  the  fighting  dogs  in  towns  ;  and  by  the  curs  in  the  country  ;  by 
those  dogs,  therefore,  which  minister  to  the  vices  of  the  lower  classes 
in  town  and  country  respectively.  He  maintains  that  if  a  well 
enforced  quarantine  could  be  established,  and  every  dog  in  the 
kingdom  confined  separately  for  seven  months,  the  disease  might 
be  extirpated  in  Great  Britain.  This  opinion  is  founded  of  course 
on  the  belief  that  rabies  never  originates,  any  more  than  small- 
pox does,  spontaneously,  but  is  always  propagated  by  the  specific 
virus.  As  corroborative  of  this,  authors  have  cited  the  statements 
that  rabies  and  hydrophobia  are  unknown  in  some  countries.  The 
most  common  statements  so  urged  are  that  South  America  is,  or 
was  a.  stranger  to  this  disease.  That  it  was  imported  into  Jamaica 
after  that  island  had  enjoyed  an  immunity  from  the  disease  for  at 
least  fifty  years  previously  ;  that  the  most  wretched  curs  abound  in 
the  island  of  Madeira,  that  are  afflicted  with  alm.ost  every  disease, 
tormented  by  flies,  and  heat,  and  thirst,  and  famine,  yet  no  rabid 
dogs  had  ever  been  seen  there ;  and  that,  on  the  contrary,  the  loss 
of  human  life  from  hydrophobia  in  Prussia,  between  the  years 
1826  and  '36,  reached  the  number  of  1666.  With  regard  to  the 
geographical  limits  of  this  disease,  I  shall  have  occasion  to  speak 
further  on. 

Very  early  in  the  disease,  the  expression  of  the  animal's  coun- 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NER  VO  US  S  YSTEM.  5  1 5 

tenance  is  remarkably  changed  ;  the  eyes  glisten,  there  is  slight 
strabismus,*  and  twitchings  of  the  face  come  on.  About  the 
second  day  a  considerable  discharge  of  saliva  commences  ;  but  this 
does  not  continue  more  than  ten  or  twelve  hours,  and  is  succeeded 
by  insatiable  thirst ;  the  dog  is  incessantly  drinking,  or  attempting 
to  drink,  plunging  his  muzzle  into  the  water.  When  the  flow  of 
saliva  has  ceased,  he  appears  to  be  annoyed  by  some  viscid  matter 
in  his  fauces  ;  and  in  the  most  eager  and  extraordinary  manner  he 
works  with  his  paws  at  the  corners  of  his  mouth,  to  get  rid  of  it ;  and 
while  thus  employed  he  frequently  loses  his  balance  and  rolls  over. 

A  loss  of  power  over  the  voluntary  muscles  is  next  observed. 
It  begins  with  the  lower  jaw,  which  hangs  down,  and  the  mouth  is 
partially  open  ;  but  by  a  sudden  effort  the  dog  can  sometimes  close 
it,  though  occasionally  the  paralysis  is  complete.  The  tongue  is 
affected  in  a  less  degree.  The  dog  is  able  to  raise  it  in  the  act  of 
lapping ;  but  the  mouth  is  not  sufficiently  closed  to  retain  the 
water.  Therefore,  while  he  hangs  over  the  fluid,  eagerly  lapping 
for  several  minutes,  it  is  very  little  or  not  at  all  diminished.  The 
paralysis  often  attacks  the  loins  and  extremities  also.  The  animal 
staggers  about,  and  frequently  falls.  Previously  to  this  he  is  in 
almost  incessant  action.  Mr.  Youatt  fancies  that  the  dog  is  sub- 
ject to  what  we  call  spectral  illusions.  He  says  "  he  starts  up  and 
gazes  eagerly  at  some  real  or  imaginary  object.  He  appears  to  be 
tracing  the  path  of  something  floating  around  him,  or  he  fixes  his 
eye  intently  upon  some  spot  in  the  wall,  and  suddenly  plunges  at 
it;  then  his  eyea  close,  and  his  head  droops," 

Frequently,  with  his  head  erect,  the  dog  utters  a  short  and  very 
peculiar  howl ;  or  if  he  barks,  it  is  a  hoarse,  inward  sound,  alto- 
gether dissimilar  from  his  usual  tone,  and  generally  terminating  ' 
with  this  characteristic  howl.  Respiration  is  always  affected  ;  often 
the  breathing  is  very  laborious ;  and  the  inspiration  is  attended 
with  a  very  singular  grating,  choking  noise.  On  the  fourth,  fifth, 
or  sixth  day  of  the  disease,  usually,  he  dies :  occasionally  in  slight 
convulsions,  but  oftener  without  a  struggle. 

"i  Mr.  Youatt  gives  a  detailed  account  of  the  appearances  met 
with  after  deach  in  the  carcasses  of  rabid  dogs.  They  are  not 
very  constant  or  distinctive.     The  most  curious  and  uniform  con- 

•  Strabismus— cross-eyed,  ^ 


5l6  DOGS    USED   I- OR   SPORT.      >' • 

sist  in  the  presence  of  unnatural  ingesta  in  the  stomach :  straw, 
hay,  hair,  horse-dung,  earth.  Sometimes  the  stomach  is  perfectly 
distended  with  these  substances ;  and  when  it  contains  none  of 
them,  there  is  a  fluid  of  the  deepest  chocolate  color  mixed  with 
olive  ;  or  still  darker,  like  coffee  ;  and  when  neither  the  unnatural 
ingesta  nor  the  dark  fluid  appear,  it  will  be  found,  says  Mr.  Y., 
upon  careful  inquiry. 

I  believe  that  Mr.  Youatt's  opinion,  already  mentioned,  of  the 
cause  of  rabies  in  dogs,  and  in  all  creatures — viz.,  that  it  always 
results  from  the  introduction  of  a  specific  virus  into  the  system — ■ 
I  believe  this  opinion  is  not  commonly  entertained.  Most  people 
think  that  the  disease  is  generated  de  novo,  in  the  dog  at  least ; 
and  causes  have  been  assigned  for  it  which  certainly  are  not  the 
true  nor  the  sole  causes.  Thus  hydrophobia  in  the  dog  has  been 
ascribed  to  extreme  heat  of  the  weather.  It  is  thought  by  many 
to  be  particularly  likely  to  occur  in  the  dog-days ;  and  to  be  as 
Mr.  Mayo  observes,  "  a  sort  of  dog-lunacy  having  the  same  rela- 
tion to  Sirius  that  insanity  has  to  the  moon ;  which,  mdeed,  in  an- 
other sense  is  probably  true."  Many  cautions  are  annually  put 
forth,  about  that  period,  for  muzzling  dogs,  and  so  on  ;  very  good 
and  proper  advice,  but  if  those  who  have  noted  the  statistics  of 
the  disease  may  be  depended  upon,  it  would  seem  as  appropriate 
at  one  period  of  the  year  as  at  another.  Rabies  occurs  as  often,  if 
not  oftener,  in  the  spring,  in  the  autumn,  and  even  in  the  winter, 
as  it  does  in  summer.  M.  Trolliet,  who  wrote  an  interesting  essay 
on  rabies,  states  that  in  January,  which  is  the  coldest,  and  August, 
which  is  the  hottest  month  in  the  year,  are  the  veiy  months  which 
furnish  tlie  fewest  examples  of  the  disease.  The  disorder  has  often 
been  ascribed  to  want  of  water  in  hot  weather,  and  sometimes  to 
want  of  food.  But  MM.  Dupuytren,  Breschet  and  Magcndie, 
have  causv-d  both  dogs  and  cats  to  perish  with  hunger  and  thirst, 
without  producing  the  smallest  approach  to  a  state  of  rabies.*  At 
the  Veterinary  School  at  Alfort,  three  dogs  were  subjected  to  some 
very  cruel  but  decisive  experiments.     It  was  during  the  heat  of 

*  Attempts  to  produce  hydrophobia  artificially  by  starving  dogs  have  been  in- 
effectually made  by  Radi,  Bourgelat,  and  Menecier  also.  Pillnax  observed  during 
one  of  the  severer  epizootics  in  Vienna,  that  the  greater  number  of  afiected  dogs 
belonged  to  owners  in  good  circumstances  in  life,  enjoying  therefore,  for  the  most 
part,  good  care  and  food. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM,  $^7 

summer,  and  they  were  all  chained  in  the  full  blaze  of  the  sun.  To 
one  salted  meat  was  given  ;  to  the  second,  water  only  ;  and  to  the 
third  neither  food  nor  drink.  They  all  died ;  but  none  of  them 
became  rabid.  Nor  does  the  supposition  that  the  disorder  has 
some  connection  with  the  period  of  sexual  heat  in  these  animals 
appear  to  have  any  better  foundation.  For,  the  island  of  Sark  in 
the  English  Channel  has  never  had  a  case  of  hydrophobia,  although 
it  has  a  large  canine  population,  which  is  entirely  made  up  of  the 
masculine  gender :  the  opposite  sex  are  forbidden  by  law.       .,,. 

My  own  opinion  on  this  matter  is,  that  Mr.  Youatt's  doctrine  is 
by  far  the  most  probable  one  ;  that  rabies  never  occurs  except  from 
inoculation  of  the  specific  virus.  It  has  never  been  proved,  and 
indeed  it  would  scarcely  be  susceptible  of  proof,  that  the  disease 
ever  breaks  out  spontaneously  ;  for  in  nineteen  cases  out  of  twenty, 
perhaps,  we  trace  the  bite  or  the  fray  in  which  the  inoculation  has 
been  effected.  ,  .  ;  ^^j 

With  regard  to  the  geographical  distribution  of  the  disease,  no 
land  or  climate  is  free  from  hydrophobia.  The  malady  prevails 
just  the  same  in  countries  where  dogs  live  in  perfect  freedom,  for 
instance  in  the  East,  in  Algiers,  Central  Africa,  China,  Cochin 
China,  South  America,  and  the  Arctic  Regions — as  in  every  part 
of  Europe  and  America,  where  dogs,  being  domesticated,  are  de- 
prived more  or  less  of  their  freedom.  In  Europe  hydrophobia  is 
said  to  prevail  most  extensively  in  Germany,  France,  Holland,  the 
north  of  Italy,  and  in  England. 

On  the  other  hand,  as  must  appear  evident,  the  greatest  discre- 
tion should  be  exercised  in  crediting  any  report  of  the  occurrence 
of  hydrophobia  in  uncivilized  and  imperfectly  known  lands.       ■ :  .- 

Virchow  has  stated,  with  a  certain  degree  of  reserve,  it  is  true, 
that  among  the  countries  reported  to  be  least  frequently  visited  are 
Kamtschatka,  Greenland,  portions  of  Sweden  and  Denmark,  the 
southern  coast  of  the  Mediterranean,  the  whole  of  Airica,  and  the 
southern  portions  of  Asia  and  America.  Boudin  appears  to  con- 
firm the  view  that  hydrophobia,  although  of  such  frequent  occur- 
rence in  Europe,  is  much  more  rare  in  the  tropics  and  the  polar 
regions.  i,.,::  -.■,.  -Tr,....T 

As  opp(5sed  to  these,  may  be  given  a  few  more  recent  obsen'a- 
tions.  * 


5l8       'V*'     •    DOGS   USED  FOK   SPORT.  '-'• 

In  February,  i860,  hydrophobia  broke  out  as  an  epizootic  in 
Upernavik,  the  northernmost  settlement  in  Greenland  (72*"  N.  lati- 
tude). The  thermometer  stood  then  for  some  time  at  25**  F.  be- 
low zero,  and  the  favorable  condition  of  the  sledge  roads  con- 
tributed greatly  to  the  spread  of  the  disorder.  In  like  manner,  ir. 
1863,  hydrophobia  prevailed  in  epizootic  form  in  the  northern  por- 
tions of  Greenland,  completely  destroying  all  the  dogs  in  certain 
districts. 

In  Missouri  and  Ohio,  hydrophobia  prevailed  so  extensively  in 
i860,  that  cattle  owners  solicited  reimbursement  from  the  national 
treasury  on  account  of  their  great  loss  in  cattle. 

In  Constantinople,  hydrophobia  rages  in  some  years — e.g. 
1839,  1868 — very  widely,  and  is  not  unfrequent,  though  statements 
have  been  promulgated  to  the  contrary.  In  Athens  it  prevailed 
in  epizootic  form  in  1866.  The  occurrence  of  hydrophobia  in  Asia 
Minoi  and  Crete  has  been  recounted  by  Caslius  Aurelianus;  and 
the  disease  was  well  known  to  the  ancient  Hebrews.  Notwith 
standing  former  reports,  it  is  now  known  that  hydrophobia  fre- 
quently occurs  in  Algiers,  and  its  appearance  in  Egypt  has  been 
repeatedly  verified. 

The  disease  is  found  moreover  in  Bolivia,  Paraguay,  Brazil, 
British  Guiana,  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  Japan,  and  in  the  East  and 
West  Indies. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  study  of  the  geographical  distribution 
of  the  disease  leads  us  to  deny  in  toto  the  theory  of  its  spontane- 
ous origin. 

A  great  deal  of  nonsensical  trash,  purporting  to  emanate  from 
authority,  has  appeared  in  the  non-medical  press  of  late  years. 
Perhaps  among  the  most  notable,  is  one  purporting  to  describe 
two  forms  of  "  madness  "  which  are  designated  as  "  hydrophobia  " 
and  "distemper  "  madness,  "which  closely  resemble  each  other." 
The  fallacy  of  the  article  will  be  noticed  from  the  fact  that  the  dog 
when  suffering  from  rabies  is  stated  to  be  "  violently  insane  only 
on  the  approximation  of  water,"  and  that  post-mortem  reveals 
*'  intense  inflammation  of  the  brain  extending  to  the  throat  and 
lungs."  The  whole  article  is  drawn  from  an  old  work  of  the  i8th 
century  entitled  "  A  Sportsman's  Dictionary,"*  and  is  taken 

*  This  work  treats  entirely  of  hounds  and  horses. 


DISEA  SES  OF  THE  NER  VO  US  S  YS  TEM.         5 1 9 

from  an  article  entitled  "  The  Seven  kinds  op  Madness." 
This  same  article  recommends  the  inoculation  with  the  "  matter 
of  the  cow  pock  to  prevent  distemper  and  distemper  madness." 
As  the  date  of  publication  of  the  work  is  1769,  it  will  be  ob- 
served that  the  virus  was  thought  of  in  this  connection  lo>ijr 
before  the  days  of  Jenner,  and  vaccination  as  a  prophylactic  of 
small-pox.  ;         ■  i-vj  r      ,-..^   •';  •■    .:■ 

The  latest  researches  on  hydrophobia  in  the  human  subject, 
are  given  by  the  eminent  pathologist,  Dr.  Felix  von  Niemeyer,  as 
follows  : 

"  Most  cases  of  lyssa  that  have  been  well  observed  and  described 
closely  resemble  each  other.  As  it  is  universally  assumed  that 
morbid  processes  due  to  the  action  of  a  specific  poison  run  their 
course  with  symptoms  which  only  vary  through  personal  idiosyn- 
crasy and  the  variable  intensity  with  which  the  poison  has  acted, 
those  reports  of  lyssa  humana  difFering  from  our  description,  in 
which  the  characteristic  symptoms  and  their  peculiar  sequence  are 
not  mentioned  or  really  did  not  occur,  must  arouse  the  suspicion 
that  they  were  badly  observed,  or  that  there  was  an  error  of  diag- 
nosis. '       •  '.'  >:;:  ' 

"  Opinions  differ  as  to  the  length  of  the  period  of  incubation. 
The  statement  that  hydrophobia  has  made  its  appearance  twenty 
or  thirty  years  after  the  bite  of  a  rabid  animal,  as  well  as  those 
according  to  which  the  disease  has  broken  out  as  early  as  the 
second  or  third  day,  are  probably  dependent  upon  imperfect  ob- 
servation. The  shortest  term  of  incubation  appears  to  be  about 
eight  or  ten  days  ;  the  longest  twelve  or  thirteen  months.  In  the 
majority  of  instances,  the  malady  breaks  out  in  about  forty  day- 
after  the  reception  of  the  bite.  The  reasons  for  this  inequality  of 
period  are  obscure.  There  are  numerous  instances  in  which, 
towards  the  end  of  the  stage  of  incubation,  and  a  day  or  two  before 
the  onset  of  the  malady,  peculiar  alterations  have  been  observed 
in  the  wound  or  its  scar,  for  the  wound  has  generally  healed  by 
this  time.  The  bite  assumes  a  livid  color,  grows  painful,  and  dis- 
charges a  yellow  ichor.  The  scar  which  has  generally  soon  formed 
without  remarkable  symptoms,  grows  bluish  red,  swells,  and  some- 
times breaks  out  afresh.  The  patient  also  complains  of  painful 
sensations,  shooting  centripetally  from  the  wound  or  scar,  or  of  a 


520  DOGS   USED  FOR  SPORT.     ... 

sense  of  numbness  in  the  bitten  iTi'jmber.     These  disturbances  at 
the  point  of  entry  of  the  virus  are  very  often  wanting". 

"  The  first  or  prodromic  str.ge  of  the  disease  is  marked  by  a 
peculiar  depression  of  the  patient's  spirits,  amounting"  to  an  acute 
melancholy.  The  patient  seeks  solitude,  is  timid  and  apprehensive, 
and  either  sits  motionless  and  plunged  in  deep  abstraction,  or  else 
is  unable  to  rest  at  all.  Some  complain  of  an  indefinite  feeling 
of  dread  and  oppression,  and  sigh  repeatedly  without  any  reason 
for  so  doing.  Some  are  preoccupied  with  sad  forebodings,  or,  if 
aware  of  their  perilous  condition,  are  incessantly  tormented  by 
dread  of  the  onset  of  the  malady.  Sleep  is  restless  and  broken  by 
frightful  dreai  :s.  The  precursory  signs  of  the  spasmodic  disturb- 
ance ot  respijcuion,  afterwards  to  attain  so  terrible  an  intensity, 
soon  supervene.  The  patient  complains  of  pressure  in  the  peri- 
cardium,— before  the  heart,  fore  part  of  the  region  of  the  thorax — 
draws  profound,  sighing  inspirations,  the  diaphragm  is  depressed, 
the  epigastrium  bulges,  and  the  shoulders  are  drawn  upward. 
This  spasmodic  breathing  is  the  first  token  of  the  tonic  spasm  of 
the  muscles  of  inspiration  which  cause  '^uch  frightful  torments  in 
the  second  stage  of  the  disease. 

"The  prodromic  term  having  lasted  two  or  three  days,  the 
second  or  furious  stage  begins.  Its  onset  is  marked  by  a  fit  of 
choking,  suddenly  induced  by  an  attempt  to  drink,  which  renders 
the  patient  incapable  of  swallowing  a  drop. 

"  The  moment  the  fluid  enters  the  mouth  and  the  motion  of 
swallowing  is  made,  spasmodic  inspiratory  motions  begin ;  the 
thorax  rises  interruptedly,  and  remains  in  the  position  of  deepest 
inspiration  for  ten  or  twenty  seconds.  During  this  time  the  fea- 
tures betray  anxiety  and  terror,  the  eyes  protrude,  head  and  shoul- 
ders are  thrown  back,  then  comes  an  expiration,  with  which  the 
attack  passes  off.  I  have  satisfied  myself  that  the  inspiratory 
muscles,  as  well  as  those  of  the  pharynx,  are  implicated  in  these 
seizures.  This  combination  of  spasmodic  contractions  in  both  of 
these  sets  of  muscles,  is  a  frequent  symptom  ;  it  always  appears 
in  the  straining  preceding  vomiting,  as  well  as  in  the  retching  fol- 
lowing irritation  of  the  pharynx  by  the  finger,  etc.  Retching  is 
always  accompanied  by  a  feeling  of  suffocation,  from  the  contrac- 
tion of  the  inspiratory  muscles  complicating  the  spasm   of  the 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  $21 

pharynx  ;  and  we  are  justified  in  giving  the  name  of  retching-fits 
to  these  spasms,  wiiich  form  the  pathognomonic — characteristic — 
symptom  of  lyssa,  and  are  given  in  every  well-recorded  case. 

"  The  dread  of  water  is  entirely  due  to  the  dreadful  experience 
of  the  patient  on  trying  to  drink.  Reports  of  cases  where  hydro- 
phobia is  given  as  a  primary  symptom  are  worthy  of  no  credence. 
It  is  a  curious  fact  that,  at  first,  the  act  of  swallowing  solid  food  is 
not  attended  by  spasms.  Even  a  draught  of  air  on  the  skin,  or 
touching  anything  cold,  sudden  irritation  of  the  eye  by  dazzling, 
even  sudden  mental  excitement  or  surprises,  may  induce  attacks. 
According  to  my  observation,  the  pharyngeal  muscles  do  not  par- 
ticipate in  the  reflex  spasms  induced  by  irritating  other  parts,  as 
the  mouth  or  palate.  At  the  height  of  the  disease,  it  appears  as 
if  attacks  occurred  from  time  to  time  without  cause  ;  but  I  think 
that  these  apparently  spontaneous  attacks  must  be  regarded  as 
reflex  spasms,  and  be  referred  to  the  collections  of  tough  mucus 
in  the  pharynx,  or  to  the  trickling  into  it  of  saliva.  This  supposi- 
tion is  based  on  the  haste,  and  abandon  with  which  the  patient 
ejects  saliva  and  mucus,  and  the  attempts  to  introduce  the 
finger  far  into  the  throat,  for  the  purpose  of  removing  mucus  and 
sputa. 

"  Various  authors  name  tetanic  or  epileptiform  spasms  among 
the  symptoms  of  lyssa  ;  but  on  careful  examination,  I  have  not 
been  able  to  discover  a  case  where  the  detailed  description  of  the 
spasms  fully  convinced  me  that  they  were  tetanic  or  eclamptic. 
It  is  nowhere  stated  that  the  muscles  of  the  back  were  tense,  ex- 
cept (luring  the  attacks,  or  that  consciousness  was  lost  during  the 
general  convulsions.  In  one  of  my  patients  there  was  opisthot- 
onos * — he  threw  his  hands  and  feet  about,  and  pitched  around, 
so  that  he  frequently  fell  on  the  floor.  But  these  symptoms  re- 
minded one  far  more  of  hysterical  spasms,  or  of  the  actions  of  a 
tortured,  despairing  man. 

"  The  above  symptoms  are  soon  accompanied  by  attacks  of 
boundless  rage,  in  which  the  patients  are  hard  to  manage,  destroy 
all  that  comes  in  their  way,  strike,  kick,  scratch,  and  bite,  if  held 
fast,  and  not  unfrequently  kill  themselves,  if  they  are  carelessly 
watched.;-    '  ■-  '  ,,.  y,  ^.^,,,, 

♦  Opisthotonos  ;  bending  of  the  body  backwards. 


522  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT. 

"  The  biting,  inarticulate  howling,  and  barking  sounds  are  not 
made  more  frequently  by  a  hydrophobic  patient  than  by  another 
madman  in  the  maniacal. stage  of  chronic  cerebral  disease,*  The 
patient  often  warns  his  attendants  between  the  fits,  which  seldom 
last  longer  than  a  quarter  or  half  an  hour,  and  begs  pardon  for  his 
misbehavior  towards  them,  and  sets  his  worldly  affairs  in  order,  in 
perfect  consciousness  of  the  near  approach  of  his  end.  The 
paroxysms  of  madness  and  convulsions,  having  steadily  grown  more 
frequent  for  two  or  three  days,  now  begin  to  diminish  in  violence 
as  the  patient  loses  strength.  Rarely,  it  happens  that  death  occurs 
at  the  height  of  the  malady,  during  a  severe  and  long  continued 
choking  fit.  TL^  exhaustion  and  collapse  usually  augment  from 
hour  to  hour  ;  the  voice  grows  hoarse  and  feeble,  the  respiration 
shallow,  the  pulse  small,  irregular,  and  very  frequent,  and  death 
ensues  with  the  signs  of  a  general  paralysis,  which  is  sometimes 
preceded  by  a  deceptive  amelioration  of  the  symptoms.  '     " 

"It  might  be  supposed  that  the  attacks  of  madness  occurring 
in  lyssa  were  simply  a  result  of  the  despair  that  would  aftect  even 
a  person  not  having  this  disease,  if  he  suffered  from  retching  at 
short  intervals  for  a  day  or  two.  I  once  attended  a  patient  suffer- 
ing from  severe  pharyngitis,  who,  when  I  asked  him  to  try  and 
drink,  hurled  the  glass  from  him,  and  acted  like  a  madman, 

"  We  find  something  like  this  too,  in  patients  with  croup  or 
oedema  glottidjs.  The  fact,  also,  that  sometimes  patients  of  very 
temperate  and  resigned  natures  do  not  become  maniacal  would 
also  favor  this  view.  But  there  are  some  objections  to  it,  es- 
pecially the  fact  ihat,  even  in  persons  the  most  resigned,  the 
absence  of  mania  is  one  of  the  rarest  exceptions,  as  well  as  the 
excessive  height  that  the  madness  usually  reaches  in  lyssa  patients. 
It  is  certainly  more  probable  that  the  madness  in  lyssa  is  not  due 
to  moral  grounds,  but  is  caused  by  a  propagation  of  the  exces- 
sively increased  morbid  excitability  of  the  motor-central  apparatus 
of  the  pharyngeal  and  respiratory  nerves  to  the  central  organs 
of  the  psychical  functions.     The   symptoms  of  the   mania  have 

*  Romberg  says,  that  a  great  inclination  to  bite,  along  with  the  absence  of"  char- 
acteristic reflex  spasms,  in  one  of  the  diagnostic  points  between  true  lyssa  and 
those  hypochondriacal  and  maniacal  conditions  that  the  fear  of  the  disease  uot  un- 
frequently  develops  in  persons  that  have  been  bitten .  This  state  might  be  termed 
lyssaphobia. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  $23 

many  analogies  to  reflex  spasms.  Trifling  mental  excitement 
causes  severe  outbreaks,  violent  motions,  and  excited  actions  in 
maniacal  patients,  just  as  slight  irritation  of  the  skin  causes  reflex 
spasms  in  patients  with  tetanus. 

"  No  lesions  characteristic  of  the  disease  are  found  in  the  bod  • 
ies  of  those  who  have  died  of  hydrophobia.  The  most  commo:  . 
conditions  consist  in  intense  rigor  mortis,*  extensive  post-mortem 
hypostasis,*  early  putrefaction,  intense  staining  of  the  endo-cardium' 
and  walls  of  the  vessels,  hyperasmia'*  and  serous  exudation  in 
the  brain  and  its  membranes,  in  the  spinal  marrow,  in  some  of 
the  sympathetic  ganglia  and  nerves  ;  hyperasmia  and  swelling  of 
the  mouth  and  fauces,  both  of  which  contain  a  collection  of  tena- 
cious mucus  ;  hypostasis^  and  oedema^  of  the  posterior  part  of  the 
lungs  ;  engorgement  of  the  walls  of  the  stomach,  and  great  abdom- 
inal glands.  All  these  lesions,  especially  the  injection  of  the 
nervous  centres  and  nerves,  upon  which  at  times  great  stress  has 
been  laid  as  explanatory  of  the  nature  of  the  disease,  are  not  con- 
stant, and,  for  the  most  part,  seem  to  arise  just  prior  to  dissolu- 
tion, in  consequence  of  the  disturbance  suffered  by  the  functions 
of  respiration  and  circulation  during  the  attacks  described.  In 
the  cases  which  I  have  seen,  autopsy''  showed  a  decided  swelling 
of  the  tonsils  and  follicular  glands  at  the  root  of  the  tongue  and 
the  posterior  wall  of  the  pharynx,  exactly  corresponding  with 
Virchows  observations." 

I  know  not  what  I  can  say  of  the  treatment  of  this  terrible 
disease.  There  is  no  well  authenticated  case  on  record,  that  I  am 
aware  of,  in  which  a  hydrophobic  person  has  recovered.  As  it 
has  been,  so  it  is  still,  "  larpaq  larai  davarog."  The  physician  that 
heals  is  death.     There  can  be  no  ground,  therefore,  for  the  re- 

•  Rig^or  Mortis  :—T\\Q  muscular  rigidity  which  takes  place  a  few  hours  after 
death. 

2  Hypostasis  .—Sediment.     In  this  connection  means  a  sediment  or  deposit  in 
the  urine  occurring  after  death. 

•  Endo-cardium  /—The  serous  membrane  lining  the  interior  of  the  heart. 

•  Hyperccmia  : — Congestion  of  blood  in  a  part. 

•  Hypostasis : — In  this  connection  has  reference  to  the  sediment  deposited 
from  the  serous  fluid  in  the  lungs.  ■,,■■     .     •    .      ...«•  .-,•.-.- 

•  (Edema  : — A  minor  degree  of  dropsical  swelling. 

.    '  Autopsy: — Post-mortem:  or  as  is  generally  applied,  a  thorough  examination 
of  a  body  after  death.    Post-mortem  is  oftener  applied  to  a  partial  examination. 


524      ¥v:'-t:    dogs  used  for  sport. 


.' vCv 


commendation  of  any  especial  drug,  or  form  of  medicine,  nor  even 
for  any  general  plan  of  treatment,  after  the  peculiar  symptoms 
of  the  disease  have  once  set  in. 

Of  course  those  powerful  remedial  agencies  that  are  in  com- 
mon use  among  medical  men,  have  been  fairly  tried  ;  copious 
blood  letting,  mercury,  opium,  arsenic,  sugar  of  lead,  oil  of  turpen- 
tine, the  cold  affusion  even  ;  and  not  only  those,  but  the  stronger 
poisons,  as  belladonna,  stramonium,  prussic  acid,  white  hellebore, 
strychnia,  cantharides,  chloroform,  ether,  and  nitrous  oxide  gas ; 
and  a  no  less  end  of  less  gigantic  remedies  ;  such  as  alkalies,  es- 
pecially ammonia,  preparations  of  lead,  zinc,  copper  and  iron  ; 
electricity  and  galvanism,  tobacco  juice,  lobelia,  guaco,  the  mineral 
acids,  violent  exercise  ;  and  if  we  take  into  account  the  substances 
administered  to  the  brute  also,  we  may  in'iii  e  the  list  by  the 
alisma  plantago,  sentellaria,  box  nd  rue,  all  of  which  at  one 
time  or  another,  have  been  vauntec  is  successful  remedies,  vera- 
trum,  sabadilla,  vicunas  and  rattlesnake  poison. 

The  difficulty  of  swallowing  fluids,  and  ofttimes  of  swallowing 
at  all,  is  a  serious  obstacle  to  the  use  of  internal  remedies.  The 
injection  of  medicines  into  the  rectum,  under  the  skin,  and  in  the 
veins  has  been  tried.  Magendie  hoped  that  he  had  discovered  a 
cure,  in  first  largely  bleeding  the  patient,  and  then  injecting  his 
patient  with  a  corresponding  quantity  of  warm  water;  but  it  has 
always  happened  with  this,  and  with  other  promising  experiments, 
that  just  as  the  patient  seemed  about  to  recover,  he  has  died. 
The  nervous  irritability  has  in  rare  cases  been  relieved  by  the  hy- 
podermic injection  of  morphia ;  curare  has  also  been  tried  with 
more  favorable  results,  and  would  seem  to  indicate  that  it  pos- 
sesses the  greatest  power  of  any  drug  over  this  disease.  If  I 
were  the  patient,  I  should  urge  large  injections  of  curare,  as  noth- 
ing can  be  lost  by  it,  even  if  this  poison  be  given  far  more  boldly 
than  it  has  ever  been.     '■  '■    :^'  !->"  ,  \  ■>  .  -    ■"    yu  005 1  ci 

Tracheotomy  has  been  recommended  by  Mr.  Mayo,  and  nu- 
merous other  physicians.  But  I  should  not  expect  the  smallest 
advantage  from  the  operation.  Leaving  out  the  question  of  spasm 
of  tfie  glottis,  the  patients  do  not  die  of  suffocation,  but  debility. 

As  almost  every  drug  that  has  ever  been  included  in  any  phar- 
macopoeia has  been  administered  with  the  hope  of  checking  the 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  52$ 

disease,  so  a  great  number  of  medicines  and  measures  have  been 
praised  as  preventives.  People  have  had  great  faith  in  sea  bath- 
ing, and  went  to  the  sea  coast  to  be  ducked  and  half  drowned 
every  day  for  six  weeks.  Some  of  the  specifics,  as  you  may  sup- 
pose, are  secrets  ;  and  they  who  possess  them,  whether  they  be- 
lieve in  them  or  not  is  another  matter,  sell  them  at  no  cheap  rate 
to  those  who,  having  been  bitten  by  the  dog,  are  weak  enough  to 
be  bitten  again  by  the  quack.  The  composition  of  several  of  them 
has  transpired  ;  and  they  are  found  to  consist  either  of  ingredients 
the  most  insignificant  or  worthless,  or  of  poisons  of  which  the  in- 
efficacy  has  already  been  ascertained.  Among  those  of  the  early 
days  of  medicine  were  burnt  crabs,  hyena's  skin,  liver  of  the 
rabid  animal,  tin  and  mithridate,  the  latter  being  the  same  as  the 
confectis  damocratis,  which  includes  some  eighty  ingredients, 
among  others,  the  bellies  of  lizards.  The  celebrated  piilvis  anti' 
lyssus  which  was  introduced  by  Dr.  Mead  into  the  London  phar- 
macopoeia was  a  mixture  of  ash  colored  liverwort  and  black  pep- 
per ;  it  was  the  brilliant  discovery  of  one  Dampier.  Next  came 
the  famous  "  East  India  medicine,"  consisting  of  equal  portions 
of  native  and  factitious  c'  mabar  made  into  a  powder  with  musk,  to 
be  dissolved  in  arrack  :  this  was  also  known  as  the  "  Tonguin 
Remedy.''  Another  celebrated  remedy  was  "  Palmariuss  Pow- 
der," composed  of  the  leaves  of  rue,  vervain,  sage,  poly  pody,  worm- 
wood, mint,  mugwort,  balm,  betony,  St.  John's-wort  and  lesser 
centaury  :  each  herb  to  be  gathered  only  in  its  prime,  and  dried 
separately  in  the  shade  and  powdered.  There  was  the  "  Ormskirk 
medicine,"  long  famous,  and  even  now  scarcely  obsolete  in  some 
parts  of  Great  Britain  :  it  was  made  up  of  bole  armeniac,  alum, 
chalk,  elecampane,  and  oil  of  anise  seed.  Then  there  were  the 
"Tanjore  Pills,"  whose  ingredients  were  mercury  and  arsenic ;  "Sir 
George  Cobb's  Remedy  ;  "  "  My  Lady  Bountiful's  Infallible  Remedy." 
In  1806  the  New  York  Legislature  bought  a  "  preventative  "  for 
hydrophobia  which  was  given  to  the  public.     It  was  as  follows  : 

Once  ounce  of  jaw  bone  of  a  dog  burnt  and  pulverized.  The 
false  tongue  of  a  newly  foaled  colt  dried  and  pulverized  ;  and  one 
scruple  of  verdigris  raised  from  the  surface  of  a  copper  of  George 
I,  or  George  II,  by  laying  it  in  moist  earth.  These  to  be  mixed, 
dose  a  teaspoonful.     The  filings  of  half  a  copper  of  the  above 


526         'v.V  DOGS  USED  FOR   SPORT.        ^''  ' 

kind  to  be  taken  in  water,  increase  the  quantity  if  any  other  copper 
is  used.  If  symptoms  have  already  appeared,  take  three  drachms 
of  the  verdigris  v^ith  half  an  ounce  of  calomel  followed  by  four 
grains  opium.  -  •.       '  «,;.   •. 

-.=  The  false  tongue  of  the  colt  is  borrowed  directly  from  the  black 
art  and  forms  the  ingredient  of  many  an  incantation  and  charm. 
The  burnt  jaw  bone  of  a  dog,  if  the  jaw  bone  of  the  dog  that  bit, 
is  introduced  on  the  homeopathic  principle  of  *'  like  curing  like." 
The  copper,  verdigris,  calomel,  opium,  belong  to  the  "  heroic  treat- 
ment." In  France  they  put  the  bitten  person  in  the  river  Seine 
with  his  back  to  the  sea,  and  many  cures  are  recorded.  *'  A  re- 
turned missionary"  advocates  a  kind  of  " vaccination  "  against  it, 
by  producing  artificial  madness  by  large  doses  of  stramonium. 
Another  recipe  by  a  French  family  is  as  follows  : 

One  handful  of  rue  ;  one  handful  of  inner  bark  of  eglantine ; 
one  handful  of  powdered  daisies  (whole  plant) ;  ten  cloves  of  gar- 
lic; ten  white  droppings  of  hens  ;  ten  white. onions.  Bruise  in  a 
stone  mortar,  add  two  ounces  of  white  wine  vinegar,  bottle  tight ; 
— dose  a  teaspoonful.  The  patient  is  to  run  about '  for  a  while 
directly  after  taking  it  until  he  induces  perspiration. 

Soon  after  these  the  "  Cherry  Valley  Cure  "  came  in  for  its  share 
of  public  patronage,  followed  by  Dr.  Spaulding's  wonderful  discov- 
ery (in  1826)  of  a  specific  in  sentellaria  laterifolia.  The  next 
humbug  of  any  note  originated  in  Michigan,  and  was,  perhaps,  a 
clearer  case  of  fraud  than  any  of  the  foregoing.  The  remedy  was 
tincture  of  castoreum,  and  the  wonderful  case  of  hydrophobia 
cured  proved  to  have  no  origin  but  in  the  brain  of  the  Doctor. 

A  Russian  physician,  Marochetti  by  name,  pretended  to  find 
pustulas  under  the  tongue  which  were  the  seat  of  the  disease. 
His  cure  consisted  in  evacuating  these,  and  administering  to  the 
patient  a  decoction  of  broom  tops.  Th'S  was  in  1813;  and  now 
another  Muscovite  fraud,  known  as  Dr.  Grzymala,  has  brought 
himself  into  notice,  by  declaring  the  Xajithium  sptnosum  an  in- 
fallible remedy,  and  preventative  of  hydrophobia.  Like  other 
wonderful  discoveries,  it  has  proved  a  thorough  and  complete 
failure. 

The  treatment  followed  by  the  Chinese  when  bitten  by  a  dog, 
is  to  catch  the  animal,  take  some  of  its  hair,  mix  it  with  lime,  and 


DISS  A  SES  OF  THE  NER  VO  US  S  YS  TEM.         S-7 

apply  it  to  the  affected  part.  Among  other  methods  an  empty 
walnut  shell  is  to  be  filled  with  human  fasces,  placed  on  the  wound 
and  the  moxa  applied  ;  then  for  several  days  a  compound  of  vari- 
ous herbs  with  saliva  is  applied.  A  mixture  of  cantharides,  yellow 
earth,  etc.,  is  administered  internally  until  micturation  becomes 
painful.  On  the  top  of  the  head  a  red  hair  will  be  found,  which  is 
to  be  extracted  ;  all  believe  in  this.  They  all  believe  too,  that  a 
man  bitten  by  a  rabid  dog  has  three  chances  of  dying,  lO  one  of 
living,  and  insist  on  perfect  quiet  during  the  progress  of  the  disease. 
,  ,  Prevention  is  the  most  important  part  in  practice.  Where  dogs 
are  kept,  every  new  animal  should  be  quarantined  for  at  least 
thirty  days,  that  there  may  be  no  chance  for  infection. 

When  a  person  is  bitten,  the  early  and  complete  excision  of  the 
bitten  part  is  the  only  measure  in  which  we  can  put  any  confidence  ; 
and  even  here  we  are  met  with  a  source  of  fallacy.     In  the  major- 
ity of  cases  no  hydrophobia  would  ensue,  only  about  seven  per 
cent,  of  those  bitten  by  rabid  dogs  are  afflicted  by  the  disease,* 
though  nothing  at  all  were  done  to  the  wound.     How  can  we  know 
then  thai  the  disease  is  ever  prevented  by  excision  .''     No  doubt 
many  persons  go  through  the  pain  of  the  operation  needlessly. 
But  in  no  given  case  can  we  be  sure  of  this.     They  get  at  any  rate 
relief  from  the  most  harassing  suspense,  with  which  they  would 
probably  have  been  tortured  for  months.     Some  put  their  trust  in 
caustic,  but  I  would  advise  you  to  trust  nothing  but  the  knife,  to 
which  you  may  supplement  fuming  nitric  acid,  actual  cautery,  etc. 
If  the  injury  be  so  deep  or  extensive,  or  so  situated  that  you  can- 
not remove  the  whole  surface  of  the  wound,  cut  away  what  you 
can  ;    then   wash   the  wound   thoroughly,    and   for   some   hours 
together,  by  means  of  a  stream  of  warm  water,  and  place  an  ex- 
hausted cupping  glass  from  time  to  time  over  the  exposed  wound  ; 
and  finally  apply  to  every  part  of  it  some  liquid  escharotic  ;  fum- 
ing nitric  acid,  acid  nitrate  of  mercury,  a  strong  solution  of  chromic 
acid,  for  example  ;  the  chromic  acid  is  preferable  on  some  accounts  ; 
it  penetrates  deeper,  and  gives  little  or  no  pain. 

With  regard  to  the  proper  way  of  cutting  out,  the  directions 

*  Brai.hwaite.  Proceedings  of  Academy  of  Medicine,  Paris.  Statistics  of  the 
Society  for  the  Promulgation  of  Science,  St.  Petersburs.  American  Journal 
of  Medical  Science,  etc.  ':■"::    -,-.■:.'  .ijr;.»-.u;,       *      ,    ■..,   .^..jji 


528      \-:--;'        DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT.       ,^.*^ 

laid  clown  by  Mr.  Abernethy  seem  applicable.  "The  cell,"  he 
says,  "  into  which  a  penetrating  tooth  has  gone,  must  be  cut  out. 
Let  a  skewer  be  shaped,  as  nearly  as  may  be  into  the  form  of  the 
tooth  ;  and  next  let  the  skewer  and  the  whole  cell  containing  it, 
be  removed  by  an  elliptical  incision.  We  may  examine  the  re- 
moved cell,  to  see  if  every  portion  with  which  the  tooth  might  have 
come  in  contact  has  been  taken  away ;  the  cell  may  even  be  filled 
with  quicksilver,  to  see  if  a  globule  will  escape.  The  efficient  per- 
formance of  the  excision  does  not  depend  upon  the  extent,  but 
upon  the  accuracy  of  the  operation."  To  this  Mr.  A.  used  to  add, 
that  as  bleeding  had  been  much  extolled,  had  he  hydrophobia  he 
would  allow  a  surgeon  to  bleed  him,  even  to  death.  Like  Seneca, 
he  would  be  willing  to  have  his  veins  opened,  though  his  disease 
might  not  permit  him  to  indulge  at  the  same  time,  like  Seneca,  in 
the  luxury  of  a  warm  bath. 

It  has  been  recommended,  in  all  suspicious  cases,  if  excision 
has  been  omitted  in  the  first  instance,  to  cut  out  the  wound,  or 
cicatrix,  within  the  first  two  months,  or  at  any  time  before  the 
symptoms  of  recrudescence  have  appeared.  One  would  do  it, 
though  with  less  hope,  as  soon  as  possible  after  they  had  ap- 
peared ;  but  we  can  hardly  expect  that  excision  will  be  successful 
then,  in  stopping  the  disease.  Dr.  Bright  has  recorded  a  case  in 
which  the  arm  wps  amputated  upon  the  supervention  of  tingling, 
and  other  symptoms,  in  the  hand,  in  which  the  patient  had  been 
bitten  some  time  before  ;  but  the  amputation  did  not  save  him. 

Although  in  excision,  local  anaesthesia  may  be  applied,  it  is 
perhaps  better  that  the  operation  be  performed  without  it.  The 
acid  should  be  applied  for  two  days  in  succession,  and  supple- 
mented by  the  use  of  fermenting  poultices  to  encourage  the 
throwing  off  of  the  slough. 

Dr.  Yarrow,  U.  S.  army,  followed  this  treatment  with  his  own 
son,  who  was  bitten  in  six  or  eight  places,  with  excellent  results. 

Lunar  caustic,  or  nitrate  of  silver,  decomposes  too  rapidly  in 
contact  with  animal  tissue  to  be  certain  or  thorough  in  its  action. 

Before  closing  this  article,  I  desire  to  call  the  attention  of 
sportsmen  and  medical  men  to  the  following,  from  the  pen  of  the 
eminent  Prof.  Bollinger,  of  Munich,  regarding  false  rabies  in  the 
dog. 

r 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  529 

"  Symptoms  resemblinjr  those  of  rabies  are  observed  in  para- 
sitic enteritis,  caused  by  tapeworms  ;  \w  gastro-enteritis,  produced 
by  poison,  (arsenic,  corrosive  sublimate,  benzoic  acid,)  or  by  the 
presence  of  foreign  bodies  in  the  intestine  (bones  and  pieces  of 
coin  that  have  been  swallowed) ;  in  intestinal  obstructions  (in- 
vagination), caused  by  the  collection  of  indigestible  substances  in 
the  intestine  (fragments  of  bone)  ;  in  the  case  q{ foreign  bodies  in 
the  car,  (heads  of  wheat,  for  instance,  with  the  beard  attached,) 
in  the  case  oi  parasites  in  the  nasal  cavity,  (pentastoma),  in  the 
kidneys,  (large  palisade  worm),  or  skin,  (mange)  ;  in  urcemia  in- 
duced by  long-continued  unnatural  alitnentation,  (starving,  feed- 
ing with  substances  containing  no  salt).  In  poisoning  by  means 
of  metallic  preparations,  (the  salts  of  copper  and  zinc,)  there 
are  likewise  produced  appearances  similar  to  those  of  rabies: 
— constrictions  of  the  pharynx,  vomiting,  and  acute  gastro-ente- 
ritis.  "  '•  '  '-  • 

"  Symptoms  similar  to  those  of  hydrophobia  may  furthermore 
be  occasioned  by  severe  pain,  (toothache),  by  severe  mental  dis- 
turbance, (deprivation  of  their  young,  extreme  stimulation  and 
non-gratification  of  the  sexual  appetite)  ;  also  by  \dir'\ons  functional 
and  anatomical  changes  of  the  central  nervous  system.  '''^' 

"  In  this  connection  should  be  mentioned  numerous  cases  of 
meningitis,  encephalitis,  hydrochephalus,  blood  poisoning  (pyasmia, 
secpticasmla) ;  furthermore,  the  whole  class  of  mental  diseases  in 
dogs,  which  have  hitherto  been  completely  overlooked,  their  exist- 
ence not  having  even  been  suspected  by  most  observers.  The  dog, 
which  as  an  intellectual  and  sensual  being  stands  so  high  in  the 
scale,  and  whose  domesticated  in-door  life,  as  the  companion  of 
man,  is  in  certain  respects  directly  contrary  to  his  nature  as  a  wild 
animal,  possesses  a  highly  excitable  nervous  system,  and  is  ex- 
tremely liable  to  contract  nervous  diseases.  This  fact  is  shown  by 
the  frequent  occurrence  of  the  disorders  falling  under  that  head 
(for  instance,  epilepsy,  chorea,  epileptiform  spasms,  and  spasms  of 
reflex  origin),  and  equally  certain  is  the  prevalence  among  dogs  of 
pure  psychosis,  such  as  mania  and  melancholia,  unaccompanied  by 
any  material  post-mortem  changes  that  can  be  detected  ;  and  these 
very  forms  of  illness — having  in  part  also  a  reflex  origin  through 
the  causes  above  mentioned — are  frequently  confounded  with  hy- 


530  V»  V^       DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT.      ^'-'''^' 

drophobia,  and  quoted  in  support  of  the  theory  of  the  spontaneous 
origin  of  the  disease,  although  they  are  in  no  respect  infectious. 

+  «  «  ♦    ' "  -'•:'"'■  '■""  "  jii''  '  '^''•' 

"  In  view  of  the  unfavorable  prognosis  in  hydrophobia,  and  the 
complete  inefficacy  of  all  the  therapeutic  agents  when  the  disease 
is  once  established,  it  naturally  follows  that  in  all  rational  efforts  to 
control  the  malady  prophylactic  measures  must  always  form  our 
chief  weapons  of  offense.  • 

"  Of  chief  importance  in  this  connection  are  the  general  pro- 
phylactic measures  to  be  enforced  by  the  State  against  hydropho- 
bia in  animals,  and  we  will  therefore  endeavor  to  indicate  what 
sanitary  regulations  are  best  adapted  to  confine  the  spread  of  this 
malady  within  the  narrowest  possible  limits. 

"  The  first  important  point  to  be  insisted  upon  is  the  reduction 
of  the  number  of  do^s.  The  comparative  danger  to  be  apprehended 
from  hydrophobia  diminishes  as  the  total  num'  ^^r  of  dogs  becomes 
reduced,  and  the  most  effective  method  of  reducing  the  number  of 
dogs  consists  in  laying  the  highest  possible  tax  upon  them.  This 
tax  should  be  the  same  for  all  dogs,  without  regard  to  sex,  and  any 
remission  of  the  same  should  be  strictly  limited  to  such  dogs  as  are 
positively  necessary  for  the  performance  of  certain  kinds  of  work. 

"  The  State  should  also  provide  for  a  general  registration  of  all 
dogs.  Every  dog  should  be  provided  with  some  distinguishing 
mark  ;  all  stray  dogs  should  be  pursued  by  the  police  and  destroyed. 

"When  cases  of  hydrophobia  occur,  directions  should  be  issued 
to  cause  all  dogs  to  be  muzzled  for  a  considerable  length  of  time  ; 
they  should  either  be  led  by  means  of  a  cord,  or  else  kept  penned 
up.  The  failure  to  notify  the  authorities  of  the  existence  of  a  case 
of  hydrophobia  should  be  made  a  punishable  offense.  The  regula- 
tions just  mentioned  ought  always  to  be  applicable  to  as  large  a 
district  as  possible.  ,-.>  -^  ^  .  ,>  '  -   '," 

"  Rabid  dogs  should  be  destroyed,  and  likewise  dogs  that  havfe 
been  bitten  by  them,  although  no  human  being  may  have  been 
bitten.  If  human  beings  have  l)een  bitten  by  rabid  or  suspected 
dogs,  these  should  be  destroyed  as  soon  as  the  existence  of  rabies 
in  them  has  been  determined. 

;u^ri,"  Dogs  suspected  of  being  rabid,  and  also  the  dogs  bitten  by 
them,  should  be  carefully  confined  at  the  owner's  expense,  and  in 


DISEA SES  OF  THE  NER  VO US  S  YSTEM.         5 3 1 

consideration  of  the  long  period  of  incubation,  they  should  be  kept 
secured  for  at  least  six  months.  The  ordinary  term  of  confine- 
ment from  six  weeks  to  three  months  is  manifestly  too  short. 

'*  The  obligatory  muzzling  of  dogs  at  times  when  hydrophobia 
prevails  as  an  epidemic  has  always  in  all  localities  been  attended 
,  by  favorable  results.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  pretended  by  some 
especially  those  who  favor  the  theory  of  the  spontaneous  origin  of 
hydrophobia,  that  the  wearing  of  muzzles  favors  the  development 
of  the  disease,  an  assertion  which  is  unsupported  by  proof,  and 
which  is  also  completely  refuted  by  what  is  known  respecting  the 
mode  of  origin  of  rabies  and  by  various  observations.  In  Berlirj, 
dogs  were  required  for  a  period  of  nine  years  to  wear  muzzles, 
during  which  time  no  instance  of  hydrophobia  occurred.  It  is 
moreover,  fallaciously  urged  by  the  opponents  of  the  muzzle,  that 
in  localities  where  dogs  roam  about  in  large  numbers  perfectly 
unrestrained,  and  subject  to  no  inspection,  hydrophobia  is  an  un- 
known evil.* 

"  It  may  be  mentioned  as  a  matter  of  curiosity,  that  the  artificial 
blunting  of  the  front  teeth  of  all  dogs  has  been  recommended  by 
some,  as  a  prophylactic  measure  against  the  malady,  and  it  has 
even  been  suggested  that  small  flattened  metallic  caps  be  fastened 
by  a  screw  to  the  corner  teeth  for  the  purpose  of  rendering  the  bite 
innocuous." 

Canker. — Under  this  head  we  have  all  the  diseases  to  which 
the  external  and  internal  ears  of  the  dog  are  subject.  The  mean- 
ing of  the  word  canker  is  simply  cancer :  which  I  need  not  remark, 
is  an  extremely  rare  disease  in  dogs. 

The  so  called  external  canker,  is  usually  a  simple  ulcer  result- 
ing from  a  wound  or  scratch,  which  by  neglect,  uncleanliness,  etc., 
has  taken  on  unhealthy  action.  In  such  case,  cleanse  with  castile 
soap  and  warm  water,  then  touch  it  lightly  with  caustic.  When 
the  silver  has  formed  a  white  film  over  the  raw  edges,  brush  the 
ulcer  thoroughly  with  a  moderately  strong  solution  of  carbolic,  or 
salicylic  acid,  or  thymol.     Dry  the  outer  edges  and  draw  together, 

*  In  the  description  of  the  geographical  distribution  of  hydrophobia,  I  have 
already  demonstrated  how  unfounded  this  notion  is,  and  have  taken  pains  to  show 
that  in  such  localities  (Constantinople,  Egypt,  Algiers,  Asia  Minor,  etc.,)  hydro- 
phobia does  occur.      Author,  jrj    iv,    i    "■    i:;i;v,:.    jl,C,-i.  ,..»  «    a,.li,Sj.iVr.    .,V»WU7. 


533  .  DOGS   USED   FOR   SPORT. 

covering  with  a  thin  piece  of  lint  soaked  in  the  cari)olic  solution, 
over  which  place  a  second  and  dry  piece.  Confine  all  to  the  ear 
by  means  of  collodion,  sealing  it  to  the  ear  around  the  edges. 
Remove  at  the  end  of  twenty-four  hours  ;  when,  if  the  ulcer  have 
a  healthy  appearance,  wash  well  with  carbolic  acid  solution,  and 
apply  lint  as  before  ;  but  let  the  collodion  cover  the  whole  of  the 
material  as  well  as  the  edges,  so  as  to  shut  out  all  air ;  let  remain 
for  four  or  five  days,  when  it  may  be  redressed  in  the  same  man- 
ner.   -  ■•  - 

If  this  proves  inefficient,  the  ulcer  remaining  unhealthy  and 
spreading,  the  ear  also  becoming  hard  and  indurated  for  some  dis- 
tance around  the  ulcer,  we  may  fear  that  the  trouble  is  malignant. 
Apply  a  solution  of  chromic  acid,  ten  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water 
daily  until  the  fo  ^1  portions  of  the  ulcer  are  eaten  away,  and  it  has 
a  healthy  appearance,  when  bring  the  edges  as  closely  together  as 
possible,  and  dress  as  before.  Strong  glacial  acetic  acid  will  an- 
swer the  purpose  where  the  chromic  cannot  be  obtained.  Where 
the  swelling  is  great,  a  hypodermic  syringe  should  be  used,  and  five 
drops  of  common  acetic  acid  injected  into  the  hardened  substance 
upon  one,  two,  or  three  occasions  as  may  be  required  to  thoroughly 
permeate  the  tumor.  This  shtjuld  only  be  used  when  it  is  certain 
the  disease  is  malignant.  Such  treatment,  if  properly  carried  on, 
will  usually  dispose  of  malignant  growths.  

A  cap  should  be  worn  by  the  dog,  to  confine  the  ears,  and  to 
avoid  dressings  being  displaced  while  under  treatment. 

For  troubles  of  the  inner  ear,  let  it  be  carefully  washed  out  with 
tepid  water  and  castile  soap  by  means  of  a  small  syringe.  Now 
look  carefully  for  any  foreign  substance,  as  insects,  dirt,  stones, 
beards  of  wheat,  or  bits  of  grasses,  that  may  be  causing  the  trouble. 
If  you  can  procure  a  silvered  ear  speculum,  and  learn  to  use  it,  all 
the  better.  If  you  find  no  cause,  you  may  very  properly  conclude 
that  it  is  a  case  of  simple  abscess,  when  you  may  pour  a  few  drops 
of  glycerine,  in  which  a  little  sulphate  of  zinc  and  morphine  have 
been  dissolved,  into  the  ear,  afterwards  plugging  the  orifice  with 
cotton.  Change  the  dressing  every  twenty- four  hours,  washing 
out  the  ear  with  warm  water  and  castile  soap.  Be  careful  not  to 
force  too  powerful  a  stream  of  water  into  the  ear,  or  you  may  do 
injury.     During  these  washings  you  may  be  surprised  by  a  sudden 


DISEASES  OF  TlfE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  533 

gush  of  thick,  grumous  matter ;  if  so  all  the  better,  and  the  animal 
speedily  recovers.     •  '      "      •  •    '  '.'"  " '  '  *"'  >■     "•'  '  •    •?  "■ 

Let  the  animal  wear  the  cap  constantly  while  under  treatment. 
Foreign  substances  in  the  car  may  be  removed  with  a  loop  of  fine 
silver  wire,  or  a  noose  of  horse-hair.  If  you  cannot  succeed  take 
your  dog  to  a  surgeon. 

Coui(/is, — Vor  a  cough  without  appreciable  cause,  any  antispas- 
modic remedy  may  be  used ;  as  the  compound  syrup  of  squills. 
Dover's  powder,  43,  will  answer  well  with  the  addition  of  a  little 
powdered  licorice.     Also  58  and  61. 

Hernia. — Umbilical  hernia  occurs  usually  in  young  puppies 
alone.  As  it  is  very  didficult  to  adjust  a  bandage  and  compress  so 
as  to  restrain  the  hernia,  we  can  only  look  to  an  operation  for  a 
radical  cure.  Any  good  surgeon  can  do  this  without  serious 
danger.  The  operation  consists  in  cutting  down  upon  the  sac,  re- 
ducing the  hernia,  removing  the  sac  of  peritoneum,  and  closing  the 
wound  and  opening  by  means  of  silver  wire  sutures.  The  sooner 
the  operation  is  performed  after  the  discovery  of  the  hernia,  the 
better ;  all  things  being  etjual.  The  knife  should  be  used  under 
carbolic  spray  where  it  is  possible. 

Tumors  and  JVar/s. — Whether  in  the  mouth  or  externally,  all 
warts  may  be  removed  when  not  of  too  great  size,  by  the  applica- 
tion of  a  solution  of  chromic  acid  dissolved  to  saturation  in  water: 
equal  parts  by  weight  will  do  (59).  Apply  a  little  sweet  oil  to  the 
parts  around  the  wart  to  prevent  the  acid  injuring  them.  A  few 
applications  will  be  all  sufficient.  Galacial  acetic  acid  will  ofttimes 
answer  even  better  than  chromic  for  warts  in  the  mouth.  If  warts 
are  too  large  to  remove  in  this  way,  they  must  be  dissected  out. 

Tumors. — Tumors  in  the  region  of  the  neck  and  lower  jaw  are 
best  let  alone  until  a  surgeon  has  passed  his  opinion  on  them  ;  par- 
ticularly if  they  seem  to  throb  and  b  t.  If  they  fluctuate  they  may 
be  lanced,  which  is  best  done  with  ..istniment  known  as  a  /ena- 
tome.  This  should  be  thrust  in  as  per  the  cut,  carried  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  dotted  line  and  drawn  out ;  it  should  all  be  done  with 
one  movement,  and  as  quick  as  a  flash.  When  lanced  in  this  way 
moderate  abscesses  heal  much  kindlier  than  when  butchered  with 
a  scalpel,  thumb  lancet,  or  bistoury. 

Fatty  tumors  must  be  dissected  out  entire.    Tumors  containing 


534  "  -  DOGS   USED  FOR   SPORT,     w-    - 

clear  fluid  may  be  injected  with  iodine  to  destroy  tiie  sac.  The 
insertion  of  a  seton,  which  is  moved  every  day,  is  better. 

Dress  these  wounds  with  26  spread  on  a  soft  cloth.  -  <  . 

Bronchocele. — This  is  an  enlargement  of  the  thyroid  gland, 
and  is  usually  of  but  little  moment  in  old  animals.  With  puppies 
it  demands  attention,  or  it  will  be  likely  to  interfere  with  the  res- 
piratory apparatus. 

Use  Donivan's  solution,  No.  35  as  directed. 

Apply  externally  night  and  morning  No.  60. 

Vermin, — Vermin    are   easily   eradicated  by   the   use   of  the 


Use  of  tenatome  in  lancing  an  abscess.     A,  blade  of  knife  entered  into  the  tu- 
mor. BB,  the  dotted  line  shows  the  sweep  that  should  be  made  in  withdrawing  it. 

"  Persian  "  and  other  insect  powders  when  fresh.     Those  that  are_ 
valuable  owe  their  efficacy  to  the  Pyrethrum  roseuni,  or  flowering 
pyrethrum,  which  they  contain. 

You  may  also  use  soft  soap  with  the  addition  of  a  few  drops 
of  liquefied  thymol.     Be  sure  all  parts  are  touched. 

Tender  feet. — Bathe  with  any  mild  astringent  lotion.  Look 
out  for  thorns  and  for  sinuses  in  the  claws.  See  62  or  63. 
Brine  will  also  answer  .he  purpose.      .y 

Gnawing  the  Feet.- -\x\o\n\.  the  toes  with  No.  25  or  2^,  tar 
ointment,  or  a  mixture  of  tar  and  zinc  ointment.  If  he  still  per- 
sists, and  the  whip  will  not  cure  him  of  the  habit,  put  him  in 
boots  and  muzzle. 

*■    Emetics. — Both  salt  and  ipecac  are  excellent  emetics  for  dogs. 
When  y  iu  desire  a  speedy  action,  as  in  a  case  of  poisoning,  ad- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  53$ 

minister  three  grains  of  tlie  yellow  sulphuret  of  mercury,  (Turpeth 
mineral) ;  if  it  does  not  act  in  five  minutes,  give  a  second  dose. 
Its  action  is  both  speedy,  and  certain,  as  well  as  safe;  the  vom- 
itmg,  moreover,  is  easy,  and  not  attended  with  retching. 

Disinfectants. — Solution  of  permanganate  of  potash,  carbolic 
or  salycilic  acid,  etc.,  etc.  See  64,  65,  66.  Most  of  the  disinfec- 
tant powders  are  but  carbolic  acid  mixed  with  some  of  the  earths. 

Chloride  of  liine  in  solution  is  very  good  about  a  kennel. 
Brome  chloralum  is  of  no  value.  s 


PRESCRIPTIONS   AND  FORMULA. 

DOSES   FOR   ADULT  DOGS. 
(^See  scale  of  doses  at  end  of  section  Ant/ielmintics.) 

No.  I.  9.     Areca  Nut  powdered,  sixty  grains. 

Quinine  Sulphate,  six  grains. 

Mix.  Divide  into  tliree  powders.  A  powder  to  be  talten  three  times  a  day  on 
three  alternated  days  ;  the  morning  of  the  day  no  i)owders  are  given,  the  dog  is  to 
have  a  dose  Sa  or  8^.  It  is  well  to  use  a  dose  of  tlie  same  previous  to  giving  thd 
powders. 

No.  3.  I^.     Santonine,  fifteen  to  twenty  grains, 

Quinine  .Sulphate,  si,\  grains, 
Aloin  (active  principle  of  Aloes)  one  grain. 
Powder  and  mix  intimately,  divide  into  three  powders  and  administer  In  the 
•ame  manner  as  No.  one. 

No.  3.  Q.     Wormseed  powdered,  thirty  grains,  ''^ 

'I'anacetum  seed  powdered,  thirty  grains, 

Jalap  powdered,  six  ijrains, 

Sugar  powcered,  forty  grains. 
Make  three  powders.     tJse  as  above. 

No.  4.  IJ.     White  Castile  Soap  powdered,  thirty  grains, 

Tepid  rain  water,  one  quart. 
Use  as  directed. 

No.  5.  ^.     Koosin  (active  principle  of  Koosso),  ten  to  twenty  grains, 

(Jive  after  a  light  meal ;  follow  with  No.  seven. 

No.  6.  9.     I,  Bark  of  pomegranate  root,  one  drachm, 

3,  Pumpkin  seeds,  eight  grains, 

3,  Etherial  ext.  male  fern,  fifteen  grains,  .  . 

4,  Powdered  Ergot,  eiglit  grains, 

5,  Croton  oil,  one  drop. 

Boil  I,  3,  and  4  in  water  fifteen  minutes  and  strain.  Let  it  cool.  Take  two 
drachms  of  powdered  Gum  Arabic  and  rub  up  the  Croton  oil  with  it  and  the  malo 
fern,  form  an  emulsion  with  the  decoction.  Give  at  one  dose.  The  worm  will  bs 
expelled  in  the  course  of  two  or  three  hours.     Follow  with  a  dose  of  9. 

No.  6.  IJ.     Piconitrate  of  potassa.  seven  grains. 

Jalap  powdered,  one  drachm. 
Extract  of  licorice  sufficient  to  make  thirty  pills.     Dos«  i,  three  timet  a  4»y. 
A  dose  of  No.  8«  to  be  taken  previously.  '         .■     ^-  •      ■ 


536 


DOGS   USED  FOA'   SPORT. 


No.  7.  Laxativea, 

3.     Castor  oil,  two  ounceo,  .  i--'. 

Oil  of  turpentine,  one  drachm,  ■.-.. 

"■''•%-.       Glycerine,  four  drachms,  •  ,-m|.  •,,(;  ,■.••.;!.■":'' 

Syrup  of  oil  of  orange,  two  ounces.  i;:,  '.-t  i  ; 

Mix.    Shake  well  before  using.    Dose  one  to  two  tablespoonsful.  •    .j     •"• 

No.  8<t.         9.     Best  salad  oil,  two  ounces,  .v    ■'',;:.■ 

(3il  of  turpentine,  two  drachms,  -'i 

Oil  of  cinnamon,  five  drops. 

Dose  three-quarters  to  one  and  one-half  tablespoonsful. 

No.  8^.         Q.     Aloin,  one  grain, 

Leptandrin,  two  grains, 
Podophyllin,  one  and  one-eighth  grains. 
Grain  musk,  one  grain. 
Mix.    Take  at  one  dose.     An  excellent  laxative  or  condition  powder.     When 
used  for  the  latter  purpose,  add  quinine  one  grain.    Prortotes  healthy  action  of 
liver  and  digestion. 

No.  9.  Demulcents. 

9.     Mucilage  gum  acacia,  two  ounces. 
Laudanum,  one  drachm. 
Mix.    Dose,  one  tablespoonful  or  less.    Arrow  root  gruel,  barley  water,  rice 
gruel  and  elm  tea  all  are  excellent  demulcents. 

No.  10.  Alteratives. 

Q.     Blue  mass,  ten  grains, 

Ext.  of  hyoscyamus,  one-quarter  grain. 
Quinine,  two  grains. 
Mix.     Make  one  pill.     "iso.  is  \^  a.n  alterath'e  sedative. 
The  following  may  be  substituted  with  advantage  for  the  above. 

Calomel,  six  grains, 
This  to  be  mixed  (  Rhubarb,  six  grains, 
before  added  to  the  \  Powdered  castile  soap,  two  grains, 

powder.  (  Leptandrin,  one  grain.  •    • 

(  Cubebs,  one  grain. 
•■■.■:■.  Podophyllin,  one-quarter  grain.  •   ' 

"'*    ~      "  Powdered  Jamaica  ginger,  hve  to  ten  grains. 

Mix.    Take  at  one  dose,  follow  with  No.  8.      This  alone  is  an  excellent  con- 
dition powder. 

No.  II.  Sedative  Sudorific  Diuretic. 

'^,,     Tr.  aconite  root,  eight  to  ten  drops, 
Bromide  of  potassa,  twenty  grains, 
Sgittbbs'  sweet  spirits  nitre,  one-half  ounce. 
Water  sufficient  to  make  four  ounces.     Dose,  tablespoonful.    Where  muriate 
of  ammonia  is  desired,  substitute  three-fourth  drachm  of  it  foi  the  bromide. 

No.  12.  Anti-Emetic  Mixture  and  Sedative 

1^.     Fluid  extract  of  valerian, 

Hoffman's  anodyne,  each  one  dram, 
Squii)bs'  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  eight  drachms. 
Acetate  of  morphme,  one  and  one-half  grains,  ,  ..•; 

Spirits  de  mendereris  (ft esh)  four  drachms,  "   ' 

Paregoric,  one-half  drachm,  '    ••  "        *   '.',,■ 

Mix.     Dose,  one  to  two  teaspoonsful.  "^.•'".• 

■^''  -    ■  •..  ■  ■■■" 
No.  13.  Sedative  Enema. 

9>    Thin  starch,  mucilage  or  gruel,  two  ounces,  ''    '•^^'-' 

Tincture  of  opium,  ten  to  fifteen  drops. 
Mix.    Use  as  injection  as  demanded,  making  fresh  each  time  and  using  while 
lukewarm. 


PKESC/ilPTWNS  AND  FORMULA,.  537 

No.  14.  Antl-Etnetic. 

^.     Squibbs'  sub-carbonat<;  of  bismuth,  two  to  five  grains. 

Take  at  one  dose.  Two  grains  of  musk  or  one-<iuarter  grain  of  soapnia  may  be 
added  with  advantage.  N.  15.  Bismuth  should  not  be  used  when  calomel  has 
been  given,  until  it  has  operated  thoroughly  or  exhaustively,  except  in  severe 
pneumonia.  The  effect  then  will  do  no  harm,  but  be  rather  beneficial  than 
otherwise. 

No.  15.  Sedative  Alterative. 

'^.     Calomel,  six  grains, 

Powdered  opium,  one-half  grain. 
Mix.    At  a  dose. 
No.  16.  Saline  Aperient, 

Rochelle  salts,  twenty  grains, 
Water,  one  ounce. 
Essence  lennn,  two  drops. 
Mix.     At  a  dose.     Sugar  may  be  added  if  desired.    The  essence  of  lemon  cor- 
rects the  tendency  to  vomit  the  salts  that  occurs  more  frequently  in  dogs  than 
men. 

No.  17.  Alterative  Tonic, 

9.    Quinine,  one  to  two  grains, 

Leptandrin,  one  to  two  grains. 
Mix,  a  single  powder  and  dose. 

17a.  Sedative  Alterative  Astringent, 

IJ.     Oi)ium  powdereil,  five  grains, 
Leptandrin,  ten  grains. 
Quinine,  fifteen  to  twenty  grains, 
Tannic  ac\d,  thirty  grains. 
Mix.     Divide  into  ten  powders.     Dose,  one  every  3,  4  or  6  hours  as  required. 
17/'.     Same  as  i-ja  only  substituting  five  to  eight  grains  of  sugar  of  lead  for 
Tannin, 

No.  18.       Alterative  Antl-Diarrhoia  and  Dysenteric, 

Bael  or  Bela.  (Bengal  Quince.) 
When  pure  this  will  control  the  most  severe  form  of  dysentery.  It  will  also 
overcome  constipation.  Use  in  infusion,  or  as  marmalade.  If  Kluid  Extract  is 
used,  the  dose  must  be  in  accordance  with  that  given  by  the  manufacturer,  reduced 
one-quarter  for  the  dog.  This  is  the  most  satisfactory  remedy  in  Materia  Medica, 
when  properly  prepared,  and  is  harmless. 

No.  19.     Chronic  Dysentery  ;   or  Dysentery  arising  from 

Ulceration  of  the  Sowels. 

^.     Iodine,  one  grain, 

Tannic  acid,  ten  grains. 
Water,  four  ounces. 
Mucilage  acacia,  one  ounce. 
Mi's.    Dose,  one-half  to  three-quarters  teaspoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 

Severe  Diarrhcea  of  young  puppies  tvhen  teething  or  suffering 

from  indigestion, 

9«    Calomel,  thirty-six  grains, 

Ipecac,  thirty-six  grains,  ,      .    . 

Prepared  chalk,  six  drachms. 
Sugar  lead,  one  and  one-half  drachms. 
Mix.     Make  powder.    Dose,  two  grains  to  animal  of  ten  months  and  under. 

No.  30.     Same  as  13.      -  '        ■'  •■ 

No.  21.  Anti-Colic. 

^.     Fluid  extract  of  wild  vam.  , 

Dose,  five  to  fifteen  drops  in  thin  syrup.  ■     '■' 

No.  33.  Alterative  Cathartic.  '■'■ 

9,    Calomel  six  grains,  ,: 

{alap,  uve  grains,  ,  vvJ>v" 

.eptandrin,  two  grains, 
Musk  grained  or  powdered,  three  grains, 
Jamaica  ginger,  ten  grains.  "  " 


.'*.  i' 


53« 


DOGS   USED   FOR   bPORT. 


No.  23.  Eye  Water.  -       '-^ 

IJ.     Sugar  of  lead,  five  to  ten  grains.  '■ 

Solve  in  rose  or  distilled  water,  one  and  one-half  ounce 

Wine  of  opium,  one  drachm. 
Filter  until  clear. 
No.  34.    Same  as  33.     Substituting  ten  to  fifteen  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc. 

No.  35.  Cmnjihor  Ointment. 

^    J     •    .-         ^.    Camphor,  powdered,  ., 

Sjiermaceti,  '  '  '       '       ,,  , 

White  wax,  '  '  •      .  '. 

Salad  oil,  of  each  equal  parts. 
Mix  by  aid  of  gentle  heat ;  the  camphor  to  be  first  dissolved  in  oil. 

No.  36.  Simple  cerate,  two  ounces, 

Mercurial  chalk,  one  drachm,  , 

Powdered  (/ry  white  lead,  twenty  grains, 
Powdered  willow  charcoal,  twenty  grains. 

Mix  on  a  slab,  and  thoroughly  incorporate.     In  warm  weather  add  sufficient 
white  wax  to  cerate  to  make  it  hard  enough  to  spread  on  cloth. 

No.  35  may  be  used  instead  of  simple  cerate  if  desired. 

No.  37.        To  remove  opacity  of  Cornea  frotn  the  deposit 

of  salts  of  lead. 

Use  a  weak  solution  of  acetate  of  soda,  when  from  salts  of  silver. 
Use  solution  of  hyposulphite  of  soda. 

No.  38.  Metallic  Particles  in  the  JEye. 

Remove  with  a  knife  (scalpel)  if  possible.     If  so  impacted  as  to  be  impossible 
use  the  following  colyria. 

Iodine,  one  grain, 
..-;       I      -  ■.  Iodide  potassa,  ten  grains,  ,,  : 

Rose  water,  three  ounces.     Mix. 

No.  39.    Phosiihuretted  Colyritim  for  ctire  of  Cataract, 

Gradually  restores  transiJarency  of  crystalline  lens. 
IJ.     Phosphorus,  ten  centigrammes. 

Oil  of  sweet  almonds,  thirty  grammes. 
Dissolve  in  water  bath  at  eighty  degrees  Centaur  in  a  closed  and  full  vessel. 
Four  grammes  to  be  instilled  between  the  eyelids  three  or  four  times  a  day. 
Takes  a  month  or  six  weeks  to  cure. 

No.  30.  To  Itestore  Orowth  of  Hair, 

^.    Powdered  muriate  of  ammonia,  ten  grains, 
Camphor  powdered,  two  grains. 
Whipped  lard  perfumed  to  suit,  one  ounce.    Mix. 

Another       9.    Bi-sulphide  of  mercury,  one  grain, 

Cocoa  butter,  ten  grains,  .    - 

Whipped  lard,  thirty  grains, 
Mix.    Perfume  to  suit.  ,    .,   . 

No.  31.  1^.     Muriate  of  ammonia. 

Corrosive  sublimate,  each  one  grain, 

Water,  five  hundred  grains.     Mix.     ,,^,;    .,-.         ,.    ■;l 

Depnytrcus  Pomade,  -     * 

Another       "^i.     Powdered  cantharides,  one  drachm,  •        '"'"■'* 

Alcohol,  one  ounce. 
Let  digest  for  twelve  days,  shaking  well  and  often ;  then  filter  and  add  ten 
parts  of  this  to  ninety  of  whipped  lard. 

Another        1}..     Tincture  cantharides,  one  ounce,  »..-v.-    .. 

Distilled  vinegar,  one  and  one-half  ounce,       i),       •->  •'-■'''- 
'"'  Glycerine,  one  and  one-half  ounce, 

■^        ■'  Spirits  rosemary,  one  and  one-half  ounce, 

'   ■  Rose  water,  eight  ounces.    Mix, 

To  be  well  sponged  in  twice  each  day.  .  ,»iiuCr 


PJiESCHJPTIONS  AND  FORMULA.  539 

No.  3 J.  8h,in  Diaeaaea. 

Q.    Sub-carbonate  of  potasiia,  two  drachms,  » 

Water,  one  ounce,  . ,     •   . 

Olive  oil.  one-half  ounce, 
Camphor  gum,  two  drachms, 

Sublimed  sulphur,  Sve  ounces.  ■.; 

Mix.    Rub  in  well. 

No.  33.  WJtite  Soap  or  Diluted  Soft  Soap, 

Sublimed  sulphur,  equal  parts.  If  white  soap  is  used  it  should  be  melted  and 
the  sulphur  stirred  in  v.iiile  hot. 

Another       ^.     Sulph   ■•et  of  lime,  one-half  drachm,  ,    -. 

Sweet  <   1,  two  ounces.     Mix.  .  >.    .  :        -,  ;  -     ■        '•■';!'. 

No.  34.  (      When  ill  others  fail,  use 

Sulphuret  of  potassa,  two  ounces, 

Water,  one  pint.  Make  solution. 

9>     Muriatic  acid,  two  ounces, 
Water,  one  pint. 

Mix  when  ready  to  apply.  ::    ' 

Mix  equal  parts  of  Nos.  i  and  3,  and  sponge  the  animal  thoroughly.         '  ^' 

No.  35.  ^,    Donovan's  solution,  one  and  one-half  drachms,  ■"'' 

Syrup  (simple),  one-half  ounce, 
Water  to  make  four  ounces. 

Color  pink,  and  mark  jxjison.  Dose,  a  teaspoonful  three  times  a  day  for  three 
days;  then  a  teaspoonful  and  one- fourth  (fifteen  drops)  for  three  days.  Increase 
every  ihird  day  one-fourth  teaspoonful  until  four  teaspoonsful  (a  large  tablespoon- 
ful)  is  taken  three  times  per  day.  If  the  animal  loses  appetite,  vomits,  or  shows 
marked  congestion  of  the  eyes,  reduce  the  dose  and  increase  again  slowly.  If  the 
medicine  has  to  be  given  any  length  of  time,  omit  it  for  every  tifth  or  sixth  week, 
commencing  the  new  series  of  weeks  with  the  second  or  third  dose  of  the  previous 
series.  Given  in  this  way  it  acts  beautifully  as  both  tonic  and  alterative.  N.  B. 
Do  not  ^ive  at  any  time  on  an  empty  stomach. 

No.  36.  I^axative,    Aperient  Alterative,  ." 

9,     Confection  of  senna,  - 

Confection  of  sulphur,  equal  parts. 
Dose,  teaspoonful  or  two  as  desired. 

37.  Black  Wash. 

^.     Calomel,  one-half  drachm,  ■  J 

Fluid  ext.  conium,  two  and  one -half  drachms, 
Glycerine,  one  drachm, 
Powdered  gum  Arabic,  cne  drachm. 
Mix  together  in  a  mcrtar,  and  stir  in  one-half  pint  of  lime  water.    Shake  well 
before  using.     Apply  with  soft  sponge. 

No.  38.  Alterative.  .   ' 

3-     Iodide  of  potasisum,  twenty-four  grains,  ... 

Tincture  coluniba,  two  ounces,  '  ['[ 

Fluid  extract  tanaxicun,  one-half  ounce,  '■'•■ 

Water  and  syrup  to  make  four  ounces. 
Dose,  a  tablespoonful  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

No.  39.  Tonics,  .    ■    .. 

1^.    Sulphate  of  quinine,  twenty  grains, 
.•:t»;  i>^r:   '.y.r,  if,         Queveenes  iron,  twenty  to  thirty  grains,  \  1 

Leptandrin,  ten  to  twenty  grains.  ■"     ,,-,%,.; 

Mix.     Make  ten  powders.    One  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

No.  40.         5.     Aromatic  sulphuric  acid,  one  and  one-half  drachms,     ' 
Fluid  ext.  cinchona  (red)  Squibbs',  onij-half  ounce, 
:  Syrup  one-half  ounce, 

Water  sufficient  to  make  four  ounces,  ■    :j 

Dose,  one-half  table  or  a  dessert  spoonful  three  or  fawr  times  a  day.       ,.^ , 


540  DOGS   USED   FOR   SPORT. 

No.  41.  Muriatic  acid  dilute,  forty  minims,  ; ' 

Nitric  acid  dilute,  forty  minims,  .., 

Fluid  extract  of  gonitan,  three  drachms, 
Water  to  make  four  ounces. 

Dose,  tablespoonful  three  or  lour  times  a  day. 

No.  43.  Warner's  pills, 

lodoforn  and  iron,  one  hundred  and  ninety-two  each. 
Dose,  one  pill  three  times  a  day. 

No.  43.  Nervines.     Auti-Spaantodle. 

!9.    Valerianate  of  iron,  twenty  grains, 

Monobromate  of  camphor,  ten  grains, 

Grained  musk,  fifteen  grains. 
Mix.     Divide  into  ten  powders.     Dose,  one  four  tintes  a  day. 

No.  44.  Valerianate  of  quinine,  five  grains, 

Monobromate  of  camphor,  ten  grains, 

Phosphide  of  zinc,  five  grains. 
Mix.    Divide  into  five  powders,  and  give  as  43.  ■ 

No.  45.  Valerianate  of  zinc,  ten  to  twenty  grains. 

Quinine,  five^grains. 
Make  ten  powders.     Use  as  before. 

No.  46.    Hubbel's  elixir  of  valerianate  of  ammonia.    Dose,  one-half  to  a  tea- 
spoonful  as  required. 

No.  47.  Lotion, 

Powdered  borax,  one  drachm, 

Glycerine,  four  drachms, 

Chloroform,  one  drachm. 

Rose  water,  eight  ounces. 
Mix.    Apply  frequently  with  soft  sponge.     Rub  in  well. 

No.  48.  Alterative  Tonic. 

Fluid  extract  triticum  repens. 
Dose,  fifteen  drops  to  drachm  for  adult ;  for  puppies  see  scale  of  doses. 

No.  49a.  Sedative,     Febrifuge  Alterative, 

ij.     Norwood's  tincture  veratrum  viride,  ten  to  fifteen  drops. 
Muriate  of  amn.onia,  one  and  one-half  drachms, 
Sweet  spirits  of  nitre  (Squibb,)  one  ounce, 
Water  to  make  two  ounces. 
No.  49^.    Same  as  49a,  adding  fifteen  drops  tr.  aconite  root. 

No.  50.  ^.     Muriate  of  ammonia,  ten  gr.Tins, 

(or  sesqui-carbonate,  eight  grains), 

Musk,  four  grains, 
. ■■    (or  Dover's  powders,  six  grains), 

Aloin,  one-half  grain. 
Make  one  powder.     Use  every  3,  3,  4  or  6  hours  as  demanded. 

No.  51.  I^.     Brandy  or  whisky,  one  ounce, 

Sugar  sufficient  quantity. 

Warm  water,  two  ounces.      ,,    . 
Mix.    Use  as  enema.  .     *  v  1 

No.  53.  Jjiniment,         t^,     . 

Turpentine  oil,  two  drachms,       ,^      ...    •  ;. !  ' 

Croton  oil,  two  drachms, 

Sweet  oil,  one  ounce. 
Rub  in  well  over  chest.     Will  cause  an  eruption  which  may  be  dressed  with 
Nos.  35  or  36.     Keep  clear  of  your  hands  as  much  as  possible. 
No.  53.  9.    Camphor  liniment,  two  ounces, 

Chloroform,  two  ounces.  •;'■'     ,>,<.       ■   , ' 

Mix.    Use  as  No.  53.  -^     ■ 

No.  54.  Turpentine,  thirty  dropp,  wi-       .,o«;  l-  »^^t 

Whipped  egg,  one  dron, 

Sujfar,  one-half  teaspronful.  .  » 

Whip  together.    May  be  used  in  dost .«  01  half  teaspoonful  by  mouth  or  diluted 
with  water  by  the  rectum. 


MISCELLANEOUS  FORMULA,  54 1 

No,  55.  Barh  Tea.  .  "'  •    '^ 

^.     Red  Peruvian  bark  bruised,  one  ounce, 
Senega  bruised,  one-half  ounce. 
Steep  in  one  pint  of  water  down  to  one-lialf  pint,  add  one  ounce  of  Squibb's 
sweet  spirits  of  nitre  and  two  ounces  oi  fresh  spirits  of  meiidereris  (with  an  ex- 
cess of  ammonia).     Dose,  one-half  to  tablcspoonful  every  two  to  four  hours. 

No.  56.  Alterative.  ■•' '      ,   .  ^. 

^.     Muriate  of  ammonia,  one  drachm, 

Fluid  extract  conium,  ten  minims, 

Fluid  extract  eucalyptus,  one  and  one-half  drachms. 

Syrup,  one-half  ounce, 

Water  to  make  one  ounce. 
Dose,  teaspoonful  three  or  four  times  a  day  or  oftener. 

No.  57.  For  Bar. 

'^,     Sulphate  of  zinc,  twenty  grains,  ^. 

Acetate  of  morphine,  live  grains,  ,  ^ 

Water,  one-half  ounce. 
Dissolve  thoroughly  and  filter ;  then  add  glycerine  one-half  ounce. 

No.  58.  Cough  Mixtures. 

I.  ]^.     Paregoric, 

Comp.  syrup  of  squills,  -  .  ,     ■ 

Wine  of  ipecac,  each  equal  parts. 
Dose,  one-half  teaspoonful  to  teaspoonful. 

a.  'S^.     Fluid  extract  licorice,  one  ounce, 

Fluid  extract  cubebs,  twenty  drops, 
Muriate  of  ammonia,  forty  grains, 
Syrup  acacia  to  make  two  ounces. 
Dose,  tablcspoonful. 

No.  61.     3.5.     Nitro  murintic  acid  diluted,  twenty-five  minims, 

Fluid  extract  hyoscyamus,  thirty  minims, 

Syrup  ipecac,  two  drachms, 

Tr.  musk,  two  drachms. 

Water  to  make  two  ounces. 
Dose,  tablcspoonful. 
No.  59.  Warts. 

Chromic  acid,  ten  grains. 

Distilled  water,  ten  to  twenty  grains. 

No.  60.  For  Tumors. 

5.     Iodide  of  cadmium,  one-half  drachm, 
Simple  cerate,  two  ounces. 
Mix.     Apply  once  or  twice  each  daj'  to  the  bronchocele,  rubbing  in  thoroughly. 

No.  63.  Solution  of  alum,  one  drachm  to  the  pint. 

No.  63.  Solution  of  salt  with  the  addition  of  a  few  drops  (five  or  ten  to 

the  pint)  of  oil  of  vitriol  (commercial  sulphuric  acid). 

MISCELLANEOUS   FORMULA. 


Ijiniinent  for  Sprains,  Uruises,  etc. 

Oil  of  origanum  (pure)  two  to  four  drachms, 
Oil  of  camphor,  two  drachms, 
Liquor  ammonia,  one  ounce, 
vrr:- ■>■■■'*■*.  Salad  oil,  two  ounces.     Mix.  ■* 

■  Xiiniment  for  Colic  and  Obstinate  Constipation.        -  "■ 

9.    Soap  liniment,  one  ounce,  *' 

;  Tincture  of  aloes,  one-half  ounce. 

-     Apply  with  friction   over  abdomen.     Half  an   hour  later  apply  tincture  of 
digitalis. 

So-called  Canker  of  the  Far  dependent  upon  diseased  bone. 

No.  I.  Acetic  acid,  one  hundred  parts,  ,, 

Blue  vitriol,  ten  parts, 


1    . 
1 


542 


DoaS   USED  FOR   SJ'OKT. 


Sulphate  of  zinc,  ten  parts, 
Sugar  of  lead,  five  parts. 
Dilute  one-half  with  water.  M.  NelatoH. 

No.  3.  Liquor  of  sub-acetate  of  lead,  two  parts, 

Sulphate  of  zinc,  one  part, 

Sulphate  of  copper,  one  part, 

White  wine  vinegar,  thirteen  parts. 
Lftt  nothing  be  substituted  for  the  vinegar.     Druggists  are  in  the  habit  of  using 

f)yroligneous  acid  in  which  the  solution  becomes  a  powerful  caustic  ;  then  the  so- 
ution  when  settled  has  a  blue  color.     It  should  be  green. 

Khentnatic  Uniment, 

Chloral, 

Camphor,  each  one  drachm, 
Tincture  aconite  root,  one  ounce, 
Cajeput  oil,  three  drachms. 
Alcohol  to  make  four  ounces. 
Apply  with  camel's  hair  pencil  over  seat  of  pain.  > 

Spnstnodic  Asthtnain  Dogs,  ■      .      J 

Chloral  hydrate,  five  drachms, 
-I  Bromide  of  potassa.  two  and  one-half  drachms,  ',.■,,...♦'■ 

Syrup  of  orange  flowers, 

Distilled  water,  each  one  ounce.  ■:     '' 

Dose,  one-half  teaspoonful  in  two  ounces  of  water  every  two  hours. 

Fleas,  ' 

A  plentiful  use  of  powder  containing  musk  will  usually  eradicate  fleas.      "    " 

Scale  of  Dones  for  Dogs.    Setters  dnd  Pointers.  ■'-■-' 

3  years  of  age  full  dose,  , '  ^ 

two-thirds, 

one-half,  V 

one-third, 

one-fourth,  ■''■ 

one-eighth, 

one-twelfth. 

A  full  dose  will  average  two-thirds  of  the  dose  for  human  beings.  Of  some 
drugs,  as  opium,  calomel,  aloes,  jalap,  etc.,  the  dog  will  bear  larger  doses  than 
the  human  subject.  Of  emetics  such  as  tartarized  antimony,  the  dose  must  be 
but  half  of  that  used  for  man.  "  Bollingkr." 

Sweet  Spirits  of  Nitre. 
We  wish  to  call  attention  to  the  giving  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre.  The  drug 
usually  sold  under  that  name  will  certainly  promote  the  action  of  the  kidneys,  but 
is  after  all  not  only  unfit  to  give  to  dogs,  much  less  human  beings,  being  strongly 
acid,  and  farther,  not  being  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  at  all.  We  know  of  but  one  make 
worthy  of  i)hysician's  use,  whether  for  man  or  beast.  This  is  manufactured  by  Dr. 
E.  R.  Squibb,  of  Brooklyn,  New  York.  If  you  will  procure  a  sample  of  this  and 
one  of  any  other  American  manufacture  and  simply  taste,  you  will  be  convinced. 
You  will  find  this  preparation  of  a  pale  straw  color,  and  furthermore  is  put  up  in 
brown  glass  bottles.  Any  army  or  navy  surgeon  will  tell  you  the  same,  as  will  any 
educated  pharmacist,  unless  he  have  pecuniary  reason  for  otherwise  stating. 

Disinfectant  for  Kennels. 

-,    ,  ^.    Tincture  of  camphor,  three  ounces,  „•,... 

'''-  •  Tincture  of  myrrh,  three  ounces,  •'■  ' 

.  j         ,  .■  ^.        Soap  liniment,  two  ounces,  ....;\ 

Galacial  acetic  acid,  one  hundred  and  sixty  minims, 

Oil  of  tar,  one  ounce. 
Mix,  adding  in  the  above  order  and  agitate  thoroughly.  Two  tablespoonsful 
agitated  with  a  bucket  of  warm  water  and  sprinkled  aoout  kennel  or  stable  will 
not  only  disinfect  but  assist  in  the  extermination  of  vermin  ;  a  teaspoonful  added 
to  a  pint  of  warm  water,  forms  an  excellent  tar  water,  as  well  as  deodorant,  and 
if  such  is  used  as  an  enema  in  a  sick  room — that  of  a  typhoid  fever  patieut  for  in- 
stance—will completely  deodorize  stools  previous  to  their  extra  intestinal  exist- 
ence. This  dilution  will  be  found  particularly  valuable  as  an  enema  for  dogs  suf» 
fering  with  diarrhoea  or  dysentery.     As  a  general  disinfectant  it  is  unsurpassed. 


i8 

months 

13 

7 

3 

3 

t 

I 


*  <*  y. 


.  .t 


FOREST,  FIELD,  AND  PRAIRIE. 


GUNS  AND   AMMUNITION  ;  AND  THEIR   USES. 

IN  laying  down  specific  instructions  for  the  selection  of  guns 
and  rifles,  with  their  appropriate  charges  and  various  kinds  of 
ammunition  adapted  to  different  localities,  seasons,  and  varieties 
of  game,  we  do  so  with  the  positive  conviction  that  our  views  and 
opinions  will  be  controverted  at  the  outset  by  hundreds  who  may 
differ  with  us  and  with  each  other ;  just  as  they  would  be,  if  we 
took  a  position  diametrically  opposite  from  that  which  we  now  take. 
With  this  special  plea,  we  will  proceed  ;  simply  premising  that 
what  we  print  here  h«is  received  the  sanction  of  gentlemen  of  ven- 
erable experience  in  the  use  of  old  time  and  modern  implements 
in  all  parts  of  America,  on  both  sides  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and 
who  are  recognized  by  the  sporting  fraternity  as  reliable  and 
sufficient  authority. 

THE   RIFLE. 

All  rifles  divide  themselves  into  two  great  classes,  long  range 
and  short  range.  Long  range  rifles  are  used  as  military  weapons 
for  arming  infantry,  and  as  sporting  weapons  for  hunting  cariboo, 
deer,  antelopes,  and  other  such  timid  game  as  will  not  allow  of 
near  approach.  Short  range  rifles  are  used  as  military  weapons 
for  arming  cavalry,  and  for  general  sporting  purposes.  The  divis- 
ion between  the  two  may  be  taken  at  two  hundred  yards.  Rifles 
for  match  shooting  may  be  used  at  both  ranges  ;  but,  from  the 
natural  desire  of  all  of  us  to  accomplish  the  most  difficult  feats, 
they  are  generally  held  to  mean  long  range  weapons. 

The  first  rule  we  shall  lay  down  is  this  :  It  is  necessary  to  de- 
cide whether  you  want  a  rifle  for  long  or  for  short  range.  You  can 
select  either,  or  both,  but  not  both  in  the  same  rifle.     One  will  not 


544  FOREST,   FIELD,   AND   PRAIRIE. 

do  the  work  of  the  other.  A  knowledge  of  this  will  save  much 
annoyance  and  some  money.  The  first  requisite  of  a  short  ran£,'e 
rifle  is,  that  you  shall  be  able  to  hit  any  mark  small  enough  to  be 
seen  over  what  are  technically  called  "  hunting  sights,"  with  an 
off-hand  shot  from  the  shoulder.  Greater  accuracy  than  this  is  not 
needed.  Such  a  rifle  ought  to  shoot  close  enough  to  place  a  major- 
ity of  any  number  of  shots  within  the  following  sized  targets  :  2- 
inch  ring  up  to  fifty  yards  distance  ;  4  in.  do.  100  yards  ;  6  inch 
do.  1 50  yards,  and  8  inch  do.  200  yards.  A  good  oflf-hand  shot 
can  do  this  and  fire  very  quickly,  and  his  gun  ought  to  be  able  to 
shoot  as  close  as  he  can  hold  it.  Major  H.  W.  Merrill,  a  grey  old 
army  officer  who  has  passed  half  his  life  in  Florida  and  Texas,  in 
and  out  of  the  saddle,  has  laid  down  the  following  rules : 

1st.  To  avoid  shooting'  over,  a  finer  sight  is  always  required  at  and  about  two- 
thirds  of  the  range,  than  at  any  other  point  of  the  range,  (say  within  fifty  to 
eighty  yards). 

ad.  The  same  uniform  sight  throughout  the  whole  range  will  give  no  greater 
error  than  the  greatest  standing  error  of  the  rifle. 

3d.  Hence  knowing  this,  the  same  uniform  sight  throughout  may  always  be 
used,  unless  one  requires  a  different  sight  in  order  to  ^complish  his  purpose. 

4th.  In  hunting,  use  the  same  fine  or  standard  sight,  within  about  the  first 
fifty  and  the  last  twenty-five  yards  of  this  range.  And  why  ?  because  the  standing 
error  of  the  rifle  is  so  small  within  these  limits,  that  it  may  be  disregarded  en- 
tirely. At  the  greatest,  it  is  only  about  one  inch,  and  from  thence  to  nothing  at 
the  two  point  blanks.     So  much  for  sighting  within  the  range. 

5th.  But,  for  different  distances  beyond  the  range,  as  125,  150,  etc.,  yards,  use 
a  sight  "  coarser  "  and  coarser,  "  the  further  off  your  game  is." 

To  summarize,  the  fjormula  for  sighting  seems  to  stand  thus  : 
Coarse  stxy  near  the  piece,  with  a  less  coarse  to  fine  at  twenty  yards, 
(centre,  p.  b.,)  thence  finer  to  extra  fine  at  sixty-six  yards  (there- 
abouts and  greatest  error),  thence  less  fine  to  fine  at  one  hundred 
yards  (centre  p.  b.),  thence  coarser  and  coarser  (beyond  the  range). 
Of  course  different  rifles,  and  the  same  rifle  with  different  charges, 
etc.,  produce  different  curves,  or  errors.  Hence  in  general,  learn 
well  by  practice  and  study  the  deviations  of  your  rifle  along  the 
whole  distance,  and  then  (for  close  shooting)  seek  to  so  aim  as  to 
correct  them.  .r 

Good  shooting,  however,  cannot  be  done  without  good  ammu- 
nition. Mr.  E.  A.  Palmer  recites  in  Forest  and  Stream :  "  My 
method  of  loading  cartridges  is  to  fill  the  shell,  leaving  only  space 
enough  to  put  in  a  thin  cut  wad  of  paste  board,  and  not  over  Qne- 


THE  RIFLE.  545 

eighth  of  an  inch  in  which  to  seat  the  bullet ;  that  leaves  nearly 
the  whole  length  of  the  bullet  in  the  rifling  of  the  barrel  when  the 
cartridge  is  in  the  chamber  ;  and  if  the  bullet  is  the  right  size  and 
'properly  patched,  the  patch  will  not  be  torn  in  putting  the  cartridge 
into  the  chamber  (or  in  the  passage  of  the  bullet  from  the  shell  into 
the  barrel  when  fired),  if  the  gun  is  properly  made  and  clean  ;  and 
it  will  also  straighten  the  bullet  in  the  shell  if  it  is  a  little  loose, 
owing  to  the  short  distance  it  goes  into  the  shell. 

"  The  pasteboard  wad  over  the  powder  has  its  advantages  and 
its  disadvantages.  If  the  bullets  fit  the  shells  loosely,  it  prevents 
the  powder  spilling  out  in  carrying,  if  the  bullet  comes  out,  and  it 
also  serves  in  a  measure  as  a  gas  check  and  prevent^  in  a  measure 
fire  cut.  But  if  the  bullet  is  concaved  much  in  the  base,  the  wad 
is  liable  to  be  forced  into  the  hollow  base  of  the  bullet  and  go  with 
it.  I  have  found  the  pasteboard  wad,  lubricator,  and  part  of  the 
patch  at  eight  hundred  yards  from  the  firing  place,  lying  beside  or 
sticking  to  the  bullet,  and  in  one  instance,  part  of  a  dry  pasteboard 
wad,  when  no  lubricator  was  used,  was  found  sticking  to  the  bul- 
let ;  the  bullet  was  shot  into  snow  at  five  hundred  yards.  I  never 
use  lubricator  of  any  kind  when  I  want  to  do  fine  shooting,  but  use 
a  dry  paper  patch  and  wipe  the  gun  clean  and  dry  after  every  shot. 

"  Another  very  important  item  is  the  composition  of  the  bullet, 
which  must  be  of  a  hardness  in  proportion  to  the  amount  and 
strength  of  the  powder  used.  A  bullet  that  would  be  hard  enough 
to  use  with  seventy  grains  of  powder  and  shoot  well,  would  be  good 
for  nothing  to  use  with  a  charge  of  one  hundred  or  one  hundred 
and  ten  grains.  It  would  be  upset  so  it  would  take  the  rifling  be- 
yond the  patch,  unless  the  bullet  was  patched  the  whole  length. 
Fix  upon  some  particular  brand  of  powder  that  you  can  always 
get,  and  the  quantity  to  be  used  for  your  charge,  then  make  some 
bullets,  weighing  the  lead  and  tin  (if  tin  is  used  to  harden),*  mak- 

*  Hardened  Balls. — The  composition  generally  used  to  make  a  hard  ball,  is  one- 
half  tin  to  four  of  lead,  Some  authorities  state  that  a  fractional  portion  of  anti- 
mony is  useful,  but  we  should  think,  that  any  projectile  similar  in  composition  to 
type  metal  would  be  too  brittle.  Quite  a  leading  writer  on  this  subject  states 
that  balls  will  harden  by  dropping  them  while  hot  in  fat,  buffalo-tallow  being 
preferred,  but  we  regard  this  as  empirical,  and  resting  on  no  sound  chemical  or 
physical  basis.  Some  English  elephant-hunters  have  used  projectiles  of  lead 
with  a  steel  poiat,  but  these  have  fallen  into  disuse  from  the  want  of  accuracy  in 
their  flight.  .','..-        -^'.     .   ;  "   /      ■  i"    ..'  :     .  ::i .  .,      .»'  r:';^"  '  -i 


546 


FOREST,   FIELD,  AND   PRAIRIE. 


ing  a  note  of  the  proportions  ;  load  some  shells  with  your  standard 
charge  of  powder  ;  patch  the  bullets  carefully,  wetting  the  patch 

The  use  of  hardened  balls  and  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  them,  Is  a 
much  more  complex  subject  than  would  seem  apparent  at  fir  t  siffht.  A  promi- 
nent English  writer  statts,  "  that  a  hardfMit^d  hall  in  striking  a  bone,  when  prop- 
erly made,  should  tlalten  against  the  bone  (of  the  animal)  without  boring  through 
it,  while  at  the  same  time  it  must  retain  enough  of  its  round  form  to  obviate  any 
chance  of  the  increasing  distance  offered  to  the  larger  surface  stopping  its  way, 
and  therefore  preventing  its  penetrating  far  enough."  Here  then  are  two  difficul- 
ties, which  apparently  militate  against  one  another,  the  ball  must  crush  the  bone, 
and  still  have  i)owef  sufficient  to  seek  a  vital  point  further  on.  We  think  this 
most  intelligent  writer  overlooks  somewhat  the  important  subjects  of  range  and 
velocity,  which  we  think  are  vital  to  the  subject.  If  it  be  smashing  of  the  bones 
which  is  required,  we  should  suppose  that  a  hardened  ball,  shot  at  close  range, 
with  its  high  velocity,  would  least  accomplish  the  purpose  desired,  for  it  is  at  a 
close  range  only  that  elephants,  lions  and  tigers  are  shot.  The  advantage  to  be 
derived  from  a  hard  ball  in  breaking  Irenes,  or  stunning  the  animals  which  it 
strikes,  would  then  we  suppose  be  best  effected  at  a  slow  velocity. 

A  curious  question  entering  here,  is  that  of  the  vitality  of  animals,  or  the 
lasting  powers  they  possess  to  resist  when  seriously  wounded.  The  Cervi  readily 
succumb,  while  the  difficulty  of  killing  a  member  of  the  feline  race  has  passed 
into  a  proverb.  This  distinction  of  the  staying  power  may  even  be  found  in 
man,  for  it  is  a  well  known  fact  that  an  Anglo-Saxon  is  twice  as  hard  to  kill  as  a 
Chinese.  Hard  balls  are  usuful  in  the  two  extreme  cases,  where  the  bony  portion 
of  the  animal  is  in  large  proportion  to  the  fleshy  case  of  the  animal,  as  in  th** 
moose  and  eastern  buffalo,  and  of  course,  where  the  bones  are  covered  with  a  huge 
mass  of  flesh,  as  in  the  elephant.  For  lions  and  tigers,  hardened  bullets  are  not 
as  useful  as  the  ordinary  ball. 

Certainly  the  great  object  in  using  any  projectile  is  to  have  the  animal  struck 
by  it  to  die  as  quickly  as  possible.  Perhaps  the  most  unsatisfactory  thing  we 
know  of,  is  to  shoot  a  moose,  and  certain  that  he  is  wounded  mortally,  to  be 
forced  to  follow  him  a  whole  day  before  finding  him  dead.  In  shooting  lions  and 
tigers,  of  course  the  preset  vation  of  the  hunter's  own  life  is  to  be  thought  of. 

Explosive  Shells. — The  question  of  hard  balls  is  likely  to  be  silenced  shortly 
and  forever  by  the  use  of  explosive  shells,  an  instrument  first  introduced  by 
Colonel  Jacob,  of  the  East  India  service,  thirty  years  ago.  To-day,  sportsmen  in 
the  East  are  using  them  against  the  large  game,  and  with  notable  success.  We 
should  think  our  friends  in  California  might  use  explosive  shells  most  advanta- 
geously in  their  combats  with  the  grizzly  bear.  This  explosive  bullet,  which  is  a 
combination  of  a  rim-fire  metallic  cartridge,  with  a  hollow  bullet,  was  invented 
independently  by  General  M.  C.  Meigs,  U.  S.  A.,  and  L.  H.  Mead,  jr.,  U.  S.  A., 
now  deceased.     L.  H.  Mead  says: 

"  We  carried  the  shells  in  Colorado,  California,  and  Central  America,  and 
finding  them  a  sure  thing  for  ordinary  game,  had  them  manufactured  by  the 
Union  Metallic  Cartridge  Company,  at  Bridgeport.  Lieutenant  Carpenter,  of 
the  Hayden  exploring  expedition,  while  in  Sierra  Madre,  fired  a  .50  calibre,  sev- 
enty grain  United  States  Government  cartridge  at  a  thousand  pound  grizzly,  in  a 
Remington  rifle,  at  one  hundred  and  forty  yards  range.  The  four  hundred  and 
fifty  grain  bullet  containing  a  .22  calibre  long  pistol  cartridge  with  seven  grains 


•i    'V.  h      '.    '  THE  RIFLE       -  -^  ^••-  '  54/ 

quite  w^t  in  the  mouth,  and  draw  it  on  as  tight  as  you  can  without 
tearing,  and  stici<  the  edge  down  with  mucilagf,  using  as  little  gum 
as  possible.  Do  not  attempt  to  seat  the  bullets  until  they  are  per- 
fectly dry,  then  shoot  them  into  a  snmv  bank  ;  they  (V'ill  penetrate 
it  from  three  to  six  feet,  according  to  its  density,  when  they  can  be 
readily  dug  out,  and  if  they  do  not  hit  anything  harder  than  snow, 
they  will  be  found  as  perfect  as  when  they  left  the  gun.  If  they 
are  upset  so  as  to  show  the  groove  one-half  or  five-eighths  of  an 
inch  they  are  about  the  right  temper ;  but  if  they  are  upset  more 
they  are  too  soft,  and  if  n^  as  much  they  are  too  hard,  and  more 
or  less  tin  should  be  used  ;  when  casting  bullets  stir  the  metal 
often. 

"  Then  the  size  of  the  bullet  is  another  point  to  be  attended  to. 
If  it  is  too  large  it  is  apt  to  bind  in  the  grooves  of  the  gun  in  in- 
serting the  cartridge,  and  tear  the  patch  ;  and  if  too  small  and  is 
loose  in  the  shell,  it  is  liable  to  slide  a  little  toward  the  muzzle  if 
the  gun  is  held  muzzle  downward,  and  also  to  be  driven  forward 
a  little  by  the  blaivof  the  firing-bolt  upon  the  cap  before  the  charge 
is  ignited.  All  these  little  things  make  a  difference  in  the  shoot- 
ing and  help  to  produce  unaccountable  misses.  The  same  care 
and  nicety  should  be  observed  in  loading  each  and  every  cartridge 
as  would  be  required  in  loading  the  most  elaborate  muzzle  loader." 

Another  important  requisite  to  successful  shooting,  as  may  be 
gathered  from  what  has  been  already  said,  is  that  the  ball  should 
have  sufficient  impinging  surface  to  give  a  severe  shock  to  and  stun 
the  game  fired  at.     This  requires  a  large  calibre  for  small  game. 

of  powder,  exploded  in  the  brain  and  tore  off  the  top  of  the  skull,  killing  him 
Instantly."  They  can  be  carried  in  the  pockets  with  safety.  We  would  not 
advise  their  use  in  a  Winchester  rifle. 

Point  Blank.—'"  The  point  blank  is  the  point  at  which  the  line  of  sight  inter- 
sects the  trajectory.  Strictly  speaking,  the  line  of  sight  intersects  the  trajectory 
at  two  points ;  but  in  practice  the  second  intersection  is  only  considered.  This 
distance  is  called  the  point  blank  distance.  The  natural  point  blank  corresponds 
to  the  natural  line  of  sight  ;  all  other  point  blanks  are  called  artificial  point 
blanks.  In  speaking  of  the  point  blank  of  a  piece,  the  natural  line  of  sight  is  sup- 
posed to  be  horizontal.  In  the  British  service  the  point  blank  distance  is  the  dis- 
tance at  which  the  projectile  strikes  the  level  ground  on  which  the  carriage 
stands,  the  axle  of  the  piece  being  horizontal." 

Thus  we  see  that  the  natural  point  blank  is  at  a  distance  which  is  constant  and 
fixed  for  any  piece  of  ordnance,  the  charge  remaining  the  same,  and  is  a  measure 
of  the  power  of  the  piece.        i?.'j  ^x-^  ='  ■■'.    •      ■  .i    ■-  ;.':-.:t';i 'ro-  .a- '-i.   <.:'-if -.''<:> 


548  FOREST,   FIELD,   AA'D   PRAIRIE. 

The  sportsman  will  have  no  difficulty  in  finding-  a  number  of 
different  rifles  in  the  market,  which  will  answer  the  requisite  of 
accuracy  within  the  conditions  above  laid  down.  To  get  a  rifle  that 
does  not  require  the  use  of  an  elevating  back  sight  above  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty,  or  even  one  hundred  yards,  we  shall  not  find  easy. 
The  reason  of  this  is,  that  military  ''ifles,  which  are  long  range,  are 
so  fashionable  that  makers  of  so-called  sporting  rifles  follow  the 
proportions  of  powder  and  projectile,  and  the  rate  of  twist  best 
suited  for  long  range,  but  quite  unsuitable  for  short  range.  For 
long  range  we  want  as  small  a  bore  dl? possible,  as  long  a  projec- 
tile as  possible,  and  a  very  quick  twist,  to  give  enough  velocity  of 
rotation  to  keep  the  elongated  projectile  end  foremost,  and  as  much 
powder  as  the  small  bore  will  burn.  The  result  is  a  moderate  ini- 
tial velocity  ;  but  owing  to  the  small  surface  exposed  to  the  resist- 
ance of  '^^he  air,  the  momentum  of  the  heavy  projectile,  a  very  long 
range. 

Now,  for  a  short  range  rifle  we  require  the  very  opposite  of  all 
this.  We  want  as  large  a  calibre  as  possible,  so  as  to  make  a  big 
hole  in  our  game  ;  as  large  a  charge  of  powder  as  possible,  to  give 
a  high  velocity,  wiuhout  which  we  cannot  have  a  low  trajectory. 
This  also  requires  a  short  projectile,  to  diminish  the  friction  on  the 
grooves,  and  a  short  projectile  requires  a  slow  twist.  The  length 
of  the  rifle  barrel  must  be  shorter,  which  also  diminishes  friction. 
To  reduce  these  proportions  to  practice,  we  find  that  the  Creed- 
moor  long  range  rifle  and  its  ammunition  have  the  following  pro- 
portions :  Weight  of  rifle,  lo  pounds;  weight  of  projectile,  550 
grains  (ratio  1-6),  we  ht  of  powder,  90  grains  ;  twist,  i  in  20 
inches;  calibre,  44-100,  length  of  ball,  1.6-10  inches,  length  of 
barrel,  30  inches.  A  short  range  rifle,  suited  for  deer,  bears, 
buffalo,  etc.,  should  have  the  following  :  Weight  of  rifle,  9  pounds  ; 
weight  of  projectile,  320  grains  (ratio  \) ;  weight  of  powder,  80 ; 
twist,  I  in  48  inches;  calibre,  55-100;  length  of  projectile,  f  inch; 
length  of  barrel,  24  inches.  For  smaller  game,  such  as  turkeys,  a 
calibre  of  35-100  will  answer,  and  the  length  or  weight  of  ball, 
charge  of  powder,  etc.,  will  be  reduced  in  proportion. 

The  difference  in  the  practical  operation  of  the  two  rifles  will  be 
this :  With  the  long  range  weapon,  if  you  have  your  range  within 
A  very  few  yards,  ani  elevate  your  back  sight  accordingly,  you  can 


THE  RIFLE.  549 

make  accurate  shooting  at  all  ranges.  But  if  yo  >,'sjudge  your 
distance  at  all,  or  even  if  you  know  it  and  have  n(,>.  je  to  elevate 
your  back  sight  to  its  proper  height,  you  will  certainly  either  shoot 
over  or  under  your  game.  With  a  short  range  rifle  proportioned 
as  we  have  described,  the  drop  of  the  ball,  owing  to  its  great  veloci- 
ty, is  so  little,  there  is  absolutely  no  judging  of  distance  required. 
Whether  you  are  at  twenty-five,  fifty,  seventy-five  or  one  hundred 
yards,  all  you  have  to  do  is  to  draw  a  little  coarser  bead  the  farther 
off  your  game  is.  Practice  will  soon  show  you  how  much.  Your 
ball  should  not  deviate  more  than  a  couple  of  inches  above  or  be- 
low, and  this  does  not  exceed  the  limit  of  accuracy  heretofore  laid 
down. 

The  faults  of  modern  American  breech-loading  rifles  intended 
for  sporting  use  are  :  i — not  large  or  heavy  enough  projectile  to 
make  a  disabling  wound  on  an  animal  as  large  as  an  old  buck  deer. 
2 — not  enough  velocity  of  ball,  owing  to  too  little  powder  being 
used,  and  too  great  friction  resulting  from  an  unnecessarily  quick 
twist.  The  muzzle-loading  hunting  rifles  that  were  made  twenty 
or  thirty  years  since  avoided  the  second  of  these  faults.  Their 
calibre  was  smaller  than  we  should  now  use  ;  but  the  reason  was, 
that  in  those  days  a  hunter  had  to  prepare  his  own  ammunition, 
and  he  liked  tr  make  it  go  as  far  as  possible.  There  is  one  other 
point  that  deserves  mention.  Shall  we  choose  a  single  loading 
rifle,  or  a  repeater,  that  carries  a  magazine  of  cartridges  ?  Now, 
it  is  very  clear  that  there  are  many  advantages  in  a  repeater,  like 
the  Winchester  or  the  new  Evans  rifle,  and  the  only  question  is, 
whether  there  are  any  disadvantages,  due  to  the  greater  compli- 
cation of  the  weapon,  sufficient  to  counterbalance  the  admitted 
advantages. 

Mr.  Omohundro,  of  Virginia  better  known  as  "  Texas  Jack," 
nas  strongly  recommended  th^  3t  edition  of  the  Winchester 
rifle.  The  earlier  ones  were  very  apt  to  get  out  of  order  at  criti- 
cal moments,  their  pet  vice  being  the  tilting  of  the  ball  just  as  it 
entered  the  breech,  whence  arose  jammings  and  rammings.  Apart 
from  this,  they  were  most  pleasant  and  ha'  dy  tools.  The  ease 
with  which  this  arm  is  loaded  and  fired,  almost  takes  it  out  of  the 
category  of  "  arms  of  precision,"  and  reduces  it  to  that  of  the  slug- 
carrying  "  --ratter  gun."     It  is  a  very  good  deer  gun,  but  for  griz- 


\ 


550 


FOREST,  FIELD,   AND  PRAIRIE. 


zlies  and  animals  that  kill  hard,  the  charge  of  powder  is  very  small, 
and  consequently  the  driving  power  not  very  great.  Like  the 
"  feather  weight  "  of  the  prize  ring,  it  puts  in  its  "  taps  "  rapidly 
and  often  ;  but  we  think  the  animal  has  the  least  chance  with  the 
ponderous  bone  smasher,  with  its  heavy  charge  of  powder  and  ball, 
whose  first  blow  tells.     An  old  expert  says  : 

In  hunting  on  the  plains  and  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  country — 
and  the  best  big  game  hunting  for  the  rifle,  is  west  of  the  Missouri, 
and  not  east  of  the  Alleghanies-  I  have  found  that  one  hundred 
yards  v/as  a  short  range  compared  to  most  of  the  distances  at 
which  game  is  killed.  I  have  hunted  deer  from  the  Wind  River 
Mountains  in  northwestern  Wyoming  Territory  to  the  extreme 
southwestern  part  of  New  Mexico,  and  my  experience  has  been,  that 
most  of  the  deer  I  have  shot  myself,  or  seen  shot  by  others,  were 
killed  over  one  hundred  yards,  and  many  over  two  hundred  yards 
(measured,  for  always  when  I  can,  I  pace  off  the  distance).  I  re- 
fer more  particularly  to  black-tail  deer,  as  the  white-tail  deer  keep 
more  in  the  timber,  or  in  the  thickets  along  the  stream  bottoms, 
and  are  therefore  shot  generally  at  shorter  distances.  I  mean  the 
black-tail  of  the  hunters  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  country  {Cervis 
Macrovis)  called  by  naturalists  the  mule  deer,  and  not  Cervis 
Columbiantis,  the  black-tail  of  the  naturalists,  which  is  found 
farther  west  than  the  Rocky  Mountains.  (By  the  way,  what  im- 
pertinence and  presumption  on  the  part  of  eastern  naturalists  to 
try  and  dictate  to  us  about  the  names  of  these  deer,  and  to  call  the 
black-tail  the  mule  deer,  and  the  Columbia  River  deer  the  only 
true  black-tail.)  One  of  my  rifles,  which  I  used  for  hunting  in 
the  Far  West,  a  Springfield,  fifty  calibre  resighted,  restocked,  etc., 
by  a  western  gunsmith,  is  so  sighted  that  its  point  blank  range  is 
over  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  as  most  of  the  game  at  which  I 
used  it,  especially  antelope,  were  shot  from  one  hundred  and  fifty 
to  three  hundred  yards.  The  farthest  1  ever  killed  an  elk  dead, 
was  four  hundred  yards  (which  I  paced).  I  have  seen  many 
hunters  on  the  plains  have  their  rifles  so  sighted  as  to  have  a  point 
blank  of  nearly  two  hundred  yards,  thus  making  a  very  good  rifle 
for  antelope  or  elk.  Elevating  sights  are  an  abomination  and  a 
delusion,  on  a  hunting  rifle. 

Guns  to  carry  Ball. — In  the  timber,  where  game  is  shot  at 


SHOT  GUNS. 


551 


short  distances,  a  strong  double  gun  is  a  formidable  arm  when 
loaded  with  one  ball  and  one  buck  shot  cartridge.  The  ball  may 
be  relied  upon  for  ten  rods,  and  at  a  still  longer  range  with  slight 
elevation,  and  for  snap  shots  at  running  game,  will  do  fatal  work 
about  as  often  as  a  rifle.  The  round  ball  is  considered  as  more 
immediately  destructive  than  any  other.  The  blow  is  very  power- 
ful, and  the  "  shock  "  to  the  animal  consequently  great,  while  the 
flesh  and  skin  will  hardly  close  over  the  wound  to  retard  bleeding. 
It  is  claimed  that  large  game  will  succumb  more  rapidly  to  the 
ragged  crush  of  such  a  large  ball,  and  save  many  a  mile  of  trailing 
or  the  loss  of  game.  There  are  many  long  arduous  tramps  taken 
after  large  game,  when  every  ounce  is  to  be  well  considered  in 
arranging  packs,  and  when  but  one  gun  can  be  carried,  the  use  of 
ball  in  double  guns  may  enable  a  hunter  to  decide  upon  taking  a 
gun  that  will  bring  ducks,  spruce  grouse,  etc.,  to  the  larder.  Round 
ball  cartridges  may  be  prepared  in  the  same  way  as  shot  cartridges, 
with  a  wad  over  the  powder,  but  none  on  the  ball,  simply  creasing 
the  shell  deeply  over  it,  to  keep  it  firm. 

Shot  Guns. — While  the  muzzle-loading  rifle  may  be  said  to  still 
hold  its  own  with  the  breech-loader,  as  proved  by  the  long  range 
tests  at  Creedmoor  and  elsewhere,  as  well  as  in  the  field,  the  muz- 
zle-loading shot  gun  has  had  to  defer  to  the  breech-loader.  The 
advantages  are  so  much  with  the  latter,  especially  in  wing  shoot- 
ing, that  we  shall  confine  our  few  remarks  to  it  exclusively.  There 
are  so  many  makers  of  excellent  guns  both  English  and  American, 
(which  are  chiefly  in  use  in  this  country,)  that  in  attempting  a 
selection  of  the  best,  comparisons  as  to  their  merits  become  invid- 
ious and  fruitless  of  satisfactory  conclusions. 

By  the  way,  we  may  remark,  in  passing,  that  those  who  are 
endeavoring  to  fix  a  date  from  facts,  for  the  period  of  perfection  in 
the  use  of  firearms  for  sporting  purposes,  will  be  greatly  assisted 
by  a  small  Italian  work,  entitled  "  Eccellcnza  della  Caocia  de 
Cesare  Solatto  Romana,"  printed  at  Rome,  in  1669.  The  author 
states,  that  at  the  time  he  wrote,  the  art  of  shooting  on  the  wing 
had  been  known  in  Rome  about  eighty  years,  so  that  it  may  be 
taken  for  granted  that  in  Italy  sportsmen  began  to  shoot  on  the 
wing  about  1589.  It  is  therefore  natural  to  suppose  that  about  the 
same  period  ♦'  at   practice  became  tolerably  general  on  the  conti- 


552 


FOREST,   FIELD,   AND  PRAIRIE. 


nent  of  Europe.  It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  which  can  be  verified  by 
reference  to  the  collection  of  arms  in  the  Tower  of  London,  that 
the  periods  of  excellence  in  the  manufacture  of  arms  have  been  in- 
termittent, and  that  modern  superiority  seems  to  have  been  merely 
the  revival  in  great  part,  of  what  at  sundry  previous  times  would 
appear  to  have  been  almost  a  lost  art. 

In  the  purchase  of  guns  sportsmen  must  be  governed  by  their 
pecuniary  resources ;  and  as  all  cannot  afford  to  purchase  the 
highest  priced  English  guns  which  cost  at  least  two  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars  in  our  markets,  including  their  fixtures,  they  naturally 
inquire  if  an  American  gun  equally  good  cannot  be  bought  at  a 
price  much  less.  Undoubtedly,  we  have  as  competent  gunsmiths 
here  as  any  abroad,  and  inasmuch  as  most  of  the  materials  used 
by  them  are  of  foreign  production,  imported  in  a  crude  state,  it  is 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  they  can  be  and  are  perfected  and  em- 
bodied in  the  completed  gun  at  a  much  less  expense  than  the 
imported  gun  would  cost.  Such  a  gun,  when  obtained,  is  a  treas- 
ure. But  it  happens  that  a  great  many  inferior  low  priced  guns 
are  placed  upon  the  market  under  the  pretentious  titles  of  "  Stub- 
twist,"  "  laminated  steel,"  "  Damascus,"  and  the  like,*  retailing 
at  from  thirty  to  seventy  dollars ;  so  that  one  is  liable  to  be  de- 
ceived unless  he  is  a  good  judge.  The  only  safety  in  purchasing, 
therefore,  is  to  obtain  reliable  counsel,  and  to  deal  with  honest  and 
responsible  parties. 

Inasmuch  as  good  muzzle  loaders  can  be  bought  at  very  low 
prices,  there  is  a  prevalent  disposition  to  have  them  altered  to 
breech-loaders,  for  the  sake  of  convenience  and  safety ;  but  we 
would  not  advise  this  change  except  in  special  cases,  as  the  expense 
of  altering  will  nearly  equal  the  additional  cost  of  a  new  breech- 
loader. Choice  of  guns  depends  upon  the  habits  and  quests  of  the 
shooter.  For  a  man  who  shoots  but  little,  and  seldom  on  the  wing 
a  muzzle-loader  is  as  good  as  need  be  required.  For  a  man  who 
wants  a  general  service  gun,  for  field,  cover  and  trap  shooting, 
a  breech-loading  gun  of  eight  and  a  half  pounds  weight,  thirty 
inch  barrels,  and  ten  gauge  is  the  proper  tool.     It  will  answer 

*  In  the  twist  barrel  the  lines  run  with  perfect  regularity  ;  the  laminated  bar- 
rel being  hammered,  the  surface  presents- an   irregular  appearance.     In  a  stub 
twist  barrel  the  material  is  rolled  as  in  Damascus  or  laminated,  but  less  twisted 
The  common  twist  is  made  of  inferior  metal  and  scraps,  but  is  also  twisted. 


GUA'S. 


553 


for  snipe,  grouse,  hares,  turkeys  and  clucks,  and  for  deer,  when 
loaded  with  buck-shot.  However,  a  No.  12  gauge  is  serviceable 
enough,  the  odds  against  it  being  merely  that  it  will  not  stand  so 
heavy  a  charge  as  a  ten  gauge,  and  of  course  will  not  bag  the 
game  shot  at,  as  often  or  as  easily  as  the  other.  For  wild  fowl 
shooting,  use  a  gun  from  nine  and  a  half  to  ten  pounds  weight, 
thirty-two  inch  barrels,  and  ten  gauge.  For  "  point  shooting,"  on 
the  Chesapeake  Bay  and  similar  places,  a  fourteen  pound,  five  to 
eight  bore,  single  gun,  is  the  most  effective. 

Guns  for  natural  history  specimens  should  be  sixteen  bore,  and 
twentv-six  inch  barrel ;  load  with  mustard  shot  and  a  half  drachm 
of  powder.  No  gun  will  do  itself  justice  or  give  proper  execution 
unless  it  is  properly  loaded.  Correct  loading  used  to  be  acquired  by 
careful  observation  and  practice  ;  but  now  we  have  a  table  of  pro- 
portionate charges  for  different  gauges,  which  has  been  prepared 
by  Major  H.  W.  Merrill,  United  States  Army,  to  whom  all  inexpe- 
rienced sportsmen  owe  a  large  debt  of  obligation.  The  table, 
which  is  herewith  given,  is  based  upon  the  rule  that  "  The  propor- 
tionate charges  of  shot  guns  of  different  bores  are  to  each  other  in 
the  ratio  of  the  area  of  their  bores." 

TABLE  OF   PROPORTIONATE   CHARGES   OF    SHOT-GUNS   OF  DIFFERENT 
GAUGES    FROM   NO.   4    TO    16    INCLUSIVE. 


If 

>3 

^r 

i^ 

Loads 
shot  nea 

2"^ 

~r.o8 

^ 

3.45 

7 1 -3d 

^\ 

9*^ 

4 

9137 

2  7-16  oz. 

534 

5 

•99 

7693 

3.06 

6  i-5d 

3  1-16  oz. 

449 

6 

•93 

6783 

1.83 

53^d 

t%  oz. 

397 

7 

.89 

6277 

i.b7 

5d 

1  13-16  oz. 

364 

8 

.85 

5053 

I-5I 

\^^ 

iX  oz- 

329 

* 

9 

.83 

5375 

1.4' 

43^d 

I  7-16  oz. 

307 

:o 

•79 

4398 

1-3' 

4d 

I  5-16  oz. 

386 

II 

.76 

4S3I 

1. 31 

3  2  -3d 

I  3- 1 6  oz. 

364 

13 

•73 

4176 

1. 13 

3  «-3d 

i>i  oz. 

344 

13 

.7« 

3956 

1.06 

3  i-sd 

I  1-16  oz. 

331 

Unit  of 

14 

.69 

3736 

I. 

3d 

I  oz. 

318 

T?          .'s 

measure. 

'5 

.67 

3516 

0.94 

3  4-5d 

.15-16  oz. 

303 

s,       ....-d 

3  4-5  drs. 

16 

.65 

3328 

0.86 

3  3-5d 

.14-16  oz. 

iSS 

shot  No.  6. 

Note. — The  unit  of  measure  is  three  drachms  of  powder  and  one  ounce  of  shot 
for  a  No.  14  gun. 

The  charges  given  are  not  too  light  for  small  game  within  forty- 
five  or  fifty  yards ;  for  young  boys  they  are  too  heavy,  and  may  be 
reduced  one-fourth.     The  Major  advises  that  beyond  fifty  yards, 
24 


554  FOREST,  FIELD,  AND  PR  A  IK  IE. 

for  large  game,  ducks,  turkeys,  geese,  deer,  etc.,  the  charges  be  in- 
creased according  to  the  powers  of  the  gun  and  the  ends  to  be  ac- 
complished. Some  persons  will  say,  and  quite  truly,  that  all  guns 
of  the  same  bore  do  not  call  for  the  same  amount  of  ammunition. 
They  are  exceptions  to  the  general  rule  ;  load  them  to  suit  their 
peculiarities.  Very  light  guns,  with  large  bores,  may  not  shoot 
pleasantly,  from  too  much  recoil ;  load  them  less,  but  at  the  ex- 
pense of  penetration  and  wounded  game.  Cheap  guns  with  rough 
barrels,  and  rusty  or  dirty  guns,  may  kick  too  much  with  these 
loads.  These,  with  all  other  nondescript  and  unduly  proportioned 
guns,  are  excepted  from  the  general  rule.  This  presupposes  fair 
guns  only.  Very  diverse  results  with  good  guns  may  be  brought 
about  by  having  the  powder  disproportionate  to  the  shot  and  con- 
versely ;  using  very  coarse  and  very  fine  powder,  also  very  coarse 
and  very  fine  shot ;  by  employing  more  or  less  wads  varying  in  di- 
ameter and  thickness,  and  setting  them  home  upon  the  charge  with 
different  pressure  or  ramming;  by  holding  the;  gun,  when  dis- 
charged, firmly  to  the  shoulder  or  otherwise,  etc.  Now,  if  all  these 
items  control  the  shooting,  does  it  not  follow  thai  to  load  a  gun  ac- 
curately for  all  purposes  requires  many  experiments,  good  judg- 
ment, and  even  great  skill } 

Choke-Boring. — There  have  been  many  crucial  tests  of  choke- 
bored  guns  against  smooth-bores,  both  in  this  country  and  England, 
but  the  advocates  of  one  and  the  other  do  not  seem  wholly  satis- 
fied with  the  exhibit  as  deciding  their  respective  merits.  The  ad- 
vantages of  choke-boring  under  certain  conditions  of  field  shooting 
are  certainly  conceded.  The  effect  of  choke-boring  is  to  increase 
the  iTectiveness  of  the  gun  at  long  range.  If  we  did  a/l  of  our 
shooting  at  very  long  range,  we. would  be  induced  to  use  a  choke- 
bored  gun,  or  at  all  events,  to  have  the  barrel  choke-bored  ;  but 
for  our  own  customary  service  we  prefer  a  gun  not  choked,  for  the 
reason  that  we  have  found  that  the  Kay  concentrating  cartridges 
produce  the  effect  that  is  claimed  for  the  choke-bores.  Thus  we 
have  the  choice,  at  all  times,  between  the  straight  and  the  choke, 
which  gives  us  an  advantage  in  shooting  which  we  should  not  have 
if  restricted  to  the  one  or  the  other.  Mr.  A.  G.  Dole,  a  veteran 
sportsman  of  fifty  years'  practice,  says  very  truly,  in  a  letter  to  the 
"Rod  and  Gun"  ']ox!irr\aX\  . 


GUNS. 


555 


"  There  are  but  very  few  choice  guns  made  in  this  age,  either 
in  this  or  foreign  countries,  which  may  not  be  called  choke-bores, 
for  the  calibers  of  the  barrels  are  smaller  at  the  muzzle  than  they 
are  at  the  breech.  If  any  person  doubts  this  statement,  let  him 
apply  the  calipers  to  the  Parker,  Remington,  Schaefer,  Tonks,  Scott, 
Greener  and  other  guns.  I  am  inclinea  to  think  that  there  are  many 
persons  who  have  guns  of  recent  make  and  good  shooters,  and  who 
call  their  guns  straight-bores,  would  find  them  to  be,  on  close  in- 
spection, choke-bores.  The  true  principle  of  choking,  I  think,  is  to 
have  the  taper  as  long,  as  gradual  and  in  as  perfect  a  circle  as  pos- 
sible, and  terminating  some  half-inch  from  the  extreme  end  of  the 
barrels,  being  careful  to  avoid  all  abruptness  in  the  beginning  and 
end  of  the  choke,  and  leaving  a  perfect  surface.  I  regard  1-16  of 
an  inch  as  the  extreme  choke  for  any  gun  ;  I  prefer  1-32  of  an  inch. 
As  I  almost  uniformly  discharge  the  right  barrel  first,  I  have  this 
barrel  choked  a  trifle  less  than  the  left." 

The  Use  of  Firearms. — We  enjoin  upon  all  sportsmen  a  care- 
ful observance  of  the  following  rules  in  handling  guns,  which  are 
given  by  a  prominent  member  of  the  New  York  State  Sportsmen's 
Association : 


1st — Never  in  excitement  nor  in  fun  point  it  towards  any  human  being. 

ad— Never  carry  it  so  that  if  accidentally  discharged  it  would  endanger  the  life 
of  a  dog  even. 

3d — Always  think,  when  walking,  which  way  your  gun  is  pointed,  and  if  a  com- 
panion is  in  the  field  with  you,  no  matter  how  near  and  how  temptingly  the  game 
appears,  do  not  shoot  until  you  know  just  where  he  is,  and  that  a  stray  shot  may 
not  possibly  strike  him,  for  one  little  pellet  is  sufficient  to  destroy  an  eye  forever. 

4th — Never  get  into  a  wagon  without  taking  the  cartridges  from  the  gun. 

5th — Never  get  over  a  fence  without  either  taking  the  cartridges  out,  or  placing 
the  gun  through  the  fence  on  the  ground,  so  that  if  you  fall  or  the  fence  breaks  it 
cannot  be  discharged'. 

6th — Always  carry  the  gun  at  half-cock. 

7th — Never  let  the  hammers  rest  on  the  "  plungers,"  or  pieces  which  strike  the 
cap. 

8th — Never  try  to  close  it  when  the  hammers  are  down. 

gth — Never  get  in  front  of  it  yourself.  If  you  see  you  are  about  to  fall,  drop  the 
gun  so  the  muzzle  will  bt  from  you.  Occasionally  a  cartridge  will  stick  after  it  has 
been  fired.  A  stout  thin  blade  of  knife  will  generally  extract  it,  if  not  remo7<c  the 
other  cartridge,  and  then  cut  a  straight  stick  and  poke  it  out  from  the  muzzle,  but 
even  then  don't  place  your  body  in  front  of  it,  but  content  yourself  with  using  the 
hand. 

loth — After  firing  one  barrel,  take  the  cartridge  from  the  other  and  examine  tlie 
wad  over  the  shot  to  t>ee  that  it  is  not  loosened  by  the  concussion  as  it  very  fre- 


556 


FOREST,   FIELD,   AND  PRAIRIE. 


quently  is,  which  would  produce  a  heavy  recoil,  and  if  it  gets  up  the  barrel,  will 
burst  the  gun  and  likely  take  a  hand  off  besides, 

I  ith — Never  take  hoUl  of  the  muzzle  to  draw  it  toward  you,  nor  set  it  up,  when, 
if  falling  its  muzzle  would  be  toward  you. 

Finally,  follow  all  these  suggestions  and  be  self-possessed,  and  the  fields  will 
afford  you  sport  without  danger,  and  1  hope  without  temptation. 


HINTS  FOR  SOUTHERN  SHOOTING. 

For  all  but  boat  shooting,  guns  to  be  used  under  the  hot  sun 
that,  even  in  winter,  falls  on  the  Southern  fields  with  a  fierce  heat, 
should  be  light,  and  of  not  too  large  bore,  to  economize  weight  of 
ammunition. 

A  rifle  should  be  short,  and  one  chosen  that  will  in  opening  be 
free  from  long  levers  that  may  catch  in  bridle  reins,  will  avoid  an- 
noyance. For  alligators  and  panthers,  the  Mead  explosive  ball  is 
unequalled,  and  its  use  increases  very  materially  the  chances  of  so 
shocking  and  stunning  those  tenacious  animals  as  to  recover  them 
at  once.  All  the  talk  of  a  ball  glancing  harmlessly  from  their  scales 
may  have  been  true  years  ago,  but  the  modern  rifle  carries  its  mis- 
sile through  the  scales  and  skull,  and  penetrates  any  part  of  the 
animal,  even  at  long  range. 

For  all  but  the  "  gator,"  the  shot  gun  is  the  convenient  arm. 
Deer  are  usually  "jumped  "  and  shot  bounding  through  the  large 
leaves  of  low  palmetto,  and  at  all  times  one  load  of  fine  shot  is 
needed  for  quail,  snipe  and  plumage  birds,  that  ar^  constantly  flut- 
tering up.  For  this  reason,  on  account  of  the  miscellaneous  char- 
acter of  the  game,  where  one  is  liable  at  any  time  to  meet  deer, 
quail,  panthers,  snipe,  bears,  ducks,  or  wild  cattle,  which  are  more 
dangerous  than  any  other  animal,  as  they  are  likely  to  charge  a 
foot-man  at  sight  (a  horseman  is  safe),  we  have  aKvays  been  per- 
sistent in  recommending  the  Baker  three-barrel  gun,  notwith- 
standing the  prejudice  against  combination  arms.  It  is  very  light 
and  handy,  and  always  prepared  for  the  exigencies  of  the  chase. 
The  rifle  barrel  occupies  the  place  taken  up  by  a  ramrod  in  the 
ordinary  muzzle-loader.  The  gun  has  two  shot  barrels  12-gauge, 
and  one  rifle  barrel  44  calibre.  Central  fire,  one  extractor  with- 
drawing all  three  shells.  Weight  of  gun  eight  and  three-quarter 
pounds.  The  rifle  is  apt  to  shoe,  truer  than  the  ordinary  sporting 
rifle,  because  it  lies  under  the  shot  barrels,  the  tendency  of  all  rifle- 


HINTS  FOR   SOUTHERN  SHOOTING.  55/ 

men  bcinj^  to  overshoot.  Wild  turkeys  are  hard  to  kill,  but  often 
an  expert  caller  will  bring  them  so  near  that  missing  them  is 
needless,  and  the  use  of  a  wire  cartridge  of  large  shot  in  one  barrel 
will  do  all  that  can  be  to  insure  success  in  getting  this  superb  bird, 
which  is  a  far  finer  trophy,  and  more  difiicult  to  obtain  than  any 
that  tempts  the  sportsman  from  his  camp  while  the  day  has  not 
dawned. 

In  following  a  wounded  deer  on  the  trail,  remember  that  as  a 
general  rule  all  wounded  animals  will  travel  the  easiest  paths  and 
those  requiring  the  least  exertion.  Always  let  a  wounded  deer  lie 
down  and  "  get  sick  "  before  following  in  the  trail.  The  time  con- 
sumed will  not  be  wasted.  The  quality  of  the  blood,  whether  it  be 
bright  red  or  dark,  and  the  way  it  lies  upon  the  trail,  will  indicate 
whether  the  animal  is  hit  in  a  vital  part.  The  tracks  will  also  help 
often  in  this,  and  should  inform  you  whether  the  animal  is  fat  or  in 
poor  order.  If  following  a  wounded  bear  and  you  have  reason  to 
know  where  he  is,  do  not  approach  on  the  trail,  for  he  is  watchful 
that  way,  but  circle  and  approach  from  another  direction,  and  if 
possible  against  the  wind. 

In  still  hunting  or  trail  following,  remember  that  you  can  not 
go  too  watchfully,  carefully  or  slow.  Go  slow,  sit  down  often, 
don't  shoot  if  by  yourself  until  you  get  a  dead  shot ;  don't  be 
afraid  to  let  a  deer  run  away  without  shooting  at  him.  Never 
shoot  at  the  bulk  of  anything  ;  always  shoot  at  sonie  particular 
place  on  a  deer,  the  smaller  the  better,  so  it  be  not  his  head  ;  but 
even  the  head  is  better  than  to  just  get  a  sight  full,  and  pull  with- 
out knowing  where  you  are  going  to  hit  him.  Of  course,  some- 
times you  will  have  to  shoot  quick,  but  don't  mistake  "  quick  "  for 
a  "  hurry  and  flurry."  These  last  two  words  in  hunting  and  rifle 
shooting  mean  nearly  the  same  thing.  When  you  kill  game  so  big 
that  you  can't  take  it  to  camp  and  have  to  return  for  it,  always 
mark  it  down  by  some  prominent  object  so  as  to  find  it  easily. 

In  Florida,  Mississippi,  and  Louisiana,  which  are  much  inter- 
sected and  traversed  by  bayous  and  water  courses,  for  short  trips 
from  the  settlements,  nothing  will  be  more  convenient,  and  render 
the  sportsman  more  independent,  than  a  flat-bottomed  boat,  with 
small  sail,  centre  board,  and  a  water  tight  end  with  tight  trap  to 
carry  dry  clothing,  tea,  sugar,  etc.,  to  protect  from  the  frequent 


^ 


558  FOREST,  FIELD,   AND   PRAIRIE. 

showers.  Floating  quietly  with  the  current  or  tide,  a  patient 
hunter  may  surprise  almost  all  the  game  birds  and  animals,  and  he 
will  see  more  of  interest  in  the  little  streams  than  in  miles  of  the 
frequented  channels.  For  exploration  and  travel  a  boat  eighteen 
to  twenty-two  feet  long,  four  and  a  half  or  five  feet  beam,  with  the 
full  width  carried  to  the  stern,  built  with  a  flat  keel,  and  broad 
bearings  to  insure  light  draft,  fitted  with  centre  board  and  sail,  the 
latter  on  sliding  topmast  for  compactness,  will  be  found  the  best. 
When  anchored  the  bow  will  point  to  the  wind.  A  tent  open  aft 
rnay  be  hung  under  the  boom,  spread  with  stretchers,  and  furled 
sail ;  and  with  light  boards  a  bed  for  three  or  four  may  be  arranged, 
and  cooking  by  spirit  lamp  be  done  at  the  wide  stern.  With  such 
a  boat,  and  two  good  negroes,  boatmen,  (cooks  they  generally  are,) 
more  interesting  trips  can  be  made  than  with  a  yacht,  and  more 
unfrequented  points  be  reached.  If  cruising  in  the  wide  waters  is 
intended,  some  considerable  shear  to  the  bow  lines  will  make  a 
drier  and  safer  boat,  and  a  canvas  bow  deck  will  do  good  service, 
Air  cushions  will  be  found  very  comfortable,  and  in  mishaps  they 
are  invaluable  as  life  preservers. 

Often  for  miles  no  hard  ground  is  to  be  found,  and  some  heat- 
ing apparatus  is  indispensal)le.  No  one  should  brave  the  night  air 
of  the  everglades  without  warm  and  stimulating  food  and  drinks, 
and  a  little  quinine  will  do  no  harm.  Light  wines  are  of  great  ser- 
vice, and  the  water  flowing  from  the  swamps  will  not  be  harmed 
by  a  "  wee  drop,"  and  for  the  rattlesnake  or  moccasin  bite  that 
never  comes,  the  same  is  needful.  Prudent  ones  usually  do  not 
wait  for  a  bite,  but  show  unbounded  confidence  in  preventive 
measures.  [For  additional  instructions  see  chapter  on  Woodcraft, 
hereafter.] 

Hints  on  Prairie  Shooting. — The  1 5th  of  August  is  the  opening 
day  of  the  season  for  pinnated  grouse — or  "  chickens,"  as  thev  are 
usually  called  out  west,  and  during  the  remainder  of  that  month 
and  the  first  two  weeks  of  September,  much  larger  bags  can  be 
made  than  later  in  the  season  ;  but  to  us  there  is  very  little  pleas- 
ure in  shooting  a  large  number  of  this  splendid  game  when  the 
weather  is  so  extremely  warm,  using  up  both  the  hunter  and  his 
dogs,  and  when  it  is  almost  impossible  to  prevent  the  game  from 
spoiling  on  our  hands.    Moreover,  in  making  the  trip  thus  early  in 


HINTS  FOR   SOUTHERy  SHOOTING.  559 

the  season,  the  only  kind  of  game  to  he  found  is  the  pinnated 
grouse,  but  by  deferring  the  time  until  the  latter  part  of  September, 
we  can  have,  say,  a  week's  shooting  for  grouse,  and  at  the  end  of 
that  time  the  snipe  and  ducks  will  begin  to  visit  the  lakes  and 
marshes  which  abound  in  the  west  and  northwest,  and  atTord  most 
excellent  sport.  In  order  to  have  the  best  sport,  it  is  important 
that  each  shooter  should  take  with  him  at  least  one  good,  steady, 
well-broken  dog,  and  in  condition  to  work  day  after  day,  and  by 
all  means  one  that  is  a  good  retriever.  If  a  dog  is  a  strong,  well- 
formed  fellow,  and  in  proper  condition  for  work,  is  properly  fed 
and  has  a  comfortable  place  to  sleep  after  his  day's  work  is  over, 
he  will  do  all  the  work  required  of  him  on  such  a  trip ;  yet  it  is  far 
better  to  have  one  or  a  brace  of  extra  dogs  along,  in  case  of  lame- 
ness or  some  other  casualty.  There  are,  no  doubt,  many  places 
in  Illinois  where  fair  grouse  shooting  could  be  found,  but  during 
the  past  seven  or  eight  years  we  have  considered  it  best  to  cross 
the  Mississippi  River  into  Iowa  or  Missouri,  or  to  shoot  in  Wiscon- 
sin. In  making  such  shooting  trips  we  have  frequently  availed 
ourselves  of  trustworthy  information  from  the  different  conductors 
of  the  trains  over  the  prairies  as  to  the  best  places  to  stop.  Many 
of  these  gentlemen  are  sportsmen,  and  we  have  found  all  to  be 
courteous  and  anxious  to  give  strangers  valuable  information  as  to 
where  comfortable  quarters  and  game  may  be  found.  In  such 
shooting,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  have  a  team  and  driver,  as 
the  game  is  too  heavy  to  carry  any  length  of  time ;  but  a  good 
team  and  careful  driver  can  always  be  found  at  moderate  rates. 

Early  in  the  season,  use  No.  8  shot  ;  later,  No.  6. 

How  to  Load  for  Game. — A  ten-bore  will  chamber  about  five 
buckshot ;  put  in  about  four  layers  and  four  drachms  of  powder. 
Pinnated  grouse,  three  and  a  half  drachms  powder  and  one  and 
one-eighth  ounces  No.  8  shot.  Ruffed  grouse  (partridge)  three 
and  a  half  drachms  powder  and  one  and  one-fourth  ounces  No.  8 
shot.  Woodcock  and  snipe,  three  drachms  powder  and  one  and 
one-eighth  ounces  No.  lo  shot.  Powder,  No.  6  Laflin  &  Rand's. 
Some  years  ago  tine  grain  powder  was  generally  used  ;  the  coarse 
grain  gives  better  penetration  and  less  recoil.  Either  the  brown 
or  blue  shells  can  be  loaded  again,  provided  they  are  intact  and 
not  injured  anywhere. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


7 


// 


id. 


V] 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


1.4 


2.5 


■  30     ■'^™        Ml 

^  1^    III  2.2 
2.0 


1.6 


/a 


v/ 

/.  ''^/ 


/A 


^^ 


V 
^ 


560  FOREST,    FIELD,  AND  PRAIRIE. 


BLINDS;   DECOYS;  CALLS;   AND  OTHER  DEVICES. 

Blinds  for  Wild  Fowl. — If  the  blind  is  built  of  small  branches 
or  bushes,  they  should  be  stuck  up  in  the  ground  close  together, 
smaller  twigs  entwined  among  them,  and  bunches  of  grass,  weeds, 
rice,  or  flags  scattered  judiciously  over  and  amongst  them,  to  close 
all  open  or  thin  places.  If  very  large  bushy  branches  are  used, 
they  may  be  laid  down  crossing  each  other,  with  the  tops  turned 
outwards.  The  blind  should  never  be  built  higher  than  the  shoul- 
ders of  the  shooter  when  in  an  erect  position. 

In  blue-bill  shooting  upon  the  edges  of  ploughed  prairies  and 
cornfitlds,  a  good  blind  may  be  made  by  turning  your  boat  upon 
its  edge,  and  bracing  it  in  that  position  by  a  stake  or  oar. 

In  the  winter  when  the  ground  is  covered  with  snow,  a  blind 
made  of  bleached  cotton  cloth  fastened  to  stakes  stuck  in  the 
ground,  affords  a  good  concealment,  and  cannot  be  easily  distin- 
guished from  the  surrounding  snow.  A  white  covering  should 
be  worn  over  the  cap  or  hat. 

The  Sneak  Box. — The  box  in  which  the  shooter  lies  should  be 
made  of  pine,  sides  and  bottom  one  inch,  and  ends  two  inches  thick, 
and  of  proportions  adapted  to  the  size  of  the  person  to  occupy  it, 
six  feet  long,  two  feet  wide,  and  thirteen  inches  deep,  being  proper 
for  an  ordinary  sized  man.  Along  each  side  and  across  the  ends, 
one  inch  below  the  top  edge  of  the  box,  two-by-four-inch  pine 
timbers  are  fastened,  framed  together  at  equal  heights,  and  extend- 
ing on  all  sides,  two  and  a  half  feet  from  the  box.  This  frame 
should  be  slanted  off  on  top  fully  an  inch  towards  the  ends  to  give 
a  pitch  to  the  deck,  and  on  the  under  side  should  also  be  reduced 
in  the  same  manner  to  make  it  as  light  as  possible  for  handling. 
The  frame  is  next  covered  with  a  pine  platform  a  half  inch  thick, 
which  is  further  strengthened  by  the  addition  of  a  brace  reaching 
from  the  centre  of  the  box  on  each  side.  This  platform  is  bounded 
on  three  sides  by  hinged  wings  of  cotton  cloth,  which  are  two  feet 
■wide,  fastened  to  a  pine  frame  work,  and  so  constructed  as  to  ad- 
mit of  being  folded  back  upon  the  platform  when  not  in  use ;  at 
the  fourth  side  or  head  of  the  sneak,  the  wing,  instead  of  being 
made  of  cloth,  is  partly  composed  of  two  half-inch  pine  boards, 
eight  inches  wide,  hinged  together  and  extending  the  width  of  the 


BLINDS  AND  OTHER  DEVICES,  $6 1 

platform,  to  which  the  inner  board  is  fastened  by  strong  hinges  ; 
the  rest  of  the  wing,  which  is  equal  in  width  to  the  others,  is  of 
cloth,  and  all  the  wings  are  joined  together  by  angle-pieces  of  the 
same  material.  A  border  of  sheet  lead  three  inches  in  height  is 
to  be  tacked  completely  around  the  outside  edge  of  the  box,  and 
inclined  outwards  like  the  flare  of  a  boat,  to  throw  off  any  little 
ripple  that  might  otherwise  wash  in  the  box.  Across  the  head, 
and  about  half  way  around  the  sides,  where  the  tendency  of  the 
waves  to  wash  in  is  always  the  greatest,  a  second  circular  rim  of 
lead,  four  inches  high,  as  a  double  precaution,  should  also  be  fast- 
ened and  flared  like  the  other.  This  outside  rim  should  be  placed 
about  fifteen  inches  from  the  end  of  the  box.  Short  pieces  of  rope 
about  six  feet  in  length  are  fastened  at  each  end  about  three  feet 
apart,  to  the  cross  timbers  at  the  head  of  the  box,  to  the  middle 
of  which  rope  the  anchor  line  is  attached.  A  second  anchor  is 
also  sometimes  used,  which  should  be  fastened  to  the  foot  of  the 
platform.  This,  however,  except  in  very  shallow  water,  is  needless. 
The  whole  is  now  to  be  painted  as  near  the  color  of  the  water  as 
possible.  From  the  position  of  the  shooter  in  the  box,  it  is  evident 
he  can  shoot  only  within  very  limited  directions.  The  decoys  must 
be  so  arranged  that  ducks  coming  to  them  will  approach  in  such  a 
manner  as  shall  be  most  favorable  for  shooting.  Not  less  than 
one  hundred  decoys  should  be  used,  placed  square  to  the  right 
fifteen  yards,  and  to  the  left  twenty-five  yards,  from  this  line  nar- 
rowing gradually  to  a  point  about  ten  yards  to  the  left  of  a  direct 
line  leeward,  and  at  a  distance  of  thirty-five  yards  from  the  sink  ; 
from  this  point  three  or  four  tolers  ten  to  fifteen  yards  apart  to 
leeward,  and  inclined  towards  the  direction  the  ducks  mainly 
approach  from  or  pass  by.  Near  the  centre  of  this  triangle,  which 
is  the  figure  the  flock  now  represents,  the  decoys  should  be  scat- 
tered a  trifle  more  than  at  other  places,  and  the  ducks  will  en- 
deavor to  alight  there.  A  few  ducks  should  be  fastened  to  the 
platform  of  the  sink.  This  manner  of  placing  the  decoys  is  the  one 
most  favorable  for  sneak-box  shooting.  No  matter  on  which  side 
ducks  may  be  when  they  observe  the  decoys,  they  almost  invari- 
ably approach  to  alight  against  the  wind.  More  decoys  are  set  to 
the  left  of  the  sneak,  because  it  is  much  easier  for  the  shooter  to 
swing  his  gun  on  that  side.    The  shooter  should  be  careful  not  to 


562  FOREST,  FIELD,   AND  PRAIRIE. 

« 

rise  up  too  soon  when  ducks  are  approaching.  Wait  until  they  are 
over  the  "  tail  "  decoys,  and  if  there  is  a  large  flock  and  they  choose 
to  alight,  let  them  do  so,  and  when  they  bunch  rise  and  fire  quickly. 

Decoys. — Never  use  any  but  wood  decoys — as  all  others  are 
open  to  many  objections.  White  cedar  and  soft  pine  are  the  best 
on  account  of  their  extreme  lightness  and  ease  in  cutting.  Pine  is 
better  for  heads,  being  less  easily  broken,  while  cedar  is  the  most 
durable.  The  timber  should  be  well  seasoned  and  free  from  knots 
and  sap.  For  ducks  two  by  six  inches  is  the  proper  size.  The 
timber  being  planed  and  sawed  to  proper  lengths,  is  next  cut 
around  on  its  edge  according  to  a  pattern  representing  a  horizon- 
tal section  of  the  decoy.  Two  pieces  are  needed  for  each  decoy, 
which  must  be  hollowed  out  to  the  proper  thickness.  The  head 
after  being  shaped  is  fitted  to  4he  top  part  by  a  screw  underneath, 
and  the  two  parts  being  roughly  carved  into  shape  as  desired, 
must  be  nicely  fitted  together,  glued  or  cemented  firmly,  and  the 
decoy  rounded  and  finished  smooth.  After  being  thoroughly 
sand-papered,  it  should  be  dampened  rJl  over  so  as  to  raise  the 
grain  of  the  wood,  and  when  dry  should  be  again  sand-papered. 
Give  the  decoy  a  thin  coat  of  shellac  varnish,  and  it  will  prevent 
the  absorption  of  water.  After  this,  a  heavy  coat  of  some  neutral 
tint,  which  should  be  mixed  with  raw  oil  without  any  drier.  This 
must  be  allowed  to  dry  thoroughly  before  the  colors  are  put  on. 
Artists  tube  colors  should  be  used,  being  more  lively  and  durable 
than  common  paint.  A  small  brass  wire  staple  or  piece  of  leather 
should  be  fastened  to  the  lower  part  of  the  breast,  to  attach  the 
line  to  ;  a  piece  of  lead  about  four  ounces  in  weight  should  be  se- 
cured on  the  bottom  lengthwise,  like  a  keel,  and  the  decoy  is 
finished.  Each  decoy  should  have  a  separate  line  and  anchor,  a 
piece  of  lead  is  best  for  the  last. 

Dead  Ducks  as  Decoys. — Having  killed  the  duck  and  secured 
him,  take  a  stick,  a  reed  or  the  stalk  of  a  strong  weed  that  is  stout 
and  strong,  sharpen  one  end  to  a  point,  which  insert  under  the 
skin  of  the  duck's  breast  and  along  up  the  neck  just  beneath  the 
skin,  into  the  head.  Do  this  so  that  the  head  will  hold  a  natural 
position  to  the  body  and  the  neck  is  not  awry.  Then  wade  out 
and  plant  the  other  end  of  the  stick  in  the  mud  over  which  there 
is  a  foot  of  water  or  a  little  more.    The  body  of  the  duck  must 


BLINDS  AND  'OTHEk  DEVICES.  563 

then  rest  on  the  water  as  that  of  a  Hve  duck  does,  and  after  hav- 
ing smoothed  the  feathers  nicely.  It  is  best  to  keep  on  setting 
these  decoys  until  you  have  seven  or  eight,  and  if  you  increase 
the  number  it  will  be  all  the  better. 

Stools  for  Snipe,  etc. — Stools  are  made  of  wood  in  imitation  of 
the  birds  to  be  decoyed  ;  or  dead  birds  may  be  used  as  above. 
They  should  be  placed  at  a  proper  shooting  distance  from  the 
blind  where  the  shooter  is  concealed. 

Live  Geese  Decoys. — In  bar  shooting  they  should  not  be  staked 
out,  for  the  following  reasons  :  Very  few  Canada  geese  or  brant 
used  for-  decoys  become  properly  reconciled  to  their  captivity. 
They  remain  more  or  less  wild,  and  when  fettered,  are  apt  to  lose 
their  footing,  on  .  ocount  of  sudden  frights,  etc.,  and  fall  forwards 
all  in  a  sprawl.  There  they  remain  prone,  tagging  and  straining 
for  hours  until  relieved.  If  wild  geese  are  in  the  vicinity  where 
this  occurs,  good-bye  to  the  game  ;  it  will  not  be  deceived.  More- 
over, the  gunner  should  retain  control  of  his  decoys,  in  order  to  be 
able  to  get  them  away,  when  necessary,  from  the  spot  towards 
which  the  wild  birds  are  headingr.  No  one  wishes  to  shoot  his 
own  birds,  and  many  a  time  have  I  seen  my  decoy  brant  completely 
surrounded  by  the  wild  ones.  In  such  emergencies,  a  strong  line 
running  into  the  box  or  blind  is  the  only  means  of  extncating  the 
decoys  from  the  line  of  fire,  and  with  me  it  was  always  successful. 
To  prevent  twisting  up  and  other  entanglements,  put  a  strong 
swivel  at  the  junction  of  the  two  leather  fetters.  To  the  other  end 
of  the  swivel  attach  a  piece  of  cord,  say  six  feet  long.  Fasten 
your  geese  in  pairs  to  a  third  swivel,  to  which  attach  your  decoy 
line,  which  must  be  large  and  strong  in  proportion  to  the  size  of 
the  decoys.  In  bar  shooting  always  locate  your  sunken  box,  the 
only  admissible  kind  of  ambush,  within  easy  range  of  some  tongue 
or  spit  of  sand  extending  into  the  water,  and  forming  a  natural 
landing-place  for  the  fowl  to  get  their  footing.  Then  give  your 
decoys  just  scope  enough  to  keep  them  well  short  of  the  spot  where 
you  are  morally  certain  the  quarries  will  land.  If  two  pairs  are 
worked,  which  are  quite  enough,  place  one  pair  to  the  right  and 
the  other  to  the  left,  when  practicable,  and  keep  them  there.  The 
fettered  geese,  as  a  rule,  prefer  to  stand  just  at  the  edge  of  the 
water,  and  get  as  far  away  from  the  shooter's  position  as  the  line 


564  FOREST,  FIELD,  AND  PRAIRIE. 

will  allow  them  to  go.  They  soon  learn  not  to  throw  themselves 
down  by  vain  struggles,  and  when  this  by  chance  occurs  a  little 
slacking  up  of  the  coy  line  enables  them  to  recover  their  feet. 
Where  two  pairs  of  geese  are  to  be  placed  out  in  the  same  direc- 
tion, keep  one  materially  shorter  than  the  other,  to  avoid  tan- 
gling. The  decoy  geese  may  be  advantageously  accustomed  to 
the  restraint  of  the  fetters  at  home  weeks  before  using  on 
the  bar. 

Squawker  for  Duck  Shooting. — Take^a  tube  of  bamboo  cane, 
about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  inside  diameter  and  from  four  to 
eight  inches  long ;  a  plug  about  three  inches  long  is  fitted  to  one 
end,  and  after  being  split  in  two,  one-half  is  grooved  to  within  a 
quarter  of  an  inch  of  its  smaller  end,  the  groove  being  perhaps  a 
quarter  of  an  inch  wide  and  of  the  same  depth.  The  tongue  is  a 
very  thin  piece  of  sheet  brass,  which  should  be  hammered  to  in- 
crease its  elasticity ;  it  should  be  about  two  and  a  half  inches  long 
and  from  three-eighths  to  half  an  inch  wide.  At  one  end,  which 
should  be  thinner  than  the  other,  the  corners  should  be  rounded. 
The  tongue  is  then  placed  over  the  grooved  half,  the  round  end 
nearly  to  the  extreme  smaller  end  of  the  plug,  and  the  tongue 
completely  covering  the  groove.  The  other  half  of  the  plug 
should  be  shortened  about  an  inch  and  a  half  from  its  smaller  end 
and  then  being  placed  on  the  grooved  part,  thus  holding  the  tongue 
fast,  both  should  be  pushed  firmly  in  the  tube.  By  blowing  in  the 
other  end  of  the  tube  the  call  is  produced  ;  some  little  practice 
and  experience  is  necessary  to  use  correctly.  You  should  pay  par- 
ticular attention  to  the  different  notes  of  wild  fowl  as  well  as  the 
occasions  of  them  being  made,  whether  as  a  call,  a  note  of  welcome 
or  a  note  of  suspicion. 

Turkey  Calls, — Make  a  little  box  of  Spanish  cedar  two  and  one- 
half  inches  long ;  three-fourths  to  seven-eightns  deep,  and  one 
inch  wide.  Cut  a  piece  of  smooth  slate  so  that  it  will  lie  nicely  in 
the  bottom  of  the  box  ;  have  the  top  smooth  and  even,  and  no 
rosin  will  be  needed.  Make  the  box  of  the  same  material  through- 
out, and  put  together  with  brass  pins.  Brads  or  glue  spoil  the 
sound,  not  giving  sufficient  vibration.  If  made  from  pieces  of 
cigar  box,  be  sure  that  no  paper  remains  on  the  box,  and  use  the 
thinnest  portions.     Another  call  consists  of  a  short  piece  of  Span- 


ADDITIONAL  H'NTS,  565 

ish  cedar,  with  a  good  sized  nail  driven  half  through  it ;  draw  a 
piece  of  slate  across  the  head  of  the  nail. 

To  operate  either  of  these  calls,  hold  the  slate  between  the 
thumb  and  middle  finger  of  the  right  hand,  while  the  call  is  held 
by  the  thumb  and  middle  finger  of  the  left.  Above  all  things,  do 
not,  make  crver  five  strokes  for  a  single  call — oftener  four.  If  you 
exceed  this  number  you  will  get  no  turkey,  for  a  turkey  can  count. 

Still  another  call  is  made  in  this  wise :  Take  a  piece  of  dry 
cedar  two  inches  long  and  one  and  a  half  inches  wide  and  a  quarter 
inch  thick,  and  with  a  narrow  chisel  hollow  this  out  so  that  the 
sides  are  about  as  thin  as  a  piece  of  tin  or  it  may  be  a  little  thicker, 
so  that  it  is  not  too  delicate.  It  should  be  hollowed  out  within  a 
quarter  of  an  inch  of  the  bottom  and  end,  and  your  call  is  complete. 
Take  both  ends  between  your  thumb  and  fingers  and  rub  it  cross- 
wise against  the  but  plate  of  your  gun,  or  rub  it  on  your  gun  bar- 
rels. You  require  no  rosin  or  anything  else  ;  simply  the  naked 
wood  as  made.  In  one  hour's  practice  you  can  perfectly  imitate  a 
gobbler  or  a  hen  at  your  pleasure.  One  beauty  about  this  is,  you 
never  make  a  mis-call  or  screech  ;  it  is  perfect  everj'  time.  Many 
hunters,  however,  prefer  the  old-time  hollow  bone  of  the  turkey's 
wing. 

Whistle  for  calling  Bay  Snipe. — Carefully  dry  the  leg  of  a 
curlew,  push  out  the  marrow  with  a  red  hot  knitting  needle,  plug 
up  one  end  and  then  practice. 

A  Plffver  Whistle. — Take  a  round  miniature  tin  box  three- 
quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter  and  a  quarter  of  an  inch  thick,  or 
less,  and  a  small  hole  exactly  through  the  centre.  If  it  does  not 
answer  fully  on  trial,  ream  out  the  hole  a  trifle.  We  have  seen 
these  whistles  on  sale  at  toy  stores.  A  little  practice  will  enable 
you  to  call  any  whistling  bird. 

ADDITIONAL  HINTS,  RECIPES,  TABLES  AND 

MEASURES. 

Gunpowder. — The  following  table  shows  the  composition  of 
the  different  gunpowders : 

Mills.  Nitre.  Charcoal.  Sulphur. 

Royal  Waltham  Abbey ....75.00  15.00  10.00 

France,  National  Mills 75.00  ia.50  12.50 

French  Spor^g 78.00  la.oo  10.00 


566 


FOREST,  FIELD,  AND  PRAIRIE. 


Charcoal. 

Sulphi 

li-oo 

ao.oo 

13.50 

13.50 

«3-5o 

11.50 

13-50 

13.63 

17.00 

16.00 

10.78 

13.75 

15.00 

9.00 

14.00 

10.00 

14.40 

9.90 

13.33 

11.77 

Mills.  Nitre. 

French  Mining 65 .00 

United  States  of  America 75.00 

Prussia 75.oo 

Russia 73. 7S 

Austria  (musket) 73.00 

Spain 76.47 

Sweden 76.00 

Switzerland  (Round  Powder) 76.00 

Chinese 75.oo 

Theoretical  proporfions  as  above. 75.00 

Powder  Measure. — The  following  is  a  table  showing  the  dif- 
ference in  drachms : 

I  lb.  avoirdupois  weight  i.s  7,000  grains. 

1  lb.  apothecary        "  5,760  grains. 

lib.  Irojr  "  5,760  grains. 

I  oz.  avoirdupois      "  437>fi^  grains. 

I  oz.  apothecary        "  480  grains. 

I  oz.  Troy  "  480  grains. 

I  drachm  avoirdupois  is  1-16  of  437^  grains,  a  little  less  than  37^  grains. 

1  drachm  apothecary  is  %  of  480  grains,  or  60  grains. 

37X  grains  of  powder  in  a  drachm  and  480  grains  of  lead  in  an  ounce. 

Number  of  Shot  in  a  Charge. — Sportsmen  will  find  the  fol- 
lowing table  useful  when  trying  new  guns  at  a  target,  as  it  will 
show  the  number  of  shots  a  charge  contains  against  the  number 
the  gun  puts  in  the  target — /'.  e.,  presuming  that  no  one  fires 
more  than  one  and  one-half  ounces  of  shot  in  a  charge  : 


NUMBER  OF  PELLETS  BACH   SIZE   IN    1  OZ. 


Leroy,  Edgar 
&Co. 
No.  lo... 


9... 
8... 
7... 
6... 

4... 
3... 
a... 
I... 
B.. 
BB. 


Sa3 
560 

375 
378 
309 
149 

131 
98 
83 
69 

58 
49 


Tatham  & 
Bros. 
848 
568 

399 
391 
318 
168 

133 
106 

86 

71 

59 

56 


Chicago  Shot 
Tower  Co. 

No.  10 854 

.596 
•434 
•333 
.316 
.173 
.146 
.iiS 

•  93 

•  75 
.  63 

•  53 


9... 
8... 
7... 
6... 

5.-. 
4... 

3.-- 
3... 
1... 

B.. 
BB. 


English 

Shot. 

1,700 

1,000 

606 

350 

370 

330 
180 
130 
1 10 
80 


To  find  the  proportion  in  one  and  a  quarter  or  one  and  a  half 
ounces,  of  course  it  is  only  necessary  to  add  the  proper  pro- 
portion. 

The  Dittmar  Wood  Powder, — As  this  powder  has  come  into 
considerable  use,  the  following  published  directions  for  using  it 
are  important  to  print  here  : 

'*  This  powder  has  to  be  used  in  about  the  same  manner  as  black  powder  ;  care 
only  has  to  be  taken  not  to  press  it  into  too  small  a  space,  as  it  is  more  clastic 
than  the  black.    The  new  powder  makes  very  little  smoke,  causes  no  recoil,  does 


ADDITIONAL  HINTS. 


567 


not  soil  the  gun,  does  not  heat  the  barrel,  sends  a  ball  further  than  the  old 
powder,  keeps  shot  well  together,  can  be  kept  wet  for  any  length  of  time,  and  be 
transported  or  stowed  in  that  state  without  danger  from  fire.  It  is  three  times 
stronger  than  black  sporting  powder,  and  three  times  as  bulky.  There  are  two 
distinct  and  different  kinds  of  shot  gun  powder,  marked — 


S.  A.,  coarse  grain. 
S.  B.,  medium  grain. 
S.  C,  fine  grain, 
ff.,  very  fine  grain. 


All  alike  in  strength. 


The  shot  gun  powder  may  be  used  in  all  the  larger  bores,  from  No.  6  to  No. 
14.  For  bores  above  14  the  rifle  powder  should  be  used,  as  this  variety  does  not 
give  good  results  unless  well  confined,  as  it  is  much  slower  than  shotgun  powder. 
At  present  three  sizes  of  rifle  powder  are  made. 


R.  A.,  coarse. 
R.  B.,  medium. 
B.C.,  fine. 


All  the  same  strength. 


When  using  rifle  powder  fill  the  cartridge  shell  to  the  top,  g^ive  it  a  few  taps  on 
the  table  so  that  the  powder  may  settle  down  even,  and  load  the  bullet  as  usual. 
Do  not  press  powder  into  a  shell  with  a  stick.  There  is  no  need  of  using  a  wad 
and  lubricating  material  on  top,  as  the  powder  does  not  foul  the  gun  like  black 
powder.  For  muzzle  loading  rifles  press  the  powder  down  with  the  bullet,  as  you 
would  when  using  black  powder,  till  you  feel  the  bullet  is  on  the  powder.  Use  a 
good  fitting  bullet.  If  you  use  the  powder  in  pistols  or  revolvers,  without  shells, 
do  not  ram  or  force  the  bullet  with  a  lever  into  the  chamber,  as  in  this  case  you 
will  confine  the  powder  too  closely.  Simply  use  force  enough  to  permit  the  bullet 
to  rest  upon  the  powder,  having  top  of  bullet  level  with  top  of  chamber.  The 
rifle  powder  is  the  proper  kind  for  small  arms." 

Directions  for  Loading  Shot  Guns. — Use  about  the  same 
measured  quantity  as  you  would  of  black  powder.  If  this  does 
not  give  satisfaction  use  a  little  more,  up  to  half  a  drachm  meas- 
ure. This  will  give  you  the  same  bulk  as  black  powder  after  the 
wad  is  pressed  down.  Give  a  few  taps  to  the  charge  to  settle 
the  powder  evenly,  and  you  will  always  have  the  same  weight 
(that  is,  about  one-third)  as  you  would  have  by  using  an  equal  du//: 
of  black  powder.  In  brass  or  metal  snells  use  a  wad  two  sizes 
larger  than  bore,  and  in  paper  shells  use  one  size  larger. 

By  carefully  following  the  above  detailed  directions  for  shot 
guns  and  rifles,  effectiveness  and  safety  are  secured. 

If  the  powder  becomes  wet,  spread  it  on  paper  and  it  will  dry 
quickly  without  injury  to  its  power.  If  desirable  to  store  it  in  an 
exposed  situation,  it  can  be  kept  wet  in  a  cask  and  afterwards 
dried  in  the  air  or  in  a  room.  The  most  delicate  tests  thus  far 
made  have  not  exhibited  the  slightest  trace  of  injury  to  the  finest 
barrels  by  the  products  of  combustion. 


568  FOKEST,  FIELD,   AND  PRAIRIE. 

Concentrators  and  Wire  Cartridges.— ZonctXiXxviXox^  are  S'*c- 
tions  of  cartridges  or  shells  inserted  in  the  shell  to  produce  close 
shooting.  Wire  cartridges  are  woven  wire  receptacles  in  vvhich 
shot  are  mixed  with  bone  dust,  the  object  being  to  cause  the  shot 
to  hold  together  or  "  ball  "  for  a  certain  distance,  thus  carrying 
closer  and  farther. 

Flannel  Shot  Cartridges.  —A  cheap  long  range  shot  cartridge 
is  made  of  small  bags  of  flannel  or  cheviot  cloth  about  two  inches 
long,  filled  with,  say  one  and  one-eighth  ounce  No.  5  shot,  loaded 
into  brass  shells  containing  three  i  id  one-half  drachms  Hazard 
ducking  powder.     They  are  good  for  seventy-five  yards. 

To  Load  Paper  Shells. — Use  one  card  wad  and  two  Ely's  pink 
edge,  or  one  card  wad  and  one  Ely's  thick  felt  on  powder  and  one 
Baldwin  wad  on  shot.  All  wads  should  be  the  size  of  the  gun, 
although  many  persons  use  a  size  larger. 

When  loading,  first  see  that  the  caps  or  primers  are  pressed 
well  in  their  places,  and  do  not  project  above  the  heads  of  the 
shells  ;  then  place  the  shell  on  a  block  with  a  hole  under  the  cap, 
so  deep  that  a  stray  shot  or  other  small  article  will  not  give  some- 
thing for  the  cap  to  rest  on.  There  will  be  no  danger  of  an  acci- 
dental discharge  with  any  reasonable  usage  in  loading  or  ramming 
home  the  charge. 

To  Load  a  Choke  Bore. — Charge  with  three  and  a  quarter 
drachms  of  C.  &  H.  No  6,  and  one  and  an  eighth  ounces  of  No.  6 
shot,  and  use  over  the  powder  a  thick,  soft  felt  Ely's  wad,  and  over 
the  shot  half  of  a  similar  wad,  cut  even  and  level  with  a  sharp  knife. 
The  paper  shell  should  not  be  turned  down  more  than  will  suffice 
to  just  hold  the  wad  in  place.  Buckshot  can  be  used  in  a  choke- 
bored  gun,  provided  they  chamber  in  the  muzzle. 

A  Shell  Holder. — Take  a  dry  pine  board  two  inches  thick,  eight 
inches  wide  and  long  enough  to  hold  the  required  number  of  shells. 
Mark  it  in  one  and  a  quarter  inch  squares  for  ten-gauge  shells,  or 
a  little  less  for  twelve-gauge.  Bore  a  hole  of  the  right  size  for  the 
shell  to  fit  snugly  through  the  centre  of  each  square.  Fit  a  thinner 
board  on  one  side  of  this,  and  hinge  it  there  so  it  can  be  thrown 
back  to  put  the  shells  through.  Bore  half  inch  holes  through  this 
just  opposite  those  in  the  thick  board.  Now  supposing  the  shells 
are  empty,  with,  the  old  caps  on,  throw  back  the  light  board  or  lid. 


•^ 


ADDITIONAL   HINTS.  $69 

<» 
put  the  shells  through  from  that  side,  close  it,  lay  it  lid  side  down 
on  the  table,  and  each  shell  stands  ready  to  have  the  cap  punched 
out.  Turn  it,  open  the  lid  and  re-cap.  Close  the  lid  and  turn 
again  and  they  stand  muzzles  up  ready  to  be  charged.  Of  course 
this  contrivance  is  not  intended  to  be  carried  while  in  the  field,  but 
it  is  a  great  convenience  in  loading,  and  is  just  the  thing  for 
carrying  Them  in  a  wagon.  If  desired  a  neat  box  can  be  made  to 
inclose  the  whole. 

To  Clean  Brass  Shells. — i.  Vinegar,  or  a  weak  solution  of  ox- 
alic acid  will  brighten  the  shells  :  but  for  cleaning  the  inside  of  the 
shells,  use  Ronall's  metal  shell  cleaner. 

2.  Rub  the  shells  with  a  mixture  of  two  parts  sulphuric  acid, 
two  parts  water,  and  one  part  pulverized  bi-chromate  potash,  and 
then  wash  them  in  hot  water.  This  will  render  a  green  and  cor- 
roded shell  as  bright  as  new  without  injuring  it  in  the  least ;  but 
this  recipe  is  of  no  use  to  those  who  like  a  verde  antique  appear- 
ance inside  and  out  of  their  shells. 

3.  One  ounce  cyanuret  potassum,  one  pint  of  soft  water, 
"  dissolve  ;  "  put  this  into  a  quart  preserve  jar  with  a  glass  cover. 
Set  it  do'i^'n  by  the  fire  where  it  will  get  warm,  put  the  shells  into 
it,  as  many  as  it  will  hold,  for  twenty  minutes  or  half  an  hour ; 
take  out  with  a  stick  and  souse  with  warm  water  two  or  three  times  ; 
then  dry  the  shells  before  a  hot  fire  ;  they  will  come  out  perfectly 
clean.     Set  this  mixture  away  for  future  use  and  mark  it  "  poison." 

Fulminate  for  Caps  and  Cartridges. — Dissolve  by  a  gentle 
heat  100  parts,  by  weight,  of  mercury  in  100  parts,  by  weight, 
of  nitric  acid  of  a  specific  gravity  1.4,  and  when  the  solution  has 
acquired  a  temperature  of  130"  F.,  slowly  pour  it  through  a  glass 
funnel  tube  into  830  parts,  weight,  of  alcohol,  of  the  specific  grav- 
ity of  .830.  When  effervescence  is  over,  and  white  fumes  cease  to 
rise,  filter  through  paper  wet  with  cold  water,  dry  (the  residue)  by 
steam  heat  not  exceeding  212". 

The  percussion  composition  used  by  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment consists  of  fulminate  of  mercury,  35  parts  ;  pulverized  chlo- 
rate of  potash,  16  ;  glass  dust  (sifted  between  40  and  140  meshes 
per  inch),  45  ;  gum  arable  solution  2  ;  gum  tragacanth  solution,  2 ; 
total  100.  Mixed  and  pressed  moist  into  a  shell  or  cap  and  al- 
lowed to  dry  before  loading.     See  Ordnance  Mem.. No.  VIII. 


570  FOREST,  FIELD,  AND  PRAIRIE. 

To  Rrcnvn  Gun  Barrels, — Tinct.  of  muriate  of  Iron  ;  one  ounce, 
nitric  ether,  one  ounce ;  sulphate  of  copper,  four  scruples,  rain 
water,  one  pint.  First,  securely  plug  up  both  ends  of  barrels, 
leaving  one  plug  in  each  end  of  sufficient  length  to  be  used  as 
handles  ;  then  thoroughly  clean  with  soap  and  water,  after  which 
cover  with  a  thick  coat  of  lime,  slacked  in  water,  and  when 
that  has  become  dry  remove  it  with  an  iron  wire  scratch  brush ; 
this  is  to  remove  all  dirt  and  grease  from  the  barrels.  Then  apply 
a  coat  of  the  fluid  with  a  rag,  and  let  it  stand  for  twenty-four  hours, 
when  a  slight  rust  will  have  appeared  ;  then  take  barrels  and  im- 
merse them  in  a  trough  containing  boiling  hot  water,  after  which 
scratch  them  well  with  the  scratch  brush.  Repeat  this  until  the 
color  suits,  which  will  be  after  three  or  four  applications.  When 
completed,  let  the  barrels  remain  in  lime  water  a  short  time  to 
neutralize  any  acid  which  may  have  penetrated.  Take  great  care 
not  to  handle  the  barrels  during  the  operation,  for  the  least  particle 
.of  grease  will  make  bad  spots. 

To  Darken  Gun  Stocks. — Get  a  few  crystals  of  permanganate 
of  potash,  dissolve  them  in  water  and  rub  the  stuff  well  into  the 
wood.  It  will  cause  the  stock  to  assume  a  rich  brown  hue,  and 
can  be  oiled  over  with  raw  linseed.  This  is  a  verygood  black 
walnut  stain  for  any  hard  wood. 

Cleaning  Guns. — Cotton  waste  is  the  handiest  material  for 
cleaning  either  muzzle  or  breech  loading  guns,  and  can  be  bought 
for  about  twenty-five  cents  per  pound  anywhere,  a  little  bit  going  a 
great  way.  The  best  cheap  pocket  cleaner  for  breech  loading 
guns  is  a  piece  of  copper  wire,  about  No.  17,  with  a  loop  twisted 
in  both  ends,  through  one  of  which  a  piece  of  waste  can  be  pushed. 
This  can  be  rolled  up  in  a  small  coil  and  carried  in  any  pocket 
without  inconvenience, 

Rust  in  Gun  Barrels. — Use  Riggs'  Belmontyle  oil.  Also  a 
thin  coating  of  shellac  dissolved  in  alcohol  is  excellent ;  also  a 
coating  of  best  copal  varnish,  first  heating  the  barrels  to  the  tem- 
perature of  boiling  water,  not  any  hotter,  or  they  may  be  injured  ; 
let  them  remain  hot  for  half  an  hour,  and  then  rub  them  with  a  soft 
rag.  The  barrels  will  show  no  sign  of  the  varnish.  Common  tal- 
low is  also  very  serviceable  ;  rub  it  on  with  a  piece  of  flannel,  and 
wipe  the  inside  of  the  barrels  with  it  also.     Blue  ointment  is  the 


ADDITIONAL   HINTS.  57 1 

best  preventive  of  rust,  and  is  cheap  and  easily  applied  by  mixing 
it  in  sperm  oil,  and  passing  it  through  the  barrels  a  few  times  with 
a  rag.  Sperm  oil  is  best  for  gun  locks  ;  wipe  it  on  with  a  scrap  of 
chamois.  The  rust  which  is  sometimes  found  on  the  bright  part 
of  locks  is  easily  removed  with  a  slip  of  oilstone,  and  the  gummed 
oil  and  dirt  with  an  old  tooth  brush  dipped  in  benzine  or  naphtha 
which  evaporates  and  cannot  hurt  the  metal. 

To  Preset-ve  Iron  and  Steel  from  Rust. — Take  rosin  1 20  parts ; 
sandarac,  180  parts  ;  gum  lac  50  parts.  Heat  gradually,  and  add 
120  parts  of  turpentine.  Heat  again  and  add  180  parts  of  alcohol. 
Filter  and  cork  tightly. 

To  Soften  a  Leather  Gun  Case, — Soak  it  in  water  until  it  is 
wetted  through,  hang  it  up  mouth  downwards  for  two  or  three 
hours  ;  then  by  stretching  it  over  a  "  hay  fork  handle  or  round, 
straight  stick,"  whip  it  into  shape  ;  next  pour  into  the  case  as  much 
castor  oil  as  is  necessary  to  thoroughly  cover  or  grease  the  inside 
of  the  case,  and  apply  the  oil  to  the  outside  as  often  and  as  long 
as  the  leather  will  absorb  it ;  dry  in  the  sun,  or  a  warm  room,  oc- 
casionally rubbing  and  beuJing  the  case  with  the  hands.  After 
this  treatment  it  will  be  more  soft  and  pliable  than  when  first 
made. 

Lacquer  for  Guns. — To  prevent  guns  rusting  in  sea  air,  lac- 
quer them  on  the  outside  with  a  very  thin  varnish  of  shellac  and 
alcohol.  This  should  be  laid  on  quickly  with  a  brush,  and  will  be 
almost  imperceptible.  A  dose  of  the  same  will  not  hurt  the 
mountings,  but  will  effectually  prevent  their  rusting,  even  if  the  gun 
is  dipped  in  salt  water  ;  and  remember  that  no  matter  how  care- 
fully you  clean  the  inside  of  the  barrels  after  a  day's  shooting  on 
the  coast,  you  will  do  well  tb  watch  your  gun  for  a  day  or  two 
and  remove  the  rust  which  is  found  to  form,  which,  if  neglected 
will  eat  in  and  leave  an  ugly  mark. 

Fad  for  Target. — The  best  substitute  for  a  Pettit  pad  (not 
made  in  this  country),  is  stiff  hardware  paper;  of  this  thirty  sheets 
would  be  good  penetration,  and  have  them  large  enough  to  admit 
of  a  thirty-inch  circle  being  drawn  from  the  centre. 


OCEAN,  LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 


THE  ART  OF  FLY   FISHING. 

Rods,  Reels,  Lines  and  Lures. — While  verbal  instruction  is 
useful  to  a  certain  extent,  the  art  of  angling  cannot  be  wholly 
imparted  to  the  student ;  it  m^st  be  acquired  by  assiduous  practice, 
and  a  careful  study  not  only  of  the  implements  of  the  craft  and 
their  use,  but  of  the  structure  and  habits  of  the  fish  and  the  local- 
ities which  they  inhabit.  In  a  word,  the  complete  angler  must  be 
a  naturalist,  just  as  a  physician  must  be  acquainted  with  the  origin, 
nature,  and  properties  of  the  drugs  he  administers. 

As  to  implements,  we  maintain  that  there  are  strictly  but  two 
distinct  classes  of  fishing  rods,  the  long,  slender,  tapering,  tough, 
and  elastic  fly  rod,  and  the  shorter  and  stiffer  tro.Uing  rod,  just  as 
there  are  but  two  classes  of  guns,  the  rifled  and  the  smooth 
bore.  The  bait  rod  is  a  compromise  between  the  fly  rod  and  the 
trolling  rod.  It  is  stiff  like  the  latter,  but  much  longer,  (in  reality 
has  an  additional  joint,)  and  is  carefully  tapered,  so  as  to  secure 
uniform  elasticity  and  action  from  but  to  tip,  qualities  requisite  in 
the  fly  rod,  but  not  so  carefully  developed  in  the  bait  rod,  be- 
cause the  work  required  of  it  is  quite  different,  the  methods  of 
casting  the  bait  and  the  fly  being  quite  as  diverse  as  may  be 
imagined. 

[For  full  description  of  bait  rods,  and  instruction  in  angling  with 
all  kinds  of  baits,  which  might  properly  be  included  in  this  divis- 
ion of  the  Gazetteer,  see  section  on  Black  Bass  fishing  in  Western 
Waters,  page  3.] 

Difference  in  the  material  of  which  rods  are  made  really  con- 
stitutes variety  in  rods  ;  and  in  the  selection  and  manufacture  of 
this  material,  excellence  consists.    A  rod  of  hickory,  ash,  lance- 


THE  ART  OF  FLY  FISHING. 


573 


wood,  greenhcart,  iron  wood,  cane,  or  mahoe  wood,*  may  be  in- 
trinsically better  than  a  rod  of  split  bamboo,  but  the  best  made 
,,  split  bamboo  is  the  superior  of  the  best  made  rods  of  the  other 
:'  material,  in  our  private  opinion  either  for  bait  or  fly  fishing,  for  the 
'  reason  that  it  combines  the  qualities  of  all  the  rest,  with  lightness 
added,  affording  the  angler  the  most  sport  for  his  efforts. 

This  quality  of  lightness  is  a  most  appreciable  desideratum,  es- 
pecially in  a  salmon  rod,  and  a  not  trifling  advantage  to  the  angler 
who  has  a  whole  day's  work  before  him.  As  every  veteran  knows, 
each  additional  ounce  tells  painfully  in  the  long  run  on  arms,  back, 
and  shoulders.  Abstractly,  there  is  no  better  rod  than  the  West 
I  India  cane  in  its  crude  native  state  ;  but  as  this  is  inconvenient  to 
carry,  on  account  of  its  great  length,  ingenuity  has  contrived  a 
jointed  rod  which  occupies  a  comparatively  small  space.  Besides, 
in  any  given  entire  cane  there  are  liable  to  be  flaws,  which  impair 
its  strength  and  effectiveness  ;  but  by  using  its  choicest  parts,  which 
are  sawed  out  and  fitted  together  and  firmly  whipped  with  silk,  the 
manufacturer  is  enabled  to  produce  an  implement  as  perfect  as  it  is 
possible  to  make.  In  trout  rods  this  quality  of  lightness  is  really 
not  so  essential,  and  it  is  not  unusual  to  find  professional  experts 
who  prefer  a  rod  made  of  some  other  material  than  bamboo. 

As  we  have  said,  rods  are  made  in  joints  or  sections  simply  for 
(  convenience  ;  but  as  the  metal  ferrules,  being  stiff  and  unyielding, 
impair  the  uniform  elasticity  and  play  of  the  rod,  there  is  a  growing 
tendency  in  salmon  fishers  to  have  as  few  joints  and  as  few  ferrules 
as  possible.  Hence  we  find  some  eighteen  feet  rods  made  of  only 
two  pieces,  and  united  by  a  splice,  tho  parts  that  join  being  bevelled 
and  firmly  lashed  together  when  in  use  by  a  waxed  end,  the  ferrule 


*  The  best  bamboo  used  for  t'ods  comes  from  Calcutta.  The  bamboo  usually 
sold  at  country  stores  is  a  reed,  or  else  the  Chinese  or  Japanese  variety.  The 
Calcutta  cane  is  clouded  ;  the  others  are  yellow.  Greenheart  and  lancewood  are 
imported  chiefly  from  Demorara  and  the  West  Indies  generally.  The  former  is 
heavy  and  very  tough  ;  the  latter  lighter  and  possibly  more  brittle.  Mahoe  wood 
is  indigenous  to  Cuba,  and  is  used  for  the  springs  of  volantes.  Sometimes,  though 
seldom,  angling  rods  are  made  wholly  of  greenheart,  or  even  of  lancewood, 
though  the  latter  is  generally  preferred  for  tips  ;  ash,  basswood,  and  greenheart 
are  used  for  first  and  second  joints.  Split  bamboo  rods  frequently  have  lance- 
wood tips.  These  woods  are  imported  in  log  by  Terhune,  of  Canal  street,  this 
city,  and  one  or  two  other  dealers.  It  is  difficult  to  find  a  stick  or  cane  fit  to  make 
rods  of.    (See  article  elsewhere.) 


n 


574  OCEAN,  LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 

being  dispensed  with  altogether.  Other  rods  of  three  joints  have 
the  first  and  middle  one  connected  by  a  ferrule,  and  the  middle  and 
tip  by  a  splice.  Some  makers  use  a  screw  ferrule,  a  device  which 
renders  loop  ties  unnecessary,  and  prevents  the  rods  from  becom- 
ing shaky  at  the  joints  by  wear.  We  prefer  a  salmon  rod  of  not 
mce  than  eighteen  feet  in  length,  though  rods  of  twenty-one  feet 
are  used  ;  but  they  are  ponderous  affairs.  An  expert  can  make  a 
sufficiently  long  cast  and  do  all  necessary  execution  with  the  for- 
mer, while  the  only  advantage  of  extra  length  is,  when  a  fish  is  hors 
du  combat,  to  lift  the  line  more  easily  over  rocks  and  boulders  that 
may  interfere  with  a  clean  run. 

Trolling  rods  are  usually  made  of  undressed  bamboo,  and  are 
about  nine  feet  in  length.  They  are  stiff,  but  have  elasticity  enough 
to  enable  the  angler  to  feel  his  fish  readily  when  it  bites,  and  to 
hook  him  with  much  more  certainty  than  with  a  hand  line.  In  se- 
curing a  fish  after  it  has  been  hooked,  the  trolling  rod  is  all  import- 
ant, for  it  permits  a  delicate  manipulation  and  handling  of  the  fish  ; 
whereas,  if  a  hand  line  were  used  the  hook  would  very  often  tear 
out  and  let  the  fish  escape. 

The  selection  of  a  rod  requires  a  certain  keen,  acquired  sense  of 
sight  and  touch,  which  adepts  only  possess — sight  to  detect  any  va- 
riation from  a  perfect  arch,  and  a  touch  that  instinctively  determines 
the  nice  balance  of  the  rod,  and  any  sag  or  unequal  distribution  of 
elasticity  throughout  its  entire  length  when  it  is  swayed  backward 
and  forward  by  the  hand  and  wrist.  We  would  advise  all  novices 
to  let  a  professional  select  their  rods  for  them.     Discard  all  rods 

|i   with  patent  attachments  of  spikes,  and  the  like,  to  "  hold  "  the  rod. 

'  Taboo  those  monstrosities  ingeniously  contrived  "  for  convenience," 
called  "  trunk  rods  " — rods  stiffened  with  a  multiplicity  of  ferrules, 
and  suited  to  all  kinds  of  fishing,  from  a  minnow  to  a  mascalonge. 
They  are  fit  only  for  those  who  wish  to  still-fish  with  a  worm  and 
a  pin.  We  would  prefer  to  put  a  fine  delicate  implement  even  into 
the  hands  of  a  novice,  rather  than  a  ponderous  stiff  affair — that  is, 
if  the  novice  can  afford  to  break  a  half-dozen  per  season  until  he 
has  learned  his  art.  One  thing  is  certain,  no  one  can  become  an 
expert  fly  fisher  by  practice  with  a  bean  pole  or  wattle,  no  more 
than  he  can  play  at  battledore  with  a  two  pound  weight.  Also  re- 
ject any  rods  that  have  the  but  squared  off  where  the  hand  grasps 


THE  ART  OF  FLY  FISHING.  575 

it,  where  the  rod  proper  joins  the  handle,  so  to  speak.  The  object 
of  the  maker  of  this  kind  of  rod  is  to  secure  lightness,  but  he  does 
it  at  the  expense  of  strength  and  eveiy  other  requisite.  A  proper 
rod  should  have  a  suitable  bulge  of  the  but  to  fit  the  hand,  and 
from  it  taper  gradually  and  uniformly  to  the  tip.  The  rings  should 
not  be  too  large,  and  yet  large  enough  to  permit  the  line  to  render 
freely  through  them. 

As  to  reels,  there  are  many  varieties,  made  of  nickel,  brass,  or 
rubber,  some  of  entirely  new  designs,  and  aiming  by  their  construc- 
tion to  obviate  serious  faults  that  pertain  to  the  original  patterns, 
now  passing  into  disuse.  Strictly  speaking,  there  are  but  three  dis- 
tinct classes  of  reels,  the  salmon  reel,  holding  two  hundred  yards 
of  line,  the  trout  reel,  holding  twenty-five  yardo,  both  of  large  diam- 
eter in  proportion  to  their  width,  and  the  trolling  reel,  that  should 
hold  at  least  fifty  yards.  The  width  of  the  latter  is  nearly  equal  to 
its  diameter,  say  three  inches.  The  salmon  reel  is  about  four  inches 
in  diameter,  and  the  trout  reel  two  inches.  In  reels,  as  in  rods,  the 
requisites  are  strength  combined  with  lightness,  and  a  construction 
that  prevents  the  Hne  from  fouling  around  the  crank  when  in  play. 
In  angling,  the  reel  performs  a  most  important  part,  afid  its  use  and 
action  should  be  in  perfect  accord  or  correspondence  with  the  play 
of  the  rod  and  line.  To  render  or  retrieve,  rapidly  or  slowly,  ac- 
cording to  the  exigencies  of  the  case,  giving  or  taking  inch  by  inch 
of  line  when  the  fish  has  the  but,  delivering  freely  when  he  runs, 
or  gathering  in  promptly  when  he  makes  his  rushes  toward  you, 
these  are  the  objects  of  the  intelligent  angler,  and  the  reel  should 
perform  its  duty  promptly,  or  else  the  captive  will  either  shake  off 
the  hook  or  tear  it  out.  To  meet  these  lequirements,  clicks  and 
multipliers  are  employed.  The  click  checks  the  line  from  render- 
ing too  freely,  and  the  multiplier  of  course  gathers  in  the  slack  with 
multiplied  speed  at  each  revolution  of  the  crank.  Some  recent  in- 
ventions have  the  click  contrived  so  as  to  graduate  the  strain  upon 
the  line,  checking  it  almost  entirely,  or  permitting  it  to  run  without 
ar^y  check  at  all ;  and  there  are  those  known  as  balance  reels  ;  but 
both  are  open  to  objections  which  need  not  be  explained  here.  The 
most  serviceable  for  trout  and  salmon  are  the  simple  click  reels. 
Balance  reels  are  more  frequently  used  for  trolling.  The  reel 
iv  should  be  inv.^riably  shipped  behind  where  the  hand  grasps  the 


I 


576  OCEAN,  LAKE,   AND  RIVER. 

rod.  We  prefer  the  nickel  reel,  as  brass  is  apt  to  tarnish  ;  though 
for  salmon  the  lightness  of  the  rubber  reel  is  a  very  important  de- 
sideratum. 

For  lines  that  are  used  on  reels,  we  prefer  linen  waterproof  laid 
lines,  though  some  choose  silk,  or  a  tapered  braid  of  silk  and  hair. 
The  objection  to  the  latter  is  that  the  minute  ends  of  hair  fray 
by  wear,  and  prevent  the  line  rendering  freely  through  the  rings 
of  the  rod.  Silk  does  not  render  as  freely  as  a  linen  line  that  has 
been  used  two  or  three  times.  For  trolling,  however,  a  cotton  line 
braided,  so  that  it  will  not  kink,  will  answer  well  enough,  besides 
being  vastly  cheaper.  Waterproof  linen  trout  lines  cannot  be 
bought  for  less  than  five  cents  a  foot.  A  good  salmon  line  will 
cost  from  fifteen  to  twenty  dollars. 

With  regard  to  the  durability  of  tackle,  very  much  depends  upon 
the  care  taken  of  it.  The  neglect  of  a  single  winter  will  cost  hun- 
dreds of  dollars,  if  a  man's  stock  be  as  large  as  that  of  most  pro- 
fessional anglers.  Rods  to  be  laid  aside  for  the  winter  should  first 
be  carefully  examined,  all  defects  and  damages  repaired,  the  f^.rrules 
and  bands  thoroughly  cleaned,  new  plugs  fitted  to  the  joints,  and 
rings  supplied  where  missing.  Where  a  joint  has  been  fractured 
or  broken  entirely,  the  parts  should  not  be  patched  or  spliced,  but 
a  new  one  obtained.  Negligence  in  this  matter  will  be  found  a 
poor  winter's  investment  when  the  rod  comes  to  be  used  again  in 
the  spring.  Take  the  rod  apart,  wipe  the  joints  dry  and  lay  them 
away  in  their  case  in  some  apartment  where  the  temperature  will 
be  uniformly  as  near  to  fifty  degrees  as  possible.  By  no  means 
let  the  rod  stand  near  a  chimney  or  furnace  flue ;  and  the  other  ex- 
treme of  cold  in  a  garret  or  outbuilding  should  be  avoided.  Changes 
of  temperature  destroy  the  pliancy  and  stiffness  of  the  rod.  Where 
the  rod  has  no  leather-case,  but  is  kept  in  a  bag,  never  tie  the  parts 
together  tightly,  as  it  subjects  some  portion  to  an  extra  strain, 
thereby  impairing  the  equal  distribution  of  strength  throughout  its 
entire  length.  For  the  same  reason  a  rod  should  be  laid  flat  on  a 
shelf  if  possible,  instead  of  being  stood  on  end  in  a  corner,  and 
1 1  under  no  circumstances,  either  when  in  use  or  in  ordinary,  should 
'  Mt  be  left  jointed  and  hung  on  pegs.  Really,  the  best  way  to  keep 
rods  perfect  is  to  put  them  in  a  shallow  box,  wide  enough  to  hold 
them  when  laid  side  by  side,  and  two  or  three  inches  longer  than 


I 

I*- 


THE  ART  OF  FLY  FISHING,  57/ 

the  longest.  There  is  always  some  spare  room  in  the  house  where 
this  case  could  be  laid  along  the  surbase  and  not  be  in  the  way  or 
seem  unsightly.  As  regards  tackle,  all  lines  should  bt  reeled  off 
and  stretched  from  one  end  of  the  garden  to  another  on  some 
bright  and  sunny  morning,  and  left  an  hour  in  the  air  to  dry.  They 
should  then  be  overrun  lightly  with  a  bl  of  woolen  cloth  or  cham- 
ois, to  remove  any  taint  of  mildew,  sand,  sea  salt,  or  other  extrane- 
ous matter,  and  then  be  wound  upon  the  reel  not  too  tightly  and 
put  away  with  the  reel  nicely  cleaned.  If  frayed  portions  are  dis- 
covered they  should  be  condemned,  and  the  good  parts  kept  for 
miscellaneous  uses,  which  will  be  found  frequent  enough.  With 
respect  to  leaders,  flies,  ground  tackle,  etc.,  it  is  admissible  to  de- 
fer immediate  attention  until  some  fine  evening  when  a  cheerful 
blaze  and  indoor  comforts  are  heightened  by  the  blustering  weath- 
er without,  and  then  with  his  stock  spread  out  upon  the  sitting- 
room  table,  one  can  summon  the  aid  of  the  little  folks  to  assort  the 
several  varieties.  As  in  the  case  of  lines,  all  worn  and  imperfect 
flies,  all  frayed  leaders,  and  half-broken  gut  lengths,  should  be  re- 
jected as  past  service,  for  the  great  desideratum  with  a  careful 
angler  is  to  keep  his  gear  in  as  perfect  condition  as  possible,  that 
at  no  time  he  may  be  aggravated  through  negligence  by  an  unto- 
ward loss.  Bait  boxes  and  creels  should  be  thoroughly  cleansed 
with  warm  soda  water,  and  when  dried  it  is  well  to  sprinkle  them 
with  a  little  carbolic  acid,  or  a  wash  of  carbolic  soap  can  be  used. 
Never  keep  your  fishing  and  shooting  gear  in  the  same  drawer  or 
chest.     Above  all  else,  guard  against  the  ravages  of  inoths. 

When  the  spring  comes  round,  look  again  to  your  tackle  with 
careful  inspection,  and  see  that  all  are  in  perfect  order.  Test  your 
line  foot  by  foot  for  frays  and  weak  spots.  See  that  the  ferrules, 
rings  and  eyes  of  your  rods  are  tight,  and  no  fractures  in  the  joints. 
Above  all,  look  well  to  your  flies  ;  reject  all  specimens  that  have 
been  injured  by  use,  and  all  frayed  gut  lengths.  It  is  better  to 
throw  away  a  handful  now,  than  to  lose  flies  and  heavy  fish  to- 
gether the  first  time  you  fasten  to  a  rise.  If  your  outfit  is  not 
complete,  nor  your  assortment  of  flies  full,  replenish  at  the  tackle 
shops. 

The  angler  being  now  prepared  with  rod,  line,  reel,  etc.,  we 
will  presume,  is  ready  to  experiment  in  fly  casting.     The  methods 

25 


^$  OCEAN,  LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 

of  casting  a  fly  vary  according  to  the  character  of  the  water  to  be 
fished — whether  it  be  lake,  river,  or  stream,  or  whether  the  angler 
is  to  wade,  or  fish  from  a  boat,  or  the  bank  There  are  a  few 
general  rules  that  govern,  however ;  and  the  first  to  be  observed 
is  to  keep  out  of  sight.  To  enable  the  angler  to  do  this  a  long 
cast  is  frequently  indispensable.  If  fish  were  not  shy,  the  angler 
might  dispense  with  flies,  and  walk  up  boldly  to  the  water  and  dip 
them  out  with  his  hands.  But  to  cast  a  long  line  without  bun- 
gling, requires  studious  practice.  For  a  proper  cast,  the  line  should 
not  only  be  delivered  straight  and  evenly,  without  kinks,  coils,  or 
bights,  but  the  flies  should  be  laid  lightly  on  the  water,  as  the  nat- 
ural flies  settle.  Hence  the  line,  and  the  casting  line,  must  be  deli- 
cate in  size  and  texture,  and  the  flies  must  be  small,  so  as  to  make 
no  splash  when  they  fall.  It  is  because  such  fine  tackle  is  required, 
that  the  handling  of  a  heavy  fish  becomes  difficult ;  for  it  is  appa- 
rent that  to  lift  its  weight  on  the  line  would  part  it.  To  relieve 
the  strain  a  flexible  rod  is  required  ;  and  the  rod  has  its  very  im- 
portant part  to  play  throughout  in  killing  the  fish.  The  fish  must 
be  killed  on  the  rod,  and  aot  on  the  line.  To  exact  full  service 
from  a  rod,  a  perf  ct  irch  (longer  or  shorter,)  must  be  maintained 
from  the  moment  a  fish  is  hooked  until  he  is  landed.  The  manage- 
ment of  this  arch  in  motion  is  the  science  of  angling.  The  rod  has 
of  course,  its  proper  funcai-ns  to  perform  in  making  the  cast.  The 
essential  qualities  of  a  rod  are  elasticity  and  stitfness  ;  first,  a  uni- 
form elasticity  that  is  evenly  distribute.!  and  maintained  through- 
out its  length  from  but  to  tip  ;  and  "econd,  that  peculiar  quality  of 
stiffness  which  acts  with  a  yielding  resistance,  preventing  the  fish 
from  exerting  its  full  strength  on  the  hook,  the  leader,  or  the  line 
just  as  elastic  traces  would  prevent  a  horse  from  exerting  his  full 
strength  in  drawing.  No  rod  will  throw  a  line  deftly  unless  it  pos- 
sesses these  requisites,  and  in  the  selection  of  a  rod  its  weight, 
length,  and  suppleness,  must  be  gauged  by  the  physical  properties 
of  the  purchaser,  because  the  same  rod,  like  the  same  gun,  will  not 
serve  all  sportsmen  alike.  The  angler  ought  to  be  able  to  tell 
when  a  rod  feels  well  balanced  in  his  hand,  just  as  he  does  a  bil- 
liard cue,  an  oar,  a  gun,  or  a  croquet  mallet.  Given  the  rod  and 
line,  we  need  such  a  reel  as  will  deliver  the  line  freely,  yet  not  so 
rapidly  as  to  permit  it  to  overrun,  and  we  accordingly  secure  a 


THE  ART  OF  FLY  FISHING. 


579 


light  pressure  or  check  by  the  "click."  The  click  also  telegraphs 
to  the  ear  what  the  fish  is  doing,  and  in  this  way  renders  a  service 
greater  than  is  generally  supposed. 

The  importance  of  using  small  flies,  even  in  discolored  water, 
should  impress  itself  upon  the  angler.  Lightness  and  neatness  of 
form  are  characteristics  of  river  insects,  and  therefore  a  serious 
objection  to  the  flies  in  common  use,  and  at  the  tackle  shops,  is 
that  they  are  much  too  bushy,  thereby  not  only  exposing  their  de- 
ception more  quickly,  but  preventing  by  masses  of  feathei"s  the 
trout  from  hooking  themselves  when  they  rise. 

A  second  rule  in  angling  is,  to  tread  lightly  along  the  streams, 
and  when  in  boat,  to  avoid  noises  that  cause  vibrations.  It  seems 
to  be  settled  by  scientific  tests  that  fish  do  not  hear,  but  their  per- 
ception through  the  nerves  of  feeling  is  very  keen,  and  sounds  are 
easily  communicated  through  the  water  by  sudden  jars,  the  care- 
less dropping  of  an  oar,  or  deep  bass  tones  of  the  voice.  It  is 
well  known  that  a  deaf  person  can  hear  sounds  of  a  voice  or  in- 
strument, if  a  hard  wood  stick  be  placed  in  his  teeth,  connecting 
with  the  object  emitting  the  sounds. 

The  angler  about  to  whip  a  water  should  first  straighten  his 
snoods  and  leaders  by  soaking  them  in  a  basin  of  water ;  after 
which  he  can  keep  them  tolerably  strai';ht  by  winding  the  cast 
around  his  hat.  At  a  proper  distance  from  the  angling  place,  let 
him  put  his  rod  together,  first  adjusting  the  reel  to  its  place,  then 
the  tip  and  second  joints,  and  the  second  joint  and  but  last,  keep- 
ing the  hands  close  to  the  ferrules  and  as  near  together  as  possible. 
Next  reeve  the  line  through  the  rings  and  draw  it  off  from  the  reel 
until  its  length  is  equal  to  a  little  more  than  half  the  length  of  the 
rod  ;  then,  with  the  rod  held  perpendicularly,  unless  adjacent  ob- 
jects prevent,  bend  on  the  casting  line,  hook  the  tail-fly  or  stretcher 
into  one  of  the  bars  of  the  reel,  and  wind  up  until  the  line  is  taut. 
Put  the  ferrule  plugs  in  your  pocket  so  as  not  to  lose  them.  You 
are  then  ready  to  proceed  to  business. 

The  casting  line  should  be  not  less  than  seven  feet  in  length, 
nor  more  than  nine,  of  best  selected  gut.  The  tail  fly  should  have 
simply  a  loop,  and  the  bobbers  gut  lengths  ;  that  of  the  top  one, 
or  hand  fly,  somewhat  longer  than  that  of  the  middle  fly,  so  that 
when  the  line  is  raised,  and  the  rod  in  motion,  both  will  touch  the 


580  OCEAN,   LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 

water  gently  alike.  Two  flies,  four  feet  apart,  are  enough  at  any 
time,  and  where  there  are  weeds,  bushes  or  snags,  or  the  trout 
heavy,  it  is  wise  to  use  only  a  single  fly.  The  chance  of  hooking 
your  fish  is  increased  when  two  flies  are  on,  but  the  chances  of 
landing  them  are  much  diminisljed.  It  is  unpleasant  to  catch  i 
weed  with  one  hook  and  a  fish  with  the  other,  or  to  have  two  heavy 
fish  run  contrariwise  and  carry  off^  your  line.  Three  flies  are  ad- 
missible only  when  the  camp  is  out  of  provisions,  or  the  trout 
weigh  no  more  than  ninety  to  the  quart.  The  landing  net 
should  be  deep  and  baggy.  The  most  convenient  arc  made  upon 
a  brass  frame  with  hinges,  so  as  to  fold  into  a  very  small  compass. 

In  fishing  a  stream,  it  is  sometimes  necessary  to  pass  through 
thick  brush.  This  can  be  done  with  dexterity,  if  the  angler  hold 
his  rod  horizontally,  pushing  it  through,  but  or  tip  foremost,  accord- 
ing to  circumstances,  the  former  being  preferable.  Hav'r.g  ap- 
proached the  bank,  select  your  casting  place  with  judgment ;  we 
mean  the  spot  which  you  propose  to  test  for  a  rise.  A  previous 
knowledge  of  a  stream  gives  one  a  great  advantage  everyway,  by 
enabling  him  to  approach  so  as  not  to  disturb  the  fish,  and  also  to 
waste  no  time  in  testing  inauspicious  or  improbable  places. 
Choose  also  where  you  will  land  your  fish,  and  determine  how  to 
provide  for  any  emergency  that  may  arise.  Having  calculated  the 
length  of  the  line  you  propose  to  cast,  see  that  you  have  room 
enough  for  your  back  line,  so  that  you  may  avoid  being  hung  up 
in  trees  or  caught  in  a  rock  or  stump.  Note  the  sun,  and  observe 
that  your  shadow  does  not  fall  on  the  water.  If  it  be  a  bright 
calm,  don't  be  in  a  hurry  to  cast,  but  wait  for  a  ripple  on  the  water, 
or  for  the  sun  to  go  under  a  cloud,  as  your  chances  for  a  rise  are 
thus  increased  ten-fold  ;  always  remembering  that  in  trout-fishing 
nothing  is  gained  by  being  in  a  hurry.  If  the  wmd  blows  briskly 
in  your  face,  don't  attempt  to  cast  against  it,  as  your  flies  will  only 
get  into  the  trees,  but  select  a  bend  in  the  river,  or  wait  for  a  more 
favorable  opportunity.  If  you  wish  to  cross  a  stream  to  change 
position,  walk  to  the  nearest  shoal  and  wade  to  the  opposite  side. 

When  everything  is  auspicious  and  you  are  ready  to  cast, 
grasp  your  rod  in  the  right  hand  above  the  reel,  and  hold  the 
stretcher  fly  lightly  between  the  thumb  and  fore-finger  of  the  left. 
Then  throw  up  the  tip  of  the  rod  gently,  at  the  same  time  letting 


THE  ART  OF  FLY  FISHING.  58 1 

go  the  fly,  and  when  the  Hne  is  at  its  full  length  drop  the  tip  and 
you  will  be  surprised  to  see  how  gracefully  the  fly  wi'l  light  on  the 
water  twenty  feet  distant.  If  you  discover  that  you  are  to  fall 
short,  or  go  too  far,  recover  the  line  before  it  touches  the  water 
and  try  again.  If  the  fly  should  touch  the  water  and  fail  to  pro- 
voke a  rise,  trail  it  lightly  and  briskly  along  the  stream  in  a  semi- 
circle until  you  are  obliged  to  take  up  the  slack,  and  then  cast 
again.  After  casting  from  one  stand  three  times  over  a  spot,  in- 
cluding the  width  of  the  stream,  and  failing  of  a  rise,  give  the  fish 
a  yard  more  line,  by  drawing  it  off  the  reel  with  the  left  hand  ; 
then  raising  the  rod  smartly,  take  up  the  slack,  throw  the  rod 
back  of  the  shoulder,  and  when  the  line  has  passed  behind  to  its 
full  length,  project  the  tip  forward  as  if  you  were  going  to  strike 
the  water,  observing  to  never  let  the  rod  drop  below  a  position 
horizontal  and  parallel  with  the  water.  The  movement  we  have 
described  is  technically  known  as  casting.  We  will  make  it  still 
plainer,  as  it  must  be  practiced  by  one  desiring  to  become  profi- 
cient. We  will  suppose  the  angler  standing  up  to  his  knees  in 
mid-stream  with  his  line  trailing  down  with  the  current  to  its  full 
length  in  front  of  him.  Draw  off  enough  line  from  the  reel  to 
lengthen  the  cast  as  much  as  is  required  ;  keep  the  elbow  of  the 
right  arm  at  ease,  but  well  toward  the  body,  and  the  wrist  flexible. 
Raise  the  rod  evenly  and  without  jerking,  with  force  sufficient  to 
lift  the  line  from  the  water  ;  throw  the  tip  upward  and  backward 
until  it  takes  a  position  over  the  shoulder  at  an  angle  of  forty-five 
degrees  and  no  more,  keeping  the  tip  a  trifle  outward,  away  from 
the  body ;  calculate  the  length  of  time  required  to  straighten  the 
line  out  behind  to  its  full  length,  and  then  bring  the  rod  forward 
with  vigor,  striking  down  squarely  and  directly  in  front  of  you,  al- 
ways remembering  on  no  account  to  let  the  tip  drop  as  low  as  the 
surface.  It  will  be  perceived  that  in  the  upward  motion  the  thumb 
points  outward,  and  with  the  downward  motion  it  turns  inward. 
This  is  the  infallible  key  to  the  whole  situation.  By  practicing 
this  combination  of  movements  one  will  learn  noi.  only  to  lay  out 
his  cast  on  the  water  in  good  form,  but  by  increasing  the  force  to 
cast  great  distances.  At  no  time  should  the  efforts  be  jerky.  The 
body  should  be  well  poised,  and  the  arm  move  with  the  evenness 
and  method  of  a  pendulum.     With  a  long  line  a  sudden  upward 


582  OCEAN,  LAKE,   AND  RIVER. 

jerk  is  liable  to  break  the  rod  either  at  the  first  or  second  ferrule,  or 
to  throw  the  line  out  of  its  natural  parabolic  orbit ;  while  a  too 
sudden  or  premature  projection  of  the  rod  forward  will  snap  off 
the  flies,  tangle  the  line,  or  catch  the  seat  of  one's  corduroys  with 
the  hook,  insufficient  time  having  been  given  for  the  line  to 
Straighten  itself  behind.  Inexperienced  anglers  are  annoyed  by 
the  snoods  chafing  and  breaking  off  at  the  heads  of  the  flies  ;  the 
cause  is  imperfect  casting.  The  fly  being  heavier  than  the  deli- 
cate line,  moves  faster  through  the  air  by  the  impetus  given  it, 
and  when  a  quick  jerky  motion  is  made  in  casting,  or  a  too  much 
up-and-down  motion  is  given  to  the  rod,  the  fly  has  to  drag  the 
line  along  like  a  shot  taking  a  life-line  to  a  wreck,  and  lights  on  the 
water  with  a  thud  that  sends  it  back  at  right  angles  with  the  link 
or  loop.     The  friction  is  more  than  the  strongest  gut  can  stand. 

In  lifting  very  long  lines  from  the  water,  it  is  desirable  to  start 
them  first,  and  then  withdraw  them  wholly,  otherwise  the  weight 
and  sag  is  liable  to  part  the  tackle,  and  break  or  strain  the  rod  ; 
also  before  making  the  forward  cast,  count  the  time  it  has  taken 
to  withdraw  the  line  from  the  water  and  bring  the  rod  to  its  posi- 
tion over  the  shoulder.  The  flies  will  then  have  time  to  traverse 
the  entire  arc  which  a  well-made  cast  requires. 

When  about  to  change  position  on  the  stream,  reel  up  and 
take  your  line  out  of  the  water,  unless  you  are  wading,  when  it 
may  sometimes  be  preferable  to  let  the  line  drift  down  ahead  of 
the  angler,  if  the  current  be  swift.  Wading  possesses  several 
advantages  over  fishing  from  the  bank,  for  it  enables  the  angler  to 
fish  every  part  of  the  stream  which  the  other  method  does  not, 
and  gives  him  more  casting  room  ;  the  fish  are  not  so  easily 
frightened,  and  when  hooked  are  more  easily  landed.  Fish  can 
see  in  clear  water  with  great  acuteness,  but  the  refraction  seems 
to  impair  their  vision.  Fish  have  a  habit  of  backing  slowly  down 
stream  as  the  angler  advances,  not  seeming  greatly  disturbed  ; 
but  the  moment  they  do  take  fright  they  scoot  up  stream  like 
lightning.  Streams  may  be  fished  up  or  down  at  option,  though 
down  stream  is  the  best.  The  chief  advantage  of  fishing  up 
stream  is  that  while  you  are  playing  your  fish,  you  do  not  alarm 
others  above  you,  as  you  are  supposed  always  to  lead  your  captive 
down  stream. 


THE  ART  OF  FLY  FISHING. 


583 


Let  us  observe  that  fish  always  lie  with  their  heads  up  stream. 
Even  when  they  dart  down  stream  affrighted,  as  they  sometimes 
do,  they  invariably  stop  very  soon  and  round  to,  as  a  yacht  does 
when  she  luffs  into  the  wind.  Salmon  and  shad  when  descending 
to  the  sea,  do  not  make  for  it  in  a  bee  line,  but  drop  down  stream 
gradually,  keeping  their  heads  always  up.  Moreover,  as  for  trout, 
the  biggest  always  lie  in  the  wider  and  deeper  stream,  so  that,  in 
fishing  up,  the  angler  is  constantly  fishing  away  from  the  big  fel- 
lows and  up  toward  the  smaller  ones.  In  casting,  too,  it  is  im- 
portant, as  has  been  said,  to  have  your  line  kept  straight ;  and  in 
fishing  down  stream  the  current  does  this  for  you,  while  in  most 
of  the  casts  made  in  fishing  up  stream,  the  line  runs  back  on  itself, 
and  is  constantly  getting  into  slack  turns  and  bights.  Again,  it 
is  less  tiresome  to  fish  down  stream  when  wading,  than  against 
the  current  which  is  sometimes  so  strong  as  to  make  progress 
against  it  difficult.  More  than  all,  the  angler  can  see  his  fish  be- 
fore him,  when  he  is  moving  down,  but  never  when  he  is  moving 
up.  We  are  aware  that  some  proficient  anglers  take  decidedly 
opposite  ground,  but  they  must  refute  what  we  have  presented  as 
postulates,  (not  arguments,)  before  we  spall  yield  our  position. 
Circumstances,  however,  alter  cases.  A  good  rule  to  observe 
would  be  to  fish  down  stream  if  the  current  be  swift,  and  up  stream 
if  it  be  sluggish  ;  always  supposing  the  wind  to  be  favorable.  As 
between  worm  fishing  up  stream  and  fly  fishing  up  stream,  the 
former  is  preferable. 

It  is'useless  to  waste  time  in  whipping  every  foot  of  a  stream. 
Trout  lie  where  cool  bottom  springs  bubble,  or  lateral  brooks 
come  in,  or  food  gathers,  the  depth  of  water  favors,  or  shade  and ' 
protection  serve.-  The  strongest  and  biggest  fish  preempt  the 
choicest  places  and  deepest  pools,  but  good  fish  are  often  taken  in 
swift  water  flowing  about  six  inches  deep  over  pebbly  bottoms 
where  the  conferva  attaches  itself  to  stones  and  sways  in  the  cur- 
rent, affording  both  food  and  lurking  places.  In  large  rivers  it  is 
useless  to  fish  except  at  rapids,  or  where  a  lateral  stream  flows  in. 
Casts  may  be  taken  when  wading,  or  from  the  bank,  according  to 
depth  01"  water  and  other  circumstances.  Where  the  river  makes 
short  turns  there  is  a  deep  hole  on  one  side  and  a  corresponding 
sand-bar  or  flat  on  the  other.    Trout  are  likely  to  be  found  in  all 


584  *      OCEAN,  LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 

these  deep  holes,  because  the  current  carries  the  food  there  ;  and 
for  the  same  reason  they  are  also  to  be  found  under  the  bank  op- 
posite to  the  wind.  Where  a  river  is  divided  by  an  island  or  patch 
of  weeds,  a  cast  will  be  rewarded  at  the  foot  of  the  island  at  the 
t.Ci'gt  of  the  ripples.  In  spring  the  fish  are  much  scattered,  and 
can  be  taken  almost  anywhere,  as  they  are  foraging  for  food,  the 
insects  not  yet  having  been  hatched  out.  Later  in  the  season  the 
trout's  food  is  swept  in  plenty  and  variety  to  their  dining-rooms  in 
the  holes  under  the  bank.  And  in  autumn  nature  teaches  them  to 
resort  to  the  springheads  and  smaller  tributaries  for  the  purpose 
of  spawning.  Trout  feed  chiefly  at  night,  and  hence  are  more 
readily  taken  on  dark  and  cloudy  days,  and  between  sunset  and 
dark. 

In  using  the  fly  the  object  is  to  imitate  the  movements  of  the 
natural  insect  as  nearly  as  possible,  and  the  angler  often  exercises 
great  ingenuity  in  so  doing.  To  drop  the  line  naturally  on  the 
water,  and  then  to  keep  it  endued  with  life,  is  the  stratagem. 
From  the  moment  the  fly  touches  the  water  the  angler  should 
keep  his  eye  on  it.  Trout  often  feed  a  little  under  the  surface  ; 
they  do  not  always  break  when  they  rise,  but  quietly  suck  in  the 
fly.  The  angler  can  frequently  detect  a  quick  movement  of  a  dark 
object  beneath  the  surface,  or  a  sudden  flash  of  light,  which  he 
knows  to  be  a  fish  making  for  the  hook,  and  he  instinctively  raises 
the  tip  of  his  rod  and  hooks  it.  A  novice  might  have  let  a  dozen 
of  these  opportunities  pass.  Often  the  whereabouts  of  a  trout  is 
betrayed  by  a  break  or  a  leap  from  the  surface,  and  the  wide-awake 
aigler  will  make  it  his  business  to  toss  his  fly  over  the  spot  sooner 
or  later.  Sometimes  the  trout  rush  at  the  lure  like  a  flash,  leaping 
clear  over  itjn  their  eagerness.  They  are  difficult  to  hook  then. 
A  fish  will  hook  himself  only  in  cases  where  the  fly  first  touches 
the  water  at  the  end  of  a  straight  line,  or  when  the  line  is  being 
withdrawn  smartly  for  a  new  cast.  In  all  other  cases  the  skill  of 
the  angler  must  be  employed.  If  this  "  strike  "  be  made  with  vigor 
or  desperately,  either  the  trout  will  be  jerked  high  in  the  air,  the 
tackle  will  be  broken,  the  hook  will  tear  out,  or,  what  is  more  proba- 
ble, the  hook  will  miss  altogether.  Then  the  awkward  effort  will 
scare  the  fish  away,  and  the  angler  must  proceed  to  another  place. 
How  to  hook  a  fish  cannot  be  told  ;  but  if  the  angler  will  school 


THE  ART  OF  FLY  FISHING.  $8$ 

himself  never  to  raise  the  arm,  but  simply  to  use  the  wrist,  lifting 
the  thumb  slightly  when  a  fish  rises,  his  lesson  will  be  nearly 
learned.  He  must  remember  that  his  wrist  is  the  fulcrum  of  a 
long  lever,  and  that  a  slight  movement  there  will  jjroduce  an  as- 
tounding demonstration  at  the  other  end.  It  is  apparent  that  the 
offer  of  an  undcsirahio  fish  can  often  be  declined.  If  fish  in  a 
pool  be  frightened,  give  the  pool  a  half  hour's  rest. 

Having  hooked  the  fish  the  next  thing  is  to  handle  him.  If 
well  hooked,  he  will  go  to  the  bottom,  and  if  slightly  hooked  he 
will  flounder  about  on  the  surface.  Upon  this  showing  the  angler 
determines  his  mode  of  procedure.  In  any  case  put  him  into  the 
basket  as  soon  as  possible.  Do  not  work  him  against  the  current 
more  than  can  be  helped.  If  you  see  the  strength  of  your  rod 
tested  too  much,  give  him  line;  when  he  yields,  reel  up.  The 
point  is  always  to  keep  him  well  in  hand,  as  you  would  a  horse — 
always  to  feel  him.  When  necessary  to  lead  him  out  of  weeds  or 
dangerous  places,  advance  the  but  of  the  rou.  It  will  stand  an 
enormous  strain.  Keep  the  line  always  under  your  thumb,  with 
the  thumb  on  the  rod.  If  the  fish  leaps,  lower  the  tip  of  the  rod 
so  as  to  give  the  line  slack,  otherwise  he  will  tear  the  hook  loose. 
Having  at  last  taken  the  mettle  from  him,  reel  in  short,  throw  the 
rod  back  over  your  shoulder,  and  slip  the  landing  net  under  him. 
If  you  have  no  net,  lead  him  to  the  bank  and  draw  him  out,  if  he 
be  a  large  one.     Small  ones  can  be  lifted  by  the  line. 

When  you  unjoint  your  rod  take  hold  of  the  ferrules  with  your 
hands  as  nearly  together  as  possible,  and  when  you  draw  upon 
them  give  the  parts  a  slight  turn  in  opposite  directions,  and  the 
rod  will  usually  separate  without  difficulty.  Many  good  rods  are 
wrenched  or  broken  through  ignorance  in  this  single  particular. 
Should  the  ferrules  resist  all  ordinary  efforts,  heat  them  gently. 
[For  instructions  relating  especially  to  Salmon  fishing,  see  Eastern 
Coast  Fishes,  pages  263-5.] 

Table  of  Approximate  Weights  of  Fish  according  to  their 
Lengths. — In  the  absence  of  a  spring  balance,  the  following  table 
will  be  found  useful : 
25* 


586 


OCEAN,  LAKE,   AND  RIVER. 


A  TABLE  OF  APPROXIMATE    WEIGHTS    OF   FISH  ACCORDING  TO 

THEIR   LENGTHS. 


Length. 


Inches. 

9 
lo 

XX 

13 

13 
»4 
13 
s6 

»9 

30 
31 
33 

>3 

34 
95 

36 
37 
s8 
39 
y» 
31 

33 

33 
34 

S6 


38 
39 
4o 
41 
4« 
43 
44 
49 
4fi 


Salmon. 


lbs. 


oz. 


6X 

8?i 


9 

8 

lO 

8 

II 

9?i 

13 

"j^ 

14 

0 

'S 

5X 

i6 

13 

i8 

3 

«9 

13 

31 

6>^ 

33 

3 

34 

15^ 

36 

»4 

38 

x4>4: 

31 

0 

33 

3?i 

34 

^yi 

37 

n% 

Weight. 


lbs. 

o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
I 
I 
I 
I 

3 
3 

3 
3 
4 
4 
5 
6 

7 
8 
8 

9 
10 


oz. 

4% 
6% 
9 

14X 
'% 
6 

6 

I3X 

4 
131^ 

5X 

3X 
O 

15 
I4M 

IS 


Grayling. 


lbs. 


o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
I 
I 
I 
I 

3 
3 

3 
3 
4 
4 
5 


oz. 

4X 

6K 

9X 

loK 

J3>l^ 
I 

5 

9.V 
i4>^ 

5 

iX 
3 

5>?r 


Pike. 


lbs. 


o 
o 
o 
I 
I 
I 
I 

3 
3 
3 

3 
3 
4 
4 

6 
6 

7 
8 

9 
10 
II 

13 
13 
14 

15 

17 
18 
30 


oz. 


8X 
II 

i3?i     . 
oM 
4^ 
83i 

13 

3 

7}i  : 
J3% 
4M   ■ 

13M 

A}4 

13 
9 
6 

3M 
aX 

3ji    , 
3% 
4^     ' 

7}i 
iiX 

o       ' 
6 

O  r' 


Varnish  for  Fly  /?«7^i.— Take  as  much  shellac  ast|fe  alcohol  used  will  dissolve. 
Spread  evenly,  dry  thoroughly,  put  on  three  or  four  coats,  and  rub  down  with 
rotten  stone. 

•  3.  Take  three  ounces  best  gum'shellac,  one  and  an  eighth  ounce  gum  benzoin, 
half  an  ounce  gum  sandarach,  half  an  ounce  gum  mastic,  one  quart  alcohol  90  per 
cent,  proof;  pulverize  separately  and  add  the  alcohol.  Put  in  a  black  bottle  and 
set  in  the  sun,  shake  often,  then  pour  off.  If  too  thick,  add  alcohol ;  if  too  thin, 
take  out  the  cork.     Apply  with  linen  rag. 

To  Waterproof  Ftsh  /,/««.— Dissolve  paraffine  in  naphtha  or  benzine ;  also,  boil 


THE  ART  OF  FLY  FISHING.  587 

linseed  oil  by  a  process  that  will  neutralize  or  destroy  the  gelatine  which  all  oil 
contains  a  small  portion  of,  atid  whicli  unless  removed  will  leave  the  lines  stiff  and 
hard,  which  is  of  course  to  be  avoided.  J.  Babcock,  31  Magazine  street,  Cam- 
bridge]>ort,  Mass.,  prepares  lines  in  this  way.  C.  Tappan,  of  Greenwood,  Mass., 
uses  the  first  process. 

Ta  Color  Fish  Lines. — Soak  them  in  green  tea,  coffee  or  a  solution  of  indigo. 
Warm  fluids  preferred. 

'J'o  Keep  Trout  Fresh. — Trout  carefully  dressed  may  be  preserved  several  days 
fresh  and  sweet  without  ice  or  salt,  by  wrapping  them  in  the  long  white  moss  found 
in  the  swamps  in  the  vicinity  of  lakes  and  streams  where  trout  are  caught,  and 
placing  them  in  a  cool  shady  place  ;  a  hole  in  the  ground  covered  over  with  a  foot 
or  more  of  earth  is  a  good  place. 

To  Preserve  Fish. — Ta/ve  your  fish  and  split  it  open  (!f  large,  say  three  pounds 
and  upwards,  on  the  back) ;  wipe  it  clean,  but  don't  wash  it ;  lay  it  in  your  keg  or 
barrel,  skin  down,  then  sprinkle  over  each  layer  of  fish  a  mixture  composed  of  one- 
half  salt  and  one-half  Muscovado  sugar,  putting  on  about  one-half  the  quantity 
usually  used  in  salting  fish.  On  arrival  home  repack,  using  a  very  small  quantity 
of  the  same  mixture.  They  do  not  get  so  salt  as  to  require  freshening  before  cook- 
ing, merely  requiring  rinsing  in  fresh  water  ;  neither  do  they  lose  their  flavor,  nor 
become  dry,  as  trout  always  do  when  salted  in  the  usual  way.  They  can  be  kept 
for  three  months. 

Lotions  and  Preventives  for  Mosquito  Bites. — Olive  oil,  two  ounces  ;  camphor 
two  drachms  ;  carbolic  acid,  one  drachm  ;  acetic,  one-ltalf  drachm  ;  oil  cedar  one 
drachm  ;  oil  pennyroyal,  one  drachm.     Mix. 

3.  Oil  of  pennyroyal,  four  ounces  ;  olive  oil,  eight  ounces  ;  tar,  two  ounces. 

3.  Camphor  dissolved  in  sweet  oil,  adding  one-eighth  part  of  glycerine  oil  to  the 
mixture  is  as  good  a  protection  against  flies  as  the  tar  and  oil,  and  much  more 
cleanly. 

4.  Essence  oil  verbena,  one  drachm  ;  cologne  spirits,  not  cologne  water,  ninety- 
five  per  cent.,  one  pint ;  mix  and  agit^  .e  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  add  distilled 
water  four  ounces,  and  filter.     Bath'j  the  face,  neck  and  hands  well. 

5.  Use  carbolic  acid  soap. 

due. — Glue  is  prepared  for  use  by  a  gentle  heat  in  a  water  bath  ;  when  thus 
prepared  it  may  l»e  kept  in  a  liquid  state  by  the  addition  of  a  fluid  ounce  of  strong 
nitric  acid  for  every  pound  of  dry  glue.  Or  take  the  dry  glue  and  add  three  times 
as  much  commercial  acid  :  this  will  dissolve  the  glue  without  the  hot  bath.  The 
ordinary  "  prepared  glue  "  which  is  kept  in  an  imputrescible  liquid  state,  is  com- 
posed of  six  parts  glue,  sixteen  parts  water,  one  part  hydrochloric  acid,  and  one- 
half  part  of  sulphate  of  zinc. 


THE  ART  OF  FLY-MAKING. 

BY  THADDEUS   NORRIS,  ESQ. 

If  the  lea...er's  fingers  are  delicate  and  he  has  good  use  of  them, 
it  is  better  to  dispense  with  some  of  the  mechanical  appliances 
used  ;  but  for  one  whose  digits  are  clumsy  or  who  lacks  a  free  use. 
of  them,  I  would  recommend  a  vise  for  holding  the  hook,  and  £^ 


588  OCEAN,   LAKE,   AND  RIVER. 

spring  plier,  or  as  some  term  it  a  pair  of  pliers,  for  holding  the  end 
of  a  thread  or  hackle,  and  conveniently  used  for  wrapping  the  lat- 
ter on  the  hook.  As  to  the  materials,  I  will  enumerate  nearly  ail 
that  I  use  myself,  and  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  applied  to  the 
hooks. 

Wrapping  Silk. — The  finer,  if  strong,  the  better  ;  and  although 
the  color  should  in  some  degree  correspond  to  the  other  material 
used,  this  is  not  of  much  consequence,  as  it  is  only  seen  in  the  few 
slight  wrappings  at  the  head  of  the  fly. 

Wax. — Do  not  use  "  cobbler's  "  wax.  Take  one  ounce  of  the 
clearest  and  lightest  rosin  you  can  procure,  one  drachm  of  gutta 
percha,  and  one  teaspoonful  of  linseed  oil — the  crude,  not  the  boiled 
— put  them  in  a  teacup  (1  use  the  lower  part  of  a  discarded  tin 
blacking  box),  heat  them,  stirring  with  a  little  stick  the  meanwhile 
to  have  them  thoroughly  amalgamated,  and  then  pour  the  hot  com- 
pound into  a  bowl  of  cold  water.  As  soon  as  it  has  cooled  suffi- 
ciently, work  and  pull  it,  much  as  girls  pull  "  taffy ;  "  this  makes  it 
light  colored  and  tough.  If  the  gutta  percha  cannot  be  easily  ob- 
tained it  may  be  omitted,  but  it  adds  to  the  toughness.  To  make 
the  wax  softer  for  cold  weather,  add  a  few  drops  of  oil.  To  make 
it  harder  for  warin  weather,  add,  as  you  require,  a  little  more 
rosin. 

Hooks. — There  is  much  difference  of  opinion  as  to  their  proper 
shape  for  flies.  Conroy  declares  for  the  O'Shaughnessy  ;  /.  c,  the 
improved  Limerick.  I  coincide  with  Conroy.  *  The  point  of  the 
barb  of  the  O'Shaughnessy  has  an  outward  projection.  It  is  what 
is  called  a  hollow  point,  and  the  chances  of  hooking  the  fish  are 
thereby  increased.  The  Kirby,  the  hooking  quality  of  which  is 
superior  to  all  others,  it  short  shanked,  may  be  used  for  palmers 
and  hackles,  but  for  winged  flies  the  sideward  incHnation  of  the 
point  would  give  the  wings  of  the  fly  "  a  list  "  to  one  side,  and  pre- 
vent its  floating  on  an  "even  keel." 

Gut — Should  be  fine  for  stretcher,  and  stout  for  drop  flies  ;  for 
the  latter  using  a  half  length.  If  the  droppers  are  intended  to  be 
looped  to  the  leader,  the  loops  should  be  tied  in  each  end  of  the 
length  after  soaking  the  gut,  the  projecting  end  pulled  tight  and 
cut  off  close,  and  then  the  length  divided  into  two.  For  my  own 
use,  and  for  my  customers,  I  prefer  gut  dyed  a  neutral  tint,  which 


/" 


THE  ART  OF  FLY-MAKING.  -  589 

is  between  a  blue  and  lead  color.  It  is  done  as  follows  :— ^Throw 
your  hank  of  gut  into  a  basin  of  cold  water,  and  while  it  is  soaking 
put  into  a  small  vessel — tin  will  answer — a  pint  and  a  half  of 
water  with  one  drachm  of  ground  logwood  and  six  grains  of  cop- 
peras. After  it  has  commenced  boiling  let  it  bubble  for  ten  min- 
utes longer  ;  then,  dashing  the  water  from  the  gut,  throw  it  in  and 
press  it  down  with  a  small  stick.  In  thirty  seconds  or  so  lift  it  to 
see  the  depth  of  tint,  and  continue  to  examine  and  immerse  it 
until  it  suits  your  fancy.  A  light  tint  I  consider  preferable.  Some 
persons  think  that  the  dye  affects  the  strength  of  the  gut.  This  is 
not  the  case,  unless  there  is  too  much  copperas ;  much  more  than 
I  have  prescribed. 

Tinsel. — Gold  or  silver,  as  it  is  called,  but  really  "  Dutch 
metal,"  whether  round  or  flat,  is  kept  by  variety  or  military  stores, 
or  the  country  reader  can  obtain  the  fiat  from  some  dealer  in  Irish 
linens,  as  it  is  frequently  used,  ornamentally  in  putting  them  up. 
jj  Dubbing. — The  materials,  and  they  are  many,  of  which  the 
bodies  of  flies  are  wrapped  are,  first,  and  most  important,  peacock 
bed,  or  "harl,"as  some  persons  call  it — the  little  plumelets  or  fibres 
growing  on  each  side  of  the  tail  feathers  of  the  peacock.  The  cop- 
per colored  for  nine  flies  out  of  ten  is  preferable  ;  the  green  is 
used  for  fancy  flies.  The  next  is  mohair,  or  the  ravellings  of  a  fabric 
called  "  moreen,"  or  pig's  wool,  growing  on  certain  parts  of  the 
animal  beneath  the  bristles,  or  seal's  wool,  the  most  brilliant  of  all 
— all  of  which  can  be  dyed  of  many  colors  ;  or  the  fur  of  a  rabbit, 
squirrel,  monkey,  or  other  animal.  Add  to  these  wrapping  floss 
silk,  and  the  list,  I  believe,  is  complete. 

Hackles. — The  hackle  is  intended  to  represent  the  legs  of  a 
winged  fly,  or  without  the  wings  some  imaginar)'  caterpillar  insect, 
which  trout  take  for  a  reality.  There  are  saddle  and  neck  hackles. 
The  former  are  the  long  streamers  growing  on  each  side  of  a 
cock's  rump,  the  latter  are  plucked  from  the  back  of  the  neck — • 
the  closer  to  the  head  the  shorter  the  hackles  and  stiffer  the  fibres. 
Having  stouter  stems  than  the  saddle  hackles,  they  are  less  apt  to 
break  in  winding  on.  The  older  the  cock  the  stiffer  the  fibres  ; 
but  as  old  cocks  are  not  always  obtainable,  I  avail  myself  of  the 
good  terms  I  am  op  with  several  poultry  dealers  to  pluck  the  heads 
and  necks  of  their  capons.     Natural  hackles  are  more  generally 


590  OCEAN,  LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 

used  in  tying  trout  flies  than  others.  Then  there  are  those,  the 
fibres  of  which  are  red  at  the  stem,  or  say  at  the  roots,  and  black 
on  the  outer  edges  of  the  feather,  and  frequently  black  at  the  stem 
and  red  at  the  outer  edges  ;  both  of  which  are  called  furnace  hackles. 
There  are  also  light  yellowish  red,  termed  "ginger  hackles." 
Black  hackles  are  essential  in  tying  dark  flies.  Grey  are  used  in 
tying  dun  colored  flies  when  dun  hackles,  which  are  very  scarce, 
are  not  to  be  had.  Add  to  these  the  ginger  barred  and  black 
barred  on  a  white  ground,  and  we  have  most  of  the  natural  or  un- 
dyed  colors.  But  hold,  there  are  a  few  more,  the  feathers  from 
the  wren's  tail,  from  the  ruff  of  the  grouse,  from  the  partridge  and 
snipe,  and  the  short  spotted  feathers  of  the  guinea  fowl  are  occa- 
sionally used,  but  they  are  soft  of  fibre  and  poor  substitutes  for 
cocks'  hackles. 

Wings. — The  feathers  of  which  the  wings  of  flies  are  made, 
are  numerous.  Those  of  the  mallard,  teal,  red-neck,  sheldrake, 
wood-duck,  and  other  wild  fowl  correspond  in  position  to  the  sad- 
dle hackles  of  the  cock,  and  are,  I  think,  what  ornithologists  term 
*'  tail  coverts,"  Few  others,  except  the  secondary  wing  feathers 
of  the  red-neck,  canvas-back  and  teal,  are  used.  The  tail  coverts 
of  ducks  are  difficult  of  manipulation  on  account  of  their  extreme 
delicacy  and  lightness.  Of  all  feathers  from  the  wings  of  birds  or 
domestic  fowls  the  secondary  only  are  good  ;  the  pinions  are 
worthless.  If  a  man's  arms  were  wings  the  pinions  would  be 
found  growing  from  the  wrist  to  the  tips  of  the  feathers,  the  sec- 
ondaries from  the  elbow  to  the  wrist.  I  hope  this  will  explain 
their  true  position,  for  if  one  asks  his  friend  in  the  "  rural  districts  " 
to  get  him  the  feathers  of  a  certain  fowl,  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten 
he  will  be  presented  with  any  other  than  the  right  ones.  The 
great  variety  of  plumage  in  domestic  fowls,  produced  by  crossing 
and  interbreeding,  has  furnished  some  feathers  invaluable  to  the 
fly-maker,  especially  to  the  beginner  ;  these  are  in  nearly  every 
case  the  secondaries  of  hens.  They  are  much  easier  of  manipu- 
lation than  the  tail  coverts  of  wild  ducks  or  the  short  fibred  wing 
feathers  of  birds,  and  in  all  cases  should  be  used  instead  by  the 
tyro  when  he  can  get  them  near  the  shade  or  markings  of  any 
duck's  feathers  he  may  admire.  The  Earl  Derby,  the  dark  brah- 
mas,  and  most  of  the  various  crossings  producing  so  many  shades 


THE  ART  OF  FLY-MAKING.  $9 1 

of  brown  and  mixed  colors  furnish  them.  White  secondaries  are 
used  for  the  wings  of  the  moth  fly  or  white  miller,  as  also  for  the 
,  coachman.  Dun  feathers  arc  almost  as  difficult  to  procure  as  dun 
hackles.  When  one  is  fortunate  enough,  therefore,  to  obtain  them 
in  excess  of  his  own  wants  he  should  garner  them  up  for  the 
needy  ;  for  fly-makers  are  great  beggars.  Red  ibis  of  course  will 
be  seized  on,  as  well  as  the  crest,  ruff,  back  and  breast  feathers  of 
the  golden  pheasant.  Turkey,  the  secondary  and  tertiary,  as  well 
as  the  tail  feathers,  also  come  into  play  ;  so  also  do  some  of  the 
wing  feathers  of  the  wild  goose.  English  blue  jay,  guinea  fowl, 
macaw  and  parrot,  and  golden  pheasant  are  used  almost  entirely 
in  tying  salmon  flies. 

Let  me  imagine,  my  reader,  that  you  have  taken  a  seat  by  my 
side  at  the  table  where  I  tie  my  flies.  Before  us  are  two  paper 
boxes,  each  about  sixteen  inches  long,  four  deep,  and  five  wide. 
On  removing  the  top  the  sides  lowards  us  fall  by  little  muslin 
hinges,  on  the  table.  The  boxes  are  divided  by  little  pasteboard 
uprights,  each  into  five  apartments  of  equal  width.  In  the  first 
apartment  of  the  box  on  our  left,  are  bits  of  feather  used  for  the 
tails  of  flies,  viz.,  the  tail  coverts  of  the  mallard,  teal,  sheldrake, 
and  wood-duck  ;  feathers  from  the  crest,  ruff,  back,  and  breast  of 
the  golden  pheasant;  red  ibis,  parrot,  macaw,  and  a  few  dyed 
feathers.  The  second,  third,  and  fourth  apartments  are  for  the 
feathers  for  wings,  described  in  my  first  cast,  and  the  fifth  con- 
tains my  hackles.  These  feathers  are  neatly  folded  in  slips  of 
paper  and  placed  in  large  sized  envelopes,  which  have  the  names 
written  at  the  top  of  the  back.  They  sit  edgewise  in  the  box, 
with  the  inscriptions  all  facing  the  same  way,  so  that  by  passing 
my  fingers  over  them,  I  can  easily  find  the  feathers  I  am  about  to 
use.  The  box  to  my  right  contains,  each  in  its  proper  apartment, 
hooks  in  little  boxes,  the  size  marked  on  top  and  bottom,  hand 
vise,  spring  pliers,  picker,  wax,  a  pair  of  sharp  scissors,  three  and 
a  quarter  inches  long,  with  blades  an  inch  long  and  one-quarter 
inch  wide,  a  small  flat  piece  of  India  rubber  for  straightening  gut,, 
wrapping  silk  of  various  colors  and  degrees  of  fineness,  floss  silk, 
peacock  and  ostrich  herl,  and  the  different  kinds  of  dubbing  as 
enumerated  previously.  I  do  not  imply  by  the  foregoing  that  so 
methodical  an  arrangement  is  necessary  for  an  amateur,  but 
something  of  the  kind  would  prevent  confusion. 


592 


OCEAN,  LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 


Suppose  first,  we  tie  the  simplest  hackle,  say  a  ginger  on  a 
No.  6  hook.  If  you  use  the  vise,  fasten  the  hook  between  the 
jaws,  then  take  a  piece  of  wrapping  silk  of  the  required  length,  say 
a  foot  or  fourteen  inches,  and  rolling  a  mite  of  wax  as  large  as  a 
BB  shot  between  the  fore-finger  and  thumb,  draw  the  silk  through 


twice.  With  the  hook  in  the  position  shown  on  the  annexed  illus- 
tration, whether  held  by  vise  or  between  the  thumb  and  fore-finger 
of  the  left  hand,  take  five  or  six  turns  around  the  shank  of  the 
hook,  as  shown  in  figure  i.  Then,  laying  on  the  gut,  commence 
quite  close  to  the  head  and  wrap  down  to  A,  figure  2.  Here, 
with  three  turns  of  your  wrapping  silk,  fasten  in  the  floss,  A  B, 


THE  ART  OF  FLY-MAKING.  593 

and  laying  the  wrapping  silk  along  the  shank,  tuck  it  in  between 
the  gut  and  the  head  of  the  hook,  and  throw  a  few  loose  coils 
around  the  gut  to  keep  it  out  of  the  way.  Now  wind  on  your  floss 
as  far  as  C,  figure  3,  increasing  the  bulk  of  the  body  somewhat  as 
you  proceed ;  then  throw  the  loose  coils  of  wrapping  silk  free  from 
the  gut,  and  take  three  turns  over  the  floss  and  clip  off  the  end. 
You  next  take  your  ginger  hackle,  about  the  length  figured,  and 
stroking  back  a  few  fibres  at  the  point  and  clipping  off  the  end, 
lay  it  against  the  hook  and  fasten  in  with  four  or  five  turns  and 
wrapping  up  to  within  a  sixteenth  of  an  inch  or  so  of  the  head, 
throw  a  few  loose  coils  around  the  gut  as  before.  Now  wrap  on 
your  hackle  closely,  pressing  back  the  fibres  as  you  go  to  avoid 
overlapping  them.  On  getting  as  near  the  head  of  the  hook  as 
shown  in  the  illustration,  fasten  the  hackle  with  two  or  three 
turns,  clip  off  the  ends  and  throwing  the  wrapping  into  coil  D  F 
D,  seize  it  at  F  and  take  as  many  turns  as  will  come  to  the  very 
end  of  the  shank.  Now  reversing  the  turns,  with  the  gut  through 
the  coil,  you  draw  on  the  end  D  until  the  wrapping  forming  the 
coil  is  drawn  tight.  Your  fly  now,  after  clipping  off  the  surplus, 
is  complete,  needing  only  a  touch  of  copal  varnish,  with  a  small 
camel's  hair  brush,  at  the  head  to  make  it  secure. 

"  Let  me  tell  you,  scholar,"  as  Father  Izaac  so  frequently  re- 
marked to  his  pupil  Venator,  the  tying  of  this  simple  hackle  is  the 
all-important  rudiment  of  the  art.  If  you  learn  to  make  it  neatly 
all  else  will  become  "just  as  natural  as  falling  off  a  log."  But  let 
us  tie  another  hackle  and  beautify  the  lower  part  of  the  body  v/ith 
a  little  tinsel.  So  we  go  back  to  figure  2  and  suppose  A  B  a  strip 
of  flat  gold  tinsel  v\  hich  we  have  fastened  with  three  turns  of  the 
wrapping  and  thrown  the  latter  in  a  few  loose  coils  around  the 
gut.  We  take  three  turns  of  the  tinsel,  perhaps  four,  or  even  five 
if  the  hook  is  large,  down  the  shank  closely,  so  as  to  hide  the  hook, 
and  then  as  many  turns  back,  and  after  fastening  with  two  or 
three  turns  of  the  wrapping  cut  off  the  end  of  the  tinsel.  We  will 
vary  the  body  of  this  hackle  by  having  it  of  peacock's  herl.  We 
accordingly  take  four  or  five  herls  between  the  thumb  and  finger 
of  the  left  hand  and  clipping  them  off  evenly,  lay  them  on  where 
you  have  just  clipped  off  the  tinsel,  and  take  two  or  three  turns  over 
the  ends  which  project  toward  the  head  of  the  hook.     Now  laying 


594  OCEAN^  LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 

your  wrapping  silk  along  the  herls  you  twist  both  herls  and  wrap- 
ping silk  slightly,  winding  in  the  meanwhile  as  far  up  the  shank 
of  the  hook  as  you  intend  the  body  to  extend,  then  fastening  in 
your  hackle  you  proceed  as  already  described. 

Fur,  mohair,  pig's  wool  and  seal's  wool  are  spun  on  in  the  same 
way.  A  ravelling  of  any  fabric,  for  instance,  moreen,  may  be  fas- 
tened and  wound  on  as  floss  silk.  In  making  a  very  large  body 
to  a  fly  it  is  a  matter  of  economy  when  using  floss  silk,  to  wrap 
first  with  darning  cotton,  or  similar  material.  It  matters  but  little 
as  to  the  color,  as  the  floss  covers  it. 

To  make  a  palmer  hackle  proceed  as  instructed  as  far  as  A, 
figure  2 ;  and  after  putting  on  the  tinsel,  if  it  is  required,  fasten  in 
the  tip  end  of  the  hackle,  then  the  material  of  which  the  body  is 
composed.  Now  you  have  tinsel,  hackle,  and  dubbing  tied  in,  and 
the  rule  is  that  the  material  fastened  in  last  is  wound  on  Prst,  so 
you  wind  on  your  dubbing,  fasten  it  a  little  below  the  head  of  the 
hook,  and  then  taking  three,  four  or  "ive  turns  of  the  tinsel  in  the 
same  direction,  you  fasten  it  also.  Now  you  wind  on  your  hackle 
just  behind  and  close  to  the  tinsel,  and  as  you  get  near  the  head 
of  the  hook  disregard  the  tinsel  and  take  a  few  close  turns  of  the 
hackle,  fastening  it,  clipping  it  off"  and  finishing  as  already  directed. 
In  a  palmer  the  fibres  of  the  hackle  should  stand  out  much  thicker 
at  the  shoulders  and  head  of  the  fly  than  along  the  body. 

I  hope  the  reader  will  understand  the  directions  I  have  given 
for  tying  hackles  and  palmers,  for  they  are  pertinent,  as  far  as  they 
go,  to  making  winged  flies. 

The  most  celebrated  fly  makers  use  only  their  fingers,  but  a 
small  hand,  or  as  some  call  it  a  pin  vise,  is  exceedingly  convenient 
when  one  wishes  to  lay  down  his  work  for  a  while.  By  twirling  it 
with  the  left  hand  and  holding  the  material  with  the  right  you  can 
wind  on  the  most  delicate  floss  without  soiling  it  with  wax,  which 
it  is  almost  impossible  to  have  your  fingers  entirely  free  from.  In 
fact  it  is  necessary  sometimes  to  dissolve  whatever  of  it  adheres  to 
the  fingers  with  a  little  oil  and  then  wash  your  hands  with  soap 
and  water  to  get  rid  of  the  oil. 

A  certain  school  of  fly-makers  tie  on  the  wings,  or  more  prop- 
erly the  wing,  last  of  all,  and  in  making  an  elaborate  fly  it  is  the 
proper  way,  but  in  ordinary  trout  flies,  as  I  shall  presently  show, 


THE   ART  OF  FLY-MAKING. 


595 


the  wing  should  be  put  on  immediately  after  wrapping  on  the  gut. 
Some  old-fashioned  makers  maintain  that  a  pair  of  wings  should 
be  put  on,  each  one  separately.  This  is  certainly  unnecessary,  for 
most  of  the  natural  flies  we  observe  on  the  water,  if  alive,  have 
their  wings  folded  together,  appearing  as  one.  Especially  is  this 
the  case  with  the  Ephemeridas,  which  are  most  numerous. 


\:   -Vlf'l 


f  't-r''  \-'V)*^*3. 


y'»  ■  .'\*.':t/::X'  ?iT 


Let  me  ask  the  reader  to  cast  his  eye  on  the  plate  above.     He 
•'  will  observe  that  the  fibres  incline  towards  the  top  end  of  the 
feather.     Now  each  of  these,  on  the  sides  where  they  come  in  con- 
tact, if  examined  with  a  microscope,  will  be  found  to  contain  a 
regular  series  of  little  hooks,  if  I  may  so  call  them,  forming  a  con- 


596  OCEAN,   LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 

nection  or  interlocking  with  a  similar  series  on  the  adjoining  fibre. 
On  this  interlocking  of  the  fibres,  with  the  arrangement  of  the 
feathers,  and  the  oiling  which  the  bird  gives  them,  depends  its 
ability  to  shed  water  as  from  the  roof  of  a  house,  and  a  duck  to 
swim  and  dive  and  still  remain  dry.  If  you  cut  out  a  section  (fig- 
ure 2),  and,  doubling  it,  form  figure  3,  the  fibres  at  the  outer  end 
of  your  wing  will  be  of  an  unequal  length  and  require  pinching  or 
clipping  off  of  the  ends  after  it  is  tied  on.  You  will  therefore, 
holding  the  stem  of  the  feather  in  your  left  hand,  stroke  back  the 
fibres  gently  and  gradually,  forcing  the  little  hooks  to  lose  the 
original  connection  with  their  fellows  on  the  adjoining  fibres  and 
form  others  until  you  get  them  to  stand  out  at  right  angles  with 
the  stem.  After  forcing  as  many  back  as  will  form  your  wing, 
clip  them  off  with  your  scissors  and  double  them  with  the  under 
side  of  the  feather  inward,  your  one  wing,  representing  a  pair  of 
wings,  is  ready  to  tie  on. 

Holding  the  smoothly  folded  mass  of  fibres  together  between 
the  thumb  and  fore-finger  of  your  right  hand,  lay  it  on  the  back  of 
the  hook,  the  ends  of  the  fibres  extending  as  far  back  as  you  pro- 
pose to  have  the  length  of  the  wing,  pressing  it  down  firmly ; 
then  bring  the  fore-finger  and  thumb  of  your  left  hand  into  aotion, 
and  releasing  the  hold  with  your  right  take  two  or  three  turns  of 
your  wrapping  silk ;  look  to  see  if  it  sits  right,  and  then  with  one 
or  two  more  wrappings,  close  and  neat,  you  fasten  off  with  the 
invisible  knot,  as  described  in  finishing  a  hackle ;  and  so  your  fly 
is  complete.  ,  ■-  '* 

The  foregoing  is  the  English  mode  ;  but  let  me  describe 
another,  and,  I  think,  more  secure  way  of  putting  on  the  wings  of 
trout  flies.  I  think  it  originated  in  Ireland.  It  is  now  generally 
adopted  in  this  country.  Holding  the  hook  as  already  described, 
take  four  or  five  turns  of  the  wrappiftg  silk,  about  two-thirds  of 
the  way  up  from  the  bend  to  the  head,  then  laying  on  the  gut  con- 
tinue wrapping,  but  closely,  leaving  just  enough  of  the  nook  to 
fasten  and  finish  off;  lay  on  the  wing,  the  convex  edge  beneath, 
and  the  end  in  the  reverse  direction,  i.  e.  outward  along  the  bare 
gut,  then,  holding  the  wing  firmly  in  position,  take  two  or  three 
turns  of  the  wrapping,  being  careful  that  the  wing  does  not  turn 
over  towards  the  opposite  side  of  the  hook,  look  at  it  to  see  that  it 


THE  ART  OF  FLY-MAKING.  597 

sits  properly  ;  continue  clown  the  shank  with  a  half  dozen  or  more 
turns,  and  then  clip  off  the  root  ends  of  the  fibres,  which  of  course 
are  pointing  towards  the  bend  of  the  hook.  Your  wing  is  now 
secure,  with  the  point  or  end  reversed.  Continue  wrapping  over 
gut  and  hook  until  you  come  opposite  the  point  of  the  latter  ;  then 
put  on  your  tinsel,  clipping  off  the  surplus  end,  then  your  dubbing, 
extending  it  well  up  towards  the  head,  and  leaving  the  space  to  be 
occupied  by  the  hackle  about  half  as  much  as  that  so  occupied 
when  tying  a  fly  without  wings.  Here  you  fasten  in  the  hackle 
firmly,  winding  it  on  up  to  the  point  where  you  commenced  tying 
on  the  wing  ;  secure  the  end  of  the  hackle  with  three  turns  of  your 
wrapping,  clipping  off  the  surplus  end,  then  double  back  the  wing 
into  its  intended  position,  take  two  or  three  turns  over  the  head  or 
but  end,  and  finish  off  with  the  invisible  knot,  as  previously 
described. 

A  quicker  way  of  putting  on  the  wings  is,  after  stroking  back 
the  fibres,  and  bringing  them  at  right  angles  to  the  stem  of  the 
feather,  to  double  them  into  the  shape  of  the  wing,  and  then,  with 
a  quick  jerk,  pluck  it  by  the  roots  from  the  stem.  The  wing  is 
then  laid  on,  and  the  tly  proceeded  with  as  just  described.  The 
wing  should  extend  backward  just  so  lar  that  the  tip  of  it  comes 
immediately  over  the  bend  of  the  hook.  The  fibres  of  the  hackle 
should  hardly  be  long  enough  to  reach  the  same  place,  and  the 
hackle  itself  should  not  be  more  than  two-thirds  the  length  of  stem 
required  for  a  hackle  or  palmer  fly. 

One  would  suppose,  before  he  tried  it,  that  the  wing  cut  or 
torn  from  the  stem,  as  described,  would  be  square  at  the  tip  end 
when  tied  on.  A  trial  will  prove  that  the  end  will  be  oval  or 
elliptical,  resembling  the  wings  of  a  natural  fly.  The  learner,  of 
course,  will  find  that  in  tying  back  the  wing,  if  the  turns  of  the 
wrapping  silk  are  too  near  the  but  end  of  the  head,  the  wing  will 
sit  too  perpendicularly,  and  that  if  the  turns  of  the  wrapping  are 
too  far  back  it  will  sit  too  close  to  the  body.  The  body  in  a  well 
proportioned  fly  extends  rather  beyond,  opposite  the  point  of  the 
hook.  If. the  wing  is  too  long  it  should  be  shortened  by  a  vigor- 
ous pinch  of  the  thumb  nail  and  fore-finger. 

I  had  forgotten  to  mention  that  in  making  a  body  of  mohair,  fur, 
or  pig's  wool,  the  requisite  quantity,  after  a  little  pulling,  is  placed 


598  OCEAN,   LAKE,   AND  RIVER. 

in  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  and  rolled  into  the  shape  of  on  oblong 
cone.  The  smaller  end  is  then  applied  to  the  lower  end  of  the 
body,  and  twisting  or  spinning  it  in  with  the  wrapping  silk  it  is 
wound  up  the  body,  which  is  to  be  increased  in  bulk  as  you  near 
the  space  intended  for  the  hackle.  The  wild  hairs  of  the  dubbing 
should  be  clipped  off,  so  also  should  awry  fibre  of  the  hackle  after 
winding  on.  The  picker  (a  darning  needle,  stuck  head  in  into  a 
small  cork  will  answer  for  this  little  implement),  when  required,  is 
brought  into  requisition  in  arranging  and  straightening  the  irregular 
fibres  after  winchng  on  the  hackle. 

The  mode  of  clipping  off  the  but  ends  of  the  wing  as  close  up  to 
the  head  of  the  fly  as  I  have  described,  answers  in  most  cases,  for 
instance  for  a  herl,  or  mohair,  or  fur  body,  but  when  we  intend  to 
make  a  floss  body  the  surplus  part  of  the  wing  should  be  clipped 
off  in  a  direction  slanting  towards  the  bend  of  the  hook  ;  so  that  in 
wrapping  over  it  with  the  floss  the  body  will  taper,  handsomely  in- 
creasing in  bulk  as  it  nears  the  place  where  you  intend  to  fasten  in 
the  hackle.  In  tying  flies  one  becomes  appreciative  of  the  minute- 
ness of  spaces,  and  in  putting  on  tinsel,  or  in  the  length  of  the 
body,  or  in  finishing  oil  at  the  head  as  much  as  may  be  occupied 
by  one  or  two  turns  of  the  finest  wrapping  silk,  is  easily  judged  of. 

Tails, — In  putting  on  this  little  "caudal  appendage,"  as  Mr. 
Sparrowgrass  would  have  termed  it,  much  nicety  is  to  be  obsen'ed. 
Of  course  it  is  placed  precisely  on  top  of  the  hook,  the  fibres  of 
leathers  of  which  it  is  composed  should  curve  upward  and  sit 
gracefully.  If  it  be  a  plain  body,  as  in  the  fly,  called  the  hare's 
ear,  it  is  tied  in  on  completing  the  wrapping  on  of  the  gut.  If  tin- 
sel ornaments  the  end  of  ihe  body,  it  should  be  put  on  first,  and 
then  the  tail.  If  the  body  is  intended  to  be  wrapped  with  tinsel,  it 
should  hang  loose  while  putting  on  the  tail  and  then  wound  spi- 
rally over  the  dubbing  with  two,  three,  four,  or  five  lurns,  as  the 
case  may  be. 

Repeating  in  part  the  directions  already  given  for  the  bodies 
of  the  flies,  let  me  remind  the  learner  that  the  material  fastened  in 
last  is  wrapped  on  first.  Suppose  for  instance  you  wish  to  make  a 
winged  fly  with  a  palmer  body :  After  the  tail  is  on,  tie  in  the  end 
of  the  hackle,  and  \\\^Xi— firstly,  wrap  on  the  dubbing ;  secondly,  the 
tinsel ;  thirdly,  the  hackle,  following  close  behind  the  turns  of  the 


THE  ART  OF  FLY-MAKING.  599 

tinsel ;  and  it  makes  a  better  looking  fly  to  wrap  the  hackle  much 
more  closely  on  getting  up  under  the  wings ;  making  it  a  little 
more  "buz"  as  it  is  frequently  termed.  A  tly  is  said  to  be  buz 
when  the  hackle  is  wrapped  on  thick  and  it  looks  "  bushy  "  as 
we  Americans  would  term  it. 

Some  makers  use  two  or  three  half-hitches  in  finishing  off  at 
the  head.  The  invisible  knot  is  as  easily  tied  and  much  more 
secure.  ,.  ;..  (<  ■ .    <    •  • 

Let  me  describe  as  briefly  and  as  plainly  as  I  can  the  proper 
mode  of  using  a  pair  of  scissors.  They  should  be  such  as  I  have 
described.  Do  not  put  your  finger  and  thumb  into  the  bows  or 
oval  openings,  but  lay  that  part  of  the  implement  in  the.|)alm  of 
your  hand  and  with  the  thumb  and  fingers  work  the  blades,  A 
little  practice  in  this  way  will  enable  one  to  pick  out  and  chp  off  a 
single  fibre  of  the  hackle  or  wing  with  great  nicety.  : 

I  now  introduce  a  plate  of  four  salmon  flies,  (three  of  them 
copied  fcom  Blacker's  "Book  of  the  Salmon,")  in  order  to  show 
what  are  "  feelers,"  and  "  toppings,"  and  "  loops,"  and  "  heads  and 
shoulders,"  and  "  tags"  and  so  on.  We  scarcely  ever  use  a  more 
elaborate  salmon  fly  than  the  second,  for  the  waters  of  the  Domin- 
ion, and  a  Shannon  fly  or  one  of  Whitney's  flies  tied  for  the  Maine 
waters,  the  "  Toodlebug,"  for  instance,  or  one  of  my  own  mixed 
wings  made  for  the  same  waters,  unless  the  river  was  very  high, 
would  scare  all  the  Nipisiquit  or  Cascapediac  or  Restigouche  sal- 
mon out  of  a  pool.  A  knowledge  of  the  technical  names  of  the 
minor  appurtenances  of  a  salmon  fly  is  not  essential  to  one  who 
plies  his  seventeen  foot  withe,  or  scarcely  to  one  who  makes  his 
own  flies  for  American  rivers,  but  to  be  thorough  we  must  name 
all  the  little  adjuncts  and  accessories. 

I  will  therefore  call  the  reader's  close  attention  to  the  third  fig- 
ure. The  tail  is  what  is  usually  called  a  "  topping,"  z.  e.  feather 
from  the  crest  of  the  golden  pheasant.  The  body  is  wrapped  with 
floss  silk,  ribbed  with  gold  twist,  z.  e.  stout  gold  thread,  which  is 
followed  by  a  hackle  almost  to  the  head  where,  as  will  be  observed, 
another  feather  is  tied  on,  a  blue  jay,  for  what  is  termed  a  "  shoul- 
der." There  is  a  mixed  wing  of  golden  pheasj^nt  neck,  teal,  guinea 
hen,  and  light  brown  turkey,  with  a  topping  much  longer  than  the 
tail  surmounting  the  wing.     The  head  is  of  black  ostrich  herl. 


6oo 


OCEAN,   LAKE,   AND  RIVER. 


wound  on  closely,  both  for  ornament  and  to  hide  the  but  end  of 
the  wing  where  it  is  clipped  off.     Referring  to  the  fourth  figure,  a 


.'-I     tL-fJ 


"  t^&"  just  at  the  Hut  of  the  tail.  A  tag  may  be  of  ostrich  herl, 
or  pig's  or  seal's  wool,  or  floss.  The  "  feelers  "  which  by  a  great 
stretch  of  imagination  are  supposed  to  represent  the  antennae  of  a 


.1  .-.         -        - 

THE  ART  OF  FLY-MAKING.  '         6oi 

natural  fly — are  the  two  long  fibres  of  macaw  tail  feather  tied  in  on 
each  side  of  the  head  and  extending  back  over  the  wings ;  and  an- 
other stretch  of  imagination  is  to  suppose  that  a  natural  fly  carries 
them  thus.  The  third  or  fourth  fly  figured  is  much  too  large  for 
the  rivers  of  Canada  at  an  ordinary  stage  of  water.  The  third 
might  do  on  very  high  water  after  it  has  gone  down  just  enough 
for  the  fish  to  commence  noticing  a  fly. 

The  second  figure  is  a  very  plain  fly,  the  "  blue  and  brown,"  or 
"  Nicholson,"  named  after  an  old  salmon  fisher,  "  a  broth  of  a  boy," 
of  St.  Johns,  New  Brunswick.  There  are  a  few  turns  of  flat  gold 
tinsel,  or  gold  twist,  dien  a  tail  of  mallard  and  golden  pheasant's 
ruff;  the  body  of  reddish  brown  seal's  or  pig's  wool,  wrapped  with 
a  blue  and  reddish  brown  hackle  ;  the  wings  are  of  mallard,  and, 
according  to  Mr.  Nicholson's  style  of  tying,  stand  well  up.  The 
size  of  the  hook  given  is  for  high  water,  when  the  dubbing  and 
hackles  are  of  lighter  shades.  As  the  water  falls  the  hackles  and  . 
dubbing  should  be  darker.  On  low  water  and  bright  weather  dark 
brown  and  purplish  blue  are  best ;  the  hook  decreasing  in  size  as 
the  water  falls.  In  fact,  trout  hooks  numbers  3  and  4  (Conroy's 
O'Shaughnessy's  numbers)  are  as  a  general  rule  large  enough  for 
the  rivers  of  Canada ;  numbers  i  and  2  are  full  size  for  high  water.  ' 
yj  One  who  has  become  somewhat  profirient  in  tying  trout  flies, 
can  easily  make  one  for  salmon.  But  at  the  risk  of  repeating  to 
some  extent  the  directions  given  for  the  former,  let  me  describe  the 
tying  of  a  plain  salmon  fly,  and  leave  the  ambitious  amateur  to  his 
own  ingenuity  in  making  an  elaborate  one.  The  blue  and  brown, 
as  described,  has  two  hackles,  one  of  each  color.  We  will  take  a 
fly  with  one:  say  the  fieiy  brown. 

\  Lay  all  the  materials  before  you — a  short  topping  for  tail,  a  bit 
of  gold  twist  (three  inches  or  soj,  fiery  brown  dubbing  of  mohair, 
or  pig's  or  seal's  wool,  a  hackle  of  redder  shade  than  the  dubbing, 
the  wing  ready  folded,  a  plumelet  of  ostrich  herl,  a  bit  of  blue  and 
yellow  n»acaw  tail  feather,  and  a  gut  loop.  The  latter  is  so  cut 
that  when  doubled  it  will  be  long  enough  to  come  about  where  the 
tail  is  tied  on,  the  ends  to  be  beveled,  and,  bending  it  over  a  coarse 
needle  or  an  awl,  an  eye  should  be  formed,  as  is  not  represented  in 
the  illustration.  The  wings  of  a  salmon  fly,  as  a  general  rule,  should 
be  double,  or  say  two-ply,  for  mallard,  of  which  most  wings  are 
26      . 


602  OCEAN,  LAKE,   AND  RIVER. 

made,  is  very  light,  and  requires  delicate  handlihgf.  In  preparing 
it,  stroke  back  the  fibres  gently  and  firmly  until  all  their  ends  are 
square,  clip  off  with  your  scissors,  and  lay  it  on  the  table ;  prepare 
another  in  the  same  way,  and  lay  it  on  top  of  the  first,  placing  it 
where  it  is  not  apt  to  be  disturbed. 

Now,  if  allowed,  we  will  use  the  small  vise  figured  in  our  first 
paper.  Firstly — Secure  the  hook  well  between  its  jaws.  Secondly 
— Wax  your  silk,  and  commencing  near  the  bend,  wrap  up  to  the 
head  with  a  dozen  or  so  turns.  Thirdly — Lay  on  the  gut  loop 
warp  down  opposite  the  bend,  perhaps  a  few  turns  below.  Fourth' 
ly — Lay  on  the  gold  twist,  secure  the  end  and  winding  it  three  or 
four  turns  back,  opposite  the  point  of  the  hook,  fasten  it,  allowing 
the  surplus  to  stand  outward  towards  the  head.  Fifthly — Put  on 
the  topping  for  tail  so  that  it  curves  handsomely  upward  and  secure 
it  with  two  turns  of  the  wrapping  silk.  Sixthly — Fasten  in  the  tip 
end  of  the  hackle,  the  back  uppermost.  Seventhly — Having  pulled 
and  picked  your  dubbing  and  rolled  it  in  the  palm  of  your  hand  into 
a  conical  shape,  (very  little  is  required,)  twist  in  the  small  end  with 
your  wrapping  silk,  and  spinning  both  silk  and  dubbing  almost  up 
to  the  head,  fasten  it  with  a  half-hitch.  Eighthly — Twirling  your 
vise,  follow  with  four  turns  of  the  gold  twist,  fasten  an^  then  follow 
close  behind  with  the  hackle,  the  underside  next  to  the  dubbing. 
You  are  now  ready  to  put  on  the  wing.  There  are  two  ways — one 
is,  after  doubling  it  to  tie  it  on  as  described  ;  another  (as  taught  nie 
by  Mr.  Harry  Venning,)  is  not  to  double  but  to  lay  it  flat  on  the  top 
of  the  hook  with  the  fore-finger  and  thumb  of  the  right  and  com- 
press it  with  the  corresponding  fingers  of  the  left  hand  ;  bending 
the  two  edges  of  the  wing  so  that  an  equal  proportion  will  enfold 
the  hook  on  both  sides.  Now  with  your  wrapping  silk  take  two 
turns  ;  look  to  see  that  the  wing  is  put  on  evenly  and  sits  properly, 
and  taking  a  half-dozen  more  turns,  make  it  secure  with  a  half- 
hitch.  Putting  on  the  feelers  to  have  them  sit  uniformly  is  a  nice 
job.  The  pair  should  be  taken  from  opposite  sides  of  the  blue  and 
yellow  macaw  tail-feather  ;  that  on  the  far  side  to  be  fastened  in 
with  two  turns  of  the  wrapping,  then  that  on  the  near  side.  In 
making  the  head  observe  that  the  black  ostrich  herl  has  a  convex 
and  a  concave  side,  and  is  to  be  wrapped  on  very  closely  with  the 
convex  side  outward  towards  the  eye  of  the  loop.     Clip  off  the  sur- 


I 


ARTIFICIAL   FLIES.  603 

plus  but-end  of  the  herl  and  fasten  with  the  invisible  knot.  With 
a  small  sharp  stick  dipped  into  copal,  varnish  the  last  wrapping  of 
the  silk,  being  careful  not  to  let  it  touch  the  herl. 

When  mallard  is  scarce  the  under  ply  of  the  wing  may  be  of 
turkey,  making  it  more  solid  than  if  it  was  all  mallard.  As  a  rule 
salmon  flies  are  wrapped  palmer  fashion,  that  is,  the  hackle  over 
the  whole  length  of  the  body.  The  bodies,  as  will  be  observed, 
are  very  slender  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  fly. 


'%:■»>: 


ARTIFICIAL  FLIES. 


Constant  inquiries  are  made  for  works  on  Angling.  Such 
works  (exclusively  as  such),  have  never  been  published  in  Amer- 
ica. Proficient  anglers  well  know  how  difficult  it  is  to  utter 
opinions  and  instructions  which  the  fraternity  will  unanimously 
accept  as  ex  cathedra,  and  are  ever  chary  of  the  captious  criticisms 
of  those  who  keep  silent  and  assume  to  be  the  only  Solons.  '  To 
prepare  a  work  upon  patterns  for  flies,  and  to  determine  precisely 
what  flies  are  suitable  for  different  waters,  at  the  same  or  at 
different  seasons,  is  even  more  difficult  still.  There  are  a  number 
of  exce]li!i|t  English  books  of  this  character,  but  they  are  of  little 
service  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic,  because  the  water  and  the 
larvai  that  inhabit  the  waters  there  are  widely  different  from  ours. 
The  same  flies  that  obtain  in  England  will  not  serve  us  here, 
where  they  are  not  known  either  to  entomologists,  or  to  the  fishes 
themselves.  To  write  intelligently  on  this  subject,  one  has  to 
begin  at  the  tgg.  Nothing  but  a  correct  knowledge  of  the  insects 
that  inhabit  the  waters,  or  places  contiguous,  will  enable  the 
student  to  make  an  intelligent  selection  of  subjects  for  artificial 
flies  for  specified  times  and  places.  To  enable  us  to  impart  this 
information  correctly  and  properly,  we  have  taken  by  permission 
the  following  article  from  the  columns  of  Forest  and  Stream. 
It  was  prepared  by  Miss  Sara  J.  McBride,  of  Mumford,  N.  Y.,  and 
constitutes  a  valuable  contribution  to  the  angling  literature  of 
America. 

"  Insects  are  the  scavengers  of  nature.  They  seek  fetid,  un- 
wholesome matter,  the  germ  cells  are  left,  and  the  corrupt  mass  is 
the  birth  place,  home  and  sepulchre  of  myriads  of  animate  life. 
Noxious  miasmatic  gases  are  consumed,  purity  takes  the  place  of 


6o4 


OCEAN,   LAKE,  AND  RIVER. 


foulness,  and  the  whole,  cleaned  at  the  appointed  time,  has  the 
appearance  of  a  miniature  resurrection.  Not  only  is  the  earth 
cleansed,  but  the  water  is  purified.  The  flora  that  spread  out 
their  arms  expands  and  grows  in  rich  luxuriance  beneath  the 
water  without  fear  of  drought  or  a  sigh  for  rain,  all  kept  clean  and 
pure  by  the  infinite  hosts  of  species  that  sport  in  the  water,  whose 
nourishment  is  decaying  vegetation  and  disagreeable  substances 
formed  by  the  decomposing  action  of  the  water.  The  majority  of 
aquatic  species,  and  those  species  that  appear  in  the  greatest 
numbers  are  these  indirect  vegetarians.  I  am  aware  that  this  is 
a  strong  statement,  and  one  never  before  advanced.  It  is  the 
result  of  years  of  patient  watching  and  studying.  Of  the  class  of 
insects  whose  larvae  feed  in  this  manner  there  are,  in  the  section 
Neuroptera,  the  Ephemera,  all  of  the  Phryganina  that  live  in 
cases,  several  species  of  lialina.  Many  species,  but  divided  among 
different  families  in  the  section  diptera.  One  of  these,  Pisces  simu- 
liner,  received  its  fishy  name  in  honor  of  the  commotion  it  created 
among  pisciculturists,  a  few  years  since.  It  figured  in  Fish  Com- 
missioners' reports,  etc.,  as  a  •' web  worm  "  and  "destroyer  of  young 
trout."  Larvae  are  ravenous  feeders.  A  stream  must  be  rich  in 
confervas  to  have  a  large  insect  fauna.  It  would  be  well  sometimes 
before  stocking  streams  with  fish  to  stock  them  first  with  insect 
food.  Not  that  insects  are  the  only  fish  food,  but  directly  and 
indirectly  they  form  the  main  supply  at  all  seasons,  and  almost  the 
exclusive  food  when  the  Gatmnarus  and  other  Crustacea  are  pass- 
ing through  the  first  stages  of  life.  Insects  are  liable  to  be  exter- 
minated in  streams,  or  new  species  take  the  place  of  the  old  ones ; 
floods  and  freshets  sweep  the  flora  away.  Mineral  matter  is  ob- 
noxious ;  or  their  parasites  and  enemies  may  gain  the  ascendancy. 
New  species  may  supplant  the  old  inhabitants,  not  always  "  the 
survival  of  the  fittest,"  but  the  survival  of  those  whose  ene- 
mies and  parasites  are  held  in  check  from  a  combination  of 
circumstances. 

"  In  an  insect's  life  there  are  three  familiar  forms,  larvae,  pupa, 
and  imago.  Larvae  are  frequently  used  as  bait,  pushed  squirming, 
wriggling,  protesting  on  the  bare  hook.  Of  these  so  martyred, 
'  there  are  Phryganidce  larvae  barbarously  drawn  from  their  castles, 
.  known  as  caddis  bait  to  the  destroyer,  grubs,  larvae  of  beetles, 
maggots,  or  gintles,  larvae  of  the  diptera,  caterpillars,  larvae  of 
moths.  The  only  pupa  so  sacrificed  belongs  to  the  family  of  Li- 
alis,  known  by  the  suggestive  appellation  of  helgramite.  Of  the 
adult  insects  or  imagines,  the  Lociistartce,  or  grasshoppers,  are  a 
common  bait.  The  imitations  used  are  of  four  forms.  The  fly 
proper,  with  clear,  smooth  body,  feet,  wings  with  or  without  caudal 
setae.  Palmers,  body  covered  with  hairs  bristling  in  all  directions 
from  one  extremity  to  the  other.  The  hackled  fly,  body  like  the 
palmer  with  wings,  and  sometimes  caudal  setae.     The  hackle,  body 


ARTIFICIAL  FLIES.  605 

smooth  with  hackle  closely  wound  at  the  head,  the  upper  part  of 
the  hackle  representing  the  wings,  the  lower  the  feet.  This  is  what 
the  old  authors  call  a  "  fly-made  buzz."  a  fly  with  its  wings  in  rapid 
motion.  It  imitates  some  small  flies  with  heavy  drooping  wings  as 
they  flutter  over  the  surface  of  the  water. 

"  In  imitating  insects  the  size  of  the  fly  must  correspond  with 
the  size  of  the  insect,  that  the  fly,  when  made,  will  be  of  the  same 
size  as  the  insect  imitated.  All  nondescript  flies  should  be  of  the 
same  size  as  the  natural  inhabitants  of  that  particular  stream  they 
are  thrown  on. 

"  It  is  a  strange  but  peculiar  fact  in  insect  economy,  that  the 
small  streams  have  a  small  sized  insect  fauna  and  the  larger  streams 
a  correspondingly  larger.  They  are  not  the  same  identical  insects, 
but  sometimes  closely  allied  species.  I  will  here  state  for  the 
benefit  of  the  uninitiated  in  bug  lore,  that  insects,  when  they  have 
assumed  the  perfect  or  winged  form,  no  matter  how  long  the  term 
of  life  is  afterward,  never  change,  never  grow. 

"  The  waters  of  the  United  States  and  Canadas,  homes  of  the 
Salmontda  family,  may  be  classed  in  three  or  more  general  divis- 
ions, each  with  its  own  well-defined  insect  fauna.  The  first  of 
these  we  will  consider  are  Head  Springs.  In  these  the  water  is 
of  a  uniform  temperature  ;  their  even  flow  the  least  disturbed 
from  rains,  snow  water,  and  freshets  ;  the  birthplace  of  the  trout, 
and  the  richest  in  insect  life.  The  water  is  at  all  times  swarming 
with  animalculag,  the  wonderful  reproduction  of  these  diminutive 
orders  supplying  food  for  the  larger,  and  they  in  turn  for  the  fish. 
Insects  leave  these  waters  about  a  month  earlier  than  they  do  other 
streams.  The  first  that  present  themselves  are  of  the  family  Chi- 
ronomidce,  belonging  to  the  order  Diptera.  The  chief  distinguish- 
ing characteristic  of  this  order  is  their  having  but  two  wings — all 
other  orders  have  four.  The  larvae  are  long,  slim,  worm-like,  some 
a  blood  red  color.  They  are  aquatic,  or  rather  they  live  in  that  soft 
mixture  of  mud  and  water,  with  its  slimy  growth  of  vegetation 
offering  a  treacherous  foothold  to  the  investigator,  where  sinking 
lower  and  lower  they  feel  as  if  they  would  soon  be  exploring  that 
region  no  one  wishes  to  know  of.  When  ready  to  change  to  pupas, 
they  bury  themselves  deeper  in  the  mud.  The  outer  skin  hardens, 
and  to  all  appearance,  they  are  at  rest,  but  really  preparing  lor  a 
most  wonderful  metamorphose.  From  its  changes  the  body  con- 
tracts in  its  case,  leaving  a  sort  of  vacuum,  so  mat  when  it  finally 
wriggles  itself  out  of  the  mud  into  the  water  it  floats  to  the  surface. 
The  case  slits  open  above  the  thorax  and  the  fly  comes  out.  Of 
these  there  are  five  that  appear  in  such  quantities  that  they  may  be 
preeminently  distinguisHed  as  fish  food.  They  are  piscatorially 
named  black,  dark  claret,  bright  claret,  grey,  and  olive  gnats. 
These  insects  are  double  brooded,  that  is,  the  cycle  of  their  life  is 
repeated  twice  eveiy  year.    Their  first  exodus,  if  the  weather  is 


6o6  OCEAN,   LAKE,   AND  RIVER, 

favorable,  is  from  the  last  of  March  to  the  first  of  May.  Their 
second,  through  August  and  September.  They  may  be  farther 
distinguished  as  morning  flies,  as  the  majority  leave  the  water 
during  the  hours  of  seven  and  eleven  A.  M. 

"  Another  genus,  immense  in  numbers,  but  small  in  size,  that 
metamorphose  at  this  season,  belongs  to  the  family  Ephemeridce, 
order  Neuroptera.  The  pupa  is  active  and  closely  resembles  the 
larvas.  They  are  brisk,  rapid  swimmers,  live  an  independent,  un- 
social life,  keeping  close  to  the  bottom  of  the  creek,  where  their 
murky  muddy  color  protects  them  from  the  vigilant  eyes  of  their 
pursuers.  When  disturbed  they  unhesitatingly  risk  an  open  flight, 
first  up  to  the  surface,  skim  along  a  little  way  and  then  down  again. 
These  are  their  tactics  on  the  defensive.  It  will  be  almost  need- 
less to  write  that  these  are  favorite  game  for  trout,  and  where  one 
is  you  are  sure  to  find  the  other.  It  is  impossible  to  rear  them  in 
aquaria.  If  the  water  becomes  a  degree  or  two  warmer  than  that 
in  the  bed  of  the  creek,  both  larvas  and  pupSe  perish  almost  in- 
stantly. When  ready  to  take  wing  they  rise  to  the  surface  under 
some  protecting  shade,  avoiding  the  uneven  temperature  of  the 
banks.  With  a  heaving  motion  of  the  body  the  thorax  slits  open, 
two  upright  wings  flash  out  and  are  held  aloof  until  the  feet  and  setae 
are  drawn  out ;  for  an  instant  it  rests  on  its  old  coat,  and  then  flies 
off  a  sub-imago  to  await  its  last  metamorphose,  which  takes  place 
in  from  ten  to  twenty-four  hours  after  leaving  the  water.  A  deli- 
cate parchment-like  coating  is  thrown  off  the  entire  body,  head,  feet 
wings  and  seta,  leaving  the  insect  with  paler  colors — transparent 
wings  and  translucent  body.  The  familiar  nomenclature  for  this 
family  is  dark  fox,  poor  man's  fly,  red  fox  and  bright  fox.  These 
begin  to  make  their  appearance  the  middle  of  April.  There  are 
a  succession  of  broods  throughout  the  summer  months.  They 
leave  the  water  in  the  evenings,  some  very  early  in  the  mornings. 
The  black  hackled  fly  has  no  natural  history,  only  a  history  of  long 
experience,  a  captivating  fly  for  all  streams.  Its  most  wonderful 
exploits  as  a  lure  are  when  the  water  is  discolored  with  rain.  The  ibis 
is  probably  taken  for  a  flower  or  animalcule.  Many  forest  trees  have 
at  this  season  a  blossom  whose  petals  are  of  this  scarlet  color. 
The  palmers  or  caterpillars  are  to  be  used  wherever  fish  are  to  be 
caught  ad  libitum.  The  grizzly  king,  queen  of  the  water,  and  pro- 
fesgor,  have  a  classical  history.  The  two  first  are  the  invention  of 
Prof  John  Wilson— Christopher  North  of  the  "Noctcs  Ainbro- 
siancB."  The  last  the  invention  of  James  Wilson,  the  eminent  nat- 
uralist. Thev  are  general  flies  for  all  streams,  and  all  seasons. 
Like  the  black  hackled  fly  and  ibis,  these  should  be  held  in  reserve 
for  the  days  and  hours  where  the  six-footed  race  are  lying  in  am- 
bush. 

"  The  i[r^.^ox\^\Qs(Odonata),  take  the  front  rank  among  water 
insects.     In  described  species  they  exceed  in  number  all  the  re- 


♦  .V^      ARTIFICIAL   FLIES.        jij  C)0; 

maining  families  in  the  section  Neiiroptera  whose  birth-place  is 
the  water.  The  majority  are  in  the  warmer  latitudes.  They  have 
a  preference  for  the  waters  where  the  temperature  increases  du- 
ring the  summer  months.  In  springs  and  mountain  streams  the 
larvae  will  be  found  hugging  the  bank  and  in  shallow  inlets.  They 
hibernate  in  the  ^"gg  form,  at  least  in  the  northern  latitudes  ;  are 
voracious  predaceous  feeders  ;  are  sporting  characters,  whose  life 
af^ll  times  depends  on  their  agility  in  pursuing  and  capturing 
game.  Their  large  size,  as  well  as  their  habits  in  flying  in  pursuit 
of  food,  keeping  high  over  the  water,  will  always  prevent  their 
imitations  being  used  successfully  as  bait  on  small  streams.  They 
are  rapid  in  their  movements,  but  easily  tire,  and  where  there  is  a 
large  expanse  of  water  their  imitations  can  be  used  with  good  suc- 
cess. In  such  waters  there  is  always  a  larger  sized  class  of  fish, 
making  strong,  heavy  tackle  essential. 

"  The  next  family  the  section  predominant  in  species,  and  each 
species  predominant  in  numbers,  is  the  Phryganhia — meaning  a 
fagot.  For  various  reasons  this  family  should  claim  the  particular 
attention  of  the  fly-fisher.  It  belongs  almost  exclusively  to  the 
northern  latitudes,  and  particularly  to  that  class  of  waters  where 
the  trout  and  grayling  delight  to  sport.  From  the  numbers  of 
species,  and  their  diversity  of  habits,  they  make  their  appearance 
at  all  seasons.  The  imagines  have  a  moth-like  habitus,  and  are 
called  "  stone  flies,"  on  account  of  their  colors  ftsembling  stones. 
The  wings  are  black-brown,  black  shading  through  the  browns, 
the  brick  colors,  the  luteous,  until  a  creamy  white  is  reached.  The 
eggs  are  inclosed  in  gelatinous  capsules  which  swell  in  the  water 
and  attach  themselves  to  stones,  sticks  or  vegetation.  In  this  mass 
the  young  live  for  some  time  after  being  excluded  from  the  ^^Z- 
On  leaving  it  they  fasten  around  their  body  leaves,  grass,  or  any 
soft  substance  forming  a  padding,  and  then  at  their  leisure  build  a 
regular  case  around  the  whole,  some  spirally,  others  longitudinally, 
of  pieces  of  wood,  grass,  roots  or  branches  of  plants,  gravels,  stones, 
shells,  or  any  small  and  available  substance  found  in  the  water, 
adding  on  as  they  increase  in  growth  or  stature.  The  appearance 
of  these  cases  is  as  various  as  the  species.  Some  take  possession 
of  hollow  reeds  or  straws  ;  others  spin  a  case  of  silk  exclusively. 
These  cases  protect  the  abdomen,  but  are  so  large  that  they  can 
retreat  entirely  within  when  disturbed.  They  cling  to  them  with 
hooks  at  the  extremity  of  the  abdomen.  Learned  in  hydrostatics 
as  they  naturally  should  be,  these  cases  are  built  with  specific 
gravity,  such  that  it  does  not  discommode  them  as  they  walk,  or 
buoy  them  to  the  surface.  The  few  species  in  this  family  that  are 
predaceous  do  not  live  in  cases,  but  take  shelter  under  stones  and 
sticks,  or  spin  a  small  web  under  some  protection  that  they  aban- 
don at  pleasure.  When*  fully  fed  and  ready  to  change  to  pupas, 
they  close  their  case  with  a  grating,  first  listening  it  securely  to 


■6o8  OCEAN,   LAKE,   AND  RIVER.         '  V 

some  substance  in  the  bed  of  the  water.  Those  that  do  not  live  in 
Cases  make  a  pupa  covering  of  decayed  wood,  or  small  stones. 
When  this  metamorphose  is  completed,  and  they  are  ready  to  leave 
the  water,  they  make  with  their  mandibles  a  semicircular  incision 
in  their  covering-,  the  head  and  the  two  tirst  pair  of  feet  are  thrust 
out,  the  rest  of  the  body  is  partly  drawn  and  partly  wriggled  out. 
Now,  as  in  the  larvae  form,  they  swim  by  using  their  feet,  and  make 
their  way  with  dexterity  to  the  shore.  In  doing  so  I  have  seen 
them  swim  across  the  stream,  a  strong  current  tending  to  carry 
them  down.  In  their  struggles  they  would  be  part  of  the  time  on 
the  surface  and  part  of  the  time  under  the  water.  When  they  si- 
cure  a  landing  place  their  appearance  is  somewhat  peculiar.  The 
mouth  parts,  or  a  portion  of  them,  and  the  two  first  pair  of  feet 
are  free,  while  the  posterior  feet  and  antenna  are  pressed  to  the 
sternal  surface,  and  over  them  the  wings  are  folded,  crossing  at 
the  points.  In  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  after  leaving  the  water  they 
cast  off  a  thin  parchment  like  covering,  thus  releasing  all  parts  of 
the  body.  They  leave  the  water  just  before  twilight,  but  will  be 
seen  fluttering  over  the  water  at  all  hours.  In  the  evening  some 
fly  in  dense  swarms  over  streams  and  ponds.  Many  are  noctur- 
nal, flying  only  at  night.  They  leave  the  water  in  June,  July, 
August,  and  September.  A  few  species  in  the  late  fall ;  a  few  on 
warm  days  through  the  winter ;  and  some  in  the  early  spring,  but 
not  in  sufficient  quantities  to  warrant  their  use  as  bait.  The 
forms  that  have  been  imitated  the  most,  are  named  familiarly  : 
Stone,  dark  stone,  grey  stone,  black  June,  general  hooker,  hod, 
wren  fly,  raven,  kingdom,  preceptor,  and  governor. 

"  The  cow  dung  fly,  {Scatophago  stercoraria),  so  named  on  ac- 
count of  the  larviE  feeding  in  the  ordure  of  cows,  belongs  to  the 
section  Diptera.  It  hybernates  as  pupae,  buried  in  the  earth.  It 
bursts  open  the  chrysalis  and  comes  forth  the  first  warm  days  of 
May.  All  the  authors  advise  the  use  of  this  fly  as  bait  on  windy 
days,  thinking  it  was  the  wind  that  brought  it  to  the  water.  It 
might  be,  if  the  wind  always  blew  towards  each  individual  stream. 
It  was,  I  know,  a  successful  an:l  popular  bait  for  all  streams,  but 
why,  it  was  for  a  long  time  a  puzzle  to  me.  I  was  at  length  so 
fortunate  as  to  solve  it.  The  females  are  short  lived  and  seldom 
leave  the  vicinity  of  the  food  for  the  young  ;  tlieir  imitations  are 
seldom  used  as  bait.  The  males  live  until  they  are  chilled  by  the 
cold  winds  of  the  fall.  They  are  greedy  feeders,  epicurean  canni- 
bals, feeding  on  their  smaller  sized  cousins,  fresh  and  juicy,  catch- 
ing them  just  as  they  are  leaving  the  water.  They  hold  them 
with  their  anterior  feet,  fly  to  the  bank,  and  sitting  under  the 
shade  of  a  leaf,  suck  the  body  dry.  One  evening  I  watched  one 
of  these  flies  supping  on  six  simuliums  ;  not  being  satisfied  he 
made  a  trip  to  the  water  for  another,  but  there  was  a  trout  in  wait- 
ing and  he  sank  to  rise  no  more.    The  flies  can  be  used  success- 


,,.     ^ARTIFICIAL  FLIES.  609 

fully  as  bait  at  all  hours.  They  have  a  double  advantage,  their 
colors  approximating  so  closely  to  several  species  of  Phry,ij^(im'na 
that  they  may  be  considered  as  representing  three  or  four  different 
insects. 

"  The  black  May  is  one  of  the  favorite  forms  in  the  same  section 
as  the  preceding.  There  are  species  having  these  colors  at  all 
hours  and  ail  seasons  on  the  water.  In  some  the  ventral  surface 
is  clothed  with  a  shaggy  grey  hair.  These  walk  or  glide  over  ihe 
surface  of  the  water  with  remarkable  rapidity,  and  have  a  decided 
dislike  to  leave  it. 

"  The  Ephcmexina  named  for  April  will  appear  in  May  on 
mountain  and  tributary  streams,  on  all  the  streams  that  remain 
open  during  the  winter.  They  hybernate  as  active  larvae  and 
pupae,  and  if  ice  were  formed,  or  partly  formed,  they  would  perish. 

"  In  addition  to  this  section,  there  is  the  great  dun  {Baetis 
longicauda),  and  its  image,  the  red  spinner.  The  latter  in  form 
and  color  approximates  so  closely  to  several  different  species  that 
it  has  been  used  successfully  throughout  ,the  summer.  The  yel- 
low May  {Cloeon  striata),  appears  usually  about  the  middle  of 
May  and  continues  through  June. 

"  To  continue  the  list  of  general  summer  flies,  forms  that  have 
made  for  themselves  a  name  and  history,  but  without  prototypes 
in  nature,  there  is  coachman,  king  of  the  water,  gold  spinner, 
captain,  soldier,  kingdom,  _and  the  black,  brown,  red,  and  grey 

palmers." 

^  ■.■■•v.   ;;;.■;   ';;':'f( 

Suitable  Trout  Flies  for  April. 

Black  Gnat.,  or  Midge,  No.  ij.— Body  and  feet,  black  ;  wings  subhyaline. 

Dark  Claret  Gnat.  No.  i3.--Body,  dark  claret ;  feet,  black  ;  wings,  subhyaline. 

Bright  Claret  Gnat,  No.  13. — Body,  bright  claret,  mixed  with  red  fox  face  ;  feet 
ginger  ;  wnigs  of  one  sex,  hyaline,  the  other,  ocherous. 

Grey  Gnat.  No.  13.— Body,  dark  fox,  mixed  with  dark  claret ;  fset,  grey  ; 
wings,  hyaline. 

Dark  Fox.  No.  10  or  11. —Body  and  feet,  dark  fox,  mixed  with  lemon  colored 
mohair;  wings,  subhyaline  ;    tail,  three  fibres  of  dark  grey  hackle. 

Poor  Man  s  Fly,  Nos.  g  and  lo. — Body  and  feet,  hare's  ear  and  yellow  mi.\ed  ; 
wings,  slightly  mottled  grey  ;  tail  the  mottle  of  the  wood  duck. 

Olive  Gnat,  No.  13.— Body,  dark  olive,  mixed  with  bright  claret ;  feet,  ginger  ; 
wings,  hyaline. 

Red  Fox,  Nos.  10  and  11.— Body,  fox  cub  face,  mixed  with  j^ellow  ;  feet,  red 
(chicken  red) ;  wings,  pale  grey  or  subhyaline  ;  tail,  mottled  feather  wood  duck. 

Bright  Fox,  Nos.  10  and  ii. — Body  and  feet,  brightest  part  of  the  fox,  mixed 
with  yellow  ;  wings,  brightest  hyaline  ;  tail,  pale  yellow. 

Black  Hackled  Fly,  Nos.  6  and  8.— Body,  orange,  ribbed  with  gold  tinsel ; 
hackle  black  wings  ;  tail,  of  the  American  partridge. 

I  Trout  Flies  for  Mkw 

B^cck  May,  No.  10. — Body,  black  ;  feet,  black  ;  wings,  greyish  hyaline. 

Cuv)  Dung,  Nos.  10  and  11. — Body  and  feet,  brownish  yellow  ;  wmgs,  yellow- 
Rrey. 

Great  Dun,  Nos.  9  and  8.  Body,  purple  brown  ;  feet,  grey  brown  j  wings,  dark 
grey  hyaline  j  set*,  dark  brown  annulated  with  grey. 


1 


6lO        .\         OCEAN,  LAKE,   AND  RIVER. 

Red  Skinner,  Nos.  lo  and  9.  Body,  bright  claret,  ribbed  with  gold  tinsel ; 
feet,  brick  color  :  wiiiKS,  jfrey  hyaline  ;  setae,  pale  brick  color. 

Yellow  May,  No.  10.— Body  and  feet,  pale  yellow  ;  wings,  pale  yellow,  mot- 
tled with  brown  •  setae,  yellow. 

Coachman .—VtoAy ,  peacock  herl ;  feet,  dark  red  hackle  ;  wings  white. 

King  0/  the  H'ater. —S&me  as  queen  of  the  water,  with  scarlet  body  instead  of 
orange. 

Gold  S/>inner.—\ioAy,  orange,  ribbed  with  gold  tinsel ;  feet,  pale  red  hackle  ; 
wings,  bright  prey. 

Oi//rt /■/•.— Hocfy,  posterior  half,  peacock  herl,  anterior  half,  grey  ;  white  feet; 
red  hackle  ;  wings,  grey  ;  setse,  scarlet,  green  and  wood  duck  feathers  mixed. 

Soldier. — Body,  crimson  ;  teet,  red  hackle  ;  wings,  grey. 

Kingdom. — Body,  white,  ringed  with  green  ;  feet,  peacock  herl,  and  red 
hackle  ;  wings,  grey,  mottled  witn  brown. 

Black  Palmer,  Bro^un  Palmer,  Red  Palmer  and  Grey  Palmer,  are  made 
respectively  of  the  different  colored  hackles  that  distinguish  them. 

Trout  Flies  for  June. 

Hawthorn,  No.  11, — Body,  shining  black  ;  feet  and  head,  black  ;  wings  bright 
hyaline. 

Shoemaker,  No.  10.— Body,  ringed  alternately  with  light  grey  and  salmon  ; 
feet,  dark  ginger ;  wings,  the  mottled  grey  of  the  mallard,  and  the  mottled  of  the 
woodcock  mixed  ;  setae,  mottled  woodcock. 

Black  June,  No.  10.— Body,  peacock's  herl ;  feet  and  wings  black. 

Dark  Stone,  Nos.  8  and  9.— Bod}',  dark  brown  ;  feet,  yellow  browu  ;  wings, 
luteous. 

Governor,  No.  10.— Body,  peacock's  herl ;  feet,  dark  red  hackle  ;  wings  made 
of  the  darkest  part  of  the  bittern's  wing,  or  brown  hen. 

Green  Drake,  No.  7.— Body,  white  posterior,  half  ribbed  with  black,  green- 
yellow  mottled  with  brown  ;  setae,  dark  brown. 

Brown  Drake,  No.  7. — Body,  feet  and  wings,  a  golden  yellow  brown ;  setJe, 
dark  brown. 

Raven,  No.  11. — Body,  feet  and  wings,  black. 

IVren  Fly,  No.  9.— Body,  clay-yellow  ;  feet,  made  from  the  scapular  feathers  of 
the  English  wren  or  quail  ;  wings  and  setae,  mottled  widgeon. 

Trout  Flies  for  July. 

Little  Egg,  No.  12. — Body  and  feet  of  orange  and  yellow,  lyohair  and  hare's 
ear  mixed  :  wings,  bright  hyaline,  slightly  mottled  ;  setae,  same  as  wings. 

Lightning  Bug,  No  10.— Body  of  equal  parts,  of  dark  brown,  and  black  mixed, 
tipped  with  yellow  ;  feet,  of  feathers  from  the  English  grouse  ;  wings,  double,  the 
inner  wing  black,  the  outer  wing  a  yellow  brown. 

General  Hooker,  No.  9.— Body  made  of  bright  yellow  and  green,  ringed  alter- 
nately ;  feet,  red  hackle  ;  wings,  of  the  tail  feathers  of  the  ruffed  grouse. 

Little  Claret,  No.  11. — Body  and  feet,  dark  .claret  mohair,  sligntly  tinged  with 
blue  ;  wings,  of  the  bittern  or  brown  hen  ;  setae,  dark  lirown. 

Claret  Fly,  No.  9. — Body,  dark  claret ;  feet,  black  ;  wings  of  the  brown  hen.  ^ 

Fetid  Green,  No.  lo.— Body,  feet,  and  wings,  a  pale  blue  green. 

Trout  Flies  for  August  and  September. 

Grey  Coflin,  Nos.  xo  and  11.— Body,  silver-grey  mohair,  tipped  with  orange 
silk  J  feet,  light  grey  hackle  wound  over  peacock  s  herl  ;  wings  and  setae,  hyaline. 

Brown  Coflin,  Nos.  10  and  11.  Body,  grey  and  bright  claret  mohair  mixed  ; 
feet,  dark  grey  hackle  wound  over  peacock's  herl ;  wings  and  setae,  grey  hyaline. 

The  Gnats,  named  for  April. 

Quaker,  Nos.  7  and  8 ;  for  evening  and  moonlight. — Body,  grey  wound  with 
honey-yellow  hackles  ;  wings,  made  of  feather  from  an  oriole's  wing. 

White  Moth,  Nos.  6  and  7  ;  for  dark  nights.— Body,  feet  and  wings,  pure  white. 
The  Stone  flies  continue  on  the  water  until  the  close  of  the  season. 

i^°  A  t  this  season  use  the  small  flies  for  day  fishing,  and  the  large  Qies  for 
evening  and  night. 


•> 


ARTIFICIAL  FLIES.  6ll 


General  Flies,  good  at  any  time. 

Ibis,  No.  8.— A  hackle  fly,  ribbed  with  silver  tinsel ;  body,  hackle,  wings  and 
tail,  scarlet. 

Peacock  Palmer^  No.  8.— Hody,  peacock  her!s  ;  hackle  black,  and  red  mixed. 

Grey  Paltiwr^  No.  8.— Hody.  peacock  herl  ;  dark  grey  hackle. 

Professor^  Nos.  8.  and  g.— Body,  bright  yellow  ;  lee't,  golden  brown  ;  wiugs, 
,  vvoo<l  duck  and  mallard,  dyed  vcllow.  mixed  ;  tail,  scarlet  ibis. 

Queen  4^/  the  li-'ater,  Nos.  8  and  9.— A  hackled  liy  ;  body,  orange,  ribbed  with 
gold  tinsel ;  hackle,  chicken  red  ;  wings,  bright  mot'le  ol  the  mallard. 

Grizzly  King,  Nos.  8  and  9.— A  haclcly  Hy  ;  body,  green  ;  hackle,  dark  grey  ; 
tail,  scarlet  ibis  ;  wings,  mottled  feather  ot  tifie  pin-tail. 

Besides  the  above,  the  following  are  favorite  tlics. 

AMey,  Golden  pheasant  and  red  tail,  brown  hackle,  dark  grey  wing. 

March  Brown,  Krown  body,  ribbed  with  yellow  silk,  brown  hackle,  turkey 
wing. 

Brown  Hen,  Peacock  body,  brdwn  hackle,  wild  turkey  wing. 

Silver  Black,  Black  hackle,  light  black  body,  ribbed  with  silver  tinsel,  dark 
wing. 

Oak,  Orange  body,  ribbed  with  black  silk,  brown  hackle,  turkey  wing. 

Blue  Mole,  Dark  grey  body,  grey  hackle,  slate-colored  wing. 

Silver  Grey,  Silver  body,  grey  hackle,  grey  wing. 

Orange  Blacks  Orange  body,  black  hacKle,  dark  wing. 

Ma^',  Yellow  body,  yellow  hackle,  yellow  wing. 

Red  Ant,  Brown  body,  brown  hackle,  light  wing. 

Montreal,  Red  body,  red  hackle,  grey  wing. 

Blue  Fro/cssor,  Red  tail,  blue  boiiy,  brown  hackle,  grey  wing. 

Cinnamon,  Light  brown  body,  brown  hackle,  brown  wing. 

Alder,  Claret  body,  black  hackle,  slate-colored  wing. 

Blue    Bottle,  Blue  body,  black  hackle,  slate-colored  wing. 

Allerton,  Body,  yellow,  ribbed  with  gold  ;  hackle,  blue  and  yellow  ;  tail  of 
wood  duck  feather. 

Also  the  Blue  Dun,  Pale  Green  Dun,  yellow  spinner,  jenny  spinner,  yellow 
sally,  and,  it  is  said,  eight  hundred  patterns  in  all.  The  above  will  suffice  for  an 
assortment ;  the  less  used  the  better,  in  our  opinion. 

Other  Baits. 

Helgramite  or  Dobson, — What  are  known  as  Helgramites  in  the  South  and 
Dobsons  in  tiie  North,  are  the  fully  grown  larvae  and  pupae  of  several  aquatic 
.species  in  the  family  Sialina.  Their  feeding  ground  is  chiefly  in  sluggish  rivers. 
They  are  rare  in  mountain  streams  or  head  springs.  They  will  be  found  in  the 
shallow  parts  of  the  stream,  under  stones  or  submerged  driftwood,  or  buried  in 
I   )  the  soft  mud  along  its  banks. 

Fish  Roe. — Tie  a  quantity,  the  bulk  of  a  marble,  in  a  bit  of  mosquito  netting,  cr 
secure  it  to  the  hook  with  woolen  threads.  It  can  be  preserved  for  a  year  in  equal 
parts  of  salt  and  saltpetre.  Cork  tight  in  a  bottle,  ancl  keep  in  a  cool  place.  Fresh 
roe  is  the  best. 

/-W^vx.— Izaak  Walton  says;  "Put  your  hook  through  the  mouth,  and  out  of 
-  his  gills,  and  then  with  a  fine  needle  and  silk  sew  the  upper  part  of  his  leg,  with 

only  one  stitch,  to  the  arming  wire  of  the  hook,  and  in  so  doing,  use  him  as 
though  you  lo%"ed  him." 

To  Scour  Angle  //'V)r >;«■.— Place  them  in  sand,  and  they  will  clean  themselves 
of  earth,  and  become  fresh  and  red.  Raw  beef  is  a  good  substitute,  when  worms 
cannot  be  got. 

To  keep  dead  Minnows  Fresh.— Y'Ac\i  in  wet  saw-dust  and  salt  or  brine,  add- 
ing a  little  saltpetre.    Coarse  straw  dampened  is  also  a  good  packing. 
>.  Live  A/infio7vs.-—H$LVG  made  a  large  bucket,  holding  say  four  gallons,  with 

inside  bucket  small  enough  to  have  plenty  of  play  and  thoroughly  perforated. 
Place  a  large  piece  of  ice  on  top  of  the  inside  bucket  every  ten  or  fifteen  m'nutes  ; 
churn  the  inside  backet  up  and  down  to  aerate  the  water.     If  the  inside  bucket  is 
\  oval  on  the  bottom,  it  is  much  better  than  if  it  has  a  flat  bottom,  as  the  car  or  boat 

,  will  keep  the  bucket  in  motion.    In  this  bucket  minnows  have  been  transported 

two  hundred  miles. 


6l2  OCEAN,   LAKE,  AND  KIVEK. 

To  Kee(>  S/irinr/>.—P\\\.  them  clean  and  soJifl  into  a  box  or  basket,  the  latter 
preferrcil,  and  |)liii;e  it  on  thu  ice  in  a  refrigerator.  Wc  have  tried  covering  with 
scavvccil,  mixing  ^*  'th  sawdust,  meal,  etc.,  but  lor  a  handy  home  method  notliinff 
•works  better  lor  keeping  shrimp  alive  twcnty-loiir  hours— a  week  in  liul-than 
the  ice  chest.  It  you  are  going  to  carry  them  some  distance  before  using,  it  is 
well  to  pack  the  box  or  basket  in  ice.  It  you  are  hjcated  near  the  water,  the  best 
way  of  all  is  to  have  a  tight  covered  basliet  or  a  box,  full  of  small  holes,  so  as  to 
allow  a  free  circulation  ot  water,  and  with  the  live  shrimp  therein,  anchor  it  off 
shore.  The  (iuilford  Club,  during  the  smelting  season,  have  always  adopted  the 
latter  method  at  iUack  Rock  with  perfect  success,  with  the  simple  ilillerence  that 
the  shrimp  basket  was  securetl  Misiile  a  large  floating  lobster  car,  and  they  never 
were  troubled  with  dead  bait,  but  always  found  them  alive  and  kicking  when 
wanted. 

Artificial  Angle  Worms. — A  St.  Louis  firm  has  patented  an  imitation  earth- 
worm, made  of  India  rubber  or  other  flexible  material,  to  be  substituted  for  the 
live  angle-worm.  It  exactly  resembles  the  natural  squirmer  in  color,  and  cer- 
tainly possesses  the  advantages  of  cleanliness  for  use.  It  cannot  be  taken  off  the 
hook  by  nil)blcs,  and  needs  no  preparatory  "  scouring." 

ADDITIONAL    USEFUL    HINTS. 

The  following  information  will  be  found  to  be  of  the  utmost  practical  value, 
on  occasion : 

.  Weather  Indications.— The  color  of  the  sky  at  particular  times  affords  good 
guidance.  Not  only  does  a  very  rosy  sunset  presage  good  weather,  and  a  ruddy 
sunrise  bad  weather,  but  there  are  other  tints  which  speak  with  cqnal  clearness 
and  accuracy.  A  bright  yellow  sky  in  the  evening  indicates  wind  ;  a  pale  yellow, 
wet ;  a  neutral  grey  color  constitutes  a  favorable  sign  in  the  evening,  and  an 
unfavorable  one  in  the  morning.  The  clouds  are  again  full  of  meaning  in  them- 
selves. If  their  forms  are  soft,  undefined,  and  feathery,  the  weather  will  be  fine  ; 
if  their  edges  are  hard,  sharp  and  definite,  it  will  be  fonl.  Generally  speaking, 
any  deep,  unusual  hues  betoken  wind  or  rain  ;  while  the  more  quiet  and  delicate 
tints  bespeak  fair  weather.  These  are  simple  maxims  ;  and  yet  the  Hritish  Board 
of  Trade  has  thought  tit  to  publish  them  for  the  use  of  seafaring  men. 

In  Kentucky  and  elsewhere  much  reliance  is  placed  upon  the  ''  goose  bone." 
it  has  been  handed  down  among  the  early  traditions  of  the  State,  and  may  be 
called  the  Kentucky  weather  prophet.  It  is  to  be  found  in  nearly  every  Ken- 
tucky country  home,  and  in  many  parts  of  the  State  the  farmers  consult  it,  and 
prepare  for  handling  their  crops  in  accordance  with  its  readings.  The  prophecy 
of  the  goose-bone  does  not  extend  beyond  the  year  in  which  the  goose  was 
hatched,  and  the  prediction  is  for  the  three  winter  months  only.  Take  the  breast- 
bone of  a  last  spring's  goose  and  divide  it  into  three  equal  parts,  and  the  different 
divisions  will  represent  December,  January  and  February.  The  breast -bone  of 
a  goose  is  translucent,  and  if  clear  when  held  up  to  the  light,  the  weather  will  be 
mild  and  pleasant ;  but  if  covered  with  cloud-like  blots,  it  will  be  gloomy  and 
cold  ;  the  heavier  the  blots,  the  colder  will  be  the  weather. 

A  Good  Barometer. — Take  a  common  glass  pickle  bottle,  wide-moothed  ;  fill 
it  within  three  inches  of  the  top  with  water,  then  take  a  common  Florence  oil 
flask,  removing  the  straw  covering  and  cleansing  the  flask  thoroughly,  plunge  the 
neck  of  the  flask  as  far  as  it  will  go  into  the  bottle,  and  the  barometer  is  complete. 
In  fine  weather  the  water  will  rise  in  the  neck  of  the  flask  even  higher  than  the 
mouth  of  the  pickle  bottle,  and  in  wet,  windy  weather,  it  will  fall  within  an  inch 
of  the  flask.  Before  a  heavy  gale  of  wind,  the  water  has  been  seen  to  leave  the 
flask  altogether  at  least  eight  hours  before  the  gale  came  to  its  height. 


ADDITIONAL    USEFUL  HINTS,  -613 

Swimming  a  //orxf.  -When  swimming;  a  horse  oever  touch  the  bridle,  aK  a 
horse  is  easily  drowned  when  checlttid  up  or  otherwise  intcrtered  with  about  the 
head.  Sit  well  back  and  ftiiide  the  horse  with  the  hand,  gently  slapping  him  on 
either  side  as  required  thus  a  liorse  wi'l  swim  a  mile  or  more  with  a  lidl-growii 
man  on  his  back,  and  suffer  but  little.  (Jr  better  still,  throw  yourself  from  the 
horlie  on  the  down  stream  side,  and  with  the  right  hand  grasping  the  mane  at 
the  withers,  aid  the  progress  of  the  horse  with  tlie  other  and  feet  as  in  swim- 
ming. 

To  Subdue  a  Horse. — Take  a  cord  about  the  size  of  a  common  bed-cord,  put  it 
in  the  mouth  of  the  horse  like  a  bit,  and  tie  it  tightly  on  the  animal's  head,  pass 
his  left  ear  under  the  string,  not  painfully  tight,  but  light  enough  to  keep  the  ear 
down  and  the  cord  in  its  |ilace.  This  done,  pat  the  horse  gently  on  the  side  of  the 
head  and  command  him  to  follow.  He  will  be  found  perfectly  subdued  and 
obedient,  the  more  submissive  if  he  has  not  been  habitually  treated  cruelly  or 
outrageously.    This  plan  is  practiced  in  Mexico  and  South  America. 

To  Fella  Horse's  W^^.— The  colt  is  born  with  twelve  grinders;  when  four 
front  teeth  have  made  their  appearance,  the  colt  is  twelve  days  old,  and  when  the 
next  four  come  forth,  it  is  four  weeks  old.  AV'hen  the  corner  teeth  appear,  the 
colt  is  eight  months  old  ;  when  the  latter  have  attained  to  the  height  of  the  front 
teeth,  it  is  one  year  old.  The  two  year  old  colt  has  the  kernel  (the  substance  in 
the  middle  of  the  tooth's  crown)  ground  out  in  all  the  front  teeth.  In  the  third 
year  the  middle  front  teeth  are  being  ahifteil,  and  when  three  years  old  these  are 
substituted  by  the  horse  teeth.  The  next  four  teeth  are  shifted  in  the  fourth  year, 
and  the  corner  teeth  in  the  fifth.  At  six  years  the  kernel  is  worn  out  of  the  lower 
middle  front  teeth,  and  the  bridle  teeth  have  not  attained  to  their  full  growth.  At 
seven  years,  a  hook  has  been  formed  in  the  corner  teeth  of  the  upper  jaw,  the 
kernel  of  the  next  at  the  middle  is  worn  out,  and  the  bridle  teeth  begin  to  wear 
off.  At  eight  years,  the  kernel  is  worn  out  of  the  lower  front  teeth,  and  begins  to 
decrease  in  the  middle  upper  front.  In  the  ninth  year  the  kernel  has  wholly  dis- 
appeared from  the  upper  middle  front  teeth  ;  the  hook  on  the  corner  has  increased 
in  size,  and  the  bridle  teeth  lose  their  points.  In  the  tenth  year,  the  kernel  is 
worn  out  of  the  teeth  next  to  the  middle  frontof  the  upper  jaw,  and  in  the  eleventh 
year  the  kernel  has  entirely  vanished  from  the  corner  teeth  of  the  same  jaw.  At 
twelve  years  old,  the  crown  of  all  the  front  teeth  in  the  lower  jaw  has  become 
triangular,  and  the  bridle  teeth  are  much  worn  down.  As  the  horse  advances  in 
age  the  gums  shrink  away  from  ihe  teeth,  which  consequently  receive  a  long 
narrow  appearance,  and  the  kernels  become  darkish  points.  Grey  increases  in 
the  forehead  and  over  the  eyes,  and  the  chin  assumes  the  form  of  an  angle. 

Shediiifig  Mane. — The  shedding  of  hair  from  a  horse's  mane  and  tail  can  be 
prevented  by  washing  the  parts  affected  a  few  times  in  carbolic  soapsuds.  Or  a 
wash  made  of  lard  oil  one  pint  and  aqua  ammonia  one  gill,  well  mixed  and 
rubbed  in,  will  prevent  the  falling  of  the  hair. 

Saddle  Marks. — White  marks  caused  by  the  friction  of  the  saddle  may  some- 
times be  removed  from  a  horse  by  applying,  morning  and  night,  an  ointment 
made  of  lard  and  tincture  of  cantharides  or  Spanish  fly,  made  in  the  proportion  of 
a  few  drops  of  the  latter  to  an  ounce  of  the  former. 

Ticks  on  Horses.  -Xny  kind  of  oil  will  make  the  tick  let  go  of  its  own  accord, 
if  well  rubbed  into  the  hair  of  the  animal.    The  theory  is,  that  the  oil  tills  the 
pores  of  the  skin  and  deprives  the  tick  of  air  to  breathe, 
i  Fleas  and  Vermin.— Nothing  better  to  keep  tliem  oil  than  Persian  insect  pow- 


6i4 


ADDITIONAL  HINTS  AND  RECIPES. 


der  {pyrethrum  roseunt)  recommended  by  British  Medical  Gazeite  and  for  sale  at 
drupgists'  and  rat  poison  stores.    A  solution  can  also  be  made. 

New  Food  for  //(Jrji?.f.— This  is  composed  of  two  quarts  of  oats,  one  of  bran, 
and  half  a  pint  of  flax  seed.  The  oats  are  first  placed  in  the  stable  bucket,  over 
which  is  placed  the  linseed  ;  add  boiling  water,  then  the  bran,  covering  the  mix- 
ture with  an  old  rug  and  allowing  it  thus  to  rest  for  five  hours  ;  then  stir  the  mass 
well  up.  The  bran  absorbs  while  retaining  the  vapor,  and  the  linseed  binds  the 
oats  and  bran  together  ;  a  greater  quantity  of  flax  seed  \vouUl  make  the  prepara- 
tion too  oily  and  less  relished.  One  feed  per  day  is  sufficient:  it  is  easily  di- 
gested, and  is  especially  adapted  to  young  animals. 

To  Extricate  a  Mired  A  nivial. — The  usual  method  is  to  fasten  a  rope  around 
the  animal's  horns  or  neck,  and  while  this  is  pulled  by  some  of  the  assistants, 
others  place  rails  beneath  the  body  of  the  animal  for  the  purpose  of  lifting  it  out 
of  the  hole.  This  plan  is  sometimes  effective,  but  it  often  is  not,  and  at  best  it  is 
a  slow,  clumsy,  and  laborious  method.  The  materials  needed  for  the  method 
here  referred  to  are  all  that  are  required  for  a  much  better  one.  Thi.s  is  very  sim- 
ple, and  two  men  can  operate  it,  and  at  a  pinch,  even  one  man  \'\•^^■  succeed  with 
it.  A  strong  stake  or  an  iron  bar  is  driven  into  t!.  •  solid  ground  at  a  distance  of 
twenty-five  feet  or  more  from  the  mired  animal.  short  rails,  about  nine  feet 

long,  are  tied  together  near  the  ends,  so  that  they  can  be  spread  apart  in  the  form 
of  a  pair  of  shears,  for  hoisting.  A  long  rope  is  fastened  around  the  horns  or  neck 
of  the  animal,  with  such  a  knot  that  the  loop  cannot  be  drawn  tight  enough  to  do 
any  injury.  The  rope  is  cast  over  the  ends  of  the  rails  as  they  are  set  up  upon  the 
edge  of  the  solid  ground,  and  carried  to  the  stake  or  crow-bar  beyond.  The  end 
of  the  rope  is  fastened  to  a  stout  handspike,  leaving  about  a  foot  of  the  end  of 
it  free.  This  end  is  laid  agamst  the  bar  or  stake,  and  the  other  end  is  moved 
around  it  so  that  the  rope  is  wound  upon  it,  drawing  it  up  and  with  it  drawing  the 
animal  out  of  the  mire.  The  rope  being  held  up  to  the  tied  rails,  tends  to  lift  the 
animal  and  make  its  extrication  very  e&sy. —A>nericaH  Agricuiturist. 

Rawhide  Straps  and  Halters. — Take  the  skin  of  cow,  calf,  colt,  horse,  or 
other  animal,  cut  it  into  narrow  strips,  and  sliave  off  the  hair  with  a  sharp  knife 
before  the  kitchen  fire,  or  in  your  workshop  on  stormy  days  and  evenings.  You 
may  make  them  soft  by  rubbing.  A  rawhide  halter  strap  an  inch  wide  will  hold  a 
horse  better  and  last  longer  ;han  an  inch  rope.  It  is  stronger  than  hoop-iron  and 
more  durable,  and  may  be  used  to  hoop  dry  casks  and  boxes,  and  for  hinges. 
Try  it  on  a  broken  thill,  or  any  wood  work  that  has  been  split.  Put  it  on  wet  and 
nail  fast.  Thin  skins  make  the  best  to  use  it  in  its  natural  state.  For  other  pur- 
poses it  may  be  dressed. 

Fnvhide  Lariat  or  Lasso.— TaV.^  a  green  bull  hide,  lay  it  flat  on  a  smooth 
floor,  cut  off  the  legs  and  irregular  pieces  with  a  sharp  knife  until  you  bring  it  to 
an  oblong  or  oval  shape,  then  commence  at  the  outer  edge  and  cut  a  strip  an  inch 
wide  or  more,  following  the  circular  form  until  you  have  secured  the  required 
length,  which  should  be  fifty  feet,  then  wind  it  on  two  posts,  trees,  or  stakes, 
drawing  it  as  tight  as  possible  so  as  to  stretch  it.  Then  roll  it  foot  by  foot  be- 
tween two  small  boards  to  make  it  pliable,  and  then  boil  it  in  oil  to  keep  it  so, 
otherwise  it  will  become  very  hard  and  dry  when  it  gets  wet.  Then  make  a  slip- 
noose  at  the  end,  and  your  lariat  is  complete.  To  ensure  a  good,  free  running 
noose,  bend  the  end  on  over  an  eye  or  iron  ring  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  di- 
ameter.   A  lariat  made  of  strips  of  buckskin  braided  and  oiled  is  very  serviceable.  ' 

To  Tote^Pack,  or  Carry  a  Deer.—x.  In  dragging  the  carcass  of  a  deer  to 


ADDITIONAL    USEFUL  HINTS.  615 

camp,  never  draw  it  by  the  hind  legs.  This  is  against  the  grain  of  the  hair 
malting  the  load  heavy  and  damaging  the  meat.  If  a  sapling  is  handy,  sling  the 
deer  to  it  with  its  feet  tied  in  pairs,  and  the  nose  secured  to  the  pole,  so  that  it 
will  not  swing  and  sling  l)lood  all  over. 

3.  Cut  off  the  deer's  head,  skin  his  legs  down  to  his  knees  and  hams,  cut  off  the 
frfet  and  shin-bones,  lie  the  skin  of  each  fore-leg  to  that  of  a  hind-leg  on  the  op- 
posite side,  put  your  arms  through,  and  pack  him  knapsack-fashion. 

3.  First,  see  that  the  deer  is  well  bled  ;  next,  cut  entirely  around  the  arms, 
working  your  knife  carefully  well  inward  until  'he  intestines  are  clear  of  all  con- 
nection with  the  flesh  through  the  hams.  Cut  slits  in  the  hind  legs  for  the  gani- 
brel ;  '.hen  cut  three  poles  about  twelve  feel  long  and  four  inches  in  diameter  at 
large  ijnd,  leaving  a  crotch  at  the  end  of  two,  and  an  inch  or  so  of  a  small  limb 
about  a  foot  from  the  top  end  of  the  third  ;  thrust  the  end  up  to  limb  through  the 
cut  in  the  legs,  and  place  the  foot  of  this  pole  against  some  firm  object  to  keep  it 
from  slipping  back,  and  then  place  the  crotched  end  of  the  two  poles  over  the  leg, 
and  under  the  pole  at  the  gambrel,  setting  the  poles  so  that  you  can  lift  on  the 
bottom  of  each  toward  the  centre,  crowding  downward  on  the  foot  of  each  pole 
till  your  deer  swings  clear  of  the  ground.  Commence  at  a  point  on  the  belly 
about  eight  inches  below  where  the  hams  press  together  ;  cut  only  through  the 
skin  downward  through  the  brisket  and  neck  to  under  jaw,  also  from  the  hock  of 
each  fore-leg  on  the  inside  to  the  brisket,  meeting  the  downward  cut ;  skin  the 
fore-legs,  neck  and  body  to  the  iilth  rib.  but  no  farther,  and  then  open  and  take 
out  intestines,  cutting  brisket  well  open  to  allow  all  to  fall  out  clear  from  body, 
and  then  divide  the  body  at  the  tifth  rib,  detaching  the  fore-quarters  entirely  ;  cut 
the  large  strips  of  meat  from  the  shoulder  blades,  ribs  and  back  of  the  fore-quarters, 
discarding  the  remainder.  You  have  now  hanging  the  hind-quarters  with  the 
skin  attached  ;  tie  the  skin  closely  with  a  cord  just  where  it  leaves  tlie  meat,  and 
stow  away  the  pieces  from  the  fore-quarters  on  the  inside  the  ribs  of  the  hind- 
quarters. Now,  if  weather  permits,  leave  hanging  till  the  blood  drains  out  and 
body  is  cold,  and  as  much  longer  as  may  be  convenient,  only  taking  the  precau- 
tion to  hang  over  the  whole  a  few  branches  of  some  evergreen  to  keep  off  the 
storms.  Provide  yoursell  with  a  packing  strap  and  bag,  take  down  the  quarters, 
pull  the  neck  end  of  skin  back  between  the  legs,  draw  down  the  tail  and  with  a 
cord  tie  together,  while  the  skin  from  the  fore-legs  should  be  brought  around  the 
body  and  tied  at  the  small  of  the  back,  unjoint  the  legs  just  below  the  gambrel, 
and  you  have  a  compact,  clean  bundle  that  includes  nearly  all  there  is  of  value, 
and  in  such  shape  that  the  meat  is  entirely  covered  with  the  skin,  and  with  a 
packing  strap  can  be  carried  quite  handily.  If  found  too  heavy  with  the  meat  in- 
side, put  this  in  your  packing  bag  and  make  another  journey.  The  hind-quarters 
are  now  in  shape  to  stand  quite  a  change  in  weather,  and  can  be  transported 
without  injury,  while  the  choice  pieces  of  the  fore-quarters  not  used  in  camp  can 
be  stowed  away  inside  and  kept  clean  and  palatable.  A  deer  cannot  be  nicely 
dressed  without  being  hung  up  a  sufficient  time  to  allow  the  blood  to  drain  out, 
and  with  the  three  poles  mentioned  a  man  that  can  carry  seventy-five  pounds  can 
raise  three  hundred,  although  with  a  very  large  animal  it  may  be  necessary  to  use 
two  sets  of  the  poles  with  the  crotches,  the  first  set  shorter,  to  get  the  body 
partly  up  before  setting  those  long  enougli  for  the  last  raise. 

To  Waterproof  Tents  and  Garments. — Dissolve  paraffine  in  naphtha  or  ben- 
zine, and  soak  thoroughly. 

3.  Take  half  a  pound  of  sugar  or  sugar  of  lead  and  half  a  pound  of  powdered 


6l6  ADDJTIONAL    USEFUL  HINTS. 

alum,  dissolve  them  in  a  bucket  ot  rain  water  and  pour  off  into  another  vessel  land 
steep  your  tent  in  it,  letting  it  soak  thoroughly.  If  the  quantity  is  not  sufficient 
increase  i.i  same  proportion.     Hang  the  article  up  to  dry,  but  do  not  wring  it. 

Waterproof  /or  Boots, — Six  ounces  mutton  suet,  six  ounces  beeswax,  four 
ounces  rosin,  and  a  pint  of  linseed  oil ;  melt  the  three  first  ingredients  together 
and  add  the  last.     A i)ply  on  uppers  and  soles  of  boots. 

2.  Six  parts  tallow,  two  parts  beeswax,  one  part  rosin,  one  pint  castor  oil,  and 
two  parts  caoutchouc.  When  melted  together,  apply  as  warm  as  the  leather  will 
permit,  with  a  brush. 

3.  Nantucket  fishermen,  when  they  want  to  make  their  boots  waterproof,  just 
pour  half  a  gallon  of  boiled  linseed  oil  into  ihem,  and  let  it  stay  there  for  a  week. 

4.  Take  one-half  pound  of  shoemaker's  dubbing,  one-half  linseed  oil,  one-half 
pint  strong  solution  of  India  rubber.  Dissolve  the  whole  with  a  gentle  heat  (it  is 
very  inflammable),  and  apply  with  an  ordinary  blacking  brush.  One  application 
will  insure  dry  feet  for  several  months. 

5.  Melt  together  one  pound  tallow,  half  an  ounce  neatsfoot  oil,  one  ounce  rosin, 
one-half  ounce  lamp-black,  a  table-spoonful  of  linseed  oil.  Should  be  rubbed  in 
repeatedly,  the  boots  or  other  articles  to  be  warme-l  It  is  said  to  be  perfectly 
waterproof  and  not  injurious  to  the  leather. 

6.  In  a  pint  of  best  winter-strained  lard  oil,  dissolve  a  piece  of  paraffiiu  the  size 
of  a  hickory  nut,  aiding  the  solution  with  a  gentle  heat,  say  100  or  140"  F.  The 
readiest  way  to  get  pure  paraffnie  is  to  take  a  piece  of  paraffine  candle.  Rub  this 
solution  on  your  boots  about  once  a  month  ;  they  can  be  blackened  in  the  mean- 
time. If  the  oil  should  make  the  leather  too  stiff,  decrease  the  proportion  of  par- 
affine, and  vice  versa. 

7.  Take  neatsfoot  oil,  one  and  one-half  pints  ;  beeswax,  one  ounce  ;  spirits  of 
turpentine,  four  ounces  ;  and  stir  until  cold.  Spread  and  rub  this  composition 
over  the  leather  while  it  is  damp  ;  leather  will  absorb  oil  and  grease  better  when 
damp  than  when  dry.  For  the  soles,  take  pine  tar  and  rub  it  in  before  the  fire 
until  the  soles  will  absorb  no  more.  Three  or  four  applications  will  be  needed. 
The  durability  of  the  soles  will  be  much  increased. 

8.  Take  one  pint  of  drying  oil,  two  ounces  yellow  wax,  two  ounces  spirits 
of  turpentine,  and  one  ounce  of  Burgundy  pitch— the  hard  materials  melted  over 
a  slow  fire,  and  the  others  added  and  well  mixed.  Rub  this  mixture  on  the  boots 
at  a  distance  from  the  fire,  repeatedly,  until  the  leather  is  saturated.  Common 
black  pitch  was  found  equal  to  the  Burgundy,  and  rather  better.  It  is  probable 
that  other  variations  might  be  made  without  detriment,  provided  a  proper  consist- 
ency is  maintained  in  tlie  mixture  of  the  oils,  wax  and  pitch.  The  boots  do  better 
t'l  dry  three  or  four  weeks  after  being  treated  with  the  composition,  than  to  use 
them  while  it  is  fresh. 

9.  Take  a  quarter  ofa  pound  of  beef  and  mutton  suet,  a  teaspoonful  of  lard,  half 
pint  of  neatsfoot  oil,  one  ounce  of  beeswax,  half  an  ounce  of  burgundy  pitch,  and 
a  half  ounce  of  turpentine.  Melt  up  the  suet,  the  lard,  the  pitch  and  the  beeswax 
in  a  pot,  stir  in  the  oil,  and  when  off  the  fire,  and  cooling  a  little,  put  in  the  tur- 
pentine. If  you  want  to  be  elegant,  add  a  half  box  of  blacking  to  give  it  a  color. 
Warm  the  compound  and  paint  the  boots,  upper  and  soles.  It  makes  a  boot  quite 
water  tight,  and  salt  water  cannot  faze  it. 

10.  India  rubber  cut  fine,  one  ounce  put  in  a  pint  of  petroleum  (raw)  or  Seneca 
oil.    Let  stand  a  week,  and  then  apply  with  brush  until  the  leather  is  saturated. 

Rubber   Cement. — Oue-half  pound  bi-sulphate  of  carbuu  j  three  handstul  of 


ADDITIONAL    USEFUL  HINTS.  .        617 

gutta  percha  ;  put  in  a  wide-mouthed  bottle  ;  shake  frequently  ;  at  the  end  of  two 
weeks  strain  through  a  cloth,  return  to  bottle  and  cork  tightly,  for  reasons  that 
will  be  obvious.  To  apply,  first  dry  the  article,  then  smear  the  cement  on  and 
allow  it  to  evaporate,  before  bringing  edges  together.  After  it  has  become  light- 
colored  in  spots,  warn  and  bring  edges  perfectly  together  ;  stand  away  for  awhile 
and  the  job  is  complete. 

3.  Four  ounces  of  pure  India  rubber,  one-eighth  of  an  ounce  powdered  asphalt- 
um,  put  together  in  a  tin  can,  then  add  about  six  times  the  quantity  of  benzine,  let 
it  stand  three  or  four  days,  then  take  a  stick  and  work  it  over,  then  add  benzine  and 
stir  it  well  until  you  have  it  about  the  consistency  of  honey  ;  then  it  is  ready  for 
use.  It  should  be  covered  as  tight  as  possible  while  dissolving,  and  afterward. 
To  use  it,  scrape  the  polish  from  the  rubber,  then  apply  the  cement  to  the  place  to 
be  mended,  and  also  to  a  piece  of  rubber  to  be  used  as  a  patch.  Dry  half  an  hour, 
and  apply  anotlier  coat,  then,  after  another  half  hour,  press  the  patch  into  the 
place  over  the  break.  Like  all  other  preparations  containing  benzine,  it  must 
be  kept  away  from  fires,  as  it  is  as  explosive  as  burning  fluid, 

3.  Cut  virgin  or  native  India  rubber  with  a  wet  knife  into  the  thinnest  possible 
slices,  and  with  shears  divide  these  into  threads  as  fine  as  fine  yarn.  Put  a  small 
quantity  of  the  shreds  (say  one-tenth  or  less  of  the  capacity  of  the  bottle)  into  a  .  ~ 
wide-mouthed  bottle,  and  fill  it  three-quarters  full  of  benzine  of  good  quality, 
perfectly  free  from  oil.  The  rubber  will  swell  up  almost  immediately,  and  in  a 
few  days,  especially  if  often  shaken,  assumes  the  consistency  of  honey.  If  it  in- 
clines to  remain  in  undissolved  masses,  more  benzine  must  be  added  ;  but  if  too 
thin  and  watery,  it  needs  more  rubber.  A  piece  of  solid  rubber  the  size  of  a  wal- 
nut will  make  a  pint  of  the  cement.  This  cement  dries  in  a  few  minutes,  and  by 
using  three  coats  in  the  usual  manner,  will  unite  leather  straps,  patche'.i,  rubber 
soles,  backs  of  boots,  etc.,  with  exceeding  firmness.  The  India  rubber,  unvul- 
canized,  can  be  obtained  at  most  large  stores  where  rubber  goods  are  sold,  and  at 
some  drug  stores. 

Sleeping  in  a  Cold  Room.— 'Peoplt  who  come  in  from  along  period  of  out-door 
camping  are  almost  certain  to  catch  cold  in  a  house  when  they  return,  because, 
having  been  accustomed  to  sleeping  in  the  open  air,  they  almost  invariably  leave 
their  windows  open.  Many  persons  who  went  to  bed  well,  are  surprised  to  wake 
up  in  the  morning  with  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  solely  because  they  have 
hoisted  the  windows  for  ventilation.  Mall's  Journal  0/  Health  says  that  robust 
persons  may  safely  sleep  in  a  temperature  of  forty  or  under,  but  the  old,  the 
infant,  and  the  frail  should  never  sleep  in  a  room  where  the  atmosphere  is  much 
under  fifty  degrees  Fahrenheit. 

If  there  is  some  fire  in  the  room  all  night  the  window  may  be  opened  an  inch. 
It  is  safer  to  sleep  in  bad  air  all  night,  with  a  temperature  over  fifty,  than  in  a  pure 
air  with  the  temperature  under  forty.  The  bad  air  may  sicken  you,  but  cannot 
kill  you  ;  the  cold  air  can  and  does  kill  very  often. 

Colds  and  Headaches. — Take  of  Norwood's  tincture  veratrum  one  drop  on  a 
small  lump  of  sugar  every  two  hours,  and  a  three-quarter  quinine  pill  every  three   v 
hours.    This  prescription  is  recommended  by  Dr.  N.  Rowe,  of  the  Chicago  Field, 

3.  Dissolve  fifteen  or  twenty  grains  of  chloral  in  very  little  water,  and  with  the     . 
tip  of  a  finger  rub  it  upon  the  seat  of  pain  until  you  can  sensibly  feel  the  burning, 
and  the  skin  is  reddened. 

Fever  Diet. — When  a  patient  will  not  take  beef  tea  in  the  ordinary  form,  freeze 
it,  and  administer  in  small  lumps.  In  this  way  it  forms  a  most  palatable  article 
of  diet. 


6l8  ADDITIONAL    USEFUL  HINTS. 

Diarrhoea  and  Dysentery. — An  old  army  prescription  used  in  the  Mexican 
War,  is,  a  mixture  of  equal  parts  of  capsicum  (red  pepper),  Hoffman's  anodyne 
campiior,  and  peppermint,  with  one-half  the  proportion  of  laudanum.     Take 
twenty  drops  in  a  tablespoonful  of  water  every  hour  until  cured. 

Croup. — Croup  can  be  cured  in  one  minute,  and  the  remedy  is  simply  alum 
and  sugar.  The  way  to  accomplish  this  is  to  take  a  knife  or  grater  and  shave  off 
in  small  particles  about  a  teaspoonful  of  alum  ;  then  mix  it  with  twice  its  quantity 
of  sugar,  to  make  it  palatable,  and  administer  it  as  quickly  as  possible.  Almost 
instantaneous  relief  will  follow. 

Burns. — Charcoal  has  been  discovered  to  be  a  cure  for  burns.     By  laying  a 
piece  of  cold  charcoal  upon  the  burn  the  pain  subsides  immediately.     By  leaving 
^^        the  charcoal  on  one  hour  the  wound  is  healed,  as  has  been  demonstrated  on  sev- 
eral occasions. 

Cure  for  Wotaids. — As  soon  as  a  punctured  wound  is  inflicted,  get  a  light 
stick  (a  knife  or  file  handle  will  do),  and  commence  to  tap  gently  on  the  wound. 
Do  not  stop  for  the  hurt,  but  continue  until  it  bleeds  freely  and  becomes  perfectly 
numb.  When  this  point  is  reached,  you  are  safe  ;  and  all  that  is  then  necessary 
is  to  protect  it  from  dirt.  Do  not  stop  short  of  the  bleeding  and  the  numbness, 
and  do  not  on  any  account  close  the  opening  with  plaster.  Nothing  more  than  a 
little  simple  cerate  on  a  clean  cloth  is  necessary. 

Fish  Bone  in  Throat.— U  you  get  a  fish  bone  in  your  throat,  fast  thert  swal- 
low an  egg,  raw  ;  it  will  be  sure  to  carry  down  a  bone  easily  and  certair, 

Chilblains. — Cut  up  two  white  turnips,  without  paring,  into  thin  slices  put 
the  slices  into  a  tin  cup  with  three  large  spoonfuls  of  best  lard  ;  let  it  simmer 
slowly  for  two  hours,  then  mash  this  through  a  sieve  ;  when  cold,  spread  it  on  a 
soft  linen  cloth,  and  apply  to  the  chilblain  at  night.  ''•' 

Snake  Bites. — Apply  raw  sliced  onions  to  the  wounded  parts. 

For  rattlesnake  bite,  make  the  patient  swallow  large  and  repeated  doses  of 
olive  oil,  until  a  quart  is  swallowed  ;  rub  mercurial  ointment  into  the  aflFected 
part  freely. 

Rattlesnake  Bites.— The  following  is  used  by  soldiers  on  the  plains,  and  is 
said  to  be  efficacious :  Iodide  of  potassium,  four  grains  ;  corrosive  sublimate,  two 
grains;  bromine,  five  diachms.  Ten  drops,  diluted  with  a  tablespoonful  or  two 
of  brandy,  wine,  or  whisky,  is  the  dose,  to  be  repeated  if  necessary.  Keep  in  a 
well-stoppered  phial. 

Bites  of  Rabid  Animals. — Mix  thoroughly  two  taolespoonfuls  chloride  of  lime 
with  a  half  pint  of  fresh  water  and  bathe  the  wound  almost  without  cessation 
until  the  physician  arrives,  or  until  the  poison  is  neutralized. 

Poisons. — An  antidote  for  corrosive  sublimate  is  the  white  of  two  eggs  :  it  will 
neutralize  the  poison  and  change  the  effect  to  that  of  a  dose  of  calomel. 

If  a  person  swallows  any  poison  whatever,  or  has  fallen  into  convulsions  from 
having  overloaded  the  stomach,  an  instantaneous  remedy,  more  efficient  and 
applicable  in  a  larger  number  of  cases  than  half  a  dozen  medicines  we  can  now 
think  of,  is  a  hcajiiiig  teaspoon  of  common  salt,  and  as  much  ground  mustard, 
otirreu  rapidly  in  a  teacup  of  water,  warm  or  cold,  and  swallowed  instantly.  It 
is  scarcely  down  before  it  begins  to  come  up,  bringing  with  it  the  remaining  con- 
tents of  the  stomach  ;  and  lest  there  be  any  remnant  of  a  poison,  however  .small, 
let  the  white  of  an  egg,  or  a  teacup  of  strong  coffee,  be  swallowed  as  soon  as  the 
stomach  is  quiet ;  because  these  very  common  articles  nullify  a  larger  number  of 
vii;ulent  poisons  than  any  medicines  in  the  shops. 


ADDITIONAL    USEFUL   HINTS.  619 

Poison  Ivy  or  5«;«r7r.— Sometimes  wet  salt  or  pork  brine  bound  on  the  poison 
spots  and  kept  wet,  will  soon  dry  them  up.  Very  strong  ammonia  applied  fre- 
quently as  soon  as  the  poison  appears  is  an  excellent  remedy.  This  remedy  is 
sometimes  severe  in  its  effects,  actinR  as  a  caustic  on  the  poison  spots  after  the 
poison  is  killed.  When  ammonia  fails,  powdered  gum  myrrh,  shaken  up  in  sweet 
oil  and  used  three  times  a  day  as  a  wash,  will  be  found  an  almost  unfailing  remedy. 
When  obtainable,  it  is  the  best  to  apply  at  first. 

a.  The  last  remedy  has  been  used  successfully  as  a  preventive,  by  liberally 
anointing  the  skin  before  going  into  the  woods,  always  allowing  the  remedy  to 
dry  on  the  skin. 

3.  Tihcture  lobelia,  (equal  parts  water)  or  sugar  of  lead,  or  Pond's  extract 
(Hammalis).  Think  the  "  Hammalis  "  the  best ;  very  cooling  and  allays  the  itch- 
ing, etc.    Ivy  poison  has  a  "■  run  "  of  about  one  week,  no  matter  what  you  apply. 

4.  Carbolic  acid  and  glycerine,  in  the  proportion  of  about  one  part  of  the  acid 
to  three  of  glycerine,  which  is  also  good  for  all  kinds  of  insect  bites,  burns, 
cuts,  bruises,  etc. 

5.  Apply  water  as  hot  as  can  be  borne  to  the  part  affected. 
Disinfectants.— \{  onions  are  sliced  and  kept  in  a  sick  room  they  will  absorb 

all  the  atmospheric  poison.  They  should  be  changed  every  hour.  In  the  room 
of  a  small-pox  patient  they  blister  and  decompose  very  rapidly,  but  will  prevent 
the  spread  of  the  disease. 

3.  One  pound  of  green, copperas,  costing  seven  cents,  dissolved  in  one  quart  of 
water,  and  poured  down  a  water-closet,  will  effectually  concentrate  and  destroy 
the  foulest  smells.  On  board  ships  and  steamboats,  about  hotels  and  other  pub- 
lic places,  there  is  nothing  so  nice  to  purify  the  air.  Simply  green  copperas  dis- 
solved in  anything,  will  render  a  hospital  or  other  places  for  the  sick,  free  from 
unpleasant  smells. 

To  Cook  Mus/irooms.—Y'eel  both  tops  and  stems,  pu'  in  a  stew-pan,  with  an 
ounce  of  butter  and  a  pinch  or  two  of  salt  to  each  pound,  and  serve  up  hot.  This 
will  answer  to  eat  with  fish,  flesh,  and  fowl.  7^o  fry  them — peel,  dip  in  egg,  and 
roll  in  cracker  dust,  season,  and  fry  with  oysters. 

To  Roast  a  Wild  Turkey. — Having  picked  and  cleaned  a  turkey,  put  up  two 
short  forked  stakes  pretty  close  to  the  fire  ;  cut  a  thin  straight  stick  with  which 
spit  the  turkey  j  lay  the  ends  of  the  stick  in  the  crotches  of  the  uprights,  turn 
the  bird  slowly  before  tRe  fire.  A  pan  should  be  placed  underneath  to  catch  the 
gravy  and  dripping,  with  which  baste  the  turkey  from  time  to  lime.  Make  the 
basting  of  a  little  butter  or  lard,  flour,  salt  and  water. 

To  Bake  Sitiull  Birds. — Quail,  woodcock,  pigeon,  snipe,  prairie  fowl,  etc., 
should  be  neither  picked  nor  drawn.  Wet  the  feathers  thoroughly  ;  make  a  hole 
in  the  coals,  and  put  in  the  wet  bird.  Cover  well  with  coals  and  hot  ashes,  to 
exclude  air  and  prevent  burning.  When  cooked,  the  skin  and  feathers  will  peel 
off  bodily,  leaving  the  well-cooked  meat  unmarred. 

To  Bake  a  Fis/i.— Cover  the  fish  undrawn,  with  clay  two  inches  thick,  and 
throw  it  into  the  hottest  of  the  fire.  The  clay  hardens  almost  instantly,  and  the 
tish  in  its  rough  oven  bakes  through  and  through,  retaining  also  its  juices.  The 
clay  is  then  poked  out  of  the  fire,  cooled  with  a  dash  of  water,  and  a  sharp  stroke 
with  a  stick  separates  it  from  the  fish.  The  fish's  skin  peels  off  witti  the  clay  and 
the  dish  is  ready. 

Having  cleaned,  split,  and  seasoned  the  fish,  pin  it  to  a  board  by  wooden 
pegs ;  then  prop  the  whole  up  before  a  smart  hot  fire  of  hot  coals.  The  fish  is 
very  quickly  baked  brown. 


620  ADDITIONAL    USEFUL   HINTS. 

Wrap  the  fish  evenly  in  thin  buttered  tissue  paper,  and  bury  this  in  some  wet 
brown  wrapping  paper,  and  then  balie  as  in  No.  i. 

Venison  Steak. — Cut  your  meat  down  the  grain,  an  inch  thick,  place  it  on  the 
fork  of  a  stick,  and  turn  it  smartly  over  a  hot  fire  of  coals. 

Venison  Stew.—K  venison  stew,  or  a  miscellanco.us  stew  is  made  by  cutting 
the  breasts  of  fowl  and  the  flesh  of  the  animal  into  chunks  ;  take  sliced  potatoes, 
slices  of  bread  or  crackers,  sliced  onions,  and  salt  pork  and  place  them  in  alter- 
nate layers,  seasoning  with  salt  and  pepper  between  each.  Fill  up  even  to  the 
top  of  the  mess  with  water  and  boil  till  the  potatoes  are  done. 

To  Cook  a  Head  luith  the  Hair  on. — The  head  of  a  deer,  or  any  large  animal, 
with  the  hide  on,  is  put  into  a  hole  in  the  ground  sufficiently  large  to  hold  the  head 
and  a  lot  of  smooth  stones  weighing  two  or  three  pounds  apiece,  and  deep  enough 
to  sink  them  a  foot  below  the  surface.  Make  a  hot  fire  in  the  hole,  and  another 
near  by  ;  heat  the  rocks  as  hot  as  they  can  be  heated  without  cracking.  Then, 
when  both  the  earth  oven  and  stones  are  hot,  clean  the  fire  out  of  the  hole,  put  in 
a  layer  of  stones,  then  the  head  neck  down,  and  then  the  rest  of  the  stones  around 
and  over  the  head  ;  throw  in  a  lot  of  mint,  sweet  weed,  (grass  or  leaves  will  do), 
coverall  with  earth  well  packed  down  ;  let  it  remain  all  night,  and  in  the  morning 
eat  it.  Any  portion  of  the  carcass  wrapped  in  a  raw  hide,  can  be  cooked  in  the 
same  way.  ^     ;    ji.>  ^    c  j 

Baked  Beans. — Put  well-soaked  beans  into  the  pot  and  the  pot  in  the  earth  as 
above,  surrounded  either  with  hot  coals  or  heated  stones,  and  leave  twenty-four 
hours.  Cover  the  beans  with  water,  one  quart  of  water  to  a  pint  of  beans  ;  add 
two  teaspoonfuls  of  molasses  and  sufficient  salt. 

Clam  Bake. — Heat  stones  and  lay  them  close  together  in  circular  shape.  Have 
your  material  ready— clams,  oysters,  lobsters,  fish,  green  corn,  etc.,  and  having 
placed  them  on  the  hot  stones,  cover  with  sea-weed,  and  the  whole  heap  with  a 
tarpaulin. 

Mountain  Hotch-Potch. — Take  the  best  part  of  a  neck  of  venison,  or  moun- 
tain sheep  is  better,  cut  it  small,  bones  and  all,  and  boil  it  until  thoroughly  we'll 
done,  or  until  the  meat  separates  from  the  bones.  Then  remove  the  bones  and 
put  in  a  quantity  of  green  peas  and  broad  beans  at  discretion  not  to  make  the 
hotch-potch  too  thick  ;  add  a  flavor  of  onions  and  parsley,  together  with  a  fair 
proportion  of  carrots,  turnips,  and  kale  or  other  cabbage,  taking  care  to  make  the 
combination  thick  enough,  but  not  so  thick  as  to  deprive  it  of  the  character  of  a 
soup  and  convert  it  into  a  pottage  and  boil  the  whole  for  eight  or  nine  hours.  If 
you  boil  it  for  twelve,  or  even  twenty  hours,  it  will  be  none  the  worse,  but  all  the 
better.  If  there  be  any  left,  boil  it  up  again  on  the  next  day  and  it  will  be  better 
than  on  the  first.    You  can  got  some  vegetables  at  the  ranches. 


:>*  ijJ 


iM 


■«   • 


SPORTING   BOATS  AND  CANOES. 


.■■•'.is  t.; :. 


.•;■(",*>• 


V^M,;^;i  v^  ,..       BOATS  FOR  SPORTING  USES.    "  '    ' 

There  are  so  many  different  services  required  of  boats,  and  so 
many  different  kinds  of  boats  made  to  meet  those  requirements, 
that  the  purchaser  should  be  able  to  determine  just  what  he  wants 
a  boat  for,  before  he  proceeds  to  buy,  and  then  endeavor  to  ob- 
tain as  nearly  as  possible  what  kind  of  a  boat  he  requires.  It  is 
unwise  to  be  in  a  hurry  when  purchasing.  The  first  thing  to  find 
out  about  a  boat  is  her  age.  Five  years  is  about  as  old  as  is  de- 
sirable under  ordinary  circumstances,  as  boats,  as  they  are  built 
now-a-days,  begin  to  get  old  when  they  pass  this  age.  However, 
if  a  boat  is  very  strongly  built  and  has  been  well  used,  she  may  be 
some  years  older  before  showing  signs  of  decay.  But  it  is  not 
best  to  buy  a  very  old  boat,  as  the  repairs  will  cost  almost  as  much 
as  it  would  to  build  a  new  one.  The  timbers  should  be  examined 
closely  and  the  planks  all  sounded  and  the  condition  of  the  buts 
carefully  noted.  The  planks  near  the  garboard  should  be  particu- 
larly observed,  as  there  will  be  a  leak  there  if  they  are  not  pretty 
sound,  which  cannot  be  stopped  without  putting  in  new  planks. 
If  the  boat  has  a  centre-board  the  case  should  be  examined  round 
the  bottom,  as  it  is  a  great  place  for  leaks. 

The  kind  of  fastening  used  is  also  an  important  item  to  look 
to.  Copper  is  undoubtedly  the  best,  as  there  is  no  rust  from  it. 
The  great  objection  to  it  is  the  high  price.  Builders  seem  to  favor 
galvanized  iron,  as  it  is  much  cheaper  than  copper  and  does  not 
rust  to  any  extent.  But  a  boat  fastened  with  common  iron  is 
to  be  avoided,  as  the  rust  eats  right  into  the  wood.  A  boat 
painted  white  cannot  be  kept  looking  decent  after  she  is  a  few 
years  old  if  fastened  in  this  way.  .  ■"'1 

Lapstreaks  are   not  near  so  good  as  smooth  seamed  boats. 


622  SPORTING  BOATS  AND   CANOES. 

They  are  not  so  strong  and  are  much  more  easily  strained.  If 
they  once  begin  to  leak  it  is  almost  impossible  to  stop  them. 
They  can  be  built  over  so  much  cheaper  than  the  others,  and  al- 
ways sell  a  good  deal  lower,  but  they  are  growing  more  unpopular 
every  day,  and  there  are  not  many  of  them  built  except  small 
ones.  So  long  as  a  boat's  hull  is  in  good  condition,  the  state  of 
the  rigging  and  spars  is  of  minor  importance,  as  the  expense  of 
putting  these  in  shape  is  not  very  great. 

All  the  running  gear  of  a  yacht  should  be  composed  of  three 
sizes  only  of  cordage,  as  it  can  then  be  all  utilized,  and  as  the 
blocks  will  also  be  of  only  three  sizes,  the  halliards,  sheets,  etc., 
will  be  certain  to  render  easily.  Four  stranded  rope  is  the  best, 
as  it  is  neater  to  the  eye,  renders  better  through  the  blocks,  and  is 
pleasanter  to  handle  than  ordinary  three  strand  rope  is.  Always 
keep  the  end  neatly  whipped. 

To  Whiten  Decks. — Dilute  muriatic  acid  with  four  times  its 
bulk  of  water  and  wash  the  deck  with  the  solution.  Swill  well 
afterward  with  clean  water. 
■K^  ^  To  Waterproof  Paper  Boats. — Take  sixteen  pounds  orange 
shellac,  and  four  and  one-half  gallons  alcohol.  Let  the  shellac 
dissolve  in  the  alcohol  and  apply  with  a  brush. 

Calking  Boats. — After  calking  with  cotton  prepared  for  the 
purpose,  and  sold  by  ship  chandlers,  putty  the  seams  of  your 
boat.  When  first  put  in  the  water  the  swelling  of  the  planks  will 
force  some  of  the  putty  from  the  seams  ;  haul  your  boat  out  and 
rub  smooth  with  sand  paper.  .    ,.  ,^j  ,        > 

Rules  for  Sailing. — The  following  admirable  rules  were  origi- 
nally published  in  Forest  and  Stream,  a.  leading  New  York 
sportsmen's  journal,  but  have  since  been  copied  and  passed  to 
the  credit  of  other  journals  in  both  England  and  America : — A 
close  observance  of  them  will  prevent  accident  and  add  much  to 
the  comfort  of  sailing. 

1.  Know,  before  you  leave  your  anchorage,  or  wharf,  that  everything  is  in 
order,  especially  your  tack  and  pennant  for  reefing. 

2.  Always  carry  a  compass.  A  whaleboat's  compass  answers  nicely  in  a 
small  sailboat. 

3.  Boats  of  any  considerable  draft — one  and  a  half  feet  and  more — should  carry 
a  lead  line,  the  first  fathom  marked  off  legibly  in  feet.  This  will  prove  to  be  very 
valuable  in  finding  channels  in  the  night,  and  fogs. 

4.  Never  make  your  halliards  nor  sheets  fast  by  hitching  or  knotting.    They 


BOATS  FOR   SPORTING   USES.  623 

should  be  made  fast  either  by  sufficient  turns  around  the  cleat,  or  by  a  simple 
draw-knot,  which  any  boatman  can  show  you. 

5.  When  the  wind  is  very  strong  and  puffy,  pass  the  sheet  once  around  the 
cleat  and  hold  the  end  in  your  hand. 

6.  Always  keep  the  halliards  and  sheets  in  order,  by  carefully  coiling  them  so 
that  they  will  render  from  the  top  of  the  coil. 

7.  Never  sit  to  the  leeward  of  your  helm,  nor  allow  any  one  else  to  sit  where 
their  position  will  interfere  with  the  free  play  of  your  tiller. 

8.  Never  jibe  a  sail  when  the  wind  is  blowng  freshly,  unless  it  be  a  necessity. 
If  you  must  jibe,  do  so  with  your  peak  settled. 

9.  Never  jibe  ihe  sail  with  a  sheet  wide  off.  Trim  in  your  sheet  rapidly  as 
you  press  up  your  helm,  take  a  turn  around  the  cleat,  and  ease  tne  strain  when 
the  sail  passes  over,  by  letting  go  your  sheet  as  your  direction  from  the  wind  may 
require.    As  a  rule,  it  is  better  to  go  about. 

10.  When,  from  a  heavy  sea, 4  boat  refuses  to  mind  her  helm,  and  misses 
stays,  to  get  her  on  the  other  tack  you  must  perform  what  is  called  wearing. 
This  is  done  by  settling  the  peak  of  your  sail,  and  following  the  directions  above 
for  jibing.  Once  jibed,  haul  up  your  peak,  trim  in  your  sheet,  and  bring  her  on 
her  course. 

11.  In  heavy  winds  and  high  waves  a  boat  will  sail  better,  and  be  safer  with 
the  sheet  started  a  little.  Very  few  boats  sail  well  at  any  time,  when  the  sheet  is 
trimmed  down  fiat. 

12.  Never  luff  a  small  boat  in  rough  water  and  high  wind,  so  as  to  stop  her 
way.  When  a  puff  of  wind  is  too  strong  for  your  safety,  hold  the  boat  on  her 
course  and  ease  off  the  sheet.  The  danger  of  stopping  a  boat  under  the  above 
circumstances  is,  that  they  are  liable  to  upset  when  you  put  up  your  helm  and 
keep  away  to  fill  the  sail  again.  If  your  boat  has  lost  way,  slack  off  your  sheet, 
put  down  your  helm,  and  let  her  fall  off.  When  she  has  fallen  off  sufficiently  to 
get  a  good  full  on  the  sail,  up  helm  and  trim  in  rapidly. 

13.  Always  keep  an  eye  to  windward,  watching  the  surface  of  the  water  for 
the  approach  of  puffs  of  wind. 

14.  Being  overtaken  by  a  squall,  settle  your  sail,  and  tie  up  snugly,  waiting  to 
make  sail,  until  you  have  felt  the  weight  of  the  squall,  and  know  how  much 
sail  to  make.  If  the  squall  promises  to  be  very  severe  you  had  better  come  to  an 
anchor. 

15.  In  reefing,  take  in  all  sail ;  trim  In  your  sheet  perfectly  flat  and  make 
secure.  Then  haul  out  your  clew  with  your  pennant  and  make  fast.  Next  tie 
down  your  tack,  then  tie  In  your  nettles  or  reef  points  with  square  knots,  com- 
mencing at  either  end.  In  shaking  out  a  reef,  the  sail  being  down,  reverse  this 
process,  commencing  to  untie  your  reef  points  at  the  middle  and  working  to  the 
end.    Keep  to  the  windward  of  your  sail. 

16.  In  running  off  dead  before  the  wind  be  careful  not  to  jibe.  If  the  wind  is 
heavy  it  is  safer  to  run  with  peak  settled.  In  rough  water,  running  off,  look  out 
that  your  boom,  striking  in  the  crest  of  a  sea,  does  not  trail  aft  and  jibe  your 
sail.  This  is  called  tripping.  To  prevent  this  bring  her  more  on  the  wind  by 
putting  your  helm  down.  If  seas  are  liable  to  comb  over  on  your  quarter  or 
stern  they  can  be  broken  by  trailing  a  buoy  or  basket,  or  two  oars  lashed  to- 
gether ,  about  five  fathoms  astern.  This  drag  will  also  steady  the  motion  of 
your  boat. 

17.  Never  carry  sail  for  the  sake  of  carrying  it. 


624  SPORTING  BOATS  AND   CANOES. 

i8.  Never  sail  strange  waters  without  a  chart,  or  what  is  better,  without  a 

pilot. 

19.  As  a  stranger  to  them,  avoid  tide-rips  and  whirls. 

ao.  Be  cool  in  emergencies.  If  suiling  with  company,  do  not  let  them  distract 
your  attention  from  the  management  of  your  boat. 

ai.  Remember  that  on  the  wind  the  starboard  tack  has  the  right  of  way  over 
the  port ;  and  that  a  vessel  sailing  on  the  wind  has  the  right  of  way  over  one  that 
has  her  sheet  off. 

These  rules  apply  to  cat  rigged  boats  especially.  In  the  main  they  apply  to 
sloop  rigged  boats  also. 

SUGGESTIONS.  ',. 

I.  If  alone  it  is  convenient  to  have  the  peak  halliard  led  aft.  '      '• 

a.  The  average  of  boats  sail  in  moderate  winds  and  smooth  waters  within  four 
points  of  the  wind. 

3.  A  boat  on  the  wind  sails  better  with  the  gaflf  to  the  leeward  of  the  top- 
ping-lift. 

4.  Keep  your  boom  well  set  up. 

5.  The  upper  and  outer  half  of  your  sail  gives  the  most  of  your  speed  when 
you  are  on  the  wind. 

6.  If  your  boat  carries  a  lee  helm,  watch  her. 

7.  In  keeping  your  boat  oft  from  the  wind,  where  your  room  is  limited,  pull  up 
your  board  and  flat  your  sheet.    Settling  the  peak  also  helps  this  movement. 

8.  Learn  to  work  your  boat  while  sitting  down. 

9.  Finally,  if  you  don't  know  that  you  know  how  to  manage  a  boat  in  every 
particular,  hire  a  competent  man  to  go  with  you  and  teach  you. 

The  Al  Fresco  Boat. — This  is  a  boat  invented  by  Dr.  Chas.  J. 
Kenworthy  of  Jacksonville,  Florida,  for  use  in  that  State.  Length, 
fifteen  feet ;  beam,  four  feet  eight  inches  ;  depth  between  deck  and 
ceiling,  seventeen  inches ;  almost  wall-sided,  and  flat  in  floor  at 
point  of  greatest  beam  ;  good  entrance  and  exit,  or,  in  other  words, 
fine  lines  forward  and  aft  ;  deck  same  as  sneak-box,  dipping  five 
inches  from  centre  of  cock-pit  to  each  side,  and  to  stem  and  stern  ; 
cock-pit  four  feet  long  by  two  feet  two  inches  wide ;  hatches  ten 
by  fourteen  inches  abaft  the  mast  and  cock-pit  to  stow  provisions 
and  general  plunder  ;  centre-board,  three  feet  long  ;  cat-rigged, 
with  gaff"  or  spreets  and  sliding  gunter ;  canvas  apron  as  in  sneak 
box,  to  be  used  when  beating  to  windward  ;  bulkhead  at  after  part 
of  cock-pit.  In  such  a  boat  provisions  and  plunder  can  be  pro- 
tected from  the  weather,  two  persons  can  be  comfortably  accom- 
modated and  lodged  ;  she  can  be  easily  transported  ;  prov^ided 
with  hatch  from  cock-pit  she  can  be  converted  into  a  Saratoga 
trunk ;  she  works  well  under  sail,  rows  easily,  and  proves  com- 
fortable and  sea-worthy  in  a  sea  way.  Owing  to  the  shape  of  her 
deck  and  protected  cock-pit,  she  would  weather  a  severe  storm. 


. 


BOATS  FOR  SPORTING   USES.  62$ 

The.  Newport  Boat. — This  differs  from  the  ordinary  cat-boat, 
only  in  having  a  bowsprit,  and  setting  a  jib  running  free.  It  can 
not  be  carried  to  windward,  as  it  would  alter  the  hang  of  the  boat, 
the  mast  being  stepped  cat-boat  fashion  in  the  "  eyes  of  her." 

The  Fair  Haven  Sharpie. — General  construction  the  same, 
though  the  length  varies  greatly  and  the  lines  are  different.  Most 
of  them  have  two  masts  (some  only  one)  with  leg-of-mutton  sails. 
A  sixteen  feet  boat  should  be  four  feet  four  inches  wide  on  the  top 
and  three  feet  eight  inches  on  the  bottom,  this  having  a  place  of 
four  inches.  Depth  amidships  fifteen  inches  ;  at  the  bow  nineteen 
inches.  Decked  over  four  feet  on  the  bows  and  two  on  the  stern, 
with  a  washboard  of  four  inches  and  combing  of  two  inches. 
Centre  board  four  feet  long,  the  forward  end  being  against  the 
mast.  Mast  four  inches  in  diameter  in  the  largest  place.  Sail 
made  of  thirteen  yards  of  best  twilled  cotton.  Boat  well  provided 
with  seats,  and  steered  with  a  rudder.  A  twenty  feet  boat  will 
cost  seventy-five  dollars.  They  are  exceedingly  fast,  very  stiff  and 
can  be  easily  steered  by  trimming. 

The  Qui  Vive  Canoe. — Manufactured  by  J.  F.  West,  East 
Orange,  New  Jersey.  The  frame  is  made  of  ash.  The  main 
stringers  are  nine  in  number,  and  all  outside  of  the  ribs,  so  that 
everything  that  touches  the  skin  runs  fore  and  aft.  This,  and  the 
style  of  building,  also  putting  the  canvas  on  without  a  seam  below 
the  gunwales,  Mr.  West  claims  to  be  the  inventor  of.  The  six 
other  stringers  are  then  added,  at  proper  distances,  and  firmly 
secured.  The  canoe  is  then  turned  over,  and  solid  braces  put  in 
close  to  bow  and  stern.  Fifteen  cross  ribs  are  then  put  in  at 
proper  distances  and  riveted  with  two  copper  tacks  at  each  inter- 
section with  the  stringers.  While  doing  this  the  lines  must  be 
trued,  as  these  ribs  determine  the  shape  of  the  canoe.  The  mast 
step  is  then  put  in,  and  fastened  to  the  keelson  and  two  ribs,  also 
a  piece  of  three-quarter  inch  pine  board,  from  gunwale  to  gunwale, 
with  a  mast  hole  in  it.  Next  the  peaked  carlines,  or  deck-supports 
are  put  in.  The  form  is  then  removed,  after  which  the  well  frame 
and  combings  are  placed  in  position,  and  firmly  screwed  to  the 
gunwales.  The  deck  has  a  slope  of  two  inches  from  well  to  bow 
and  stern.  When  all  the  wood  work  is  complete  give  it  a  coat  of 
uaint,  after  which  the  skin.  No.  lo  cotton  duck,  is  put  on  without 


626  SPOTTING  BOATS  AND   CANOES. 

a  seam.  Next  paint  bow  and  stern,  also  along  the  keelson.  While 
the  paint  is  yet  fresh  put  on  false  bows  of  sheet  iron  and  an  inch 
pine  keel,  which  latter  is  bolted  through  the  skin  to  the  keelson. 
Next  the  deck  is  put  on,  of  lighter  canvas,  and  then  a  coat  of 
boiled  linseed  oil  is  given.  Over  the  oil  apply  paint,  and  finally 
varnish.  The  dimensions  are,  length,  fourteen  feet,  beam  twenty- 
six  inches,  depth. amidships,  from  ridge  of  deck  to  bottom  of  one 
inch  keel,  one  foot.  She  is  decked  over  at  bow  and  stern,  with  a 
well  amidships  four  feet  long  by  twenty  inches  wide,  surrounded 
by  an  inch  combing.  Over  the  well  is  fitted  a  white  rubber  apron, 
which  buttons  tight  around  the  paddles,  and  effectually  keeps  all. 
spray  and  rain  from  getting  below.  Her  means  of  propulsion  are 
a  double  bladed  paddle  and  sails.  The  sails  are  a  standing  lug 
main  and  a  jib  foresail.  The  mast  is  fc  r  feet  six  inches  above 
deck,  but  the  peak  of  mainsail  when  hoisted  is  over  six  feet.  The 
sails  are  so  arranged  that  they  may  be  set  or  taken  in  without  the 
canoeist  leaving  his  seat.  The  painter  is  rove  through  a  brass  eye 
at  bow  and  stern,  and  runs  entirely  around  the  canoe,  being  used 
as  jib  outhaul,  and  to  keep  the  apron  close  to  the  deck  in  a  sea. 
The  "  Qui  Vive,"  complete  with  mast,  sails,  apron,  seatback,  pad- 
dle, stretcher,  flag  and  flagstaff,  weighs  fifty  pounds.  The  seat- 
back  is  "  Rob  Roy  "  style,  t-vo  strips  of  wood  to  rest  along  the  back 
without  touching  the  spine,  and  is  hinged  to  the  after  combings. 

With  the  paddle  and  a  rubber  sheet  a  water  tight  cabin  can  be 
rigged  at  night,  and  there  is  ample  space  below, deck  to  allow  the 
knees  of  the  sleeper  to  pass,  so  that  he  may  turn  over,  which  is 
necessary  for  a  comfortable  sleep.  The  sailing  qualities  of  these 
canoes  are  astonishing,  they  will  beat  to  windward,  and  require 
very  little  steering.  The  paddle  is  straight  bladed,  seven  feet  six 
inches  long,  and  weighs  two  and  a  half  pounds,  it  is  used  in  steer- 
ing when  under  sail. 

The  cost  complete  is  only  fifty  dollars. 

The  Chaloiipe. — This  is  the  principal  fishing  craft  of  the  St. 
Lawrence,  an  eight-ton  lighter-built  craft  of  .three  feet  draught, 
one-masted  sloop,  rigged,  v/ith  jigger  sail  astern,  and  stub  bowsprit. 
Amidships  is  a  hold  for  ballast  and  cargo,  forward  a  diminutive 
cabin  with  berths,  a  seat  and  a  table,  and  astern  a  clear  space  for 
handling  sheets  and  helm.     A  seaworthy  craft. 


BOATS  FOR   SPORTiXG   USES.  627 

The  Mackinaw  Boat. — Tliesc  are  probably  the  best  small 
boats  made  for  heavy  weather.  A  Mackinaw  boat  only  twenty- 
two  feet  in  length  has  been  known  to  ride  into  the  severest  storms 
of  Lake  Michigan.  As  surf  boats  they  are  unequalled,  for  with 
proper  handling  they  may  be  beached  at  any  time  without  serious 
danger.  They  have  a  good  deal  of  sheer,  with  greatest  beam  for- 
ward of  amidships,  and  sharp  at  the  stern,  which  prevents  the 
shipping  of  water  aft  whih;  running  with  the  sea.  These  and  the 
square  sterned  dories  are  in  general  use  by  the  fishermen. 

The  Chesapeake  Canoe. — The  hull  is  constructed  from  three 
pine  logs  in  most  cases,  which  are  brought  into  shape  by  the  axe 
and  adze,  with  the  assistance  of  the  plane  and  other  tools,  the  said 
logs  being  reduced  to  a  thickness  of  about  three  inches  on  the 
bottom  of  the  canoe,  thinning  out  to  an  inch  and  a  half  at  the  gun- 
wale. The  three  sections  forming  the  boat  are  put  together  with 
treenails.  The  boats  are  of  various  lengths,  varying  from  twenty 
up  to  forty-five  feet,  but  boats  of  from  tvv'enty-five  up  to  thirty-one 
feet  long  are  in  most  common  use,  those  of  the  latter  length  hav- 
ing about  six  feet  beam,  being,  as  you  perceive,  very  long  for  their 
beam.  Their  lines,  of  course,  from  being  so  narrow,  are  beauti- 
fully fine,  and  the  boats  being  sharp  at  both  ends,  causes  them  to 
leave  the  water  as  easily  as  they  enter  it.  The  rapidity  with  which 
they  sail  with  "  sheets  lifted  "  is  wonderful,  and  they  are  also  very 
good  on  a  wind,  especially  those  with  centre-boards.  (They  are 
built  both  centre-board  and  keel,  but  the  centre-board,  as  with 
small  craft  of  all  descriptions,  has  the  advantage.)  As  to  rig,  they 
carry  two  sharp,  or  "  goose  wing  "  sails,  with  a  jib.  The  larger 
sail  of  the  two  is  the  foresail.  The  sails  are  bent  on  the  masts  and 
set  by  means  of  spreets,  reaching  from  mast  to  clew  of  sail.  For 
racing  they  carry  in  addition  to  the  above  sails  a  large  balloon  jib 
and  a  stay  sail,  or  else  have  an  extra  step  between  the  fore  and 
mainmasts  and  set  an  extra  "goose  wing"  there,  thi;  >f  course 
being  only  used  with  wind  abeam.  Off  the  wind,  larg  .ater  sails 
are  set  under  the  fore  and  main  sails.  Now,  to  shorten  sail  you 
cast  the  becket  rope  off"  the  spreet  of  your  mainsail,  rolling  the 
spreet  up  in  the  sail,  which  is  furled  round  it,  and  the  becket  rope 
makes  a  gasket  to  lash  it  in  place  to  the  mast  ;  then  take  the 
"  chock  block  "  out  of  the  upper  step  of  your  foremast,  which  step 


O  ML'.'  \  \      ''•\t  A  \'r>  (1  Tvft  O      <i  o  S       '1  'vv  •.  f>  r, 

628  SPORTING  BOATS  AND   CANOES. 

is  cut  longer  to  enable  a  block  to  be  set  in  forward  and  aft  of  the 
mast,  as  may  be  desired,  for  going  on  or  ofif  the  wind,  and  you 
have  your  sail  reduced  without  any  naked  spars  to  hold  the  wind 
and  list  the  boat  without  being  of  any  service.  To  drive  her,  if  the 
wind  increases,  you  next  take  in  your  jib  and  go  under  your  fore- 
sail ;  if  the  gale  increases,  and  it  must  be  a  gale  indeed  to  render 
it  necessary,  take  in  your  foresail  and  substitute  your  mainsail 
■for  it,  which  is  quickly  done,  as  the  after  part  of  the  upper  step  of 
the  foremast  is  in  a  hinge,  and  the  lower  one  on  a. pivot,  so  that 
the  mast  can  be  lowered  fore  and  aft  without  taking  it  out  of  the 

~  step.  Now  you  have  your  boat  under  sail  that  you  can  go  with, 
when  large  "  pungies  "  have  to  make  a  harbor,  and  the  boat  steers 
well  under  any  or  all  of  the  above  sails,  owing  to  changing  the 
rake  of  her  masts,  and  holds  on  well.  These  boats  are  in  uni- 
versal use  on  the  Chesapeake  from  the  capes  to  the  head  of  the  bay. 
Yarmouth  Fzshmg  Canoe. — To  a  gunwale  of  desired  length 
and  strength,  attach  ribs  of  pine,  about  two  inches  wide  by  an 
eighth  thick,  bent  in  the  form  desired.     Longitudinal  strips  of  the 

:  same  are  then  tacked  as  closely  as  possible  to  the  ribs  outside,  and 

r  over  all,  a  covering  of  canvas  is   tightly  stretched.     A  keel  of  pine 
an  inch  wide  and  one-half  inch  thick  (tapering  at  the  sides)  is  then 

f  screwed  on,  and  whole  outside   coated  with  shellac  varnish,  in 

,    which  a  little  boiled  linseed  oil  has  been  mixed.     This  makes  a 

,-  perfectlywaterproof  canoe  capable  of  standing  hard  knocks.     Such 

'   a  one,  fourteen  feet  long,  will  weigh  about  fifty  pounds.     Address 

'  W.  A.  Lawson,  Yarmouth,  Nova  Scotia. 

The  Rob  Roy. — Dimensions.  Length,  fourteen  feet ;  beam, 
twenty-six  inches  ;  depth,  eight  and  a  half  inches  ;  rise  of  deck, 
two  inches ;  bulkheads,  three  feet  from  each  end  ;  cock-pit,  three 

}   feet  four  inches  by  eighteen  inches  ;  combing,  two  inches  high  ; 

.    mast,  one  and  three-quarter  inches  in  diameter  at  deck  ;  siding  and 
decks,  one-quarter  inch  thick ;  ribbed  between  bulkheads — ribs, 

^   one  and  a  half  inches  apart. 

;         Material.     Keel  and   stems,  oak ;  ribs,  elm  :  hidings,  decks, 
deck-timbers,   back-board,    stretcher   and    combing,  cedar  ;  gun- 

-    vyales,  mast  and  spars,  spruce  ;  paddle,  spruce  or  ash. 

.r.f.-    Weight  Complete.     (This  one)  fifty-six  pounds  ,  might  ,.»e  built 
down   to   fifty   pounds   safely.     Price,    from   seventy-five   to   one 


BOATS  BOR   SPORTING    USES.  629 

hundred  dollars.  Built  by  J.  H.  Rushton,  Canton,  St.  Lawrence 
County,  N.  Y. ;  Waters  &  Balch,  Troy,  N.  Y.,  or  Mr.  Jarvis,  Wat- 
kins.  N.  Y. 

^  "^  Barnegat  Sneak  Boat. — This  is  a  craft  originating  at  Barnegat, 
New  Jersey,  and  much  used  for  duck  shooting  :      '  ■^<^'   '''-'  j^^i^  nn.;? 

Length,  twelve  feet ;  with  midships,  four  feet  ;  width  of  stem, 
two  feet  nine  inches  ;  depth  of  stern,  seven  inches.     Sprung  tim- 
bers all  of  one  pattern,  nine-sixteenths  by  thirteen-sixteenth  inches  ; 
distance  apart,  eight  inches ;  deck  timbers  natural  bend,  one  inch 
by  seven-eighths.     Cock-pit.   inside  measurement,   length,  three 
feet  four  inches  ;  width  at  bow  and  stern,  eighteen  and  a  half 
inches  ;  midships,  nineteen  "inches.     Combing,  height  of  inside  at 
bow   and   stern,   two  and   three-quarter  inches ;   midships,   two 
inches ;  from  bottom  of  combing  to  top  ceiling,  thirteen  inches. 
Trunk  on  port  side,  set  slanting  to  take  a  fifteen  inch  board  trunk 
placed  alongside  and  abaft  of  forward  corner  of  combing.     Row- 
locks, height,  six  inches;  from  combing,  nine  inches;  middle  of 
to  stern,  four  feet  seven  inches,  made  to  fold  down  inboard  and  to 
fasten  up  with  a  hook.     Stool  rack  runs  from  rowlocks  to  stern, 
notched  at  ends  into  fastening  of  rowlocks,  also  notched  at  corners 
and  hooked  together,  rest  against  a  cleat  on  deck  outside,  and  ar** 
hooked  to  the  deck  inside.     In  a  heavy  sea  the  apron  is  used.     It 
is  held  up  by  a  stick  from  peak  to  combing.     Thus  rigged  the 
boat  has  the  reputation  of  being  able  to  live  as  long  as  oars  can 
be  pulled.     The  apron  is  tacked  to  the  deck  about  two-thirds  its 
ler^ti.     The  wings  are  fastened  to  the  top  and  bottom  of  the  row- 
locks.    Mast  hole,  two  and  five-eighth  inches  ;  two  inches  from 
combing.     Drop  of  sides  from  top  to  deck,  five  aiid  seven- eighth 
inches,  dead  rise,  eight  inches.     Over  cock-pit  a  hatch  is  placed. 
Everything  connected  with  the  boat  is  placed  i.iside,  gunners  often 
leaving  their  guns,  etc.,  locking  the  hatch  fast.     The  boats  sail- 
well,  and  covered  with  sedge  are  used  to  shoot  from.     With  the 
hatch  on,  a  person  can  be  protected  from  rain,  and  with  blankets, 
can  be  accommodated  with  a  night's  lodging.     Boards  for  boats, 
white  cedar,  five-eighths  of  an  inch  thick  ;   deck,  narrow   strips 
tongued  and  grooved. 

A    Common   Gunning  Boat. — Dimensions    for  a  boat   large 
enough  to  hold  two  persons,  with  guns  and  a  dog.     The  dimen- 


^  » 


630  SPORTING  BOATS  AND   CANOES. 

sions  of  a  boat  should  be  about  fifteen  feet  long  and  four  feet  wide. 
Built  lap-streak  fashion,  with  streaks  and  knees  of  cedar,  and 
the  laps  fastened  to  the  frame  by  being  riveted  with  copper  boat 
nails.  The  seams  of  the  laps  between  the  knees  should  be  riveted 
together  with  smaller  copper  nails.  A  piece  of  white  oak  will 
make  a  good  keel,  and  should  the  boat  be  used  where  there  is  a 
stony  bottom,  cover  the  bottom  of  the  keel  with  a  strip  of  sheet 
copper  or  brass  to  keep  it  from  getting  worn  and  ragged.  Have 
the  boat  partially  decked  over  forward,  and  make  the  dog  a  bed 
under  said  deck.  In  that  position  he  will  be  out  of  the  way,  and 
his  weight  will  help  "  trim  "  the  boat..  The  less  "  belly  "  the  boat 
has  the  stiffer  it  will  be.  If  you  use  your  boat  on  flats  where  there 
is  not  much  water,  make  it  broad  on  the  bottom  or  not  much 
rounded,  and  with  a  shallow  keel.  Deck  over  the  sides  of  the 
boat  for  six  inches,  and  put  a  cleat  one  inch  high  on  the  inside 
edge  of  it,  to  keep  out  the  water  from  the  boat.  Fasten  gun  racks 
to  the  knees  on  each  side  of  the  boat.  When  finished, -all  knots 
in  the  cedar  should  be  bored  out  and  the  holes  plugged  with  solid 
wood. 

English  Centre-board  Gig. — These  craft  have  been  brought  to 
America  from  Southampton,  England — clipper  built,  square  and 
rather  full  stern  ;  length  fifteen  feet,  width  four  feet  eight  inches, 
depth  two  feet,  rising  at  stem  and  stern,  so  as  to  give  about  four 
inches  sheer ;  decked  three  feet  six  inches  on  bow,  and  two  feet  six 
inches  at  stern — decks  connected  by  washboards  on  each  si(i|ksix 
inches  wide.  Below  the  decks  two  bulkheads  are  fitted,  so  as  to 
make  a  water-tight  compartment  fore  and  aft.  Exactly  amidships 
a  centre-board  three  feet  six  inches  long  is  placed,  the  case  of 
which,  however,  does  not  rise  above  the  level  of  the  thwarts  so  as 
to  interfere  with  the  rower.  Rigged  for  sailing  with  a  sprit,  main- 
sail, and  foresail  or  jib.  Mainsail  is  used  without  a  boom,  except 
when  running,  when  it  can  be  boomed  out  with  a  boat-hook.  The 
main  sheet  passes  through  a  small  block  which  travels  on  a  hawse 
at  the  stern,  and  the  tack  of  the  foresail  is  made  fast  either  to  the 
stern  or  a  small  bumpkin  eight  inches  long.  Sprit  made  in  two 
pieces  joined  by  a  ferrule,  so  as  to  allow  of  its  being  shortened  and 
a  reef  taken  in  the  mainsail ;  the  sails  are  altogether  inboard. 
Sails  well  and  is  an  excellent  sea-going  craft.      .     .  ,^  ....  ^  ,;^  .^^ 


J  BOATS  FOR   SPORTING   USES.      ^  63 1 

,'.if,,!  The  Gunning  Skiff. — Built  by  Sam.  T.  Quitman,  South  Oyster 
Bay,  Long  Island,  New  York.  This  is  a  serviceable  and  seaworthy 
craft,  and  is  considered  an  improvement  on  the  Barnegat  boat. 

Dimensions  :  eleven  feet  keel,  twelve  feet  nine  inches  ovei  all 
on  deck,  four  feet  three  inches  beam,  with  a  swinging  centre-board, 
which  acts  of  its  own  accord  when  the  boat  is  sailing  in  shallow 
water.  The  boat  is  also  supplied  with  a  lug  sail  of  ten  yards  of 
canvas ;  mast,  ten  feet ;  sprit,  fourteen  and  one-half  feet ;  sail 
nearly  square.  She  is  decked  over  four  feet  forward  and  two  feet 
aft,  washboard  one  foot  wide.  The  combing  is  four  inches  high, 
and  arranged  for  thatching  with  grass.  Depth,  fifteen  inches  from 
top  of  combing.  The  sail  is  made  so  as  a  reef  can  be  taken  when 
necessary.  '    - 

The  Nautilus. — This  canoe  is  of  different  lengths,  with  two 
masts,  built  for  sailing  or  paddling ;  carries  no  centre-board,  but  a 
two  and  one-half  inch  keel ;  greatest  beam  twenty-eight  inches ; 
weight,  fifty  pounds.  Price,  one  hundred  dollars.  William  Byles, 
Harlem,  and  J.  Everson,  Greenpoint,  builders. 

The  Pirogue  or  Dug-out  is  hollowed  from  a  single  log,  or  may 
be  shaped  from  several ;  is  in  use  from  Maine  to  Florida  and  Min- 
nesota, and  is  propelled  by  paddles,  seldom  carrying  more  than 
two  persons. 

Birch  Canoes. — Of  various  patterns,  sizes,  and  degrees  of 
merit,  carrying  from  one  to  eight  persons  with  their  luggage. 
Price  varies  from  twelve  dollars  to  twenty  dollars  in  the  Provinces. 
The  best  are  obtained  in  Nova  Scotia.  Good  ones  can  be  bought 
at  Old  Town  and  Princeton,  Maine. 

Ribless  Boats. — Sail  boats,  for  coast  and  river  fishing,  "  built 
up  "  without  ri^^s,  are  very  popular  in  Massachusetts  Bay  on  account 
of  their  speed,  lightness,  cheapness,  and  ease  of  construction.  To 
make  one,  the  only  material  needed  are  good  clear  pine  boards, 
each  the  whole  length  of  the  intended  boat,  a  few  pounds  of  small 
nails  (galvanized,)  and  the  material  for  the  stem,  keel,  and  stern 
post.  The  boards  are  run  through  a  saw  mill  and  cut  into  strips 
about  an  inch  and  a  half  wide,  and  out  of  these  the  boat  is  built  up 
according  to  working  models.  These  models  are  merely  patterns 
of  wood  that  give  the  outside  of  a  half-section  of  the  boat.  They 
give  the  shape  of  a  boat  at  every  foot  of  her  length,  and  are  formed 


632  SPORTING  BOATS  AND   CANOES. 

from  some  existing  boat  or  drawn  from  a  scale  designed  by  some 
competent  boat-builder.  The  keel,  stern  post  and  stem  are  set  up 
and  secured  together  firmly,  and  then  to  the  keel  two  strips  are 
fitted  horizontally,  one  on  each  side,  and  having  been  planed  down 
at  each  end  to  fit  the  model,  holes  are  bored  through  them  and  they 
are  securely  nailed  to  the  keel.  Over  each  is  laid  another  strip,  and 
with  the  plane  and  shave  it  is  fitted  to  them  in  such  a  way  as  to 
conform  to  the  shape  of  the  boat,  and  then  each  is  nailed  down  as 
before.  In  this  simple  manner  the  work  proceeds.  As  the  strips 
are  nailed  one  over  the  other,  they  are  bent  to  conform  to  the  shape 
of  the  boat,  and  bevelled  to  give  the  sides  the  right  form. 

A  single  day's  practice  in  fitting  the  strips  to  the  shape  of  the 
boat  will  enable  a  good  carpenter  to  do  the  work  with  neatness  and 
dispatch,  and  any  person  skillful  with  plane  and  hammer  could  in 
time  turn  boat-builder.  When  the  sides  rise  to  the  gunwale,  a 
broader  and  thicker  strip  of  oak  or  ash  is  laid  over  all,  to  act  as  a 
fender  and  gunwale.  During  the  whole  process,  the  strips  are  kept 
heavily  painted  with  white  lead,  and  when  all  is  finished,  we  have 
a  ribless  shell,  showing  no  nails  except  at  the  top,  exactly  conform- 
ing on  the  outside  and  inside  the  model.  To  give  lateral  strength, 
shorter  pieces  of  the  strips  are  built  up  from  the  keel  inside,  and  care- 
fully fitted  to  the  sides.  The  seats  are  placed  over  these,  and  then 
decks,  storeroom  and  cabin  may  be  added  as  desired.  Boats  made 
in  this  way  are  very  light  and  buoyant  and,  being  smooth  on  the 
outside,  are  good  sailers.  In  case  of  injury,  they  are  easily  repaired 
by  cutting  out  the  broken  place  and  inserting  new  strips,  secured 
•  by  backing  on  the  inside.  In  practical  use,  such  boats  are  found  to 
be  swift,  dry  and  safe.  They  make  good  sea  boats,  and  are  said  to 
resist  injury  with  ease.  In  sailing  they  demand  plenty  of  ballast, 
to  compensate  for  their  lightness.  Their  cheapness  and  ease  of 
construction  are  rapidly  bringing  them  into  favor,  as  the  cost  is 
about  one- third  less  than  by  the  ordinary  method.  Two  men  with 
the  materials  in  hand  can  easily  make  a  boat  eighteen  by  six  in 
sixteen  days. 

The  Whitehall  Boat. — A  Whitehall  boat  is  a  car\-el-built  boat 
(smooth,  not  lapstreak,)  generally  seventeen  feet  in  length,  though 
sometimes  nineteen  and  twenty-one  feet,  and  has  a  movable  mast 
with  spreet  sail.     It  ca*-  be  sailed  or  rowed  equally  well,  and  with 


BOATS  FOR  SPORTING   USES.  (^H 

a  breeze  can  be  managed  without  oars  or  rudder,  the  boatman 
steering  her  by  simply  shifting  his  position,  fore,  aft,  or  amidships, 
according  as  he  wishes  to  luff,  keep  her  off,  or  hold  her  on  her 
course.  This  kind  of  boat  originated  with  the  fishermen  of  Fulton 
Market,  New  York,  about  forty  years  ago. 

Fenners  Portable  Boat. — This  is  a  canvas  skin  on  a  lattice 
frame  of  great  lightness  and  strength.  Weight  from  twenty-five 
to  seventy-five  pounds,  the  largest  having  carrying  capacity  for 
half  a  ton.  It  folds  or  packs  in  the  space  of  a  valise  or  trunk — the 
smallest  eleven  by  twenty-two  by  twenty-seven  inches.  Its  strength 
is  greater  than  the  ordinary  birch  or  cedar  used  in  light  boats,  and 
when  made  impervious  to  water  by  Mr.  Tap  )an's  process,  makes 
the  dryest  of  boats.  The  principle  on  whivh  the  frame  is  con- 
structed has  its  own  peculiar  advantages.  Of  strength  first,  as  seen 
in  many  railroad  bridges,  and  of  compressibility,  where  each  inter- 
section moves  upon  a  brass  rivet.  After  it  has  been  shoved  together 
there  still  remains  a  space  in  which  the  canvas  is  laid,  with  room 
for  tent,  clothing,  and  victuals.  The  whole  is  then  closed  by  fold- 
ing down  the  two  seats  for  a  lid,  and  the  boat  is  then  a  stout  trunk, 
which  can  be  placed  in  another  box  or  not.  It  also  can  be  used  as 
a  shelter  tent.  Jointed  paddles  are  to  be  used  with  it.  C.  A.  Fen- 
ner,  builder,  Mystic,  Connecticut.  Sold  by  Holberton  &  Beemer, 
New  York,  and  Bradford  &  Anthony,  Boston. 

Hegetnafis  Folding  Boat. — This  is  a  light,  jointed  frame  of 
sufficient  strength  to  keep  its  canvas  shell  in  proper  shape,  and 
sustain  the  weight  of  its  load.  It  folds  with  it  the  canvas  into  a 
complete  parallelogram  whose  weight  is  not  more  than  forty 
pounds.  This  boat  is  not  sinkable  ;  it  will  sustain  a  dozen  men 
easily.  It  is  a  good  boat  for  many  purposes,  and  can  be  bought 
at  prices  ranging  from  $80  to  $100.  It  is  built  at  Balston  Spa, 
New  York. 

The  Monitor  Raft. — This  is  a  capital  angler's  contrivance  for 
use  on  lakes,  consisting  of  rubber  cylinders  (to  be  inflated),  con- 
nected by  a  suitable  frame  work,  with  an  elevated  seat  for  the 
fisherman.  Sold  by  the  Combination  Rubber  Company,  62  Church 
street,  New  York.     Price  $75. 

Treat's  Steel  Frame  Canoe. — This  is  the  invention  of  John  H. 
Treat,  of  Lawrence,  Massachusetts.     Weighs  fifty-seven  pounds 


634  SPORTING  BOATS  AND   CANOES. 

when  fifteen  feet  long.  Can  be  packed  in  a  box  six  feet  by  seven 
inches,  by  four  inches.  The  cover  is  made  in  a  single  piece  of 
canvas,  and  can  be  folded  and  carried  in  a  haversack  over  the 
shoulder.  The  gunwales  from  being  lined  with  steel,  are  but  one- 
half  an  inch  thick.  They  are  said  to  be  strictly  impervious  to 
water,  and  can  be  covered  with  a  buttoned  tarpaulin  so  as  to  keep 
out  rain  and  waves.     Address  William  H.  Rollins,  Boston,  Mass. 

The  Colvin  Canvas  Boat. — This  boat,  or  canoe,  is  usually 
made  twelve  feet  long  by  four  feet  wide.  Only  the  canvas  skin  or 
cover  is  carried  ;  it  weighs  ten  pounds  eight  ounces  (leaving  out 
the  light  leathern  pieces  which  receive  the  corners  of  keelson  and 
gunwales),  and  when  compactly  folded,  occupies  the  space  of  less 
than  half  a  cubic  foot.  It  has  carried  in  a  heavy  storm,  far  from 
land,  a  burden  of  seven  hi.ndred  pounds,  and  will,  in  smooth 
water,  convey  a  much  greater  burden.  The  prows  are  guarded 
with  brass  cut-waters,  riveted  on.  The  keelson  and  gunwales  are 
improvised  from  stout  poles  cut  in  the  wood,  when  required,  and 
two  dozen  stout  boughs  form  the  ribs.  The  skin  is  made  fost  to 
the  gunwale  by  leathern  thongs  or  points.  It  is  in  reality  a  make- 
shift, to  use  in  places  so  inaccessible  that  it  will  not  pay  to  carry 
an  ordinary  portable  boat.  Made  by  R.  C.  Scott,  Albany. 
■  The  Adirondack  Boat. — This  is  a  round  bottom,  lap  streak 
cedar  boat,  fourteen  to  eighteen  feet  in  length,  accommodating 
two  or  three  persons  with  their  camp  outfit.  They  are  .^tiff  and 
safe.  C.  J.  Chase,  Newcomb,  Essex  Co.,  New  York,  Reuben 
'"arv  and  Henry  Stanton,  of  Long  Lake,  W.  E.  Martin,  E.  Peck, 
aiio  G.  Philboots,  of  Saranac  Lake,  are  all  good  builders.  Cary's 
and  Stanton's  models  differ  from  Chase's  in  being  higher  in  the 
stern  and  somewhat  squarer,  while  his  are  not  so  sheer  and  alike 
at  both  ends.  There  is,  perhaps,  a  little  more  style  to  the  Long 
Lake  boats,  wh'le  Chase's  are  somewhat  stiffen 

Botid's  Sectional  Boat. — This  is  made  with  iron  sides  and 
wooden  bottom,  with  an  air  chamber  amidships.  It  is  con- 
.structed  in  two  sections  of  eight  feet  each,  which  can  be  unjointed, 
and  one-half  of  the  boat  set  in  the  other.  It  is  flat-bottomed  and 
can  run  in  shoal  water,  and  being  of  iron  is  less  vulnerable  to 
snags  and  rocks  than  other  boats.  Built  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  by 
Thomas  E.  Bond  ;  price  $60. 


BOATS  FOR   SPORTING    USES.  635 

"'  Waters'  Paper  Canoe.  —This  is  an  improved  Nautilus  canoe, 
made  by  Waters  &  Son,  of  Troy;  price  $100  to  $125.  The  body 
is  made  of  tough  linen  paper  about  one-sixth  of  an  inch  thick  ; 
length  fourteen  to  sixteen  feet,  depth  amidships  eight  and  one-half 
inches.  It  has  a  canvas  deck  which  buttons  at  the  sides.  Weighs 
fifty  to  sixty  pounds.  It  has  ample  accommodations  for  camp 
stuff,  but  carries  only  one  person.  Objection  has  been  made  that 
the  material  (paper)  would  soon  become  soft  and  destructible,  but 
the  long  voyages  of  months  and  miles  made  in  this  craft  wholly 
controvert  this.     They  will  stand  any  kind  of  sea.        ■„;  „  ,.   . 

The  Riishtoti  Boat  is  made  at  Canton,  N.  Y.  This  is  a  round 
bottom  lap  streak  cedar  or  oak  boat,  with  much  more  sheer  and 
bearings  than  the  Adirondack  boat,  and  much  lighter,  as  they  are 
made  to  weigh  as  little  as  thirty  pounds.  It  is  best  adapted  for  a 
single  person,  but  will  accommodate  two.  Length,  eleven  to 
thirteen  feet ;  weight,  thirty  to  fifty-five  pounds.  ,„.„, 

The  English  Canoe. — This  is  a  bass  wood  canoe  made  by 
William  English,  of  Peterboro,  Canada,  and  like  the  Gordon  ca- 
noe, more  nearly  approaches  the  Indian  birch  canoe  in  shape  and 
character,  than  any  other  craft  afloat,  but  is  much  stronger,  stiffer 
and  faster.  It  is  made  of  thin  boards  laid  upon  ribs  two  inches 
apart  so  neatly  that  the  seams  cannot  be  detected  on  the  outside. 
Length  fourteen  to  eighteen  feet,  weight  about  sixty  pounds,  and 
will  carry  three  persons  and  their  baggage  with  ease.  They  are 
not  easily  fractured,  as  bass  wood  is  very  tough.  They  can  be 
fitted  with  a  small  sprit  sail.     Price  $25. 

The  Gordon  Canoe  is  like  the  English  canoe  in  all  respects 
except  the  shape.     It  is,  if  anything,  perhaps  a  little  more  cranky 
but  is  preferred  by  many  experts.     It  is  made  by  Thomas  Gordon,  ' 
at  Lakefield,  Peterboro,  Canada. 

The  Herald  Canoe  is  made  at  Gore's  Landing,  Rice  Lake, 
Canada,  by  Hutchinson  &  Co.  Its  material  is  white  cedar.  It 
has  no  ribs,  and  is  so  constructed  that  it  resembles  a  dug-out 
canoe,  both  inside  and  out.  Instead  of  ribs  it  has  transverse  strips 
of  cedar  jointed  neatly,  constituting  the  frame  of  the  canoe,  and 
upon  which  similar  boards  are  laid  lengthwise.  Price,  weight  and 
dimensions  similar  to  the  above, 

Berthons  Self-Folding  Boat. — It  is  the  invention  of  Rev.  E. 


636  SPORTING  BOATS  AND   CANOES. 

L.  Berthon,  of  Romsey,  Hampshire,  England,  and  differs  from  all 
others.  It  claims  to  combine  the  necessary  elements  of  the  life- 
boat with  the  advantage  of  being  folded  up  to  one-tenth  of  its  size 
and  again  opened  and  set  up  in  half  a  minute.  The  ribs  are  longi- 
tudinal, joined  at  the  bow  and  stern  by  strong  linkage.  When 
the  boat  is  closed  up  the  ribs  close  in  parallel  lines,  and  when  open 
they  are  raised  into  position  by  the  use  of  braces,  and  the  proper 
form  of  the  boat  is  maintained  by  these  braces,  the  flooring,  seats, 
etc.  The  sides  arc  of  very  strong  canvas  and  India  rubber  com- 
partments, inclosing  a  continuous  air  chamber.  These  boats  are 
used  for  yachting  as  well  as  for  higher  uses.  Price  $25  to  $250 
for  the  largest,  which  is  fully  equipped  with  mast  and  sail.  Cap- 
tain Nares  took  several  on  his  British  Arctic  expedition. 

Lyman's  Patent  Rowing  Gear. — In  this  contrivance,  by  which 
the  oarsman  is  enabled  to  propel  his  boat  while  facing  where  he 
is  going,  the  oars,  or  rather,  to  speak  properly  the  sculls,  are 
made  in  two  pieces.  The  outer  end  of  the  loom,  or  portion  of  the 
scull  inboard,  is  fastened  by  a  ball  and  socket  joint  to  the  gunwale, 
and  a  short  distance  forward,  by  a  similar  joint,  is  fastened  the 
shaft,  or  outboard  portion.  A  light  iron  lever,  or  connecting  row, 
joins  the  two  pieces  in  such  a  manner  that  the  blades  of  the  oars 
move  in  the  same  direction  as  the  handles,  reversing  the  ordinary 
method. 

The  action  is  absolutely  without  noise,  which  will  be  appre- 
ciated by  every  one  who  has  attempted  to  row  on  to  game.  The 
sculls,  although  but  eight  feet  long,  give  as  much  reach  and 
power,  apparently,  as  could  have  been  obtained  in  the  same 
boat  with  ten  feet  sculls,  a  length  that  would  ha/e  necessitated 
outriggers.  By  simply  drawing  the  looms  against  the  gunwale, 
the  blades  are  folded  back  as  a  bird  folds  its  wings.  Although 
the  gear  can  be  detached  instantly,  the  sculls  cannot  become  un- 
shipped by  accident.  They  feather  well  and  leave  the  water  with- 
out noise.  It  is  adapted  for  every  boat  propelled  by  oars,  except, 
perhaps,  outrigged  racing  shells. 

Address  William  Lyman,  Middlefield,  Connecticut.  ;  •/ 


•-:__  r^:;,y--y. 

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WOODCRAFT. 


HINTS     TO     SPORTSMEN.  _ 

The  sportsman  can,  if  need  be,  in  stress  of  accident  or  mis- 
fortune, forego  nearly  every  appliance  of  civilization,  and  having 
learned  the  ways  of  the  savages,  live  and  enjoy  life  as  the  savages 
do.  The  skins  o'f  animals  he  slays,  or  the  bark  of  the  birch  or 
the  hemlock  will  make  him  a  shanty  ;  pieces  of  fresh  peeled  bark 
supply  him  with  cups  and  plates  which  need  no  washing  after 
use,  as  they  are  thrown  away.  Cedar  roots  and  tough  long  grasses 
supply  twine  and  rope,  a  spindle  of  hard  dry  wood  rapidly  revolved 
with  the  hands  upon  a  piece  of  soft  pithy  wood,  or  with  an  ordinary 
bow  with  a  single  turn  of  the  string  around  the  spindle,  will  obtain 
a  fire  ;  he  can  bake  his  fish  and  bread  in  the  ashes  and  broil  his 
meat  on  a  stick  ;  and  provided  he  has  only  sufficiently  warm  cloth- 
ing, a  trusty  gun,  a  hatchet,  knife,  matches,  and  compass,  he  has 
the  measure  of  his  necessities  full. 

Waiving  luxurious  comforts,  it  is  always  desirable  to  travel  as 
lightly  as  possible  and  as  little  encumbered,  especially  if  the  tramp 
be  long  and  continuous  and  not  broken  by  occasional  temporary 
camps.  Nevertheless,  experience  teaches  that  the  trouble  of  carry- 
ing an  extra  pair  of  walking-boots,  or  at  least  a  pair  of  moccasins 
or  easy  shoes,  is  well  repaid.  If  your  feet  are  blistered,  coat  the 
inside  of  your  socks  (woolen  are  best,)  from  the  ankles  downward 
■with  common  yellow  bar  soap,  repeating 'the  application  for  two  or 
three  days,  by  which  time  the  feet  will  become  hardened.  It  acts 
equally  well  as  a  preventive.  Never  suffer  the  shoes  to  dry  after 
wetting,  before  they  are  thoroughly  oiled,  soles  as  well  as  uppers, 
with  castor  oil.  The  least  inconvenient  dress  is  a  woolen  overshirt 
with  pockets,  worn  as  a  blouse  and  fastened  around  the  waist  with 
a  sash  or  belt.  The  toe  of  a  stocking  fitted  into  the  shirt  makes  a 
good  pocket,  if  you  have  none  already.     A  heavy  Hudson's  Bay  or 


638       •  vVW,     WOODCRAFT. 

Canadian  overcoat,  with  hood,  serves  as  coat,  blanket,  pillow,  and 
cap  combined.  Always  carry  plenty  of  twine  and  large  needles. 
If  a  piece  of  your  clothing  is  torn  out,  patch  it  with  anything  avail- 
able. The  legs  of  a  boot  make  the  best  possible  seat  for  a  pair  of 
trowsers,  and  can  be  as  easily  fitted  as  woolen  stuff.  If  your  felt 
hat  is  too  loose,  put  a  stick  under  the  band  and  give  it  a  half-turn. 
If  you  want  a  candle-stick  make  a  loop  of  birch  bark  and  slip  the 
ends  into  a  split  stick  ;  then  insert  your  tallow  dip.  If  you  wish  a 
torch,  take  sheets  of  birch  bark  and  slip  them  in  the  slit.  A  pine 
knot  is  better  than  either  where  no  danger  is  apprehended  from  fire. 
If  your  matches  are  wet,  and  it  rains  heavily  you  can  find  bits  of 
dry  punk  in  the  excrescences  under  the  bark  of  birch  and  maple 
trees  ;  flash  powder  into  lint  or  tow  and  then  ignite  the  punk. 
Either  fire  powder  from  your  gun  or  use  a  flmt  and  steel.  If  lost 
in  a  hardwood  forest  and  can  find  no  water,  one  can  generally  get 
sap  enough  for  a  drink  by  cutting  a  chip  out  of  a  maple  or  birch, 
and  making  a  spout  to  let  it  flow  clean  of  the  trunk.  Water  can  be 
obtained  by  digging  a  hole  into  a  marshy  spot  and  filling  it  with 
grass.  Then  take  a  piece  of  elder,  pipe-stem,  or  any  hollow  tube 
and  setting  it  perpendicularly  upon  the  grass,  pack  the  earth 
around  it.  Then  apply  suction  with  the  lips  and  you  will  get 
water  enough  to  assuage  thirst.  (By  the  way,  in  a  desert  birds  fly 
toward  water  in  the  afternoon,  and  away  from  it  in  the  morning.) 
Carry  your  matches  in  a  vulcanized  rubber  box  to  prevent  wetting; 
or  a  bottle  will  answer.  There  are  a  thousand  little  devices  and 
resorts  which  one  learns  by  experience,  and  which  occur  to  him 
naturally  when  required,  but  are  difficult  to  inventory  for  others' 
use.  For  provisions,  one  must  be  governed  by  circumstances. 
Tea,  flour,  ham,  salt  pork,  soda  powders,  salt  and  pepper  in  quan- 
tities required,  are  all  that  are  necessary.  Never  carry  ground 
coffee  ;  it  is  bulky  and  will  impregnate  the  other  stuff  with  its 
aroma,  especially  when  wet.  Borden's  condensed  coffee  takes  no 
room,  and  is  a  luxury  indeed.  But,  if  the  sportsman  insists  upon 
carrying  ground  coffee,  he  will  find  the  grounds  very  useful  to  keep 
fish  fresh,  taking  out  their  entrails  and  gills,  and  sprinkling  the 
coffee  grounds  thickly  into  the  belly  and  mouth  of  the  fish;  the 
more  grounds  used  to  each  fish  the  better. 

Desiccated  food  of  all  kinds  is  compact,  and  goes  a  great 


HINTS   TO   SPORTSMEN.  '         639 

way.  Pickles  and  onions  are  a  desirable  addendum  and  an  ex- 
cellent relish.  We  are  writing  for  those  who  propose  "  roughing 
it "  in  earnest.  Of  course,  for  ordinary  camping  out  one  may  add 
as  many  luxuries  as  he  likes,  and  the  greatest  of  these  is  a  camp 
kit  of  tin  ware,  containing  knives,  forks,  spoons,  cups,  plates, 
broiler,  frying-pan,  teapot,  pepper  and  salt  box,  syrup  and  tea  cad- 
dies, sufficient  for  live  or  six  persons,  all  fitting  nicely  together  in  a 
large  water-pail,  the  whole  costing  about  twelve  dollars  and  weigh- 
ing nine  pounds.  The  old  army  knife-fork-and-spoon  combined  is 
ver)'  convenient  to  carry.  Always  take  blankets  and  warm  clothing 
when  it  is  possible,  and  a  change  of  under  and  outer  clothing. 
One's  cast-off  suits  are  the  best,  as  they  can  be  thrown  away  in 
the  end  of  the  journey,  leaving  the  party  less  weight  to  carry  home 
with  them.  An  "acjua  scutem,"  a  small  waterproof  cape  that  can 
be  folded  into  a  small  compass  in  the  pocket  is  sometimes  a  great 
comfort.  Of  miscellaneous  articles  for  a  party  who  intend  to 
remain  much  in  camp,  we  enumerate  the  following  : 

Rods,  reels,  lines,  flies,  bait  hooks,  trolling  tackle,  gaffs,  landing  net,  bait  box, 
float. 

Woolen  and  rubber  overcoats,  old  shoes,  rubber  leggings,  extra  boots,  slip- 
•  pers,  or  moccasins. 

Hatchet,  knife,  pistol  and  cartridges,  sere  rt^-driver,  awl,  pliers,  gimlet,  whet- 
stone, twine,  wire,  rope,  leather  straps,  tacks,  needles,  pins,  thread,  wax,  scissors, 
paper,  pencil,  rubber. 

Compass,  matches,  fuse,  candles,  spring  balance,  cork-screw,  pocket  pistol, 
field-glass. 

Soap,  towels,  comb,  sponge,  looking-glass,  goggles,  linen  and  flannel  rags  and 
raw  cotton,  to  be  used  for  cuts,  wounds,  cleaning  guns,  mending,  etc. 

Pipes,  tobacco,  maps,  diarrhoea  mixture,  cathartic  pills,  salve,  court-plaster, 
ammonia,  sweet  oil,  and  a  mixture  of  tar  and  oil  as  a  preventive  against  flies  and 
other  insects. 

One  India-rubber  bag  to  hold  the  "  kit  "  is  a  desirable  addition  to  an  outfit,  as 
it  makes  a  portable  package  and  keeps  its  contents  always  dry. 

One  thing  which  every  hunter  should  appreciate  is  comfort  in 
camp,  and  to  be  comfortable  and  happy  should  be  his  main  busi- 
ness. "  Roughing  it,"  is  not  healthy  on  account  of  poor  food 
badly  cooked,  sleep  taken  on  the  bare  ground,  unnecessary  ex- 
posure and  dirt.  Every  one  should  be  careful  to  provide  an  abund- 
ance of  good  food  with  proper  means  for  cooking  and  caring  for 
it  conveniently  ;  he  should  camp  in  the  best  attainable  place,  con- 
sidering always  sanilary  laws,  just  as  potent  by  the  way  in  camp 


_i 


640  ,  .„^    WOODCRAFT,     .,,.  -^" 

» 
as  anywhere  else  ;  and  camp  too  in  time  to  make  himself  comfort- 
able for  the  night,  when  it  is  daylight,  and  everything  is  handy 
around.  Camp  "  tricks  "  should  be  kept  in  their  places,  not  thrown 
helter  skelter,  or  left  lying  where  last  used,  the  common  opinion 
that  order  is  opposed  to  easy  comfort  and  freedom  from  care,  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

In  sleepmg,  but  little,  if  any,  more  bed  clothing  should  be  used 
in  camp  than  in  a  house  ;  too  much  cover  has  given  many  a  city 
fellow  a  cold,  and  disgusted  him  with  sleeping  out  of  doors.  He 
thinks  that  as  he  has  no  roof  over  his  head,  he  ought  have  a 
thousand  blankets.  In  the  middle  of  the  night  he  gets  into  a  per- 
spiration, kicks  off  the  cover,  cools  suddenly,  and  the  next  morn- 
ing swears  in  a  hoarse  whisper  that  sleeping  out  of  doors  is  a 
humbug.  No  more  cover  should  be  used  than  will  keep  the  body 
at  a  natural  heat ;  anything  more  is  bad,  even  if  not  enough  to 
cause  perceptible  perspiration. 

In  making  up  your  party  for  a  camp,  it  is  of  the  first  import- 
ance to  include  only  congenial  minds  and  dispositions.  No  matter 
how  dear  to  you  your  friend  is,  or  how  warm  his  affection  may  be 
for  you,  if  your  habits  of  thought  and  body  are  not  under  control, 
the  little  things  of  camp  life  will  be  the  fruitful  causes  of  unhappi- 
ness  and  discontent.  The  number  of  the  party  has  of  course  to 
be  considered  and  the  style  oi  camp  life,  whether  you  do  your  own 
work  or  employ  help.  One  man  who  shirks,  and  "  the  best  fellow 
in  the  world  "  is  often  the  man,  will  interfere  sadly  with  your  pleas- 
ure. Men  incline  in  camp  to  couples.  Three  can  seldom  agree, 
long,  for  one  is  almost  of  necessity  "  left  out  in  the  cold" 

No  party  should  attempt  to  camp  out  unless  one  at  least  of 
their  number  is  thoroughly  conversant  with  woodcraft,  and  able  to 
devise  and  direct  so  as  to  secure  the  general  comfort  under  all 
changes  of  circumstances  and  vicissitudes  of  weather.  Qne  great 
essential  to  thorough  enjoyment  is  an  equitable  division  of  labor, 
and  a  faithful  observance  of  the  duties  assigned  to  each  member. 
This  is  especially  important  where  no  servants  are  employed. 
Four  persons  constitute  a  large  enough  party.  One  should  be  a 
fair  cook  ;  another  should  be  able  to  keep  the  camp  supplied  with 
wood  and  make  a  fire,  which  is  a  task  by  no  means  easy  ;  a  third 
should  be  a  fair  shot  and  a  good  pot-fisherman,  for  a  variety  of 


■• -.   ^ 

HINTS   TO   SPORTSMEN.  64 1 

food  adds  much  to  the  charm  of  camp  life  ;  and  the  fourth  should 
be  apt  at  buildinjja  shelter  and  pitching  a  tent,  and  a  good  boat- 
man withal.  Thus  organized,  a  party  is  ready  to  start  for  the 
woods.  

We  cannot  too  earnestly  urge  the  advantage  of  taking  the  vari- 
ous kinds  of  condensed  food  which  ingenuity  has  devised,  for  they 
not  only  greatly  reduce  a  load,  but  add  much  to  the  ease  and  com- 
fort of  all,  and  materially  lighten  the  labors  of  the  cook.  Borden's 
condensed  milk,  coffee  and  beef  are  a  great  acquisition.  A  single 
can  of  coffee  will  serve  a  man  for  thirty  days,  and  really  needs 
neither  milk  nor  sugar.  Put  a  part  of  a  teaspoonful  in  hot  water, 
stir  it,  and  your  beverage  is  ready  for  use.  The  beef  will  make  a 
variety  of  soups,  if  used  according  to  directions,  and  the  milk  is 
useful  in  compounding  various  dishes.  The  self-leavening  flour 
prepared  by  Jewell  Brothers  is  another  indispensable.  It  has  only 
to  be  mixed  with  cold  water  or  milk,  requires  no  salt,  and  with 
slight  change  in  preparation  will  produce  bread,  biscuit,  cakes,  etc., 
in  a  very  few  minutes.  The  bones  and  small  pieces  of  meat  left 
after  cutting  up  venison,  when  boiled  to  a  jelly  in  the  camp  kettle, 
strained,  and  put  away  cold,  form  the  ingredients  of  a  very  nourish- 
ing soup  which  can  be  prepared  in  a  few  minutes  at  any  time  by 
adding  a  sufficient  quantity  of  hot  water.  With  a  little  potato 
and  onion  chopped  fine,  red  pepper,  salt,  and  flour,  or  dried 
tomatoes,  it  can  be  made  really  delicious. 

To  carry  the  camp  stuff  most  easily,  back-loads  should  be  so 
made  up  that  the  softest  parts  should  rest  upon  the  shoulders  and 
neck,  and  when  adjusted  and  supported  by  a  strap  that  passes  across 
the  forehead,  boxes  and  cumbrous  articles  may  be  packed  on  top ; 
by  this  method  fifty  pounds  may  be  carried  with'  comparative  ease. 
Fishing  rods,  paddles,  axes,  etc.,  should  be  tied  together  in 
bundles  in  two  places  at  least,  and  when  shouldered,  boots,  ket- 
tles, and  the  like,  may  be  slung  over  their  upper  ends.  Where  a 
canoe  or  boat  is  to  be  carried,  lash  the  paddles  lengthwise  one  foot 
apart  across  the  bars  or  thwarts  amidships,  turn  the  canoe  upside- 
down,  rest  one  end  upon  a  convenient  projecting  branch  of  a  tree 
at  such  a  height  that  you  can  easily  pass  under,  and  then  thrusting 
in  your  head  so  that  the  paddles  wiii  rest  upon  the  shoulders,  raise 
and  balance  it,  and  proceed  on  the  journey.     If  the  canoe  is  too 


642  WOODCRAFT. 

heavy  for  one  person,  it  should  be  shouldered  by  two  men,  one  at 
eacn  end,  and  carried  right  side  up.  There  is  a  knack  in  walking, 
too,  which  should  be  acquired,  namely  :  always  run  your  eye  along 
the  trail  ai  least  a  rod  in  advance,  so  that  you  may  not  only  see 
soft  places,  rods,  roots,  and  other  obstructions,  but  calculate  to  a 
nicety  just  where  your  steps  are  to  be  made.  This  practice  will 
prevent  stumbling ;  it  also  enables  one  to  discern  a  blind  trail 
easily,  and  teaches  him  to  observe  any  strange  signs  which  might 
otherwise  pass  unnoticed.  If  you  are  thirsty  by  the  wayside,  and 
have  no  cup  handy,  bend  up  a  portion  of  the  brim  of  your  telt  hat 
so  as  to  form  a  cup,  and  drink  out  of  that.  It  is  bettjr  than  lying 
flat  on  the  stomach  to  drink  from  a  pool  or  spring,  whereby  there 
is  real  danger  of  swallowing  living  creatures  that  may  possibly 
cause  serious  difficulty  afterwards.  A  cup  may  be  instantly  fash- 
ioned by  cutting  a  slit  longitudinally  in  a  piece  of  clean  bark  ;  and 
lapping  the  divided  parts,  one  over  the  other,  hold  them  between 
the  thumb  and  fingers. 

Camp  sites  should  be  selected  for  access  to  wood  and  water — 
wood  first ;  but  there  are  many  other  considerations  to  take  into 
account,  such  as  shelter,  immunity  from  insects,  or  proximity  to 
game.  A  high  open  knoll  away  from  water  is  p'-eferable,  in  fly 
time,  to  a  location  on  a  river  bottom.  Sandy  beaches"  or  gravelly 
points  are  liable  to  swarm  with  midges  or  punkies,  and  the  thicker 
woods  with  mosquitoes.  Points  where  a  breeze  draws  up  or  down 
a  stream  are  the  most  desirable.  Black  flies  do  not  molest  between 
sunset  and  sunrise.  The  camp  site  being  chosen,  the  first  duties 
are  to  fix  the  shelter,  cut  wood,  and  get  the  kettle  boiling.  A  let- 
ter A  tent  is  the  greatest  luxury  in  camping,  but  m  fair  -'eather  a 
tilt  or  half  tent  of  canvas  or  blankets,  or  a  "rough  slan.  of  bark 
or  boughs  laid  on  poles  supported  by  crotches,  are  comfortable 
enough  when  a  good  fire  is  kept  up.  Or,  for  the  matter  of  a  night, 
a  screen  of  spruce  boughs  to  windward,  or  the  canoe  turned  over 
to  protect  the  chest  and  shoulders,  is  ;?  good  make-shift.  The  lee 
of  a  protecting  ledge,  with  a  bush  screen,  is  a  dry  and  comfortable 
camp.  A  permanent  shanty  is  made  with  sides  four  logs  high  and 
a  peaked  roof  of  poles  covered  with  bark  or  split  shingles  four  feet 
long,  with  a  hole  at  the  top  for  smoke.  In  this  way  also  a  conical 
wigwam  can  be  constructed,  Indian  fashion.     Make  the  bed  of 


I*. 


HINTS    TO   S.  'ORTSMEN.  643 

evergreen  boughs — balsam  and  hemlock  are  the  softest — place 
them  in  layers  with  the  buts  all  one  way,  and  shingle  the  buts  of 
the  first  row  with  the  tops  of  the  second,  arid  so  on  successively. 
Fires  are  made  in  various  ways.  For  a  good  cooking  fire,  a  back 
should  be  made  three  logs  high,  supported  against  upright  stakes 
driven  into  the  ground  ;  two  logs  at  right  angles,  or  two  stones 
placed  in  front  to  lay  fuel  on,  will  raise  the  latter  from  the  ground 
sufficiently  for  a  good  draft.  Another  mode  is  to  lay  two  eight- 
inch  logs  on  skids,  say  two  feet  apart  and  parallel,  filling  in  the 
space  with  small  fuel.  The  Indian  fashion  is  to  lay  the  sticks  in  a 
circle,  with  the  buts  in  the  centre,  resting  on  one  another  making 
a  conical  pile.  A  tree  should  be  felled,  the  trunk  cut  into  logs, 
and  the  branches  being  chopped  up  for  fuel.  In  almost  all  woods 
are  logs,  some  time  cut  and  seasoned  that  furnish  dry  fuel  and 
kindlings.  To  peel  bark,  girdle  the  tree  at  intervals  of  two  or  more 
feet  and  split  the  sections  with  an  a.xe  longitudinally.  In  fly  time, 
when  the  air  is  still,  make  the  camp  fire  so  that  the  smoke  will 
blow  into  the  tent  or  shanty,  in  order  to  drive  out  the  flies  ;  but  at 
all  times,  and  especially  at  night,  guard  against  changes  of  wind 
and  flying  sparks.*  Clean  greasy  plates  with  moss  and  scour  them 
with  sand.  To  clean  knives  and  forks,  simply  thrust  them  two  or 
three  times  into  the  ground.  At  night,  tuck  your  trowsers  into 
your  woolen  socks,  and  tie  them  at  the  ankles.     Never  sleep  with 

*  To  make  Fire  from  Dry  Wood  iviihout  Matches. — Get  a  round  spindle  of  dry 
hard  wood,  oak  for  example,  about  a  foot  loiiij  and  a  cpiarter  of  an  inch  in  diam- 
eter ;  polish  it  smootli,  and  round  otf  one  end.  Then  ,i;i;t  a  dry  piece  of  some  soft 
pitliy  wood,  elder  will  do  ;  if  over  half  an  inch  in  diameter  spli'.  it :  M  less  shave  the 
wood  on  one  side  down  to  the  pith,  mailing  a  flat  surface  ;  n.ake  a  small  bow  of 
any  springy  wood  or  root,  string  it :  buckskin  is  the  best  string  ;  get  your  kindling 
wood  all  ready  for  your  fire,  together  with  some  small  dry  splinters,  grass  or  leaves, 
or  punk  is  best  of  all ;  hold  the  soft  wood,  flat  side  up,  firmly  between  your  knees  ; 
take  a  turn  with  your  bow  string  about  llie  middle  of  the  hard  wood  spindle  ;  set 
the  rounded  end  of  the  ^ijindle  in  a  little  trench  you  will  make  '  '  e  soft  wood  or 
pith  ;  press  down  with  any  flat  piece  of  wood  held  in  the  left  i  .  ,  on  the  other 
end  of  the  spindle;  work  the  bow  back  and  forth,  and  the  spindle  will  revolve 
rapidly.  In  a  little  while  the  dust  worn  from  the  soft  wt)od  will  fill  1  he  little  trench, 
smoke,  and  take  tire.  If  punk  is  used,  this  spark  will  ignite  it  by  bringing  them 
in  contact ;  if  grass,  as  soon  as  the  spark  is  well  developed  envelope  it  in  dry  grass 
and  wave  rapidly  back  and  forth  until  the  fire  is  well  set  or  breaks  into  flame.  ,  n 
Indian  expert  in  this  method  will  get  fire  in  about  a  minute,  more  or  less,  as  his 
material  happens  to  be  in  condition,  and  will  make  it  nearly  as  soon  using  both 
hands,  in  place  of  the  bow  to  revolve  the  spindle. 


644  :.    -     WOODCRAFT       , 

boots  on.  Use  moccasins  if  you  have  them.  Keep  your  feet  to 
the  fire,  but  don't  let  them  burn.  See  that  there  is  a  sufficient 
supply  of  fuel  for  the  night,  and  learn  to  wake  at  proper  intervals 
to  replenish  the  fire.  Early  mornings  are  always  cold  at  any  sea- 
son of  the  year.  A  compound  of  tar  and  sweet  oil  applied  to  the 
face  and  hands  is  the  best  protection  against  gnats  and  flies.  Buck- 
skin gloves  may  be  worn  without  discomfort  at  night.  When  an 
A  tent  is  used,  a  cord  drawn  through  the  apex  with  its  ends  stretched 
to  convenient  trees,  supports  it  better  than  two  crotches  and  a 
ridge-pole,  and  will  prevent  its  being  blown  down  by  a  gust  of  wind. 
The  sides  should  be  drawn  down  tight  and  fastened  to  the  groun  !. 
Never  sit  up  after  nine  o'clock  at  night,  and  rise  at  daylight  in  the 
morning.    Never  omit  a  good  wash,  at  least  of  the  face  and  hands. 

Every  hunter  should  know  the  edible  roots,  berries,  and  salad 
plants  of  the  country  .le  hunts  in.  Tne  number,  especially  of  edi- 
ble and  wholesome  "  weeds  "  which  can  be  boiled  as  greens, 
is  astonishing.  He  should  also  know  the  herbs  from  which-  to 
make  teas  for  sickness,  and  poultices  and  dressings  for  wounds 
and  bruises.  None  of  the  ills  which  a  hunter  as  such  is  heir  to,  are 
beyond  the  reach  of  nature's  remedies.  If  he  don't  know  the  med- 
icines of  the  field  and  forest,  he  should  take  to  camp  a  few  of  the 
simplest  of  the  apothecary's  sort. 

One  great  point  gained  in  learning  woodcraft  is  to  acquire  a 
habit  of  close  and  continued  observation.  All  dense  woods  look 
so  much  alike  that  the  novice  without  a  guide  is  almost  helpless, 
In  travelling  it  is  important  to  turn  frequently  and  survey  the 
ground  behind,  especially  if  one  intends  to  retrace  his  steps.  A 
locality  looks  entirely  ditferent  from  different  points  of  observation. 
Hence  it  is  always  prudent  to  blaze  the  route  by  occasionally 
scoring  a  tree  or  breaking  the  top  of  a  bush  or  limb.  Where 
small  spruces  are  frequent,  the  broken  tops  of  these  are  most 
easily  seen.  In  passing  through  aider  brush,  cut  them  well  down 
toward  the  buts  with  a  hatchet,  remembering  to  bend  them  well 
over  with  the  left  hand  and  giving  a  smart  clip  on  the  bend.  A 
greenhorn  will  be  surprised  to  see  how  easy  it  is  to  cut  brush  in 
this  way,  and  how  much  hacking  is  required  to  cut  even  the 
smallest  sapling  in  any  other  way.  Alder  brush  makes  a  good 
'•  blaze,"  as  the  under  sides  of  the  leaves  are  much  lighter  than 


•HINTS   TO   SPORTSMEN.  645 

the  upper,  and  show  distinctly.  In  following  a  blind  trail,  the  eye 
should  always  run  casually  in  advance.  If  it  is  cast  down  directly 
in  front,  the  sign  is  lost ;  but  if  raised,  the  trail  can  usually  be 
traced  quite  distinctly.  In  all  cases  where  a  man  discovers  him- 
self lost,  he  should  stop  short  and  carefully  consider  the  situation 
— the  position  of  the  sun,  direction  of  the  wind,  character  of  adja- 
cent prominent  objects,  etc.,  and  then  retrace  his  steps  as  nearly 
as  possible.  It  is  senseless  to  plunge  headlong  into  trackless  un- 
certainty, when  it  may  be  quite  possible  to  go  back  on  one's  own 
track  to  the  point  started  from,  which,  though  a  loss  of  time  in 
reaching  a  desired  destination,  is  better  than  a  loss  of  way  and  an 
involuntary  bivouac  in  the  woods.  The  writer  remembers  having 
once  tracked  back  through  a  laurel  brake  with  such  nicety  of  cal- 
culation as  to  pick  up  a  handkerchief  which  had  been  pulled  out 
of  his  pocket,  and  was  clinging  to  a  bush.  As  a  general  thing,  a 
man  does  not  go  far  off  his  course  before  he  discovers  his  mistake. 
A  quarter  of  a  mile  in  a  jungle  or  a  strange  forest  seems  a  great 
distance.  It  is  not  impracticable  either,  when  one  is  in  doubt  to 
climb  a  tall  tree  and  take  a  survey  from  the  top.  Caribou  hunters 
often  adopt  this  practice  when  looking  for  barrens  where  game 
are  likely  to  be  found.  Rivers  and  streams  are  certain  highways 
to  deliverance  provided  a  person  has  previously  some  idea  of  the 
general  lay  of  the  land. 

One  never  should  be  without  a  compass  ;  though  in  some  per- 
sons animal  magnetism  is  so  strong  that  they  determine  the  cardi- 
nal points  instinctively.  Indeed  there  are  individuals  who  cannot 
sleep  with  their  heads  to  the  south,  but  instantly  detect  a  bed  so 
placed.  Backwoodsmen  acquire  by  practice  and  careful  obser- 
vation a  certain  craft  in  reading  signs  which  is  almost  infallible. 
As  a  rule,  but  not  always,  moss  grows  more  densely  on  the  north 
side  of  trees,  nature  providing  against  the  cold  that  comes  from 
that  quarter.  But  a  more  reliable  si-^n  is  the  limbs  of  trees,  which 
grow  longest  on  the  south  side,  tho;  e  on  the  north  side  being  ex- 
posed to  the  wintry  blasts  which  twist,  scathe  and  stunt  them. 
A  laurel  swamp  is  the  worst  conceivable  place  in  which  to  get 
lost.  The  tendency  to  travel  in  circles  is  well  known.  It  is  a  phys- 
iological freak  not  easily  explained.  In  an  article  on  this  subject 
which  we  clipped  from  the  Scientific  American  fifteen  years  ago, 
the  writer,  who  is  a  Texan,  says  ■ 


646  •   •  WOODCRAFT. 

"  Bewildered  persons  frequently  travel  in  a  perfect  circle,  some- 
times keeping  the  same  track  until  they  have  made  half  a  dozen 
equal  rounds  ;  at  other  tirr.^s  making  the  circle  larger  or  smaller 
each  time.  It  is  not,  by  any  means,  always  the  case,  when  a  per- 
son is  lost ;  but  it  is  so  frequent  that  it  is  within  the  experience  of 
every  one  who  has  been  much  in  the  woods.  In  calm  and  cloudy 
weather  in  a  country  of  much  sameness  of  appearance,  the  best 
woodsmen  get  so  bewildered  as  to  "take  the  circles."  Persons 
not  accustomed  to  the  woods  will  sometimes  do  so,  when  the  sun 
is  shining  and  a  steady  breeze  blowing.  On  the  level  or  gulf  prai- 
ries of  this  country  on  a  calm,  foggy  morning,  no  man  can  travel 
without  a  road.  It  is  an  incident  of  every  day  occurrence  in  the 
spring  and  fall  seasons,  that  men  are  thus  becalmed  on  the  prairie 
as  effectually  as  men  are  at  sea  ;  nor  will  a  compass  mend  the 
matter,  for  it  cannot  be  carried  steadily  enough  to  keep  its  merid- 
ian, and  the  course  it  points  cannot  be  kept  for  fifty  yards  ;  if  a 
man  attempts  it  he  will  make  a  circle  and  come  back  to  the  place 
he  started  from.  The  circle  will  be  large  or  small  generally  in 
proportion  to  the  density  of  the  fog — sometimes  only  a  hundred 
yards  in  diameter  ;  at  other  times  a  mile,  but  seldom  more.  The 
circles  thus  made  are  perfect.  This  kind  of  wandering  seems  to 
arise  from  an  attempt  to  go  a  straight  course  when  there  is  nothing 
to  guide  the  senses,  or  when  the  usual  guides  of  sun,  wind,  or  the 
general  contour  of  the  country  are  disregarded.  It  rarely  befalls 
children,  who  do  not  attempt  to  get  on  a  course,  but  only  run  from 
one  visible  point  to  another  equally  perceptible. 

"  Many  apparently  trivial  traits  in  the  disposition  of  animals, 
■which  are  of  great  use  to  woodsmen  are  omitted  in  books  of  nat- 
ural history  ;  chiefly  from  ignorance  no  doubt.  One  of  these  is  the 
disposition  of  the  horse,  when  frightened,  to  run  against  the  wind, 
if  any  is  blowing.  Thousands  of  horses  which  would  be  other- 
wise irrecoverably  lost  annually  on  this  frontier,  are  recovered  by 
observing  this  simple  rule  in  pursuit.  All  animals  have  similar 
inexplicable  traits  in  their  disposition  ;  and  men  are  no  exception 
to  the  rule.  White  men,  when  they  are  scared,  will  retreat  in  the 
same  direction  in  luhich  they  came.  The  Indians  know  this,  and 
lay  their  plans  accordingly  ;  and  many  a  gallant  company  has  been 
cut  to  pieces  simply  from  ignorance  of  this  fact.  But  those  who 
understand  these  matters,  when  they  find  it  necessary  to  make  a 
hasty  retreat,  always  do  so  in  a  straight  line,  and  in  a  direction 
different  from  the  one  in  which  they  came. 

"  We  frequently  see  notices  in  Northern  papers  of  children  being 
lost.  Such  things  rarely  occur  on  this  frontier  ;  though  children 
often  wander,  and  there  are  but  few  neighbors  to  help  to  search 
for  them.  Perhaps  the  cause  of  humanity  might  be  subserved  by 
publishing  a  few  rules  to  be  observed  in  such  searches.  Any 
child  will  make  a  track  or  trail  plam  enough  to  be  followed  by  the 


HINTS  FOR   SOUTHERN    TRAVEL.  647 

eye  over  any  ground,  unless  there  be  much  passing  of  men  or 
animals  to  spoil  the  trail ;  and  it  can  be  followed  by  almost  any 
person  of  good  sight,  although  he  may  not  have  had  any  previous 
experience.  Go  to  the  place  where  the  child  was  last  seen  and 
look  for  the  trail,  glancing  along  the  ground  with  a  sharp  scanning 
look  ;  when  it  is  found,  a  faint  kind  of  a  line  will  be  seen,  which 
may  be  followed  at  a  fast  walk  until  a  well-defined  track  occurs. 
If  the  trailer  stops  to  look  for  a  track  he  will  probably  lose  the 
trail,  and  must  go  back  and  take  it  up  again  with  the  same  scan- 
ning glance  along  the  ground.  The  trails  which  hunters  and  In- 
dians follow  skilfully,  is  not  so  much  composed  of  tracks  or  foot- 
prints, as  of  indescribable  little  signs,  such  as  leaves  and  blades  of 
grass  bent  or  turned,  twigs  broken,  and  other  things  so  small  and 
faint  that  they  cannot  be  shown  to  any  one,  yet  which,  when  all  put 
together,  make  a  kind  of  li7ie  along  the  ground,  which  line  can  be 
seen  by  a  rapid  glancing  look,  but  which  will  disappear  when 
looked  at  steadily.  The  trail  of  a  human  being  is  more  easily  fol- 
lowed than  that  of  any  other  creature,  because  there  is  a  kind  of 
purpose  in  it  different  from  the  trail  of  irrational  animals.  A  child 
will  change  its  course  around  every  thick  clump  of  bushes,  and  go 
nearly  straight  when  the  ground  is  open.  If  it  is  scared  and  run- 
ning, it  will  run  from  the  wind,  if  much  is  blowing,  and  from  any 
voice  it  hears  ;  in  such  cases,  therefore,  it  is  not  good  policy  to 
call  much  upon  the  lost  child's  name." 

HINTS  FOR  SOUTHERN  TRAVEL. 

•  In  preparing  for  a  winter's  campaign  in  Florida,  one  should 
take  with  him,  if  practiacble,  a  tent  and  small  boat.  If  they  can  be 
shipped  by  sailing  vessel  two  weeks  in  advance  of  his  sailing,  they 
will  reach  Jacksonville  in  season  for  use  and  at  little  cost.  If  sent 
by  steamer  the  charge  for  freight  will  be  enormous.  A  shot  gun, 
rifle,  ammunition,  and  fishing  tackle  should  be  taken  from  t!ie 
north.  The  tent  should  be  as  light  as  possible  and  so  constructed 
that  all  the  room  can  be  utilized.  The  boat  should  be  small,flat- 
bottomed  and  light.  A  large  sail  boat  can  be  hired  in  Jacksonville 
at  a  reasonable  price,  and  a  man  to  sail  it  and  do  the  cooking. 
Gun  and  rifle  should  be  breech-loading,  thus  securing  safety  and  dis- 
patch in  loading.  Revolvers  and  big  bowie  knives  are  superfluities. 
Everybody  takes  them,  and  everybody  finds  them  in  the  way.  Wear 
old  clothes  ;  half  the  pleasure  in  camping  out  is  to  be  able  to  rough 
it.  Don  t  put  on  fancy  costumes  expecting  to  "make  a  spread," 
as    no   one  will  appreciate  the   effort  or  effect.      Wear  woolen 


648  WOODCRAFT. 

clothing  at  all  times.  For  the  feet,  take  good  stout  shoes,  lacing 
up  tightly  about  the  ankle.  A  pair  of  tight  (not  tight  fitting)  boots 
may  be  very  good  for  a  short,  wet  walk,  but  for  an  all  day's  tramp 
through  swamp  and  pine  woods,  shoes  are  far  superior.  Two 
pairs  good  woolen,  and  one  rubber  blanket.  For  sleeping  in  camp, 
in  this  animated  land  of  fleas,  spiders  and  creeping  things  so  un- 
fortunately taken  into  the  ark,  a  hammock  should  be  used  ;  one 
arranged  (as  it  may  easily  be),  with  a  light  canvas  roof,  with  sides 
of  netting.  Two  or  three  rafter-shaped  triangles  hung  on  a  line 
will  spread  such  a  shelter,  and  in  a  canvas  hammock  under  it,  one 
can  rest  free  from  the  companionship  of  the  guides  and  dogs,  and 
without  vivid  ideas  of  snakes  and  centipedes.  Sportsmen  are 
often  disabled  by  the  fiercest  animal  in  Florida,  the  flea.  High 
boots  will  be  some  defence,  but  keep  away  from  the  vicinity  of  do- 
mestic animals,  and  sleep  not  in  any  of  the  "cracker  "  houses,  but 
camp  in  remote  pine  woods  and  keep  the  dogs  away  from  the 
tent.  Such  forest  is  comparatively  free  from  mosquitoes,  and 
in  mid  winter  the  sand  flies  are  not  very  annoying.  A  mosquito 
bar  is  indispensable,  as  many  nights  the  tormenting  insects  call 
their  own. 

If  the  country  on  the  coast  be  visited,  the  "bar  "  should  be 
made  of  thin  cotton  or  lawn,  to  keep  out  the  "  sand  flies,"  insects 
so  small  as  hardly  to  be  discernible,  but  with  a  bite  like  the  burn 
of  a  hot  iron.  It  would  be  well  to  take  a  little  salve  and  thin  plas- 
ter for  cut?  and  bruises.  In  the  line  of  medicine  one  can  take  a 
whole  apothecary's  shop,  if  so  disposed,  but,  excepting  a  little 
whiskey  and  quinine,  the  former  for  snake  bites,  which  hardly  ever 
occur,  and  the  latter  for  imaginary  fever,  no  medicine  will  be, 
needed.  For  light  at  night,  a  lantern  and  candles  will  be  sufficient, 
though  kerosene,  where  little  transportation  is  to  be  made,  is  pre- 
ferable. Buy  it  in  New  York  in  five  gallon  can,  boxed.  It  will  al- 
ways sell  for  twice  its  cost.  The  keen  bracing  air  gives  more 
pungency  to  a  haunch  of  venison  or  brace  of  quail  than  all  the 
sauces  piquante  ever  concocted.  A  bunch  of  Spanish  moss  is  in- 
finitely superior  to  a  napkin,  and  the  clear  waters  of  some  spring 
to  the  finger-bowl.     And  here  a  word  as  to  water. 

Nearly  all  the  water  in  East   Florida  is  impregnated  more  or 
less  with  lime  or  some  mineral  or  salt  that  gives  it  a  "  flat  "  taste  to 


ROCKY  MOUNTAIN    TRAVEL.  649 

the  uninitiated,  and  a  drinl:  of  raw  unadulterated  water  is  not  al- 
ways acceptabie.  Some  people  "  qualify  "  it— indeed  the  majority 
of  settlers  "  qualify  "  it  so  much  that  the  original  taste  of  the  aqua 
is  lost  in  that  of  the  qualifier. — That  is  all — a  word  to  the  wise. 
We  advise  a  plain  mode  of  living.  Take  hard  bread,  "  self- 
raising  flour,"  pork,  salt,  potatoes,  brown  sugar,  rice  or  hominy, 
Borden's  condensed  milk  and  coffee,  a  little  jelly  for  venison,  but- 
ter, pepper  and  mustard.  Venison,  fish  and  game  birds  may  be 
on  the  bill  of  fare  every  day,  but  again  they  may  not.  No  one 
should  start  down  the  river  depending  upon  a  supply,  as  the 
game  is  regulated  and  controlled  by  a  multitude  of  laws  that  the 
visitor  knows  nothing  about.  Preserved  fruits,  meats,  etc.,  are 
not  necessary,  though  sometimes  found  acceptable — they  don't 
stay  in  camp  long.  Regarding  cooking  utensils,  if  cooking  is  to 
be  done  in  the  usual  way  over  an  open  fire,  they  should  be  a 
"  bake  kettle"  or  oven,  a  foot  diameter  ;  frying-pan,  same  dimen- 
sions, with  a  long  handle  ;  tin  plates,  plated  knives  and  forks, 
pint  tea-cups,  iron  or  tin  spoons,  and  butcher  knife.  A 
regular  camp  kit  is  preferable,  however.  If  a  stove  is  preferred, 
go  to  the  tin-smith's  and  have  him  make  a  sheet-iron  box,  two 
feet  long,  one  broad,  open  at  one  end.  The  door  a  sheet  of  iron, 
to  slide  in  a  groove,  perpendicularly,  acting  as  draught  regulator. 
The  legs  should  be  flat,  fastened  to  the  box  by  hinges,  shutting 
under  it  when  packed.  The  pipe  small  and  in  joints,  to  be 
packed  in  the  stove.  A  piece  of  tin  should  be  taken  to  fasten  to 
the  tent  to  run  the  pipe  through.  With  such  a  stove,  well  sup- 
plied with  "light  wood  "  or  pitch  pine,  a  fire  can  be  sustained 
that  will  vacate  the  tent  in  short  metre. 

'  ROCKY  MOUNTAIN  TRAVEL. 

Special  preparation  is  required  for  travel  in  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains. Before  entering  the  mountains  one  should  prepare  himself 
and  party  for  the  country  they  are  about  to  visit,  for  if  their  outfit 
is  not  carefully  selected,  what  might  have  been  a  summer's  pleasure 
will  very  likely  be  one  of  toil  and  regret.  Take  nothing  but  what 
is  absolutely  needed,  and  what  is  taken  let  it  be  as  light  as  pos- 
sible, as  every  extra  pound  lacerates  the  back  of  the  pack  mule. 
Use  medium  sized  animals  for  packing,  as  they  will  carry  as  heavy  a 
28 


650  .VV.V         WOODCRAFT.       r^C)'^.. 

pack  as  a  larger  animal  in  rough  places,  and  are  more  to  be  reliea 
upon  where  there  are  steep  ascents  to  be  made  or  fallen  timber  to 
be  crossed.  Two  hundred  pounds  is  enough  for  a  single  pack 
mule  to  carry  at  once,  but  some  persons  will  overload  their  ani- 
mals to  save  buying  an  extra  mule,  and  will  not  see  their  folly 
until  they  have  lost  some  of  their  best  animals  by  rolling  down 
hill  sides  against  the  rocks,  or  by  having  them  "  snagged  "  in 
fallen  timber.  When  returning  at  the  end  of  the  season,  if  the 
animals'  backs  are  sound  and  good  from  the  effects  of  light  loading, 
they  will  command  a  good  price  and  are  easily  disposed  of;  but  if 
on  the  contrary,  their  backs  are  covered  with  sores,  they  will  only 
bring  one- half  their  original  value,  so  men  may  easily  seethe  econ- 
omy of  having  a  sufficient  number  of  animals  to  carry  their  luggage. 
For  riding  animals  use  mules  for  the  mountains  and  horses  for 
the  "  plains."  A  good  mule  will  follow  a  trail  and  take  its  rider 
into  camp  the  darkest  night  that  ever  was.  Should  you  get 
strayed  away  from  camp  and  not  be  able  to  find  your  way  back 
again,  drop  the  bridle  rein  on  the  horn  of  your  saddle  and  trust  to 
the  instinct  of  your  mule,  and  if  it  is  not  very  hungry,  after  wander- 
ing about  a  short  time  it  will  take  a  direct  course  for  camp, 
although  the  rider  may  think  camp  is  in  an  opposite  direction  from 
the  one  where  the  mule  is  taking  him.  The  common  Indian  pony 
or  bronco  is  the  best  horse  to  use  on  the  plains,  as  they  are  tough, 
quick  and  thoroughly  acclimated  to  cold  weather  and  the  poor  feed 
that  is  to  be  had  in  most  places.  Select  an  easy  saddle  with  a 
good  California  tree,  a  light  pair  of  spurs,  and  a  broad  hair  Cincho 
bridle  with  a  light  curb  bit,  a  good  saddle  blanket,  a  small  pair  of 
saddle  bags,  and  your  riding  outfit  is  complete,  unless  you  ride  a 
mule,  and  in  such  a  case  a  good  strong  broad  crouperis  necessary, 
so  it  will  not  cut  the  tail  of  your  riding  animal.  When  travelling 
do  not  hurry  your  horse,  or  do  not  allow  him  to  become  lazy ;  keep 
him  at  a  steady  gait,  and  if  necessary,  he  will  accomplish  a  long  dis- 
tance daily ;  but  should  you  become  impatient  and  lope  him  nearly 
all  day,  he  will  become  poor,  stubborn  and  lazy.  Use  the  Spanish 
arrapahoe  instead  of  the  pack  saddle,  as  it  is  easier  packed  and 
more  comfortable  for  the  animal  wearing  it.  Select  heavy  lash 
ropes,  or  they  will  stretch,  and  the  animals  will  have  to  be  repacked 
a  dozen  times  a  day,  particularly  after  a  rain,  when  the  ropes  have 


ROCK  Y  MO  UN  TA  IN    TA'A  VEL.  65  I. 

been  wet  and  are  gradually  drj'ing  by  the  heat  of  the  sun.  Have 
a  long  "  lariat  "  for  each  animal,  for  in  some  places  in  a  timbered 
country  it  will  be  necessary  to  picket  them  over  night,  for  if  they 
were  turned  loose  they  wovdd  stray  through  the  woods  in  search 
of  better  feed,  and  it  would  be  a  severe  task  to  collect  them  to- 
gether again.  Put  a  cow  bell  on  the  neck  of  the  gentlest  mare, 
and  the  whole  herd  will  become  attached  to  the  animal  wearing 
the  bell ;  and  when  travelling  let  the  "  Bell  mare  "  take  the  lead, 
and  the  other  animals  will  follow  in  single  file  where  it  would  be 
impossible  to  drive  them.  The  cooking  utensils  should  be  several 
camp  kettles  made  of  copper  and  lined  with  tin,  (made  to  fit  in 
each  other  so  they  may  be  more  easily  packed,)  a  small  Dutch 
oven,  spade,  axe,  hatchet,  coffee  mill,  knives,  forks,  spoons,  tin  plates 
and  cups,  a  bread  pan,  frying  pan,  gridiron,  whetstone,  and  two 
small  iron  bars  to  lay  over  the  fire  to  set  kettles  on  when  cooking. 
The  bedding  for  each  person  should  consist  of  four  California 
blankets,  a  small  pillow,  a  rubber  poncho,  buffalo  robe,  and  half 
a  wagon  cover  of  canvas  to  cover  the  whole  bed  and  piotect  it 
from  the  rain.  If  tents  are  used,  the  small  dog  tent  is  the  best, 
and  will  be  found  very  useful  as  a  wrapper  to  roll  the  bedding  in 
for  packing.  For  hunting  large  game,  use  the  Gove  rifle,  of 
Denver,  or  the  Sharps  from  Hartford.  There  should  always  be 
one  good  double-barreled  shot  gun  in  a  party  for  the  smaller  game, 
and  thus  provided  for,  there  is  always  an  abundance  of  fresh  meat 
to  be  had,  which  is  a  great  addition  and  saving  to  the  table. 
When  a  party  is  preparing  to  camp  out  it  is  a  good  plan  to  estab- 
lish a  depot  camp  for  a  few  days  near  some  town,  (where  there  is 
good  water  and  wood,)  while  fitting  out,  and  become  accustomed 
to  camp  life  before  striking  out  for  the  more  ■^\.\\  'ortions 
of  the  country.  The  experience  thus  gained  proves  a  good  guide 
for  future  operations.  When  starting  out  for  a  distant  point,  do 
not  travel  too  far  the  first  few  days,  but  make  short  marches  until 
the  animals'  backs  become  hardened  to  the  arrapahoe.  Do  not 
allow  the  arrapahoe  or  pack  to  become  loose,  but  have  them  as 
tight  as  two  men  can  draw  them.  A  mule  may  grunt  a  little  about 
being  laced  so  tightly,  but  it  is  much  better  for  them  than  to  have 
a  pack  rocking  from  side  to  side,  backward  and  forward,  thus 
bruising  the  mule's  back  and  ending  in  sores  and  a  worthless 
animal.     In  the  saddle  bags  always  carry  a  pound  or  two  of  good, 


652  WOODCRAFT. 

solid,  square  crackers,  "hard  tack,"  if  need  be,  soda  crackers, 
if  obtainable  at  the  last  little  village  through  which  he  passes,  and 
in  his  coat  pocket,  securely  wrapped,  an  ounce  of  salt  and  a  half 
ounce  of  ground  pepper.  Properly  packed,  the  crackers  need  take 
but  little  room,  and  the  man  is  to  be  pitied,  no  matter  how  fashion- 
able his  stomach,  who  cannot,  after  a  good  day's  ride,  make  a 
satisfactory,  and  certainly  digestible,  supper  off  the  crackers 
crumbed  in  the  good  sweet  milk  he  is  sure  to  find  at  any  settler's 
cabin,  especially  when  duly  seasoned  with  the  salt  and  pepper  he 
carries  with  him.  Persons  of  limited  or  no  experience  in  the  West 
may  smile  at  the  suggestion  that  salt  and  pepper  be  carried  along ; 
but  the  writer  has  found  many  families,  rich  in  acres  and  herds, 
who  were  "just  out  of  salt,"  and  to  whom  pepper  had  been  so 
long  absent  that  it  was  a  cool  friend.  And  many  a  palatable  sup- 
per and  breakfast  has  he  made  off  crackers  and  milk  with  pepper 
in  it,  duly  salted,  when,  had  want  of  foresight  confined  him  to  the 
"corn  dodger,"  made  all  too  "short"  with  lard,  and  the  bacon 
swimming  in  its  native  grease,  which  served  the  more  rugged 
stomach  of  his  host,  he  would  but  weakly  have  bestridden  his 
mustang  for  the  next  day's  ride. 

Guard  against  the  "  mountain  fever,"  which  is  a  severe  cold 
peculiar  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  caused  by  exposure  and  over 
exertion.  Its  symptoms  are  flushes,  fever,  cold  in  the  head,  head- 
aches and  general  debility.  It  reduces  a  cast-iron  mountain  man 
to  a  weak  and  helpless  infant  in  a  few  days.  It  in  no  respect 
resembles  the  fever  and  ague,  or  the  fever  prevalent  to  the 
Southern  States. 

To  prevent  snow-blindness,  smear  the  nose  and  the  parts  of  the 
face  around  the  eyes  with  damp  gunpowder.  Those  who  travel  to 
the  mountains  by  railroad  should  get  a  canteen  at  Omaha  and  fill 
it  with  milk,  and  suspend  it  on  the  outside  of  the  car  window  by 
means  of  a  stick  (laid  crosswise)  and  a  string.  It  will  keep  sweet 
until  you  wish  to  replenish.  By  this  means  you  avoid  the  alkali 
water  which  is  injurious,  especially  to  children.  Hang  your  lunch 
basket  in  the  same  way,  and  you  can  keep  roast  turkey,  chicken, 
game,  meat,  etc.,  the  entire  distance.  You  want  two  or  more 
coffee  cups  with  handles,  as  you  do  not  always  feel  like  eating 
breakfast  at  the  stations,  and  ten  cents  worth  of  coffee  procured  at 
the  counter  will  suffice  in  aiding  the  lunch  basket. 


INSTRUCTION  IN  TAXIDERMY. 


BACKWOODS   TAXIDERMY. 

With  a  slight  knowledge  of  taxidermy,  the  hunter  can  prepare  and  preserve 
hard  earned  trophies  of  the  chase.  The  following  tools  anil  materials  are  all 
that  are  absolutely  needed : 

A  heavy  and  light  scalpel,  or  good  pocket  knife,  scissors,  needles  and  thread, 
cotton  wadding,  or  any  soft  material  if  not  obtainable  ;  arsenic,  alum,  saltpetre, 
carbolic  acid,  paper  for  wrappers,  and  a  little  bran,  meal,  or  fine  sawdust  to  use 
when  skinning. 

To  make  a  Bird  into  a  Skin.— La.y  the  bird  on  its  back  and  make  a  longitudinal 
cut  from  the  breast  bone  to  the  vent.  Push  the  body  away  from  the  skin  with 
tiie  knife,  holding  the  skin  firmly  between  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand, 
and  avoid  cutting  as  much  as  possible.  When  the  skin  has  been  removed  far 
enough  to  expose  the  shins,  unjoint  them  at  the  knee,  and  cut  through  the  flesh 
until  the  skin  is  laid  bare.  Skin  down  to  the  vent  and  cut  off  the  extremity  of 
the  body  which  holds  the  tail  feathers,  and  remove  the  skin  to  the  wings,  unjoint- 
ing  them  and  skinning  to  below  the  eyes.  Cut  the  neck  off  close  to  the  head, 
and  remove  the  triangular,  lower  part  of  the  skull,  and  the  brains.  Take  out  the 
eyes,  and  cut  away  all  superfluous  flesh  from  the  skull,  leg,  and  wing  bones  and 
unjoint  the  main  bone  of  the  wing  from  the  double  bones  or  fore-arm. 

(In  skinning  large  birds,  break  the  wings  close  to  the  body  at  the  commence- 
ment, as  it  will  facilitate  the  handling,  and  skinning.) 

Pass  a  thread  through  the  wing  bones  and  draw  them  nearly  together,  tying 
them  in  position.  Cram  the  eye  holes  full  of  cotton,  wrap  the  leg  bones  with  the 
same,  and  draw  them  back  in  natural  position.  Dust  the  whole  flesh  side  of  the 
skin  freely  with  dry  arsenic,  and  return  the  skin.  Should  the  neck  become 
stretched,  and  difficult  to  return,  soap  it,  and  it  will  slip  over  the  head  easily. 
Smooth  the  plumage,  fill  out  the  body,  sew  up  the  skin,  cross  the  legs  and  tie 
them,  and  wrap  the  skin  closely  in  sheet  cotton,  or  thin  paper.  A  skin  thus  pre- 
pared will  keep  for  fifty  years  or  more,  and  can  be  naturally  mounted  at  any  time. 

Mounting  Birds  with  closed  wings.— l^^y  the  specimen  on  its  back  and  fill  the 
throat  with  cotton  to  keep  the  saliva  from  soiling  the  plumage.  If  the  bird  is  a 
large  one,  such  as  a  hawk,  owl,  raven,  gull,  etc.,  it  should  have  the  nostrils 
crowded  full  of  cotton  to  prevent  similar  disastrous  effects.  If  a  bird  is  bloody, 
wash  the  soiled  parts  in  cold  water  and  dry  the  feathers  as  much  as  possible  with 
a  dry  rag  or  sponge,  and  cover  them  with  calcined  plaster,  which  can  be  had  in 
any  paint  store,  rubbing  it  lightly  into  the  plumage  until  the  feathers  are  dry  and 
assume  their  natural  appearance.  To  remove  the  plaster  from  the  feathers  beat 
the  bird  vigorously  with  the  wing  of  a  bird  or  fowl.  When  cleaned,  lay  the  bird 
on  its  back  and  make  a  longitudinal  cut  from  the  breast  bone  to  the  veat.    Push 


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INSTRUCTION  IN   TAXIDERMY. 


the  body  away  from  the  skin  with  a  scalpel,  holding  the  latter  firmly  between  the 
fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand,  and  avoid  cutting  as  much  as  possible.  When 
the  slcin  has  been  removed  far  enough  to  expose  the  shins,  unjoint  them  at  the 
knee,  and  cut  through  the  fleshy  part  of  the  Icnee  until  the  skin  is  laid  bare.  Skin 
down  to  the  vent  and  cut  off  the  extremity  of  the  body  which  holds  the  tail 
feathers,  and  remove  the  skin  to  the  wings.  Unjoint  the  wings  and  skin  to  below 
the  eyes.  Cut  the  neck  off  close  to  the  skull  and  remove  the  under  part  of  the 
skull,  and  from  the  hole  thus  made  takeout  the  brains.  Remove  the  eyes  and 
all  superfluous  flesh  from  the  skull,  leg,  and  wing  bones,  and  sever  the  main  bone 
of  the  wing  from  the  double  bones  or  fore-arm.  In  skinning  large  birds  break- 
ing the  wings  close  to  the  body  before  removing  it  will  facilitate  the  skinning. 
Roll  up  a  small  ball  of  tow  and  crowd  it  tightly  into  the  skull.  Point  a  piece  of 
wire  at  both  ends  by  filing,  and  twist  the  tow  around  it  the  length  and  si/e  of  the 
natural  neck,  commencing  an  inch  or  two  inches  from  one  end,  according  to  the 
size  of  the  bird  to  be  mounted.  Pass  the  short  end  of  the  wire  up  through  the 
tow  in  the  head  and  occipital  bone  (hind  part  of  skull),  and  clinch  it  firmly  by  re- 
passing the  end  of  the  wire  through  the  fore  part  of  the  skull,  and  fasten  it 
through  the  eye  hole  with  a  pair  of  pliers.  Fill  the  eyes  out  to  nearly  their  natu- 
ral size  with  soft  putty,  and  dust  the  whole  fleshy  side  of  the  skin  with  dry  arse- 
nic, best  applied  with  the  hind  feet  of  a  rabbit  or  hare.  Between  the  wings,  and 
on  the  shoulders  of  the  bird,  are  two  yellowish  lines,  where  the  feathers  are  in- 
clined to  protrude  through  the  skin.  These  lines  should  be  caught  up  with  a 
needle  and  drawn  nearly  together  and  tied  in  position.  In  a  skin  of  a  bird  of  the 
size  of  a  red-tailed  hawk,  they  should  be  (when  tied)  an  inch  and  a  half  apart. 
Other  bird  skins  should  be  drawn  up  in  proportion  to  their  size.  Return  the  leg 
bones  in  position,  and  also  the  skin,  by  passing  the  head  through  the  neck.  Pick 
out  the  eye  lids  in  their  usual  form  with  a  needle  or  pincers,  and  arrange  the 
plumage  smoothly.  Make  a  body  the  size  of  the  original  one  by  rolling  up  a 
bunch  of  excelsior,  or  sea  grass,  and  winding  it  into  form  with  twine  or  thread. 
Pass  the  neck  wire  through  the  body  lengthwise,  pull  the  skin  carefully  over  the 
body,  and  clinch  the  protruding  neck  wire  firmly.  Never  use  soft  bodies,  as 
they  will  not  hold  wire  sufficiently  tight  to  keep  a  bird  in  position.  Wire  the  legs 
by  putting  pointed  wires  through  them  from  the  centre  of  the  feet.  Fasten  the 
leg  bones  to  the  wires  by  wrapping  them  with  tow,  m?king  the  legs  a  little 
smaller  than  they  naturally  are,  and  slip  the  wire  further  through  the  legs  and  let 
them  pass  obliquely  through  the  body  from  the  side  to  the  fore  breast.  Clinch 
the  leg  wires  firmly  into  the  body,  straighten  the  legs  parallel  with  the  sides  ot 
the  body,  and  sew  up  the  hole  in  the  skin.  Smooth  down  the  plumage,  bend  in 
any  natural  position,  and  mount  on  a  stand.  Fill  the  throat  out  slightly  with 
cotton  or  tow,  and  apply  a  little  mucilage  lo  the  inside  of  the  eye  lids.  Press  the 
eyes  tightly  in  position,  and  pick  out  the  eye  lids  over  the  eyes  as  required  with 
the  point  of  a  needle.  Fasten  the  bill  together  by  passing  a  needle  and  thread 
through  the  nostrils  and  base  of  under  mandible  and  tie  in  position.  To  wire  the 
tail  is  one  of  the  most  delicate  tasks  for  the  tyro,  and  should  be  done  as  follows  ; 
— Pass  a  long  pointed  piece  of  small  wire  through  each  tail  feather,  at  the  flat  part 
of  the  quill  near  the  body,  and  spread  the  tail  as  desired.  Another  large  wire 
should  be  run  through  the  fleshy  part  of  the  skin  (at  the  base  of  the  tail)  into  the 
body  from  the  under  side  of  the  tail,  thus  fastening  it  in  any  position  wanted. 
Fasten  the  wings  by  sticking  a  sha'p  piece  of  wire  through  the  shoulder  of  the 
wing  into  the  body.    Stick  small  pieces  of  wire  in  different  parts  of  the  body,  and 


BACKWOODS   TAXIDERMY.  655 

wind  the  bird  tightly  with  fine  thread,  thus  holding  the  plumage  !n  position  until 
dry.  The  plumage  may  be  made  to  lie  smoother  by  touching  the  rough  places 
with  a  feather  wet  in  turpentine.  When  collecting,  one  should  note  the  color  of 
the  eyes,  legs,  cere,  gullar  sack,  etc.,  of  birds  when  first  killed,  as  it  may  be  natu- 
rally reproduced  by  paint  when  the  birds  are  mounted  and  dry. 

To  Preserve  Birds  Temporarily. — Hirds  can  be  preserved  for  a  few  days  dur- 
ing hot  weather  as  follows  :  If  a  large  bird  is  killed,  first  swab  out  the  blood  from 
the  throat  if  necessary,  and  distribute  powdered  alum  and  saltpetre  (one  part  salt- 
petre, six  parts  alum)  the  entire  length  of  the  throat,  and  push  some  of  it  into  the 
crop  with  a  stick  ;  rub  a  little  of  the  preservative  into  and  around  the  eyes  exter- 
nally ;  draw  the  entrails  from  the  specimen  through  a  small  hole,  made  longitudi- 
nally into  the  vent,  and  prime  the  inside  of  the  bird  with  the  powder  ;  put  a  small 
piece  of  cotton  down  the  throat,  and  cram  the  nostrils  full  of  the  same  material,  to 
prevent  the  saliva  and  blood  from  coming  out  on  to  the  plumage.  Carbolic  acid  is 
also  a  good  disinfectant  and  preservative.  Take  a  small  bottle  of  water  and  put 
a  teaspoonful  of  acid  into  it,  and  apply  the  mixture  to  the  most  perishable  parts  of 
a  specimen  in  the  same  manner  as  directed  to  use  ttie  saltpetre  and  alum.  Pieces 
of  cotton  or  tow,  wet  with  the  acid  and  water,  should  be  placed  in  the  vent  and 
throat  of  the  bird.  Should  one  wish  to  keep  any  hard  feathered  birds,  such  as 
loons,  grebes,  auks,  guillemots,  gulls,  ducks,  etc.,  they  should  be  drawn  and 
thrown  into  a  pickle  of  saltpetre  and  alum,  and  any  good  taxidermist  can  mount 
and  clean  them  when  desired. 

To  Prepare  a  Buck's  Head. — To  preserve  a  buck's  head,  make  a  cut  across  the 
head  from  the  middle  of  one  horn  across  the  skull  to  the  middle  of  the  other  antler  ; 
then  make  a  cut  from  the  middle  of  the  incision  made  down  the  back  of  the  neck 
to  the  shoulders  ;  cut  the  skin  around  and  a  little  below  the  neck  until  it  is  free 
from  the  fore  shoulders,  and  continue  to  skin  the  neck  up  to  the  base  of  the  antlers  ; 
cut  the  skin  carefully  away  from  around  the  horns,  and  skin  down  over  the  muz- 
zle ;  skin  the  ears  part  way  down,  trim  away  the  flesh  from  the  skin,  and  rub  the 
whole  fleshy  side  of  it  with  the  powdered  alum  and  saltpetre,  and  if  no  other  pre- 
servative is  at  hand  use  salt.  Turn  the  fleshy  side  of  the  pelt  to  the  open  air,  and 
dry  as  soon  as  possible.  The  skin  will  shrivel  up  to  the  dimensions  of  an  old 
boot  leg,  which  it  resembles  in  shape,  but  nevertheless  it  will  be  in  good  condi- 
tion. Chop  away  the  part  of  the  skull  to  which  the  horns  are  attached,  enlarge 
the  hole  in  the  occipital  bone,  remove  the  brains,  dust  what  remains  of  the  skull 
with  any  preservative,  and  hang  the  horns  in  a  convenient  crotch  of  a  tree  until  ', 
the  camp  is  deserted.  ' 

Never  cut  a  deer  skin  down  the  front  of  the  neck,  unless  you  want  an  ugly 
looking  seam  to  mar  the  beauty  of  a  head.  Should  a  deer  be  wounded  or  killed, 
it  is  not  necessary  to  cut  his  head  nearly  off  to  bleed  him,  and  if  a  deer  is  shot 
through  the  lungs  or  near  the  heart,  it  does  not  need  bleeding,  as  the  blood  will 
settle  in  the  thorax  and  can  easily  be  turned  out  when  the  animal  is  dressed. 
What  looks  worse  than  a  deer  with  his  head  nearly  cut  off,  and  its  coat  covered 
with  blood,  which  will  become  half  putrid  in  a  few  days  in  mild  weather,  unless  it 
is  washed  off  from  the  hair  when  fresh  ?  Never  wash  out  a  deer  after  dressing  it 
unless  you  are  desirous  of  spoiling  your  venison  When  saving  saddles,  let  them 
cool  and  stiffen  before  folding  the  skin  over  them.  So  do  not  mangle  your  game 
and  spoil  your  skins  and  meat  by  slashing  animals  to  pieces  with  a  huge  butcher 
knife. 

Skinning  Small  Quadrupeds.— B^gxa.  by  raakiug  a  longitudinal  incision  be- 


656 


INSTRUCTION  IN    TAXIDERMY. 


tween  the  hind  legs,  extending  quite  baclc  to  the  vent,  the  hair  having  been  care- 
fully parted  so  that  it  may  not  be  cut.  Do  not  cut  into  the  abdominal  cavity. 
The  skin  can  now  be  separated  from  the  flesh  and  turned  back  as  far  as  the  thigh, 
which  is  severed  at  the  joint.  When  this  is  done  on  both  sides,  the  gut  should  be 
drawn  out  and  severed  at  a  short  distance  from  the  vent.  The  tail  should  also  be 
disjointed  at  the  root.  This  being  done,  the  skin  can  be  loosened  around  the  body 
until  the  fore-legs  are  reached,  when  they  also  should  be  dissevered.  The  skin- 
ning now  proceeds  along  the  neck  until  the  skull  is  reached.  Here  considerable 
care  is  necessary  to  remove  the  skin  without  damage  to  the  ears,  eyelids,  and 
lips.  The  skin  is  left  attached  to  the  skull ;  when  the  operation  has  proceeded  far 
enough  to  expose  the  muscles  of  the  jaws,  the  skin  must  be  separated  from  the 
body  at  the  first  joint  of  the  neck.  The  tongue,  eyes,  and  muscles,  remaining 
attached  to  the  head,  are  now  to  be  carefully  removed,  and  the  brain  taken  out 
from  an  opening  in  the  back  of  the  skull,  cut  through  for  that  purpose.  To  make 
this  opening,  amateurs  can  use  a  small  gimlet  or  bit  with  very  small  animals,  and 
a  large  one  as  circumstances  may  demand.  The  legs  are  now  to  be  skinned  out 
quite  down  to  the  claws,  which  completes  the  operation  of  skiiming.  During  the 
entire  process,  all  fluids  escaping  must  be  immediately  soaked  up  with  cotton. 
As  soon  as  the  skin  is  removed,  it  should  be  thoroughly  rubbed  with  arsenical 
soap,  not  omitting  the  inside  of  the  skull  and  mouth  cavities. 

Insect  specimens. — To  preserve  insects  ;  quarter  of  an  ounce  of  corrosive  sub- 
limate in  one  ounce  of  water,  and  add  three  ounces  of  spirits  of  wine.  Steep 
insects  in  this,  then  dry  ;  and  especially  if  spider  specimens  be  treated  this  way, 
they  will  be  found  to  be  pliable. 

Bird  Lime. — To  make  it,  boil  down  linseed  oil  of  the  best  quality  until  it 
becomes  thick  and  glutinous.  It  should  be  boiled  in  an  earthern  pot  in  the  open 
air,  for  about  two  or  three  hours.  It  is  very  essential  that  an  earthen  vessel 
should  be  used,  as  an  iron  one  heats  and  the  oil  takes  fire  when  boiling,  and  in 
such  a  case  is  useless  as  bird  lime.  A  pot  should  be  used  with  a  tight  fitting  cover, 
to  prevent  the  fire  entering  inside  it.  When  prepared  set  the  oil  away  in  tin 
boxes  with  tight  fitting  covers,  until  it  is  to  be  used.  Prepared  lime  made  of 
pitch  and  oil  and  sold  by  some  dealers,  is  worthless. 

To  Use  It. — Select  some  small  dry  sticks,  about  eight  inches  long  and  as  thick  as 
a  straw ;  sharpen  one  end  of  them  to  a  flat  thin  edge,  so  they  can  be  stuck 
i  ito  a  cut  in  stake ;  take  a  large  stick  or  stake  and  drive  it  in  the  ground ; 
make  cuts  in  its  sides  suitable  to  receive  the  flat  ends  of  the  stick  ;  take  two  of  the 
small  sticks  and  dip  them  in  the  lime  ;  when  covered,  hold  one  in  each  hand 
and  roll  them  between  youL-thumbs  and  fingers  with  their  sides  touching,  thus 
equally  distributing  the  lime  ;  insert  their  ends  loosely  into  the  notches  in  the 
ground,  and  place  a  ''•  call  bird  "  in  a  conspicuous  place  near  the  stake  ;  when  the 
birds  alight  in  the  sticks  they  pull  loose  from  the  main  stick,  and  when  flying 
away  the  wings  come  in  contact  with  the  lime,und  are  pinioned  to  the  bird's  sides. 
It  does  not  hold  them  by  the  feet,  as  is  generally  supposed. 

To  Tan  Skins  0/  Animals  with  the  Fur  on. — i.  Put  them  into  a  pickle  of  alum 
and  saltpetre  until  they  become  like  leather  ;  then  dress  the  flesh  sides,  dry  them 
slowly,  and  rub  them  with  a  little  butter,  and  dry  them  by  rubbing  or  treading 
them  out  in  veneer  sawdust. 

3.  Take  soft  water,  about  ten  gallons,  a  half  bushel  wheat  bran,  seven  pounds 
of  salt,  two  and  a  half  pounds  of  sulphuric  acid.  Dissolve  all  together  and  put  the 
skins  in  the  solution  and  allow  them  to  remain  twelve  hours ;  take  them  out  and 


BACKWOODS    TAXIDERMY.  657 

clean  them  well,  and  again  immerse  twelve  more  hours,  or  longer,  if  necessary. 
The  skins  may  then  be  taken  out,  well  washed  and  dried.  They  can  be  beaten 
soft,  if  desired. 

3.  Take  equal  parts  salt,  alum,  and  Glauber  salts,  and  half  a  pint  saltpetre  ;  pul- 
verize and  mix.  Handle  the  skins  and  rub  the  mixture  in  well  three  or  four  times 
a  day,  the  oftener  the  better.  If  there  is  not  sufficient  moisture  in  the  skin  to 
dissolve  the  salts  put  a  little  water  into  the  latter.  We  are  assured  that  no  moth 
will  ever  attack  furs,  the  pelts  of  which  have  been  thus  prepared. 

4.  Mix  the  proportion  of  six  pounds  of  alum,  and  three  of  salt.  Dissolve  both 
in  about  a  gallon  of  warm  water.  Use  when  cool.  Place  skins  not  too  tightly 
packed,  in  a  barrel  or  keg,  and  pour  in  mixture.  Skins  without  injury  to  hair  may 
be  kept  any  length  of  time  in  this  way,  and  all  in  good  order  at  any  time  to  stuff. 

5.  Take  two  parts  of  saltpetre  and  one  of  alum,  pulverize  them  well  together  ; 
spread  the  skin  carefully,  fur  side  down,  before  it  has  dried ;  apply  the  mix- 
tures evenly,  being  careiul  to  touch  every  part  in  sufficient  quantity  to  thoroughly 
wet  the  surface  after  it  dissolves  ;  double  the  flesh  side  and  roll  it  up  closely  ;  put 
it  in  a  cool  place,  out  of  the  way  of  the  frost,  and  let  it  remain  three  or  four  days 
or  more  according  to  thickness  ;  then  unroll,  and  when  it  gets  nearly  dry,  with  a 
dull  knife  remove  the  fat  that  may  adhere  in  spots,  and  a  little  rubbing  makes  it 
pliable  and  fit  for  use. 

6.  Glauber  salts,  two  pounds  ;  rock  salt,  one  pound  ;  alum,  two  pounds ;  all  to 
be  dissolved  in  boiling  water ;  leave  skins  in  about  ten  days,  take  them  out  occa- 
sionally for  a  little  while  during  that  time  ;  cut  the  edge  of  the  skin  to  see  if  the 
tanning  has  gone  through  ;  then  take  them  in  the  hand  and  beat  them  over  a 
round  stick  or  block  until  they  are  sofl.  They  are  to  be  beaten  with  the  hair 
side  in. 

Indian  Tanned  Skins. — The  skin  is  stretched  either  on  the  ground  or  on  poles, 
and  all  fat  or  flesh  removed.  When  well  dried  it  is  washed  in  soap  and  water 
to  cleanse  the  fur ;  the  brains  of  any  animal  are  then  taken  and  mashed  into  a 
paste  with  hot  water,  and  this  paste  is  thoroughly  rubbed  into  the  flesh  side,  and 
the  skin  hung  out  to  dry.  When  dry  it  is  scraped,  and  exposed  to  the  dew  for  one 
night,  and  next  morning  rubbed  and  pulled  until  soft. 

Buckskins  are  made  by  rubbing  off  the  hair  with  a  horse-rib,  while  the  skin  is 
fresh,  or,  after  soaking  in  a  weak  lye  ;  then  dressing  with  brains,  and  staining  a 
reddish  color  in  a  decoction  of  Wasatchie  bark.  Alum  and  salt  are  very  good, 
but  alum  is  rather  scarce  in  the  chapparal,  as  also  are  doors  and  boards.  Some 
stretch  skins  on  the  ground. 

Care  should  be  taken,  by  the  way,  not  to  use  too  much  salt,  as  \i.  causes  the 
skin  afterward  to  absorb  moisture  too  readily.  Smoking  a  skin  is  done  by  first 
dressing  with  brains,  sewing  it  up  into  a  funnel-shape,  and  suspending  over  a 
slow  fire  of  buffalo  chips,  or  dry  prickly  pear,  built  in  a  hole  in  the  ground.  The 
tips  of  the  funnel  bein.s;  pinned  down  close  around  the  hole  ;  a  clear,  calm  day,  is 
selected,  and  the  smoking  requires  about  two  hours.  It  gives  a  velvet-like  finish, 
and  the  skin  never  shrinks  or  gets  stiff  from  wetting,  but  washes  like  cloth. 

To  Keep  Moths  from  Skins. — Dissolve  a  small  piece  of  corrosive  sublimate 
in  alcohol,  and  brush  on  ;  or  the  best  arsenic  dissolved  in  the  same  manner  will 
answer. 

To  Preserve  Fish  for  6/>^<r//«««f.— Specimens,  which,  after  being  taken,  should 
be  wrapped  in  a  damp  cloth  or  moss  until  opportunity  offered  for  placing  them  in 
weak  spirits  of  whisky  or  alcohol,  when  they  should  be  allowed  to  i^oak  until  the 


658 


INSTRUCTION  IN    TAXIDERMY. 


spirit  has  thoroughly  permeated  the  fish,  which  requires  several  days,  more  or 
less,  the  length  of  time  required  being  governed  considerably  by  the  weather. 
They  should  then  be  carefully  spread  on  a  platter  and  covered  with  alcohol  untjl 
the  fish  is  hardened,  wiien  it  can  be  placed  in  the  jar. 

To  Preserve  Fisk  Skins. -Skm  your  fish  carefully,  but  do  not  be  particular  as 
to  leaving  a  little  meat  on.    Spread  the  sltins  in  layers  and  sprinkle  with  salt  and 


alum 


or  make  a  pickle  in  a  small  keg  of  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid  ;  any 
remaining  flesh  can  be  scraped  off  afterwards,  and  the  fish  set  up  by  a  taxider- 
mist. Many  of  the  most  delicate  fishes  with  large  scales  will  not  stand  the  above 
treatment,  to  say  nothing  of  mounting  them  afterward 


•-     -H 


\.-8l 


BIBLIOGRAPHY  FOR  SPORTSMEN. 


BOOKS  ON   ANGLING, 

Superior  Fishing.— V..  B.  Roosevelt :  Carleton,  New  York. 
Gatne  Fish,  of  the  North— K.  B.  Roosevelt,  (out  of  print). 
I  Go  a  FisAing.—Wm.  C.  Prime:  Harper  &  Bros. 
Fish  and  Fishing-.— Frank  Forester. 

Fishing  in  American  Waters.— Gtaxo  C.  Scott :  Harpers. 
American  Angler's  Book.—Thz.MGMS  Norris. 
Ronald's  Fly  Fisher's  EntoMoiogy.     (English.) 
Chittys  Fisher's  Text  Book.     (Eng.) 
Pullman's  Fly  Fishing.     (Eng.) 
Chalmondley-PenneiPs  Fly  Fishing.     (Eng,) 

Ephemera's  Handbooks  of  A  ngling.  (Eng.)  Longman,  Green,  and  Loni^an, 
London,  or  tlirough  the  agency  of  George  W,  Ford,  care  of  Potts,  Young  &  Co. 
Cooper  Union,  New  York. 

Hints  to  Anglers  and  Miseries  of  Fishing^VfMh.  numerous  humorous  engrav- 
ings.   Philadelphia;  Claxton,  Remsen  &  Haflfelfinger. 

Walton  and  Cotton's  Complete  Angler  :  or.  The  Contemplative  Man's  Recrea- 
tion: Being  a  Discourse  of  Rivers,  Fishponds,  Fish  and  Fishing,  written  by  Izaak 
Walton  ;  and  Instructions  how  to  Angle  for  a  Trout  or  Grayling  in  a  clear  Stream, 
by  Charles  Cotton. 

By  Lake  and  River.— Ft a.nc'ifi  Francis,  Field  Office,  346  Strand,  London. 
The  Pleasures  0/ A  ngling.— By  Geo,  Dawson,  Editor  of  the  Albany  Journal: 
Sheldon  &  Co.,  New  York. 

Maxims  and  Hints  for  A  nglers.—T.  F.  Bell :  Philadelphia. 
Illustrated  Angler's  Hand-dook  for  1875.    The  author.  Max  Von  dem  Borne, 
treats  of  all  matters  appertaining  to  angling  with  most  thorough  detail,  and  every 
important  point  is  explained  by  well  executed  wood  cuts.     Published  in  Berlin, 
Prussia, 

Bookofthe  Salmon.— By  Ephemera.    Longman,  Green  and  Longman,  London. 
Fur.,  Fin,  and  Feather.— By  Chas.  Suydam,  61  Warren  St. 
Camp  Fires  of  tJie  Everglades.— <Z\\i).^F..Vf^\X.ii'ii^2A. 
The  Fishing  7\;«r«^.— Hallock.     Harper  &  Bros. 
Forays  among  Salmon  and  Deer.— ].Q.onyfa.y.     (English.) 
An  A  ngler's  Rambles,  and  A  ngling  Songs.— T.  Todd  Stoddart.    (English,)    9*. 
Schuylkill  Fishing  Company.     Phila.,  1830. 

/l«^//«^.— Brookes,  Nobbs  and  Bowlker,  .      . 

Mewcastle.—Fisher's  Garlands. 

A  merican  A  ngler's  Guide. — Brown. 


660  BIBLIOGRAPHY  FOR   SPORTSMEN. 

Lines  o/ Donne,  Walton,  Herbert,  etc.     Walton,  a  vols.     1832, 

Hojland's  Ani^/er's  Manua/. — E.  Jesse. 

Treatyse  on  J'ysshynffe.—Da.mG  Juliana  Uerners.     i486,  by  Van  Siclen.     1875. 

T/te  Art  0/ A ng^lin^.—R.  Wvoo)^.^^.     1790.     London. 

AI Oiler  n  Practical  Angler. — G.  Pennel. 

Game  Fish  0/ North. — Harnwell. 

Secrets  0/ Angling.—K  S.  Moffatt. 

Bottom  or  Float  Wishing.— \l.  Chalmondeley-Pennell ;  authorof"  The  Modem 
Practical  Angler,"  etc.    London  :  George  Routledge  &  Sons. 

Blacker  s  A  rt  0/  Fly  Making.  Slacker's  Book  0/  the  Salmon. — 54  Dean  St. 
Soho,  London. 

GUN,   DOG   AND    RIFLE. 

Field,  Cover,  and  Trap  Shooting. — By  Adam  H.  Bogardus,  Champion  wing 
shot  of  America.  Embracing  hints  for  skilled  marksmen,  instructions  for  young 
sportsmen,  haunts  and  habits  of  game  birds,  flights  and  resorts  of  water  fowl, 
breeding  and  breaking  of  dogs.    New  York  :  J.  B.  Ford  &  Co.     1874. 

How  to  Use  the  Pistol. — Industrial  Publication  Company,  176  Broadway,  N.  Y. 

Fox  Hunting,  as  recorded  by  Raed.  Edited  by  C.  A.  Stephens.  Illustrated. 
Boston  :  James  K.  Osgood  &  Co. 

Setters  and  Pointers — Their  rearing.  Training  and  Hygiene.  By  Elbert  S. 
Carman.    Published  for  the  Ahaodah  Society  by  D.  Appleton  &  Co.    New  York. 

The  American  Sportsman. — By  Elisha  J.  Lewis,  M.  D.  With  illustrations. 
Third  edition.     Philadelphia:  J.  B.  Lippincott  &  Co. 

Prairie  and  Forest. — By  Parker  Gilmore  :  Harper  &  Bros.     1874. 

Illustrated  Handbook  0/  Rijle  Shooting,  by  A.  Lord  Russell,  is  published  in 
Toronto,  Canada. 

Lynx  Hunting.— By  C.  Stephens.    Boston  :  James  R.  Osgood  &  Co. 

How  to  Become  an  Expert  Shot.—W\\.\i  Regulations  of  the  National  Rifle 
Association,  with  Blanks  for  Recording  Matches.  New  York  Mercantile  Pub- 
lishing Co.,  No.  I  Park  Place  :  1874. 

American  Wild  Fowl  .Shooting.— By  J.  W.  Long:  J.  B.  Ford  &  Co.,  New 
York,  Publishers. 

Cyclopadia  0/ Rural  Sports. — By  J.  H.  Walsh  (Stonehenge).  First  American 
from  the  eighth  English  edition.    Philadelphia  :  Porter  &  Coates. 

Frank  Forester'' s  S/tooting  Box. — T.  B.  Peterson  and  Bro  :  Philadelphia. 

Deer  Stalkers.— By  Frank  Forester.    Philadelphia.    T.  B.  Peterson  &  Co. 

Frank  Forester's  Quorndon  Hounds.— By  H.  W.  Herbert,  N.  Y.  T.  B. 
Peterson  &  Bro. 

The  Complete  Manual  for  Young  Sportsmen,  by  Forester,  was  published  by 
Stringer  &  Townsend,  222  Broadway,  N.  Y.,  in  1857. 

TVi^  i?!?^.— By  Dinks,  Hutchinson  &  Maj'hew.  I  .■    1 

The  Dog. — By  Stonehenge.    Lee  &  Shepherd.    Boston.  '. 

Shot-gun  and  Sporting  Rifle. — Stonehenge. 

Dog  and  Sportsman. — By  J.  S.  Skinner  (out  of  print). 

Youatt  on  the  Dog,%-x.'ii.  '  .  •,  .   ,       <• 

■    Hawker  on  Shooting. — By  Porter. 

Wingate' s  Rifle  Manual. 

Shooting  on  the  Wing.— Price  75  cts.    Orange  Judd  &  Co  :  New  York.  ^^ 

Forest  and  Stream  Rifle  Manual.— By  M.  S.  Starr.    J.  B.  Ford  &  Co.  It. 


TEXT  AND  REFERENCE  BOOKS.  66 1 

American  Game  in  Season.— YrAnk  Forester. 

The  Breech  Loader.— By  Wilson.     Orange  Jiidd  &  Co. 

Breech  Loaders.— By  Gloan.  New  York :  Gev)r)j;e  E.  Woodward.  Orange 
Judd  &  Co.     1873. 

Atnerican  Kennel  and  Sporting  Field.— 'By  Arnold  Burgess.  $4.  J.  B.  Ford 
&  Co.    New  York. 

The  Practical  Kennel  Guide.— By  Gordon  Stables,  M.  D.,  C.  M.  R.  N,  Cassell, 
Petler  &  Galpin,  London,  Paris,  and  New  York. 

A  inerican  Partridge  and  Pheasant  Shooting. — By  Frank  Schley.  Baughman 
Bros.,  Frederick,  Md. 

Choke-Bore  Guns  and  How  to  Load  for  all  Kinds  of  Game, — Price  $3.50: 
Cassell,  Fetter  &  Galpin,  596  Broadway. 

Z?o^j.—Hy  Francis  But'.er,  price  ^3.    (Out  of  print.) 

Hawker  on  Shooting. — Porter. 

Hand-Hood  /or  Voung  Sportsmen.— By  Will  Wildwood  :  Printed  by  the  Sen- 
tinel Company,  Milwaukee,  Wis. 

Partridges  atid  Pheasants.— By  Frank  Schley.  Baughman  Bros.,  Frederick 
City,  Maryland. 

Idstone  on  the  Dogy%\.2$.  , 

Schley^ s  A  merican  Partridge  and  Pheasant  Shooting,  $2. 

Gun.,  Rod  and  Saddle,  $1. 

Dead  Shot,  or  Sportsman^ s  Complete  Guide,  $1.75. 

The  above  may  be  obtained  from  Orange  Judd  &  Co.,  New  York. 

TEXT  AND    REFERENCE   BOOKS,  FOR  ZOOLOGY  AND  MAM- 
MALS. 

Quadrupeds  0/ North  America. — Audubon  and  Bachman,  ^50  to  $75. 

Pacific  Railroad  Reports.— Professor  Baird,  Vol.  VIII,  $$. 

Mammals  0/  New  York  (in  Reports  on  Natural  History  of  the  State) :  De 
Kay.    Very  difficult  to  obtain  separately. 

Quadrupeds  0/  Illinois. — Kennicott.  Patent  Office  Reports,  Agriculture 
1857-8.    (Out  of  print.) 

Bats  0/ N^orth  America. — Allen  (50c.)  ;  and  various  lesser  books.  " 

First  Bonk  0/ Zoology. — By  Edward  S.  Morse,  Ph  D.,  etc.  New  York:  D. 
Appleton  &  Co.,  1875. 

Mammals  0/ Zoology. —By  Yer\niiy.    Price  $3.  ,  .  -,  < 

Natural  History. — By  J.  G.  Wood.    Three  volumes,  $4  per  volume. 

Zoology  and  Resourced 0/  Oregon  and  Washington  Territory. — Published  by  S. 
J.  McCormick,  Portland,  Oregon. 

Osteology  of  the  Mammalia. — An  Introduction  to  the  Osteology  of  the  Mam- 
malia. By  W.  H.  Flower,  F.  R.  S.,  F.  R.  C.  S.  With  numerous  Illustrations. 
Second  Edition,  revised.    350pp.  i2mo.    Cloth,  12.25.   "  '       ■•  ■  v.    -  •  ■.  ^ 

List  of  Skeletons,  G{.c.     By  Dr.  H.  C.  Yarrow.  '  "•'^'       ^^ 

MOLLUSKS.  .   .5  .i  -  ;         .;.     *•• 

Books  upon  Mollusks  include— Invenehrates  of  Massachusetts :  Gould,  $4. 
Shells  of  New  York :  De  Kay.  American  Marine  Conrhology  :  Lyon,  $20  to 
$42.  Terrestrial  Mollusks  of  the  United  Stater. :  Binney  $30.  Land  and  Fresh, 
water  Shells  ;  Binney  and  Bland,  Smithsonian,  $5.  American  Journal  of  Conch- 
ology.  |io  a  volume.    European  works,  and  numerous  American  pamphlets. 


662  BIBLIOGRAPHY  FOR   SPORTSMEN. 

The  Mollufcous  Animait  and  their  Shells^  of  Chester  County^  PeHH.—ny  VV. 
D.  Flartmaii  and  Dr.  E.  Michcner:  Claxton,  Remsen  &  HaiTclfinger,  publishers, 
Philadelphia. 

ENTOMOLOGY. 

In  Entomology  {insects)  there  are  .-—Guide  to  the  Study  of  Insects  ;  Packard 
$7.  Our  Common  Insects:  Packard,  $1.50.  American  Entomology:  Say;  va- 
rious editions,  $ia  to  $18.  Injurious  insects  of  Massachusetts:  Hams.  $3  to  $8. 
Illustrated  and  expensive  works  on  the  buttertiies,  moths,  etc.,  by  Edwards, 
btretch,  Streekcr,  and  others  ;  and  numerous  publications  by  the  Smithsonian. 

Relation  0/  Insects  to  Mttn.—By  A.  S.  Packard,  Jr.,  Editor  of  the  American 
Naturalist,  etc.,  being  No.  3  of  the  popular  series  published  by  Estes  &  Lauriatt. 
Boston. 

On  the  Origin  and  Metamorphosis  0/  Insects. — By  Sir  John  Lubbock,  M.  P., 
F.  R.  S.    Illustrated.    New  York,  Macraillan  &  Co.  1874.    108  pp.  8vo.  $1.50. 

Our  Common  Ir,  ects  :— A  Popular  Account  of  the  Insects  of  our  Fields,  For- 
ests, Gardens  and  Houses.  By  A.  S.  Packard,  Jr. :  Salem  :  Naturalists'  Agency. 
Will  be  found  a  very  useful  guide. 

Half  Hours  with  the  Microscope.— B^  Edwin  Lankester,  M.  D.,  F.  R.  S.  Il- 
lustrated by  350  drawings  from  Nature.  lamo.,  cloth,  $1.25.  New  York  :  G.  P. 
Putnam's  Sons. 

I  he  Preparation  and  Mounting  of  Microscopic  Objects. — By  Thomas  Davis. 
i6mo,  cloth,  $1.  25.    New  York  :  G.  P.  Putnam's  Sons. 

History  of  British  Moths.— Sir  W.  Jardine.  Illustrated  with  nearly  3000  Ex- 
quisitely Colored  Specimens.    4  vols.  English  Price,  140*. 

British  Butterflies.  —With  Seventy-one  Beautifully  Colored  Plates.    21s. 

On  British  Wild  Flou/ers.— Sir  J.  Lubbock.  Considered  in  Relation  to  Insects. 
English.    4J.  6a?. 

ORNITHOLOGY. 

Upon  Ornithology  there  are  written  r 

Birds  of  North  A  merica — J.  J.  Audubon.  Octavo  and  quaito  editions  ;  rare, 
and  costing  about  $too. 

American  Ornithology.— Alsx.  Wilson.  Several  editions,  the  quarto  of  Bona- 
parte selling  for  $60  to  |8o,  and  the  little  one  without  plates  for  about  $20. 

Ornithology  of  Neio  Vorh.—De  Kay.    Rare  separately,  and  expensive. 

Manual  of  Ornithology.— NuttaW.    Rare,  and  worth  $30. 

Pacific  Railroad  Reports.— Professor  Baird,  Vol.  IX, ^5. 

Ornithology  and  Oology  of  New  A'«^/a«rf.— Samuels.     Good  to  identify  East 
ern  birds  by.    $6. 

Key  to  North  American  Birds.— CoViQi\.  The  best  thing  to  identify  by.  $7. 
Dodd  &  Mead,  138  Broadway. 

Manual  of  Ornithology.— Coues.  A  hand-book  of  taxidermy  and  field  work  ; 
similar  to  Maynard's  "  Naturalist's  Guide."  No  descriptions.  Price  of  Coues' 
book  $3.50  ;  of  Maynard's  $2. 

Birds  of  the  Northwest.— Coues.  Habits  and  Synonomy  of  North-western 
birds.  Published  by  U.  S.  Geological  Survey,  and  only  on  sale  by  chance  at  $3 
to  $s. 

Swainson's  Birds.,  in  Fauna  Boreali  Americana. 

Moore's  Book  on  Pigeons.— Price  30  cents  ;  to  be  had  by  addressing  "  Fancier's 
Journal,"  Hartford,  Conn. 


TEXT  AND  REl'LKENCE  BOOKS,  663 

Brown't  Taxidtrmitt^s  Af a »ua/. —Price  $1.    Orange  Judd  &  Co.,  New  York. 
Taxidtrmist's  Afanua/.—jcHse  Haney  &  Co.,  119  Nassau  St. 

Bniley's  "  Our  mvn  lUydn  of  the  United  States."  •     ' 

Audufion's  Syno^xis.—A  terse  account  of  the  classification  used  by  him,  with 
more  or  loss  of  the  technical  characters  of  the  groups  given  ;  a  book  of  reference. 

Ornithology  of  Caii/ornia.—iZooVQT.     Elegantly  illustrated,  $io. 

History  of  North  American  ///Vrf*,— Baird,  Brewer,  and  Ridgway.  The 
most  comprehensive  and  best  of  all.  Three  volumes  arc  issued  at  $10  (plain),  and 
$30  (colored)  a  volume. 

Practical  Naturalist's  Guide.— Da.\\H  (English)  and  Avis'  Bird  Preserving; 
(English),  are  for  sale  here  by  importers. 

TAe  Birds  of  Florida,— On^xnzX  descriptions  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  species 
of  different  kinds  of  birds.  Hy  C.  J.  Maynard.  With  fine  plates  drawn  and  col- 
ored from  nature.    Part  3. 

The  Birds  of  North  America.— ^y  Theodore  Jasper,  A.M.,  M.  D.  Drawn 
from  life,  one-quarter  size  of  life.    Robert  Clarke  &  Co.,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

Our  Birds  of  Prey.— liy.  H.  J.  Venner,  tield  Geologist  of  the  Canada  Survey. 
Dawson  &  Bros.    Montreal.    Price  $12.  .    , 

Birds  of  Long  /slaftd.-—\iy  J.  P.  Giraud. 

Ornithologisfs  Directory.—^.  L.  Willard  &  Co.,  of  Utica,  have  recently  issued 
a  small  collection,  which  contains  the  names  of  taxidermists  and  egp  collectors  in 
various  parts  of  this  country  and  Europe.  Besides,  it  contains  a  list  of  valuable 
works  of  reference,  and  other  matters  of  general  interest  and  usefulness  to  stu- 
dents and  naturalists. 

An  A  nnotated  List  of  the  Birds  of  Utah.—W.  W.  Henshaw,     Salem.     1874. 

Books  of  Birds.— ^y  Charles  F.  Holden.  New  York.  Charles  Reiche  &  Bro.  ; 
and  9  Bowdoin  Street,  Boston  ;  N.  E.  News  Co.,  Court  St. 

A  Popular  Key  to  the  Birds,  Batrachians  and  Fishes  of  the  Northern  United 
States  east  of  the  Mississippi  River.  By  Prof.  D.  S.  Jordan  and  B.  H.  Van 
Vleck.    Appletons.    Wisconsin. 

Birds  of  Minnesota.— \\y'Y:.lA2.xWx^1x\^^.     (Out  of  print.)  ' 

Ornithology  of  the  Wheeler  Expedition. — By  H.  C.  Henshaw.  Published  by 
the  Engineer  Department  of  the  U.  S.  Army. 

Manual  of  Vertebrate  Animals.— By  Professor  D.  S.  Jordan.  Jansen, 
McClurg  &  Co.,  Chicago.    Price  $2. 

Naturalist's  Library.— By  Sir  William  Jardine.  40  vols.  Lippincott  and  Co., 
Philadelphia. 

Oologist.—S.  L.  Wiliard  &  Co.    Utica. 

Naturalist's  Guide.— By  C.J.  Maynard.  For  sale  at  Naturalists'  Agency: 
Salem,  Mass.     Full  instructions  in  Taxidermy. 

North  American  Oology ,  With,  colored  plates,  $a.  By  Thomas  N.  Brewer. 
This  work  includes  only  the  Raptores  and  Fissirostroes. 

A  History  of  the  Birds  of  Europe^  not  observed  in  the  British  Isles,  ad  edi- 
tion enlarged.    C.  R.  Bree.    5  vols.    105^. 

Morris's  Nests  and  Eggs  of  British  Birds.— With  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
three  beautifully  colored  engravings.    63J. 

The  Birds  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland.—SiT  W.  Jardine.  Illustrated  with 
one  hundred  itnd  twenty -tive  colored  plates.    4  vols.    24J, 

Bewick' s  Land  Birds.  '  .,.  '  .        ;     '      ' 

Bewick' s  Water  Birds.  -  ^'~"      >     ••■■■■'' 


664 


BIBLIOGRAPHY  hOR   SPORTSMEN. 


Birds  and  Quaiirufiedi-~Wtvi\c\i> 

A MOM^r  t/u-  /iirds.—E,  A.  SunwiclH. 

A uduion,  t/te  Natura/i'st.— Mm.  H.  St.  John, 

yournal  of  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences. 

Birds  and  .Seasons  of  New  England.— yi\\%oxi  Flagg. 

Pacific  Railroad  Ref>orts.~V\x\\  set,  13  vols. 

Canadian  Naturalist  and  Geologist. 

Nuttall's  IVatet  Birds.  *u 

Nuttairs  Land  Birds. 

Martin's  Natural  History. 

//uniniing /iirds.—H.  G- Aduma. 

Beauti/ul  Birds — R.  Tyas. 

British  Cyclopaedia.— i^..  F.  Partinffton. 

Birds  0/ North  America — Baird,  Cassin  and  Lawrence. 

FISHES   AND   REPTILES. 

The  chief  books  upon  fishes  and  reptiles  are  :— 

Fishes  0/  Maryland.— Sa\t  and  Fresh  Water  Species.  Annapolis,  John  F. 
Wiley,  State  Printer. 

Fishes  0/ Massachusetts.— Sioxcr,  $12. 

Fishes  of  South  Carolina.— WoXbxooV,  $25. 

Pacific  Railroad  Reports,  Vol  X  and  XII,  $5  each. 

Fishes  0/ New  York.-H^  Kay. 

Arrangement  0/  the  Families  of  Fishes,  by  Theodore  Gill.  Address  Natur- 
alists' Agency,  Salem,  Mass. 

Fishes  of  Eqstern  Coast  of  North  America  from  Greenland  to  Georgia,  by 
U.  S.  Com.  Fish  and  Fisheries.     1874. 

Herpetology  of  North  /l;;/fr/Vrt. -Holbrook.     Rare.     Price  $50  to  $80. 

Smithsonian  Catalogue  of  Serpents.— B&ird  and  Girard,  $1. 

Pacific  Railroad  Reports,  Vols.  X  and  XII,  $5  each. 

Reptiles  of  New  Vorh.~i)e  Kay. 

Contributions  to  Natural  History  of  North  America.— Agashiz,  Vol.  I  (Tur- 
tles) $10.  ', 

FISH   CULTURE. 

Trout  Culture.— Seiti  Green.    Rochester,  N.  Y. 

American  Fish  Culture. — By  Thad.  Norris. 

A  merican  A  nglet  's  Book.— By  Thaddeus  Norris.    E.  H.  Butler  and  Co.,  Phil. 

Practical  Trout  Culture.— By  ].  H,  Slack,  M.  D.  Orange  Judd  &  Co  ,  New 
York. 

Domesticated  Trout.— By  Livingston  Stone.    Osgood  &  Co.,  Boston. 

Fish  Culture.— ¥.  Francis.  A  Practical  Guide  to  the  Modern  System  of 
Breeding  and  Rearing  Fish.    (English.)    Price  $s. 

Fish  Hatching.— ¥.T.  Ruckland.    (English.)    $s,  ;;    .  :  .        ■;;:.  1  v/r    .r-.u 

Fish  Culture.— By  Ga.rlick.     1857. 

TRAPPING. 

How  to  Hunt  and  Trap,— By  J.  H.  Batty.    Published  by  Albert  Cogswell  '"' 
New  York. 


TEXT  AND   REFERENCE   BOOKS.  665 

Trapper  s  GuiJe.S.  Newhousc.  Uncida,  New  York.  Hiiker  &  Pratt,  14a 
Grand  St.,  New  York. 

Complete  AmerkaH  Trapper.— ^y  W.  H.  Gibson.  James  Miller,  publisher : 
New  York.    Price  11.75. 

The  Amateur  Trapper  and  Trap  Maker's  Guide,— ^y  Stanley  Ilardiug. 
New  York  :  Dick  and  Kitzpfcrald. 

BO.\TING. 

I'anderdecketi's  Yacht  Sailer.  (Eng.) 

Oarsman's  Manual.— Waters  &  Sons.    Troy. 

Hawing  and  Training-. — To  be  had  of  James  Watson. 

TAe  Sailing  Boat.—tiy  H.  C  Kolkhard.     Longmans,  Green  &  Co. :  London. 

HORSES. 

Hints  /or  Horsemen.— VmnV.  Forester. 

Handbook  on  the  Treatment  of  the  Horse  in  the  Stable  and  on  the  Road, — By 
Charles  Wharton.    J.  H.  Lippincott  &  Co.,  Philadelphia,  Publishers. 

Diseases  0/ the  Horse  and  How  to  Treat  7V«*/«.— Porter  &  Coates,  Philadelphia. 
By  Dr.  Robert  Chalker. 

Frank  Forester's  Horse  of  America,  "i  vols.,  $10.  Orange  Judd&  Co.,  New 
York. 

Stonehenge,  on  the  Horse  in  Stable  and  Field,  fa.    Orange  Judd  &  Co.    N.  Y. 

Horse  Doctor,  and  Horse  Management, — Mayhew.  Each  $3.  Orange  Judd  & 
Co.    New  York. 

American  Gentleman's  Stable  Guide,  %i.    Orange  Judd  &  Co.     New  York. 

TRAVEL,  HUNTING  ADVENTURES,  GUIDE  BOOKS,  ETC. 

Yellowstone  National  Park,—]iy  Prof.  Thomas  C.  Archer.  Edinburgh,  Scot- 
land. 

'The  Prairie  Province,— By  J.  C.  Hamilton,  M.  A.,  LL.  B.  Published  by 
Belford  Bros.,  Toronto,  1876. 

Ocean  to  Ocean,— By  Rev.  G.  M.  Grant.    Campbell  &  Son,  Toronto. 

Sporting^  Horse,  and  Horsemanship. — Frank  Forester.     Orange  Judd  &  Co. 

Sporting  Scenes  and  Characters.— Flunk  Forester,     Orange  Juiid  &  Co, 

F'arrars  Illustrated  Guide  Book. — By  Chas,  J.  Farrar.  Farrar  &  Johnson, 
383  Washington  Street,  Boston,  Publishers.  It  is  a  guide  to  Rangeley,  Richard- 
son, Kennebago,  Umbagog,  and  Parmachene  Lakes,  Dixville  Notch,  and  Ando- 
ver,  Maine,  and  vicinity,  with  map  of  the  Lake  Region. 

Plains  0/  the  Great  IVest.— By  Col.  R.  J.  Dodge,  U.  S.  A.,  with  an  introduc- 
tion by  Wm.  lUackmore.  G.  P,  Putnam's  Sons,  Publishers,  183  Fifth  Avenue, 
New  York. 

This  is  by  far  the  most  comprehensive  and  intelligent  volume  that  has  ever 
been  written  of  the  Far  West.  It  is  alike  invaluable  to  the  sportsman,  the  settler, 
the  overland  traveler,  the  trapper,  and  the  soldier. 

lYild  Scenes  and  lYild  Hunters,— By  C.  W.  Weboer.  Claxton,  Remsen  &. 
Haffelfinger,  Philadelphia. 

Florida  ;  Hs  Scenery,  Climate,  and  History.— By  S\d).\Gy  hSimcT.  J.  B.  Lip- 
pincott &  Co.,  Philadelphia. 

The  Marvelous  Country  ;  or  Threo  Years  in  Arizona  and  New  Mexico,  the 
Apaches'  Home.    By  Samuel  W.  Cozzens.    &to.    Boston  :  Shepard  &  Gill, 


666  BIBLIOCKAPHY  FOR    SPORTSMEN. 

I 

I  Lake  Superior  Guide.— VJWa.  Township  Map,  including  Lake  Superior  Region 

and  Northern  Minnesota.    Philadelphia:  J.  Disturnell,  1874. 

1  Guide  to  Moosehead  Lake  and  Northern  Maine.,  with  Map. — T.  W.  Ripley, 

\  Boston  :  1874. 

i  Report  0/  the  Topographical  Survey  0/  the  Adirondack  Wilderness. — By  Ver- 

planck  Golvin.     Published  by  Weed,  Parsons  &  Co.     Albany. 

Rambler's  Guide  to  Florida.    American  News  Company,  No.  39  Chambers 
Street,  New  York,  1873. 

Sailing  on  the  Great  Lakes  and  Rivers  of  America. — J.  Disturnell,  Philadelphia. 

U'allace's   Adirondack  Guide.,  with  Map. — American  News    Co.,  Chambers 
Street,  New  York.    Price  $2. 

Camp  Life  in  Florida. — Hallock.    American  News  Co.    Price  $1.50. 

To  Florida  for  the  Winter  — By  S.  Fleet  Speir. 

Bertram's  Florida .—{0\li  of  print.) 

Costa's  Mount  Desert. — Osgood  &  Co.,  Boston. 

Illustrated  Adirondacks. — By  S.  C.  Stoddard.    Weed,  Parsons  &  Co.,  Albany. 

io«^/.rt>!v.— ByRev.  Dr.  JohnTodd.    (Out  of  print.) 

Catnp  Fires  0/  the  Everglades. — By  Chas.  E.  Whitehead.    (Out  of  print.) 

Southern  Cali/utnta.—(Z.  Nordhoft.     Harper  &  Bros.  Price  $2.50. 

Map  of  Oil  vva  District.,  C««a</«.— Bears  &  Co.,  Cor.  Fulton  and  Church, 
New  York. 

Pacific  Tourist — By  H.  T.  Williams. 

Carolina  Sports  by  Land  and  Water. — By  William  Elliott.    Beaufort,  N.  C. 

Osgood's  Handbooks.,  New  England,  The  Middle  States,  and  the  Maritime 
Provinces.    Three  volumes.    J.  R.  Osgood  &  Co.     Boston. 

LoveU's  Gazetteer  of  the  British  Provinces.    Contains  a  valuable  table  of 
routes. 

All  Around  the  World.— V.  Gilmore.    Adventures  in  Europe,  Asia,  Africa, 
and  America,  with  Illustrations,  by  S.  P.  Hall.     Ubique.     7^ .  dd. 

Lone  Life. — A  Year  in  the  Wilderness,    2  vols  in  one.     au. 

Accessible  Field  Sports .— The  Experiences  of  a  Sportsman  in  North  America.  9*. 

Prairie  Farms  and  Prairie  Folks.     3  vols.     2if. 

Adventures  Afloat  and  Ashore.     2  vols.     21J. 

Forest  Life  in  Arcadie. — Captain  C.  Hardy.    Sketches  of  Sport  and  Natural 
History  in  the  Lower  Provinces  of  the  Canadian  Dominion,  Illustrated.  8vo.  i8j. 

Old  sports  and  Sportsmen  ;  or,  the  Willey  Country.— By  John  Randall,  F.  G.  S. 
Virtue  &  Co  :   1874. 

Walden,  or  Life  in  the  Woods,  Excursions  In  Field  and  Forest.— Both  by 
Thoreau.    Price  $2. 

Frank  Forester  and //is  Friends.  ^ 

Warwick  Woodlands. 

Shooting  Scenes  and  Characters.— A.\\  three  by  Frank  Forester,    Philadelphia, 
T.  B.  Peterson  and  Bro. 

The  Great  Lone  Land. — Adams.  Stevenson  &  Co.,  Toronto. 

Krider's  Sporting  A  necdotes.— Corner  ad  and  Walnut  S'ls.,  Phila,  (Out  of  print.) 

F'ield  and  Forest  Rambles.— By  A.  Leith  A  da.ms.  \    „  ...'■'* 

■     Forty-four  Years  of  a //unter's  Life.     (Out  of  print.) 

Our  Uaccitions,  and  //ow  to  Enjoy  Them. — By  Estes  and  Lauriat :  Boston. 

Dunrai  r.i's  The  Great  Divide.    A  Narrative  of  Travels  in  the  Upper  Yellow- 
Stone  in  the  Summer  of  1874.— By  the  Earl  of  Dunraven.    i&r. 


■HUH 


^   TEXT  AND  REFERENCE   BOOKS.  667 

Catlin's  Illustrations  of  the  Manners,  Customs,  and  Condition  of  th;  North 
American  Indians  ;  the  Result  of  Eij^ht  Years  of  Travel  and  Adventure  among  the 
Wildest  and  most  Remarkable  Tribes  now  existing.  Containing  three  hundred 
and  sixty  colored  engravings  from  the  author's  original  paintings.    £3.  3^. 

Chapters  on  Animals. — Philip  Gilbert  Hamerton.  Roberts  Brothers.  Boston. 
1874. 

The  Book  of  Archery. — G.  A.  Hansard.  Being  the  Complete  History  and 
Practice  of  the  Art,  Interspersed  with  numerous  Interesting  Anecdotes.    53^. 

Log  Letters^  from  the  Challenger.— By  Lord  G.  Campbell-  MacmiUan  &  Co. 
New  York.    $2.50. 

J^eiu  Mexico  and  Arizona.— Ruxton.     Harper  &  Bros. 

Life  in  the  Far  West — Ruxton.     Harper  &  Bros. 

Nova  Scotia. — A.  W.  Makinlay  &  Co.,  Halifax,  N.  S.     $a. 

New  Bruns7vick.--'iAviCTC\\\\a^t\  &  Co.,  St  John,  N.  B. 

Province  of  Quebec. — James  Campbell  &  Son,  36  Trout  St.,  Toronto. 

The  Two  Americas.— Wy  Sir  Rose  Lambert  Price,  Bart.  Philadelphia:  J.  B. 
Lippincott  &  Co.    T.  VV.  Ripley,  138  Congress  St.,  Boston. 

Magog  District  of  Canada  (Included  in  the  Eastern  Townships).  Smith  &  Co., 
St.  Johns,  Province  of  Quebec,  and  Roberts  &  Co..  Publishers,  Montreal. 

Coast  Sur7uy  Mctps  of  /<'lorida. — Can  be  obtained  at  the  houses  of  T.  S.  &  J,  D. 
Negus,  140  Water  Street,  and  of  D.  Eggerts'  Sons,  74  Wall  Street. 

The  Great  West  and  the  Pacific  Coast. — By  Gen.  James  F.  Rusling.  New 
York  :  Sheldon  &  Co. 

The  Prairie  Traveller. — By  Gen.  Wm.  B.  Marcy.     Harper  and  Bros. 

Hoiv  to  Camp  Out. — By  John  M.Gould.  Scribner,  Armstrong  &  Co.,  New 
York. 

Accidents^  Emergencies  and  Poisons. — Care  of  the  Sick. — These  are  the  titles 
of  two  little  books  issued  to  its  policy  holders  by  the  Mutual  Life  Insurance 
Company. 

Wrinkles  and  Receipts  is  the  title  of  a  handy  little  book  compiled  from  the 
Scientific  American  by  Park  Benjamin. 

Guide  to  the  Cricket  Ground.— Q.  H.  Selkirk,  English.    3*.  td. 

Forest  Scenery.— Vf\\\\&m  Gilpin. 

Garden  and  Menageries. 

Flood,  Field  and  Forest. — Rooker. 

Wild  Scenes  and  Wild  I/untcrs.—Wehher.  1865. 

Adventures  In  The  Wilderness.— W .  H.  H.  Murray. 

American  Sportsman. — E-  J.  Lewis. 

Nitnrod's  Hunting  Tours.,  a  vols. 

Cabinet  of  A  merican  History  and  A  merican  Rural  Sports. 

Sporting Shctches,  Home  and  Abroad.— ^y  "  Old  Bushman." 

Scott's  Sports7nan^s  Repository.     London. 

American  Rural  Sports,     a  vols. 

British  Field  sports.    W.H.Scott.    London,  1818, 

Maps  of  The  Peninsula,  (on  rollers) — Published  by  Boughman,  Thomas  &  Co. 
Wilmington,  Del.  Price  $3. 

Rifies  and  Rifle  Practices.— CM.  Wilcox.     1850.  .     •  i-    -»-    .. 

.S-^o^/Zw^.— Robert  Blakely.  •     ""      ''•' 

The  Prince  of  Wales'  Tour  :  A  Diary  in  India,  etc.— By  William  Howard 
Russel.    London,  1877. 


(.VZ 


DEALERS'  AND  OUTFITTERS'  LIST. 


r  SPORTSMEN'S   OUTFITS. 

Waterproof  Shooting-suits . — Thomson  &  800,301  Broadway,  N.  Y.,  furnish 
suits  made  of  extra  quality  duck  "  waterproofed  by  the  celebrated  paraffine  pro- 
cess." The  best  and  cheapest  suits  ever  oflFered  to  American  sportsmen.  They  also 
manufacture  a  very  superior  shooting  coat  lined  with  pliable  leather,  making  the 
warmest  and  best  coat  for  cold  weather  shooting  ever  known,  price  $10.  Pants 
$3,  knee-breeches  $3,  vest  $2.50,  cap  $2.50.  Send  for  illustrated  catalogue  with 
full  description. 

Sportsmen's  Outfit. — At  Barton  &  Co.,  337  Broadway,  New  York,  can  be  ob- 
tained :  Guns,  rifles,  pistols,  powder-flasks,  shot-pouches,  pocket-flasks,  hunt- 
ing-knives, pocket-knives,  scissors,and  ammunition  of  all  kinds ;  also  fishing-rods, 
hooks,  lines,  reels,  bait-baskets,  wading-stockings,  waterproof  shoes,  hunting- 
suits,  and  everything-  requisite  :  wholesale  and  retail. 

Everything  necessary  in  sportsmen's  outfit,  John  P.  Moore's  Sons,  302  Broad- 
way, New  York.  Established  1823.  Agents  for  Williams  &  Powell's  Breech 
Loader  Colt  Revolver,  Depot  tor  Ely's  Ammunition,  Thomson's  Shooting  suits 
and  Shoes,  etc.,  etc. 

Boudren's  Patent  Combination  Reflecting  Fishing,  Jack,  and  Dash  Lamp,  for 
night  hunting  deer,  spearing  fish,  lighting  camps  and  landings.  Indispensable 
on  any  hunting,  boating,  or  camping  trip.  White  Manufacturing  Co.,  Bridge- 
port, Conn.,  sole  makers.  -^.. 

Sportsmen' i  and  Field  Outfits. — Peck  &  Snyder,  124  Nassau  St.,  N.  Y.,  keep 
constantly  on  hand  the  largest  and  besi  assortment  of  goods  of  every  class  for 
sportsmen,  and  consists  of  fishing  tackle,  guns,  base-ball,  cricket,  archery,  gymna- 
sium, yachting,  boating  goods,  tents,  etc.  We  also  make  a  specialty  of  shirts, 
pants,  caps,  leggings  and  shoes,  for  boating  and  hunting  purposes  Our  new  and 
complete  catalogue  contains  over  five  hundred  illustrations  with  descriptions  of 
all  sporting  goods.    Sent  by  mail  on  receipt  often  cents. 

Sportsmen^s  Emporium.  —  W.    Holberton's  Complete   Outfits,  for  camping 
shooting  and  fishing.   Fine  fishing  tackle.   McBride's  and  Holberton's  trout,  black 
bass  and  salmon  flies.    Fine  fly  rods,  warranted,  at  $7.    Tents,  blankets,  rubbei 
goods.    Camp  stoves,  portable  boats.    Holberton's  Impi<>ved  Fly-book  for  car- 
rying flies  at  full  length.    Sole  agent  for  Purdy's  $5  Glass  Ball  Trap. 

Illustrated  Catalogue  with  hints  on  fly  fishing  for  trout  and  black  bass,  camp 
Ing  and  shooting,  ten  cents  each.    P.  O,  Box  5109.    loa  Nassau  St  ,  N,  Y. 


SPORTSMEN'S  OUTFITS.  669 


FISHING  TACKLE,  ETC. 

Fishing  Tackle. — Barton  &  Co.,  337  Broadway,  New  York,  Importers  and 
manufacturers  of  fish  hooks,  reels,  rods,  lines,  artificial  flies,  baits,  leaders,  trolling 
tackle,  nets,  baskets,  etc.,  etc.  Finest  quality  split  bamboo  fly  rods,  and  water- 
proof tapered  silk  fly  lines,  for  trout  and  salmon  fishing.  Trout,  salmon  and  bass 
flies  dressed  to  order,  suitable  for  Maine,  Adirondack  and  Canadian  waters,  whole- 
sale and  retail. 

Split  Bamboo.— Conroy,  Bassett  &  Matteson,  65  Fulton  St.,  N.  V.  Six  strip 
rods.  Fly  for  trout  $25,  salmon  $50,  black  bass  $30 ;  formerly  $40,  $80,  $45.  Best 
fly  rods,  ash  and  lancewood.  Get.  sil.  $13,  brass,  $9;  formerly  $17  and  $14. 
Best  trout  flies $1.25,  formerly  jii. 50.  Reels,  lines,  snells,  leaders,  at  reduced 
rales.     Parties  fitted  out  with  appropriate  tackle  for  any  section  of  the  country. 

The  Frankfort  Fishing  Reel. — Made  by  B.  C.  MILAM,  successor  to  Meek  & 
Milam.    Send  for  size  and  price  list,  to  B.  C.  Milam,  Frankfort,  Ky. 


Fishing  Trtct/^.— Bradford  &  Anthony,  374  Washington  St.,  Boston,  Mass. 
Everything  the  angler  wants  ;  patent  waterproof  braided  line,  and  waterproof 
dip  nets,  patent  adjustable  floats,  patent  adjustable  sinkers,  artificial  baits,  flies, 
the  best  of  rods  and  reels. 

HAWKS  &  OGILVy,  Manufacturers  and  Importers  of  Fish  Hooks, 
Lines,  Rods,  and  every  description  of  fishing  tackle,  300  Broadway,  New  York. 


Split  Bamboo  Rods  for  salmon,  grilse,  trout  and  bass  fishing,  the  best  and 
cheapest  ever  oflFered  to  anglers.  Patent  reels,  artificial  flies,  and  a  full  line  of 
fishing  tackle.  Send  to  H.  L.  Leonard,  Bangor,  Maine,  and  alter  October  15th, 
1877,  New  York  City. 

split  Bamboo  Rods.— Abhey  &  Imbrie,  48  Maiden  Lane,  New  York.  Being  the 
pioneers  in  the  use  and  manufacture  of  section  bamboo  rods,  we  have  each  season 
invented  improvements  in  the  method  of  construction.  Our  success  having  in- 
duced others  to  imitate  our  work,  the  market  has  become  flooded  with  all  grades 
and  makes.  Though  we  engrave  our  name  upon,  and  guarantee  only  our  own 
make,  still  we  keep  constantly  on  hand  rods  made  by  every  other  manufacturer 
of  any  importance.  Our  stock  includes  every  variety  from  the  cheap  hexagonal, 
to  our  own  perfectly  callib^red  round  joint.    Send  for  circular. 

Fishing  Tackle. — Abbey  and  Imbrie,  48  Maiden  Lane,  New  York.  Manufac- 
turers and  importers  of,  and  Wholesale  and  retail  dealers  in  fishing  tackle  of  every 
description.  Fine  goods  of  sportsmen  a  specialty.  The  only  firm  in  the  United 
States,  all  the  members  of  which  are  practical  anglers.  Facilities  for  manufac- 
turing anything  in  our  line  to  order.  Every  valuable  invention  purchased  and 
controled.  Friends  desiring  information,  whether  or  not  with  a  view  to  purchas- 
ing tackle,  are  invited  to  call  upon  or  write  to  us.  Send  for  price  list  and  cir- 
cular, P.  O- Box,  1294.  .,...„,  ' 


6/0 


DEALERS'  AND   OUTFITTERS'   LIST. 


Fishing  7rtf/t/^.— William  Read  &  Sons,   13  Farieuil  Hall  Square,   Roston 
Fine  trout,  bait  and  salmon  rods  of  every  quality  and  price.    Split  bamboo  rods, 
very  fine  at  $13,  $15,  and  upward.    General  rods  for    U  fishinp,  both  trout    and 
salmon-     Flies,  baits,  baskets,  lines,  braided  and  co^^mon  of  every  grade,  and 
everything  in  fishing  tackle.    Send  for  circulars- 

The  Erie  Raihvny  is  the  only  railroad  leading  from  New  York,  that  offers, 
within  a  few  miles  of  the  city,  attractions  and  conveniences  for  sportsmen.  Its 
regions  are  famous  for  hunUng  and  fishing. 


sporting  Boats  and  Crt«o«.~Rushton's  portable  sporting  boats  and  ca- 
noes. The  lightest  weights  and  finest  models  ever  made-  Send  stamp  for 
illustrated   circular.      J.   H.   Rushton,   manufacturer,   Canton,   St.    Lawrence 


Co.,  N.  Y. 


GUNS,  AMMUNITION,  ETC 

Guns. — William  Read  &  Sons,  13  Faneuil  Hall  Square,  Boston.  Agents  for  W. 
A  C.  Scott  &  Sons'  noted  Breech  Loading  Guns — used  by  Capt.  Bogardus  and 
most  of  the  best  shots.  We  have  also  brought  out  this  season  the  best  $50  Breech- 
loader of  favorite  top  snap  action  ever  shown  in  the  American  Market !  A  lot 
of  shop-worn  muzzle  loaders  at  cost,  $7,  $8,  $10,  etc — Ballard  Sporting  Ritles  $18. 
Also  Maynard's,  Sharp's,  Remington,  and  Wesson.  Tourists'  Knapsacks.  Re- 
volvers. Ely's  Shells,  Caps,  etc.  etc.  Fine  R  ds  and  Fishing  Tackle.  Send  for 
Circulars. 

Breech  Loading  Shot  Guns. — Schuyler,  Hartley  &  Graham,  19  Maiden  Lane, 
New  York.  A  large  assortment  of  W.  C.  Scott  &  Sons'  celebrated  breech- 
loaders, awarded  the  premium  at  the  Centennial  Exhibition,  also  winners  of  gun 
trial,  1873.  We  also  have  on  hand  a  full  assortment  of  breech  and  muzzle  load- 
ers, of  Westley  Richards,  P.  Webley  &  Sons,  J.  P.  Clabrough  &  Bros.,  and  other 
celebrated  makers. 

Pistols,  Riflesy  etc — Schuyler,  Hartley  &  Graham,  special  agents  for  W.  &  C. 
Scott  Sons'  celebrated  double  action  pocket  revolver.  Colt's  new  line  and 
double  action  revolver,  Hood  Fire  Arms  Co.,  Smith  &  Wesson,  and  other  well- 
known  manufacturers.  Agents  for  the  Peabody  Martini  target  and  sporting  rifles. 
A  full  assortment  of  Wesson,  Ballard,  Sharp,  and  other  makes  of  rifles  con- 
stantly on  hand. 

Ammunitiony  Union  Metallic  Ctge.  Co..,  Bridgeport,  Ct.  Manufacturers  of 
all  kinds  of  rim  and  central  fire  cartridges  and  cartridge  machinery— Brass  shells 
for  shot  guns  with  Berdan  or  Sturtevant  anvils. 

Paper  shells  for  breech-loaders,  warranted  equal  to  any  in  the  market. 
"     The  celebrated  "  Berdan"  long  range  target  and  sporting  cartridges.    Used 
by  all  the  best  shots  atCreedmoor,  Schuyler,  Hartley  &  Graham,  17,  19  Maiden 
Lane,  N.  Y.  Agents.  ,.-^..^^.^^- 


-'     E.  REMINGTON  &  SONS,  Manufacturers  of  Breech-loading  Guns, 
RiPLBS,  Pistols,  etc,  383  Broadway,  New  York.  -^^  ---"^ 


SPORTSMEN'S  OUTFITS.  6/1 


Guns,  PifMs,  etc.  -HeLVtoa  &  Co.,  337  Broadway,  Ntvv  York.  Importers  of 
Breech  and  Muzzle  Loadiiii?  Guns  of  the  following  Manufacturers,  W.  &  C-  Scott 
&  Sons,  W.  Geerner,  Clabrough  &  Bros-,  Webley  &  Son,  Moore  &  Co.,  etc. 
Kities,  Pistols,  Ammunition  and  Sportsmen's  Goods  of  every  description.  Manu- 
facturers of  The  United  States  Vrms  Co.'s  Repeating  Pistols.  Wholesale  and 
Retail. 

Guns,  PisMs,  and  Sporting  Goods,  Fowler  &  Fulton,  300  Broadway,  N.  Y. 
Their  specialties  are :  Smith's  patent  revolvers,  Maynard  rifles  and  shot  guns, 
English  shot  guns  and  reloading  implements  ;  gun  cases  and  covers  of  all  kinds. 
Wading  moccasu.s  and  rubber  stockings  ;  the  best  thing  in  the  world  for  snipe 
shooters  in  wet  meadows.  Long  range  match  rifles  of  all  kinds  both  breech  and 
muzzle  loaders.    Ammunition  of  all  kinds. 

Breech-Loading  Guns. — W.  R.  Schaefer,  No.  61  Elm  St.,  Boston,  corner  Doc'' 
Square,  Manufacturer  only  of  First  Class  Breech-Loading  shotguns,  and  dealer 
in  guns  of  all  descriptions.  Guns  bored  to  shoot  close  and  hard.  Warranted  every 
time.  Gun  stocks — bent,  crooked  or  straight — warranted  to  stay,  constantly  on 
band.  Hunting  suits,  and  shoes  for  land  or  water  use.  Spratt's  imported  dog 
cake  ;  also  the  latest,  new  improved  Ballard  rifles,  for  long  or  short  range. 

Gun  Cases, — Thomson  &  Son,  301  Broadway,  N.  Y.  The  very  superior  gun 
cases  made  by  this  firm,  are  acknowledged  by  sportsmen  to  be  perfect,  strong 
and  durable.  Trunk-shape,  first  quality  sole  leather  case,  four  qualities  from  $15 
to  |i).  English  style,  first  quality,  made  of  extra  heavy  sole  leather,  two  quali- 
ties $13  and  $11  Low  Gun.  First  quality  made  of  extra  heavy  sole  leather,  four 
qualities,  $13  to  $7.     Send  for  illustrated  catalogue  for  full  particulars. 

Stoddard' s  Cartridge  Loading  Implements. — Combining  all  other  tools  for 
the  preparation  of  shells.  Cap  expeller,  re-capper,  loader  and  tube-creaser, 
cutter,  crimper  and  shell-extracter.  Length  four  and  a  half  inches  ;  weight  ten 
ounces.  This  is  a  standard  article  and  necessary  to  every  sportsman  wich  breech 
loader.    Get  of  dealers,  or  of  C-  J.  Stoddard  &  Co.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

The  Hazard  Powder  Company  have  reached  the  highest  standard  of  excel- 
lence in  the  manufacture  of  fine  sporting  gunpowders.  For  long  ranges  their 
"  Fy  Kentucky  Rifle"  is  used  by  all  experts,  while  their  "Duck  Shooting" 
and  '*  Electric  "  are  unsurpassed  for  field  purposes.  General  office,  88  Wall  St., 
New  York,  and  Agencies  in  all  large  cities. 

Duponfs  Gunpowder  Mills,  established  in  1801,  have  mnintained  their  great 
reputation  for  seventy-six  years.  They  manufacture  the  celebrated  Eagle 
Ducking,  Eagle  Rifle  and  Diamond  Grain  Powder,  F.  L  Kneeland,  Agent,  70 
Wall  St.,  New  York.    Agencies  in  all  large  cities. 

Ballard  Rifles,  with  the  new  improvements,  adapted  to  any  length  of  range, 
have  points  which  make  them  superior  to  all  others.  Are  recommended  by 
many  of  the  most  expert  shots  in  the  country.  Charles  Daly  Breech  Loading 
Guns,  used  by  the  Kleinman  Brothers,  and  hundreds  of  the  first  trap  shots,  are 
the  best  in  the  world.  Both  are  for  sale  by  Schoverling  and  Daly,  84  and  86 
Chambers  St..  New  York.     Lists  furnished  on  application. 

DOGS. 

Dogs  cannot  slip  this  collar,  no  matter  how  violently  they  pull.  It  will  not 
choke  or  injure  the  dog.    Made  of  heavy  bridle  leather,  with  nickel  plated  trim- 


6/2 


DEALERS'   AND   OUTFITTERS'   LIST. 


mings.  Sent  by  mail,  with  name  of  dog  or  owner  on  name  plate,  for  $i.  Send 
for  illustr;ited  catalogue.  Dog  collars  manufactured  Vjy  Thomson  &  Son,  301 
Broadway,  New  York. 

Ballard's  Flea  Killer — Proprietors,  Lazell,  Marsh  Ai  Gardner,  10  Gold  St., 
New  York.  For  the  desf.  iction  of  fleas  on  doc;s  and  other  animals,  an  absolute 
and  pel  feet  exterminator  of  the  pest.  May  be  used  with  entire  safety.  Contents 
of  a  package  sufficient  to  rid  half  a  dozen  large  dogs  of  the  vermin.  No  person 
owning  dogs  should  be  without  the  flea  killer.  Price  fifty  cents  per  package- 
Will  be  sent,  posage  paid,  on  receipt  of  price. 

Patent  A  utomatic  Muzzle — All  owners  of  dogs  will  appreciate  the  good  points 
of  this  muzzle.  The  lower  jaw  works  with  an  automatic  movement,  which,  while 
it  prevents  biting,  allows  the  animal  to  open  its  mouth  freely,  drink  and  breathe 
naturally,  which  is  so  necessary  to  his  comfort  and  health,  especially  in  hot 
weather.  As  this  muzzle  does  not  check  any  usual  or  natural  movements,  the 
dog  is  not  worried,  and  very  quickly  becomes  accustomed  to  it.  They  are  made 
of  best  quality  of  tinned  wire,  in  nine  diflFerent  sizes,  and  sold  by  all  «lcalers  in 
hardware  and  sportsmen's  goods-  Manufactured  by  W.  T.  &  J.  Mersereau,  321 
Broadway.  Also  manufacturers  of  a  large  variety  of  fine  brass,  nickel  plated  and 
leather  dog  collars  in  all  sizes.    Collar  locks,  dog  leads  and  whistles. 

Spratfs  /'ai'*^^— London— dog  biscuits,  Francis  O  de  Luze,  i8  South  William 
St.,  New  York,  sole  agent  Twenty  gold  and  silver  medals  awarded,  also  medal 
from  Westminster  Kennel  Club,  for  excellence  in  manufacture. 


SPORTSMEN'S  ROUTES. 

Old  Dominion  Steam  Ship  C(7.— Passenger  steamships  for  Norfolk,  City  Point 
and  Richmond,  Va.  Connections  direct  for  Currituck,  James  River  points,  and  all 
upland  shooting  sections.  Delaware  Division,  for  Chincoteague  and  all  celebra- 
te"; points  on  the  peninsula.  No  charge  for  dogs  accompanying  owners.  Rates 
alwiiys  low.  See  daily  p..pers  for  sailing.  Full  information  given  at  general 
office,  IQ7  Greenwich  St.,  N.  Y. 

Buriington^  C^-^ar  Rapids  and  Northern  Railway,  connecting  with  the  Chicago 
and  North-WRStern  Railway  at  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa,  and  the  Chicago,  Burlington 
and  Quincy  Railwa^  at  Burlington,  Iowa,  forms  the  best  line  and  shortest  route 
from  Chicago  to  the  best  hunting  grounds  of  Iowa  and  Minnesota,  for  ducks, 
geese,  brant,  chicken,  quail  and  snipe.  Reduced  rates  to  parties  of  ten  or  more, 
by  applying  to  General  Ticket  Office,  Cedar  Rapids,  and  dogs  carried  at  low  rates, 
and  well  taken  care  of.  E.  K.  Winslow,  General  Manager;  C.  J.  Jr.,  Superin- 
tendent ;  B.  E.  Mills,  agent.  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa. 

The  Erie  Railway — Three  hours'  ride  from  New  York  will  bring  you  to  a 
section  of  country  abounding  with  covers,  brooks  and  lakes,  offering  game  in 
abundance,  and  rare  sport  with  rod  or  fun. 

The  Great  New  York  Aquarium,  Broadway  and  Thirty-fiflh  St.,  open  daily 
from  9  A.  M.,  until  10  p.  m.  Strange  and  wonderful  animals  and  fishes,  remarkable 
and  curious  Chinese  quadruple-tailed  or  dragon-eyed  fishes,  Austrian  blind 
Proteus,  six  Mexican  axoltl,  English  roach  fish,  German  striped  salamandus,  man- 


■y-7  '■' 


SrOK  TSMEN'S  0  U  TFITS. 


67 


eatini;  alligators,  educated  and  performinfj  seals,  flyinjr  foxes.    Afternoon  and 
evening  concerts.    Admission  fifty  cents,  children  half  price. 

TOBACCO. 

Vanity  J'air. —  ¥or  Meerschaum  and  Cigarette.  Does  not  bite  the  tongue. 
The  Sportsman's  best  Friend.  Wm.  S.  Kimball  &  Co.,  Rochester,  N.  Y.  Sold  by 
all  dealers. 

PIPES. 

Meerschaum  Pi/es.—F.  Julius  Kaldenberg,  Manufacturer.  P^actory  and  sales- 
room, entire  building  117  Fulton  through  to  44  Ann  Street,  third  door  from 
Nassau  Street ;  stores  No.  6  Astor  House,  Broadway,  opposite  New  Post  Office, 
No.  71  Nassau,  corner  of  John  Street.  Cigar  holders  and  amber  goods  of  all 
descriptions.  Repairing  in  all  its  branches.  All  itinds  of  tobacco,  cigarettes, 
cigars,  etc.,  etc.,  in  the  Astor  House  store.  Billiard  balls,  ivory  goods,  etc.,  etc., 
in  Fulton  St.  factory  and  store. 

WINES,  " 

Francis  O.  de  Luze,  18  South  William  St.,  New  York,  importer  of  wines 
brandies,  olive  oil,  etc.,  sole  agent  for  Bordeau.x  clarets,  brandies.  A.  de  Luze  & 
Sons,  Ernest  Irroy,  Reems  champagne,  H.  and  G.  Simonds'  India  pale  ale, 
Reading,  England.    Spratt's  Patent  London. 


\\ 


I   ' 


.•-!> 


■/    V^  /.^ 


n 


I  N  I)  E  X. 


GAME   ANIMALS   OF    iSTORTH   AMERICA. 


! 


Alee  Americana,  50. 
Antelope,  44. 

Antilocapra  Americana,  46. 
Aploterus  columbianus,  40. 


Bighorn,  42. 

Bison,  American,  33. 

mountain,  39. 
Beau,  black,  22. 

blown,  22 

cinnamon,  22. 

grlzdy,  19. 

polar,  25. 

wliite,  95. 
Bos  americanus,  33. 
Buiralo,33. 

0.  '■["■■. 
Canis  latrans,  12.  ^^  ' 

lupus,  12  '"•" 

Cariacus  columbianus,.  78. 

macrotis,  75. 

Virginianus,  7<^. 
C\Rniou»  barren  ground,  5S. 

woodland,  61,  90. 
Cats,  9.  .  ■''  ■ 

Catamount,  10.  •-•   '■ 

Cervus  canadensis,  66.  ■'.  ' 
Coon,  28.  ■  ;-:■ 

Cougar,  ^  ■''■■_  '■'- 

Coyote,  12.  ^y  y 

D.    ■"■'"■ 
Deer,  mule,  75. 

black-tail,  78. 

burro,  75.  •  '^~  ''''^ 

Virginia,   79. 

deer-driving,  82. 

hounding,  81. 
,         jacking,  83. 

scaffold-shooting,  84. 

stalking,  85. 

still  hunting,  88. 
Didelphys  Virginiana,  100. 


ii 


Elk,  66. 


Felis  concolor,  9. 
Fox,  arctic,  115.. 

black,  95. 

grey,  15, 17,  96. 

kit,  15. 

little  grey,  15. 

prairie,  15. 

red,  15,  17. 

southern,  96. 

svvitt,  15,  17. 

Virginia,  15. 

wes-'tcrn,  96. 

fox-circling,  16. 

hounds,  16. 


'Olu 


..)'i.iiKi- 

km 


H. 

Hakes,  92.  . 

great  arctic,  95. 
jack,  94. 

Lepus  americanus,  92. 

a(iuaticus,  93. 

callatis,  92.  >     ■<.ii:.; 

californicus,  93.    i      •,■ 

caini)estris,  92.     :  ,  , 

palustris,  93. 

sylvaticus,  92. 

tnnidus,  var.  arcticus,  ga. 

Trowbridgii,  92. 
Lou])  cervin-Lucifere,  10. 
Lynx,  Canada,  10. 

canadensis,  10.         -^r    ■■'■ 

bay,  10.  "       .0-. 

rufus,  lo.  ,'ii  . 

A:s 

M.       '^^•^-- 
Moose,  so. 
Mountain  goat,  40. 
Mountain  lion,  9. 
Mountain  sheep,  4a. 
Musk  ox,  31.  "■''''  ■ 


s    L 


INDEX. 


<^75 


Opossum,  loo. 
Ovibus  moschatus,  31. 
Ovis  montana,  42. 


Panther,  9. 
I'rocyon  lolor,  38. 
Puma,  g. 


Rabbit,  94. 
Raccoon,  38. 

Ranciikisr  Rrcenlandicus,  58. 
caribou,  61. 

s. 

SciURUS  carolinensis,  96. 

cinereus,  96. 

ludovicianus,  96. 

vulpinus,  96. 
Squikkki.s,  96. 

black  or  grey,  cat,   southern  fox, 

western  fox. 


Urocyon  cincreo-argcntatus,  15. 

littoralis,  15. 
Ursus  ainericanus.  22. 

var.  ciniuiinoneus,  33. 

hoiTibilis,  19. 

maritimus,  25. 


Vui.i'Fs  lagopus,  15. 
macronius,  15. 

Vulpes,  var.  Pennsylvanicus,  15 
vclox,  15. 
vulgaris,  15. 


w. 

Wapiti,  66. 
White  goat,  40. 
Wildcat,  lo. 
Wolf,  hulTalo,  13. 

grey  timber,  12. 

prairie,  12. 


ly  1  ,'( 


GAME    BIRDS   OF    NORTH   AMERICA. 


.^GiAi.iTis  cantiana,  153. 

melodus,  152. 

seniipalmatus,  153. 

vociferus  151. 

Wilsonius.  153.  ■    '■ 

Actiturus  bartranius,  171. 
Aix  sponsa,  209. 
Anas  boschas,  200. 

obscura,  203. 
Anatinse,  200. 
Anser  albifrons,  var.  gambeli,  189 

ciErulescens,  193. 

hyperboreus,  190. 

rossii,  192. 
Aphriza  virgata,  153.         -  ■   %' 
A vocet,- American,  i6s.'        ••        <'* 


Beach  birds,  163. 
Bittern,  236. 
Bobolink,  183. 
Bog -bull,  236. 
BoNASA  betulina,  iii. 

umbellus,  124. 
Botaurus  minor,  236. 
Brant,  bald-headed,  193. 

prairie,  189. 

white,  192.  *'* 


Branta  bernicla,  193. 

canadensis,  196. 

leucopsis,  193. 
Brant-bird,  164. 
BucEi  HALA  albeola,  233. 

clangula,  222. 

islandica,  223. 
Butter-bird,  183.  , ,  ^ 

o. 


;.(f 


X,  I'...  ■ 


Calico-back,  164.  ,.  <,      .  /. 

Calidres  arenaria,  168.  '.  i^ 

Callipepliv  stjuainata,  140.  ; ,     ' 

Camptolemus  labradonus,  235.        4'     , 
Canace  canadensis,  iii.  v,.       ., 

franklini,  112.  < ,,  -y    ; 

fuliginosus,  115.  '    ..  .    v 

obscura,  112. 
Centrocercus  urophasianus,  115. 
Chaulelasmus  streperus,  205.  •  -    •' 

Charadriidae,  149. 

Charadrius  fulvus,  var.  virginicus,  149. 
Chicaric,  164.  ,        ;„.    .,..  , 

Chickling,  164.  -.'<.  Ai--;i  .^'-•,;% 

Cock  of  the  woods,  III.  jj 

Coot,  180.  ,.| 

Cormorant,  234.      ..,  ,.,..:      ,;.  -.rj^ 
Corn-crake,  177.  -M.,i4j«. 

Crane,  brown,  237.  '    la 

sandhill,  237.  tl^ii 


iM 


676 


INDEX, 


1  I 


I!    I 


Crane,  white.  a36.     .- 

whoupiiiK,  236.       •      •. 
Cucu,  lainc,  170.  ., , 

Cuiiidonia  ciipiilo,  119. 
Curlew,  164. 
CuHi.KW,  Hs(iuimaux,  17a. 

lliHlsDiiiuii,  173. 

jaclc,  i7'.2.  I 

lonK-billeil,  17a. 

sal)if-l)ill,  17.! 

sickle-bill,  172- 
Cygnus  ainuricaiia,  186. 

buccinator,  185. 
Cyrlonyx  luassena,  140.  '■■■ 


Dafila  acuta,  205. 
Dendrocvgne,  189. 
Dolichon'yx  orizyvorus,  183. 
Di)U{^h  bird,  172.     '      .    t., 
Dovvitclier,  166.  ..    ; 

Driver,  166.  ...'.  , 

Ducks,  sua,  211. 

shoal  water.  200. 

American  widgeon,  J06. 

bald  pate,  306. 

Barrow's  golden-eye,  233 

bell-tonffued  coot,  22g.    ^ 

biK  black-head,  21a. 

black  mallard,  203. 

black  scoter,  238. 

blue  duck,  203. 

blue-bill,  313.  .!,.!i'  . 

broad  bill,  3i3. 

buHlc-head  dipper,  333. 

butter-ball,  223. 

canvas-back,  214.     -wi  '.\ 

copper  nose,  228. 

devil  diver,  333 

dusky,  203. 

eider,  227.  ,.'iir 

English  teal,  306. 

European  widgeon,  906 

fish,  232. 

flocking  fowl.  313. 

gad  wall,  305. 

garrot,  222. 

golden-eye,  333. 

goosander,  233. 

greater  scaup,  3ia. 

green  head,  300. 


';.»■     »   i. 

Ducks,  mcrganHer,  333.     . 
old  Injun,  334.               " 

1 '       ••\''\ 

,..•;. iil( 

old  s(juaw,  334. 

1    •■>.:t 

old  wile  south-southerly, 

334 

i;l'»;  Ml 

Pacific  eider,   338- 

pieil,  33 J. 

i)iti-tail,  30^.                    ■  ' 
pochard,  31  j.         '    ''  ■ 
rait,  313. 

red-breasted  merganser, 

333. 

reil-head,  213. 

ring-necked,  313. 

,-,.■:  V,  ,. :/ 

Rocky  Mountain  gnrrot, 

333 

1      ■.'.  V  1  1  ,■   '■ 
.  >    III    ■-' 

ruddy,  233. 

St.  Uomingo,  333. 

saw-billed  diver,  333. 

sea,  337. 

sea  coot,  239. 

shari)-tail,  305.       ^    ' 

sheldrake,  333.         ■ 

. 

:•.'■  ■   -(.r 

shoveller,  208. 
skunk-head,  339. 

,  1  1  '       :- 

snuff-taker,  339. 

t  ,    ^ 

spectacled  eider,  336. 
spoon-bill,  308. 

■\:\ 


I  .  il 


i.!m;'. 


grey,  305.  .n.  /jnu'df.? 

grey  coat,  338.         aiiij    e''!'j".u;ibi' 
arlequin,  335.  ;ui;;'{ 

hooded  merganser,  333.       •)!  .•^Q')' 
hound,  334.  "5w  Jsy' 

king,  338.  1'  I'l  ..•iiiisiA !/.!t 

king  eider,  338.  .rfit  ,b-j^ 

Labrador.  335.        .-'rio.^fiV^ 
lady,  235.  r^iiul  EuqoTcbii* 

lesser  scaup,  313.  :i  .Tvv.g'MH 

little  broad-bill,  313.     .>c  ,i'ji&H 
long  tailed,  334.     ,>:.»^Hi!i:o  aio^vlin 


lord,  335. 
mallard,  300. 


.Toiii/fi  Jtbriolfii 


sprig-tail,  305. 
Stcller's  eider,  336. 
summer,  309. 
surf,  229. 

teal,  blue-winged,  307 
teal,  cinnan\on,  308. 
teal,  green-winged,  307 
teal,  red-breasted,  308. 
teal,  salt-water,  223. 
Trowbridge's,  339. 
tufted,  313. 
velvet  scoter,  339. 
whistler,  7.33. 
white-winged  coot,  339, 
white-winged  surf,  339. 
wood,  209. 
duck-call,  303. 
blinds,  318. 
Dunlin,  American,  168 


ru.; 


.1  i 


Ectopiste?  migratorius,  334. 
Endromias  montanus,  153. 
Ereunetes  pusillus,  166. 
Erismatura  dominica,  333. 
rubida,  232. 


F. 

Fool-hen,  113. 
Frost  bird.  149. 
Fulica  americana,  iSo. 
Fuligulinae,  311. 
FuLiGULA  affinis,  212. 

collaris,  213. 

ferina,  var.  americana, 

marila,  212. 

vallisneria,  214. 


J      l^!"- 


.'-W 


913. 


^in 


INDEX. 


077 


-•  ii . ' 

GaUinaRo  Wilsonii,  i59-         'I   '»>" 

Gali.ini'le,  I'loriila,  179.      '^  .1  Ml 

jjurple,  179,  \^^l  '  '" 

Geese,  188.  ...c   ,;  ...v  -    'i."t 

Gddwi  r,  164. 

Rreat  miirhlcd,  I'io.  ,         ■ 

;         Ilmlsoiiiiin,  iri^'  1    '  '   , 

(loosK,  barnacle,  I'H.  ,.•.  ,Vr; 

^  blue,  19a.  ,11  J  I  •  !•  I  ■'( 

l)i;uU,  193.  I.     »•/:  .il  .f<  ii 

biaiit,  black,  193,     .•..:.'  -.^m 
biaiit,  white,  190.     '     .'        .'^-y. 
Camilla,  196.  >  '  i>  / 

coininoi)  wild,  196.      ■     i    >.I 
emperor,  192.  •         :  .■ 

prey,  196.  i  ■- 

honied  wavy,  192.  •■■  ■■  . 

lai!Kb'"ff<  '89.  •,    '••■■ 

naiiiled,  19J.  ■  i!,i  •.'., 

Ross,    192.  ;'".,','i.; 

snow,   100.  .    .  |„     I:, 

si)ci:klc-belly,  189.  '    1  • 

while-f'rontetl,  189.  ,    /,  : 

Grebe,  334.  .    / 

GuoiJsic,  III. 

blue,   112,  114. 

Canada,  m. 

cock  of  the  plains,  115. 

dusky,  112,  113. 

grey,  112. 

mountain,  113,  ..  .  . :      !i;  ' 

pine,  112.  •  t',    .'  I  .w:  1; 

pinnated,  iig.        ,  ,  .,     ,  i;.-  ,  !i;-.! 

pin-tail,  117.  '    ■.■••-n']'\' 

prairie  chicken,  I iq.  ■,;'fi(t 

sage,  115.  ■    •  j  .1.17 

sharp-tail,  117.         "..       i^  ]\\-ii 

Siberian  oine,  iii.  -pi/),  •;.■:■! 7/ 

sprig-t-iil,  117.  j-ii  ,v   .  '.;/^ 

white-belly,  117.        ,1.    ;      w 

willow,  131.  )•:    /i)  ii> 

Orus,  Americana,  336,        ,..  ,;fiiii;"(l 
canadensis,  237.      ,:i;i.;,(;/.  ,niif!k.'- 


■>■'. 


Hrcmatopus  palliatus,  164. 
llarelda  glacialis,  224. 
Hcterascelus  incanus,  173. 
Hcmanlopus  nigricoUis,  165. 
Histrionicus  torquatus,  225. 
Ilumilitj',  169. 


Indian  hen,  336. 


I. 

K. 


.!.-.i  ,fii)ii  let, 
Knot,  168.  -qff'?  ■^■'''i  ■'«'' 

T    ■  .ti£  ,tKniij>j{il(> 
*  ,?iajT}H  ^.^J;>uu 
Lagopus  albus,  131.       .£u-  ,^.h£^oa 
leucurus,  113,  134.1a    "sv  ,Bfiti^t 
rupestris,  134.         •  vis  .Klnntn 


Lawyer,  16";. 

I.imicohi',  163,  173.    "'    ■'•"■••'■  .•""'■ 
Li.MosA  ledoa,  169.     '■  .f<"<t^ 

hudsonica,  169.  ''•'  ■'' 

Lnbipfs  hypcrborcus,  163.         '•»'•"»' 
Long  shanks,  165.  •    '  •"  '" 

Loon,  334.  '    '«       ,""\\  ' 

LoiiioKrvx  californica,  138.      ''"■ 
gambcli,  139-  ',    "  1 


Macrorha'nphus  griseus,  166. 

Mahkca  ainericana,  306. 

peiielope,  2u6. 
Maki.in,  169. 

wing-tailed,  169. 
Maksu  IIkn,  tresh  water,  177 

salt  water,  176. 
Mcleagris  galluiiavo,  103 
MEKiii's  cucullutus,  233. 

merganser,  232. 

scrrator,  333. 
Micropalma  hunantopus,  166 
Mud-hen,  176. 


y.'V    'I 
,.,if-t|iv-      \    * 


N. 

NuMENius  borealislongirostris,  172. 
huilsonicus,  172. 


o. 

Odontophorinre,  137. 
(lidemia  americana,  228 

I'usca,  220. 

perspicilfata,  229. 
Oreortyx  pictus,  138. 
Ortolan,  177,  184. 
Oktvx  tioridanus,  138 

texanus,  138 

virginianus,  137. 
Ox-eye,  t66. 
Oyster  catcher,  164. 


.■■■':  ,]i7L.! 


Paktkidgk,  134,  137.        ■/•  >  •fff>.''>'Jii 
Gambel's,  139.  .i.jjcr.^foj 

Newfoundland,  131.  ''-■■'i  lyir.ot;^ 
scaled,  140.  '-.i:;!!  n  x^.?, 

spruce,  tii.  "  ••■  -' 

Fcdia-cetes   jjliasianellus,  var.  colum- 
bianus,  117. 

Peep,  166,  , .  jr.-.-^...;..!  .>j.^-.^..** 

Peet  weet,  171.  .'•■•■  ,hi<.iioO. 

Phalakoi'b,  Northern,  165.    ■:  .M"'>1 

red,  t6s.  nn]itiiJ 

Wilson's,  165.  land/iJ 

Phalaropus  tulicarius,  165.    -s  ,vbfii 

PllKASANT,  134.  ■■  -  .  V   ''  -''^  yf-^.i 

water,  205.  'lui-Uiwnd  nDiil 

Philacte  canagica,  iq3.    if't-ii^J  uiio! 

Philohcla  minor,  154.  •?«  .t'">o! 

oot  (btBtlam 


678 


INDEX. 


s   ll 


!     I 


PiGF.oN,  jiassenijcr,  J34. 
priiiriu,  i5>< 
wild,  a34' 

Pl.OVI'H,   \IS), 

botllu  lii'arl,  149. 
blac  k-belliuil,  149. 
hiill-licud,  149>  Y 
tii'lil,  171. 

LM)l(l0ll,  MP* 

Kaiikakci;  bar,  151. 

killilccr,  151. 

iiKirsh,  167. 

mountain,  153. 

ox-eye,  149. 

pipinK,  153. 

riiiR,  15a- 

riiiif  neck,  15a. 

nnUly,  t68. 

semi  pal  mated,  isJ- 

snowy,  153. 

upland,  J71. 

wliistliiiKi  '49.         '' 

Wilson's,  152. 
Por[)hyrio  martinica,  179. 
PoKZANA  ("aroliiia,  177. 

Jamaiccnsis,  179. 

noveboracensis,  178. 
PrAKMif;AN,  113,  131. 

mountain,  134. 

rock,  134. 

white-tailed,  134. 


guAii,,  137.  •• ..''     •  ■  ■  ■ 

Arizona,  139.  ,:^\  ,■  .m. 

Bob  White,  137.'   ■/,     U. 

blue,  140.  .jii'i    (.!>;  .■  :  i 

California.  139.  ,>.  :■■'  1 1-. 

Florida,  138.  .'.  ,<   n  ,:,  1 : 

Massena,  140.  ,/,  .i^u 

meadow,  138.  .^  ,-  ■!•. 

mountain,  136-  '    ' 

mountain,  of  California,  138. 
valley,  138. 
white  134. 
yuerqucdula  carolinensls,  207. 
crecea,  206. 
cyanoptera,  ao8. 
discors,  207.    ^.,,. 


A'.i 


'It- 


■ji-- 


Rail,  175. 

black,  179.        '^ -«:./, 

Carolina,  177.  ;' 

clapper,  176. 

king,  177,  179- 

red,  177- 

Virginia,  177. 

yellow,  178. 

yellow-breasted,  176. 
Rm.lus  elcRans,  177- 

longirostris,  176. 


•t. 

;?; 

•  1 

t  ■ 

V  .  ; 

i« 

.M^.    . 

','•!,< 

I 

M 

Ii:<>' 

;.', 

,  L 

/ 

,'rwt 

;»< 

i  \ 

'J.I. 

4itA 

'.' 

r- 

..I 

.•■qi  1 

i-. 

i'. 

,•;   i.'i 

If 

.^t:^ 

.»/ 

..J 

t^- 

)  r.j 

Rallus,  vifRinianus,  177- 
KecurveroHtra  amuricana,  165. 
keedbird,  I7^,  "ilj- 
Rice-bird,  i»j.  , 


s. 

Sandeilinp,  ifiS. 
Sand  lark,  17'- 
Sand-i'II'KK,  i')4. 

ash-colored,  168.         1 

Haird's,  167. 

Hartramian,  171. 

black-bellied.  171. 

blun-brcastea,  171. 

cuilew,  t68. 

f;rey-back,  168. 
east,  I'lfj. 
pectoral,  167. 
purjjle,  168.  I 

red  backed,  168. 
rcilbreasted,  168. 
semi-pannated,  166. 
spotted.  171. 
slilt,  166. 

white-rumpod,  167. 
Sand-runner,  164. 
Scoliipax  ruslicola,  155. 
Sea  crow,  180. 

Shad  ;  pirit,  159.  • 

Shore  t)irds,  163. 
Skinner,  168. 
Somat:-.uia  lisherli,  336. 
moiissima,  227. 
spectabilis,  238.  "■   •■ 

stellerii,  226.  .■'.■■ 

V.  nigra,  228. 
Snu'I',  American,  159.  , 

blind,  154.  i    ■'■■■' 

blue  stocking,  165.       .  .- 
llonaparte,  159.  :.'  ■■ 

brown  back,  166.     :':.■■■ 
En^^lish,  159. 
grass,  167. 
prey,  166. 
jack,  150,  167. 
rcd-brcasted,  166.    ..1  ■■:■ 
robin,  168.  ;•,.•• 

stone,  170. 
white.  165. 

Wilson's,  159.       -i   .      I 
wood,  154. 
Sora,  177. 

Spatula  clypcata,  308. 
Squatarola  helvetica,  149. 
Stake-driver,  236. 
Stegairopus  Wilsonii,  165. 
.Sriii,  168  ;  white-tailed,  167 
Stilt,  i^s. 

Strepsilar  interpres,  164. 
Surf  bird,  153. 
Swan,  185. 

American,  186, 
trumpeter,  185. 
whistling,  »86. 


1KV    «3;'i 


i'./a-' 


LVDIiX. 


679 


TATTi.nR,  170. 

bciiiipiiliiiatcd,  i6<). 
Bolilury.  170. 

vvlllulcrm^?,  17s. 
Teeter,  171. 
'I'lu.i.-i  All'. ;  greater,  170. 

lesser.  170. 
Tktkak  tiik:i|>cniiis,  in- 

tetrix,  1 1 1. 

uroKiillus,  III. 
Tii)-ri|i,  171.  , 
T'TANis  llaviiics,  170. 

melanoleiKus,  170. 

seinipulinatus,  i6<;. 

Thim.a  alpiiia,  1&8. 

lliiirdii,  1^17. 

Honaparlii,  167. 

catnitiis,  i68. 

iiiiK  tilata,  167. 

iiiaritiina,  168. 

inliiittilla,  166. 

sulitarius,  170. 

subaquula,  1&8. 


TrliiRoides  nincularlus,  171. 
'i  rviiKiles  rutcsccns,  171. 
Till  key.  wild,  i<>J.  .    . 

Tiirkuy  t  .ill,  107. 
Tunulouc,  164, 

w 

Willet.  164,  n^. 

Would  OCK,    154.  ■  '      . 

Aiiieriiaii.  H4. 
|)(  j^surkcr,  154.  ' 

KiiKlisli.  155- 
tiinbcrilnocllc,  154. 
Woodcock,  il'iK  tor  sliooting. 


.11    1' 


«57' 


\      >.-  ,1 


Vkli.ow  tHr.s,  164. 

bin.  ■70' 
urcaler,  164. 
lesser,  164,  170. 
Yellow  shanks,  170. 


GAME    FISH   OF    NORTH   AMERICA. 


Achlruslincatus,  390. 
Acipenscridne,  384.  - 

Acn'KNSKK  brevirostrum,  385* 

oxyrhytifhus,  384.  '  •' 

rubiciindus,  339.  '     '   '    •' 

Albicore,  343,  329.  ' '     '   ^ 

Ai.osA  prrestabihs,  380.         -i'      '- 

sapidissima,  376,  3S0. 
A  Miu.orMTKs  inlerruptur,  334. 

rupestris,  323,  •  '  -< 

A.MIA  calon,  310.  '  "i 

occidentalis,  310.  ."    ^1. 

ocellicaiida,  310,  334.  ■'  '^ 
Amiiirus  nebulosus,  314.  '■  i'  '']'- 
Anchovy,  368.  -■',',''■• 

\\\\iv\  fish,  368.  ■   ;'•"; 

Ai(<i:iiilla  lyraims,  314,  389. 
Atiauillidiv,  314,  389- 
Arihosargus  probato-cephalus,  3tr,  397' 
Akcvkosomi's  clupei-tormis,  311,  327. 

Cisco  liarenp:us,  311,  323- 
Ariopsis  inilberti,  385,  407. 
Aihcriiiida;,  355- 
Alherinopsis  californcnsis,  355. 


■Q  J  ,!.'llij   U.. 

Harb,  24s,  396.  ,  ,>.  ,.iiiin..(tiA 

IJarbcl,  384.  ■■;•;  ,  -vr;mi/iJ 

Barracouta  varracua,  355.      viiiw 


Bass,  black,  373,  312,  3T> 

black,  slill-ti.    Jnn^  .or,  314. 
black,  tr..lH:,jr  tor,3i3. 
tL.w'.v  sea,  349. 
calico,  333,  378.         ' ..    ■' 
channel,  394. 
Florida,  tlies  for.  375. 
grass,  378.  ,: 

preen,  376.  ' 

laree  mouthed,  374.         ' 

little,  355- 

marsh,  376.  ' 

Oswego,  376.  ■' 

Otsego,  309.  .' 

Potomac,  374.     ,  '';    , 

river,  276.  '         '  '■,.' 

Roanoke,  376.  "   ■    '  ■ 

rock,  273,  376,  333.  '      ";  '■ 
sea,  349,  3S8,  399.     '•"  .'■■' 
slough,  376. 
sinuil  mouthed,  374. 
spotted,  376. 

straw,  333.  :■  i.  ,  i( 

strawberry,  376,378.  -.i    ;!.:' 

striped,  ?so,  333,  379,  401. 
white,  376.  .1 1 

white  hike,  273.        .  , ,,.  ..^i../ 

Bass,  bait  (or,  380.  .-  ^  ,U:/ , 

Hies  for,  27.).  ''■ij.iii'''' 

methods  of  taking,  378.  v/>.i [;•)•(; 
rod  for,  316.  -  .//'>I.'^:'( 

rod  for  striped,  350.         l-j  2uj  u-. : 

BatrachidjB,  sso.  .-:!,;.'rtii};nui' 


.■^h 


680 


INDEX. 


w.-ji  ■ 


-J  ,;i- 


/A- 


li;i  i 

lii!' 

liii: 


il  ! 


-I 


BerRall,  340. 

Beiycida;,  393. 

Bczuf-a,  390. 

lUiirk  fish,  340,  349,  390,  399. 

Bl.icU  luirry,  349. 

Black  will,  349,  399. 

Bhic  tisli  240,  349,  353,  403. 

Blue  lisli,  tiicklc  tor,  356. 

Blue  lish,  or  weak  fish,  243. 

Bone  lisii,  406. 

Boiiitd,  391 ,  242. 

Batholiiimus  pampanus,  393. 

Bowliii,  310. 

Br^KAM,  34S,  3S3,  378,  398. 

blue,  37S. 

copptii-uose,  378. 

red  l)clliocl,  378. 
Bubalichtliys  bubalus,  338 
Butialo,  338,  383. 
Bull  ht'ad,  3S3,  397.  ,.    I 

Bull  pout,  383. 
Burhot,  ^39. 


o. 

Calico,  390. 
Caranj(id.-E,  393. 
Caraux  det'ensor,  392. 
(Jakp,  383. 

common,  284,  381. 

golden,  383. 
Catush,  383,  314,  338,  383. 

blue,  385. 

channel,  383.  338,  385. 

cummon,  283. 
I      great  lake,  383.         .  ,  .' 

lake,  338. 

mud,  338,  385 

porous,  350. 

salt  water,  407. 

shovelbill,  3S5, 

yellow,  3S3. 

white,  385. 
Catostoniida;,  351. 
Catostomus  auratus,  383 

aureotus,  3S3. 

cepedianum,  338. 

communis,  383.  f.rr  ,ri ';;.'' 

cyprinus,  383.  '      •:    dtit;,;!; 

.  duquesnii,  383.  ut  vm 

fecundus,  314,  353,  389. 

guzmaniensis,  314,  353,  389. 

maculosus,  3S3. 

nigricans,  3S3.  vr-    r-;-' 

teres,  339. 

tuberculatus,  284. 

Cavalli,  393.  ^i,...-,,?.- 

Ckntkakchus  seneus,  373^; ,";'    '.;;■■.,/, 

irideus,  379.  ..•■-«:.•.  1.  ,■:. 

Centropristres  atrarius,  249,  399. 

Cerasichthys  physignathus,  389. 
squamilentus,  389.         ',  .'    _;.  ^, 
stirhtus,  389.  .i?^-, 

Cero,  243,  393. 


J:|'i. 


■  ,r.>il  ■• 


(.  ,.if!F(  vi.ir.  , 


Chickwick.  243. 

Chikoi  SIS  nebiilosis,  36S. 

pictus,  308. 
Chogset,  340. 
Chub,  345,  376,  313,  373,  378,  388,  396. 

Haird's,  314,  389. 

black,  314,  3b9. 

t'legaiit,3i3,  388. 

gila,  313.  38S.  -  .    '       ■ 

Oraiiain's,  313,  388.       '     ' 

hair-si:aled,  353. 

horned,  353. 

robust,  313,  387. 
Cisco,  Geneva,  333. 
Clupida;,  267,  333,  367,  380.     i 
Cobia,  403. 
Cod,  339. 

rock  355.  t; 

torn,  356. 
Corabati,  340. 
CoKECONi's  alhus,  332. 

couesii,  351. 

labradoricus,  308.         ,,:, , 

mukson,  340.  .  « 

Otsego,  309. 

VV'illiamsoni,  350. 
Corporaalcn,  384. 
CoRViNA  oscula,  311. 

richardsoiiii,  338. 
Coverlii),  390. 

Crab-eater,  403.      .     .  /         , 
Craskee,  339.         ,,\        j- 
Crevalle,  392. 
Croaker,  396. 
Crnppie,  333,  378. 
Cuiiner,  340. 
CvHiuM  maculatus,  242,  391. 

ree:ale,  243,  393. 
Cynoscion  regalis,  343,  394. 
Cyprinida;,  283,  312,  338,  351,  381,  387. 
Cyprinis  carpio,  284,  381. 


:!■'; 


Dack,  383,  384. 

horned,  384.  _■"; 

white,  284. 
Daciscus  nitidus,  384. 
Dainalicthys  vacca,  366. 
Diplectruni  fasciculare,  393 
Dogfish,  334. 
Dorosoma  cepedia,  327. 
Dkum,  311,  395. 

young, 396.       -  -   -  ; 


ritnji 


Echeneidae,  403. 
Echeneio  lineata,  403. ' 
Eel  pout,  339. 
Elacatc  canadus,  403 
Klacalida;,  403. 
Elopidie,  406. 
Elops  saurus,  406. 


- 1. 


■■*■/.      "■> 

■    .ill. 


ri-" 


uld 


Embcatocoid^,        «">:  .riji.-orr!  '.?j 


INDEX. 


(i'il 


Engraulls  mordax,  368. 

Entomology,  Angler's,  996- 

Kpliippudif,  391. 

Ephii^pus  Kigas,  389,  391. 

Epinephelus  morio,  400. 

EsoiiiUv,  284,  3^7,  379,  404. 

Esox  attinis,  379. 

estor,  339.  -..-i     ;.  : 

I'asciatuH,  393.  , 

luCtMCS,  390.  •  I    ; 

lucius,  328,  379,  404,     ■  ,'    . 
nobilior,  284,  337. 
ravenelii,  380. 
reticulatus,  292,  380,  404. 
Exoglossum  luaxillingua;,  383 


F. 

Fairmaid,  398. 
Fall  fish,  384. 

little,  3S4. 
Fario  Clarkii,  343. 
Flattisti,  339,  357,  390, 
Flounder,  239,  357,  390. 
Fly,  for  bass,  279. 

for  Florida  bass,  375. 

F"erj;uson,  279. 

tlolberton,  379, 

Page,  279. 

turkey  biown,  379. 

turkey  green,  379- 
Frostfish,  240. 


G. 

Gadidae,  239,  356. 
G2.IUS  morrhua,  239. 
Ganoids,  411. 
Gaspergou,  383. 
Gila  elegans,  313,  388. 

emorii.  314,  389. 

gracilis,  313,  388. 

grahami,  388. 

gnla,  388. 

nigra,  389. 

nigrans,  314.        ,    . 

pandora,  388. 

robusta.  312,  387. 

seminuda,  353,  389. 
Gizzard  lish,  308. 
Gloveri,  305. 
Goggle-oye,  333,  378. 
Gold  fibli,  383. 
Goody,  345,  396. 
Grayling,  308,  334,  340. 

Hack's,  349. 

lesser,  349.  ,  .,^,  ,. 

mountain,  350.  ^   i,;i;-ii;i 
Grcentish,  403. 
Grilse,  361. 
Grouficr,  black,  399, 

red,  400. 
Grunt,  black,  399. 

red  mouth,  398, 


f ,  M 


:'  '-, 


,a; 


■:..•^  ,  ;,l)i)i;')uf.'! 


Grunter,  311. 
Gkystes  nigricans,  273. 
salinoides,  373. 


;(iV':'' 

.'■  j'.l; 

vi'''  ..: 

,-|.H:U    ' 

!i''<  :  :: 

/.;.:i(l    ' 

■'■-'''• 

•f:;,;.-L; 

.nMj  : 

t  ^  '* ' 

.■."l 

1,1  .7. 

,,(•-.1  ;,, 

',  I :  I ' ;  y.-j 


Haddock,  239.  • '   |''''|  ' 

Ummvlun  aruratum,  399.    "  '  •'  ■  ' 

chrysopteron,  398.  ';■  ■' 

Hake,  245.  ' 

Halibut,  358. 

Haploidoiiasut  grunnieus,  311,  323. 
Herring,  326,  381. 

big-eyed,  4. 

branch,  381.  ' 

glut,  381.  

lake, 310.  311,  337, 

mountain,  350. 

river,  326.  >  / 

toothed,  326.  ' 

Heti'rastichus  rostrntus,  355 
Hippogl;lS■.^us  vulgaris,  358. 
Hog  chukc-r,  390. 
Hog  lihh,  399, 

Holconotus  rhodoterus,  366. 
H(3rn  pout,  3S3. 
Hutueu,  340.  .  , 

Hyodoiitida;,  3S0.  '  '  . 

Hyodontergisus,  336,  3S0. 


./  I'll 
'  •■■>/. 


»t\: 


I  V,  . 


I. 


Ice,  fishing  through,  389,  291. 
IcTHELis  incisor,  378. 

rubicunda,  37S. 
Ingersoll,   Ernest,   Lecture  on   Fishes, 

408. 

Jaci-  fish,  393.  ■      ■ 

Jack  mariddle,  406.  '; 

Jorker,  353. 
Jewtish,  406.  ' '  ■ 


E/ 


i;- 


I 
'lil.'lfl'.iU 


Killifish,  383. 

Kiiiglish,  243.  245,  355»  393- „ 

King  tishing,  by  Geaio  C.  Scott,  345. 

rod  for,  346,      .,         .  ■- 

Kiver,  383.  ..t-t  ,<n^i!-i!D(iin::ti\i 

Ko-lak-ah,  340.        .: 
King,  340. 


Labracidae,  401. 
Labrax  albidus,  373.   ' 

liueatus,  350,  333. 

nigricans,  372. 
Labrida',  240,  390,  358. 
I,abrus  pulcher,  358. 
Lady  fish,  406. 
Lafayette,  .^5.  396. 
Lagodom  rhomboides,  398. 


I  III 

'  U.' 

[<.     :        ...i.W 

;,,■  ,'i;.v 
Up''.,  ,•-.«  (  I   ■. 

if.^lv<.(. !•;)■•■,, 

.iVJi/ilj;'";..  ij 

;    ,>'l.'!iliijK   " 
■IW   'l^'i  .<■■''-'' 


'il 


H! 


682  INDEX. 


'■■(i  >, 


Lake  lawyer,  334. 
Lariinus  I'asciatiis,  397. 
Learli,  N.  1'.,  Luiigo,  303. 
Ltiuciscus  iiitidus,  384.  j;.,i 

Liastoinus  lincatus,  355.  ,, 

obli(iiius,  245,  396.  I    , 

Loboles  surinamu'iisis  396,         ,,     ;,,  ; 

xaiitliurus,  396.  ^j.-, 

Losh,  339.  ',  ;;';  , 

Lota  maculata,  339.  .    •;•;, 

Luc»!atrulla  leucichthys,  340,  ;';j.; ;/ 
Lucioporca  pepinus,  3J3.  i;!,.':,- 

Lunge,  300.  i,,;ri 


MaCKF.REL,    241.  !,■'.*.;•'■■ 

banded,  393. 

black  spotted  Spanish,  343,  393. 

common,  391. 

green,  393.  •■■lUs,'   . 

horse,  343,   353,  393.  ' ;  •.    ' 

Sjianish,  242,  391.         *u    ,;(;;';  , 
Mascai.onc.e,  284,  327. 

sketch  .)f,  by  L  L.  Heaman,  3S5. 

methods  ot  capturing,  387. 
Maw  moutli,  378. 
Megalops  thrissoides,  406. 
Melashegaiiay,  338. 
Menticirrus  nebulosus,  345,  395. 
Microgadus  tomcodus,  340.       i-  •■> 
Micropogon  undulatus,  396.         "^ 
MiCKOPTERUs  nigricans,  373 

salmoides,  310,  373. 
Microstomides.  .,..-.  . . 

Microstomidae,  359, 
Minister,  383. 

Minnows,  383.  .•>■•.,'-    j;:    iJi 

Mooneye,  336.  t-r.  . 

river,  380.  ■  iv-  .  =  ; 

Morone  americana,  353,  379,  401 
Morrhua  jiroxima,  356. 
Morskoi,  349, 
Mud  dab,  239.  .sj. 

Muddying,  371. 
Mud  rtsh,  310,  334. 
MugilidsE,  353,  386,  406. 
Mugii  lineatus,  406. 
Ml'LI-KT,  283,  386,  406. 

golden,  3S3. 

jack,  383. 

long  headed,  353. 

of  the  Mormons,  353 
Muskellunge,  384. 


313. 


liJMJi   rtjtfv! 

1(1  .J-j7.'r;: 

\.v.  .ibl![-(li 

a.^qi. 


Nulato,  340. 
Nutalasici,  34  o 


N. 


Oplopoma  pantherina,  368. 
Orcynus  secundi-dorsalis,  243,  393. 
Orthopristis  fulvomaculatus,  399. 
Osmerus  mordax,  359,  310. 
Ouininnish,  30?.      /  .:■:.,.., 


P. 


Pantostkus  jarrovii,  314,  353,  389 

platyrhynchus,  314,  353,  389. 
Paralahrax  clatiirutus,  354. 

nebulifcr,  354. 
Paralichtiiys  inaculosus,  358. 
Perca  flavescens,  373,  333,  377. 
Perch,  376. 

bachelor,  378. 

black,  249,"  272,  276,  379,  396. 

blue,  340. 

buffalo,  322.  ' 

chinkapin,  378.         ;••        ■  ' 

E.  Jacksonii,  366.    .,■    ih   , 

goggle-eyed,  378. 

green,  373. 

golden-barred,  366. 

grunting,  322. 

pike,  272,  319. 

rcd-bellicd,  378.  .     >■'    . 

red-finned,  377. 

ring,  272,  377. 

sand,  378. 

San  Francisco,  354. 

sapphire,  365.      ^   .     . 

silver,  378.  -    •!  .,,■,,  . 

silvery,  366.  ,-.  ,.    , 

speckled,  378.  ,.'.,• 

strawberry,  378.  .  „ 

sun,  379.  i. 

viviparous,  365. 

white,  253,  311,  379,411. 

yellow,  272,  276.  323,  377. 
Percida;,  272,  312,  354,  373. 
Pescaditi,  3T3,  314. 
Pescadito,  388.  .,, 

Pickerel,  380.  ...  ;,.  , 

pond, 292.  .  ;     .    ' 

Pig  fish,  396.  •  /,       - 

Pike,  390,  328,  339,  379,  404. 

glass-eyed,  373,  319. 

sand,  322.  -vi 

wall-eyed,  272,  319.         ,.'■  . 

PiMOI.EDl'S  catUS,  382.  .'■     :; 

nigricans,  282.  ,:;">: 

Plalessa  bilineatus,  358.        mi     : 

Pl.ATICHTHVS  rUgOSUS,  357. 

utnbrosus,  358.  ■'• 

Pleuronectida>,  239,  357,  390. 
PoGoNiAS  cromis,  395.  .7  , 

fasoiatus,  396.  ■      ;•; 

Poliachius  carbonarius,  239.        !:, 
Pollock,  239.  ■:. 

Pomatomida;.  253,  403. 
Pomatomus  saltatiix,  253,  403. 
PomoiLs  vulgaris,  379. 
PoMAROi.us  mediviris,  381. 

pseudoharengns,  381.     :;.;  .  ••, 
PoMATis  auritiis,  323.  r»--r  '• 

vulgaris,  2S2,  323- 
PoMoxis  hcxacanthus,  378. 

rhoiuboides,  378.  iiij  , . 

Pompano,  393. 
Ponti  lish,  3S2. 
PoRGV,  24S,  39S. 

rhomboidai,  398, 


\  < 


•.>!f:i 


;>!(■ 


■  \>'RA?.  tsyfi. 


INDEX. 


683 


Porirhthys  notatus,  356. 

l^dundci ,  406. 

Pristitioiimlidic,  398. 

INeudo  pUnironectes  americanus,  339. 

Ptychostomus  conjestus,  314,  389, 

Piiiniikin-seecl,  282. 

Purmalids,  349.   

R. 

Red-eye,  378. 

Rcdfisli,  348,  355,  394. 

Red-horse,  283,  314,  338,  383,  389- 

Red  mouth,  speckled,  399. 

Red  snapper,  400. 

Roach,  245,  282.  ;  -    '  * 

l^(Kct-s  chrysops,  379.       -  • 

lineatus,  379,  401. 
RocKFisH,  354,  355,  401.    ,.;      '        ' 

dusky,  354. 
Round  tish,  340,  381. 


s. 


Sa 

c-a-lac,  378. 

Sailor's  choice,  399. 

■    ! 

":  ■  ' 

Sai.mo  adirondakus,  304. 

' 

atraria,  353. 

'    '   ■ 

bairdii,  347. 

brevicauda,  347. 

■  1  •  ■  ( 

''1 

campbelli,  349. 

.'!'■■ 

canadensis,  265. 

I .  f  f   ' '  ■  - 

carinatus,  345. 

conlinis,  304. 

fontinalis,  293,  331, 

384. 

pibbsii,  347. 

hoodii,  H48. 

'   1     ■    ■ 

immaculatus,  265. 

,      '\'A' 

iridea,  341. 

' 

kenncrlyi,  347. 

lewisi,  345. 

f               , 

'-    "'        ,'  ■' 

masoni.  343. 

t    '  >  r ' 

■      ■    ■    '  ^. 

namaycush,  329. 

' '    '  ■ 

newberryi,  348. 

'   '■"  ■■ 

'     ■  1  >'    ^ 

oquasso,  299. 

''•I!' 

parkii,  347. 

pleuriticlius,  343. 

'; ' ,  i 

'      '.-.■■' 

quinnat,  359. 

1  '*': 

salar,  260.               . 

:;^i'- 

:>  I.'l  !'•'.' 

sebagfo,  305. 

.  ,,"'.'i,'; 

"'>-"'■ 

siscowet,  331. 

i;(..'"i 

•:" .   i  ^.':' 

spilurus,  312,  3S7. 

,.     /!'. 

:i  I'.i  .' ' 

stellatus,  341. 

■■i  .':•.' 

■- 1   .;'■"': 

stomias,  346. 

-■-  ■•■'  •■  • 

symmetrica,  304. 

.:•■ ' 

>.ItJf-.M" 

torn  a,  300. 

.    j  r     ■ 

'U-'I'/lJ! 

virginialis,  344.     ■ 

;  ;  a#,  ■. 

■  ■     •    .  '  i' 

warrenii,  347. 

'    !'  Ml  /.  "^ 

S 

M.MON,  26t. 

Atlantic,  260. 

hi -J-    ! 

Gibbs',  347. 

'■,':;  .;■- 

M,;;4ii,i  J 

Hoods,  348.          ■■ 

i/,&A 

Ul  ^'iV'-il 

ack,  322.            o^l 
ake,  304. 

,yi/.t.'( 

•  viKlo;!" 

-fVif 

land  locked,  305. 

.  it^V. 

Ohio,  372. 

'%' 

Otsego  shad,  309. 

bKh 

',•"  M  I      < 


Salmon,  Western,  27a.  319. 

white,  272,  319. 
Salmon  ti-^hinp  season,  307. 
Salmon,  Milne-Edwards  on  the  habits 

of,  410. 
Salmon  run,  on  Pacific  Coast,  361. 
Salmonidie,  a6o,  293,  313,  329,  341,358, 

•184,  387. 
Sarda  pelamys,  342,  391.       .  .    , 

aury,  406.  .1   1  ;    j  . 

ScAi  iiii.'UYNCHors  platyrhynchus,  399.  • 
Scicnidrc,  343,  338,  355,  394- 
Sclx-nops  ocellatus,  394. 
ScoMiifcK  colias,  391. 

scombrus,  241,  391. 

csox  scutellatus,  406.     ,.i"T>,.i;.ri/ 
ScombridiE,  241,  391.  '    pui.o 

Scorpnena  puttata,  355.         i     ti '■'.•.' 
Scorpa-nida-,  355. 

Scott,  Genio  C,  on  striped  bass,  950. 
Scup,  248. 
Scuppanji,  248.  '  (I    i' 

Sebastcs  rosaceus,  355 :.  .    * 

Semoiii.us  corporalis,  384.   .  i   >     /'i- 

rhotheus,  384. 
Sertjeant.  403. 
Sekioi.a  carjlinensis,  393.    '.: 

chloris,  392.  ii 

zonata,  393. 
Serranida;,  349.  391). 
Serranus  ervthogarter,  400. 

nigritus',  399. 
Shah,  267,  308,  380.  ■  ■  ■• 

pi/zard,  327.  • .  -       -  ,^'j    i.  j'.  • 

hickory,  381.  '  '  '      " 

mud,  380. 
Shad  tishiiig,  article  on,  by  J.  P.  Mot- 
ley, 268.  .wj    J,   /,, 

She-cutts,  243.  ;  ■'■ ' 

Shef.i'shead,  347,  338,  397.  ■■''■ti'     !• 

lake,  310.  :•!  '■•'I-  ■'■    [' 

Shmer,  283,  284,  326.  •:»,■  .'   ■'■■■^■.    •'■ 

Shilling  face,  384.  ••     •'     ''   •'■ 

Shoe  maker,  283.  ;  ,1  • 

Sierra,  243.  . , ,     ,. 

Siluridrt',  282.  314,  334,  382,  385,  389,  407. 
Sibonia  atraria,  353. 
Siscowet,  or  siskowitz,  331. 
Skip-jack,  242,  391,  403,  406.  ; 

Skipper,  406. 


J;:^ 


■  f  ■ ) 


;.ti:|-  "A 


Smelt,  259,  vo,  355.       .."•!."  'v-  ;'.'wl 
Smolt,  261.  ^"  m/.  ti-i)  ''■ 

Snapper,  red,  400.        .....    i^j^CvliiJ-i. 

Sole,  239,  390. 

Soleidre,  390. 

Spar,  261. 

Sparidai,  247,  397. 

Spearing,  308. 

Speckled  hen,  276. 

Sphyrrcna  argentea,  355 

Sphyra.Mii(ke,  355. 

Spot,  3Q'). 

Sipieteagno,  243.   ..',■'/, 

Squirrel  tish,  393. 

Squit,  243. 

Stenotumup  argyro])s.  248,  398fi;u,ir,!  i( 

Stizostedion  americanum,  319,' 


;..r  ry:Uu''t^U  . 


11..   j<;lli'/',  lO 


I  ! 
iiii  I 


ill 


•'il 

'.'It 

m 

H 

1  III 

■ 

m;,! 

684 


INDEX. 


Stizostedion  americana,  27a. 
Stone-roller,  386. 
Stoiie-loler,  3b6.  .   c^ 

Stony  head,  384.  .■  .•.':<i 

Sti;k(;f.on,  jack,  384.        ,  .'.n., 

rock,  329. 

sharp-nosed, 384. 

short-nosed,  385. 

shovel-nosed,  339. 
Sturioniihi;,  329. 
SucKRR,  283,  314,  339,  351,  389. 

black,  2S3,  38a, 

chub,  283,  383. 

common  mud,  383.      i';.;ii 

horned,  284,  383.         ^ .    K  ■ 

lake,  383. 

large  scaled,  381. 

lonp;-linne(l  chuck,  383.     ,, 

of  the  JMornions,  352. 

mullet,  383. 

Pittsburjjh,  38a. 

Utah  lake,  352.  '>f 

Yarrow's,  3j;2. 
Suckers,  snare  lor,  983. 
SuckermanfT,  243.  r.fi,. 

Suck-tish,  403.  ■  ■•   ^' 

SuNrisii,282,  323,  379.  ■'"'■ 

northern,  333.      „ 
Sunny,  282. 


•'■itfl;  J.-. 
11;/.' 

.'V.  >in' 


'■.MM.- 


•y\  1 


JI(I.>'VJ  'I 

'•I 


H'M 


wvW 


T. 


M'.Cf- 


.\i}\ 


Tailor,  403. 

Tarpum,  406. 

Tautog,  240. 

Tautoga  onitis,  240,  390. 

Tautogolabrus  adspersus,  240 

Til-ih-yuh,  340. 

TnY.MAi.Li;s  niontanus,  350. 

ontariensis,  308. 

signifer,  340,  349. 

tricolor,  334. 
Tin-mouth,  378. 
Toad-fish,  356. 
Togue,  300. 
Togue  angling,  301. 
Tom  cod,  243. 
Trachinida;,  335. 
Trout,  376,  373,  394. 

Baird  s  river,  347. 

black,  343. 

blue-back,  299. 

brook,  293,  341,  384 

Columbia  salmon,  347 

Dolly  Varden,  349. 

grey,  300,  394.       •  ■ 

great  lake,  329. 


T^'H.t 


■•.•y:'A-),'i'. 


.T 


I.     Tllrff    o 


■£^^ 


'DOGS   USED 


Age,  to  tell  the,  454. 


.EK>  /3V>ja 


->£2  ,n}mTisV 


I    ■ : 
v-jtl 


■iri; 


Trout,  Kcnncrley's  347. 

lake.  304,  373. 

Lewis",  345. 

Mackinaw,  329. 

Mason's,  343. 

Missouri,  345. 

mountain,  341,  384. 

Newberry's,  348.         ,^m   ,     ;  / 

Pacific  brook,  341. 

Pacific  red  spotted  salmon,  349, 

Parke's  river,  347. 

Platte  river,  346.  v..  1.  ■:    , 

Rangcley's  lake,  399, 

red,  304. 

reil  salmon,  ^47. 

red  sprjtted  Rocky  Mountain,  347. 

Rio  Grande,  313,  387. 

Rock  Mountain,  343. 

salmon.  304,  343. 

salt  water,  394. 

sea,  265. 

sebago,  305.  ..j ,  .   ,    ., ,  ■ 

short-tailed,  347.  '  > 

silver,  343. 

Southern  Rocky  Mountain,  344. 

sneckled,  393,  331,  344,  384. 

Utah,  344 

Warren's,  347.  ,„^ , 

Yellowstone,  343,  345.         ,  ,  - 
Trout  (weak  fish),  343.  ^ 

Tuladi,  300. 
Tunny,  American,  343. 


u. 


1 0, : 

.r-ljl    - 


Umbrina  littoralis,  396. 

undulata,  353. 
Unduk,  339,  ,.  ,":-•  I  HI 

Weak  fish,  243.  '""    "'" 

White  fish,  308,  332,  340,  381. 
Cones'.  351. 

Rock  Mountain,  351.  ,,  ' 

Williamson's,  350.       '•""'">>"' 

HITING,  245,  395.  ;'•'    ; 

shore,  396.  '"■  •""'  ' 

surf,  396. 
W^illiamson,   Prof.,  on  Potomac  basSj 

374.  ,.,.      ,,...,; 

Wminnish,  305.  "  *-  '  '    ' ' 

•I.';  P    f-J,:'  '  '"' 

.v''f  jiiji.'jj'.'ii'.i  ^i'>/j;*in 

.■"(>((  ..'il:r.'l(/;;iil;j(~i 

Yellow-fin,  343.    ;.,,;■!  .^;;i;.i!j.i  j.,.;: 

Yellow-tail,  396.  "•  .:..,.  ,^i,,ri:,j,.,'., 


Wiu-l-  .-ji' 


•Wfe  iiiiiu'dtr 


FOR 


,.-1  i;:-);L.'  ':■ 


SPORT.  iJJifili::i  jiv,  ilj! 

.*■■■  J|jni;t>  'esjJiV  ,/f- 
Blood-hound,  443,      "".  •""'V^'-'?'^.*; 


Beagles,  440. 


1 

i 

i 
1 
i 

!l 
1 

! 
{ 

1 

INDEX. 


68s 


Breaking,  457,      :    ■   'ilt  jikt  )/! 

backing;,  460.  1 

tliishiii^';,  4(16. 

gun  shyness,  468.  ■ 

raking,  466.  .  • ' 

rctrit.'vins.  463.         1  r 

wide  iimjrinn',  469. 

whip,  use  of,  469. 
Brekdim;,  473. 

at  imberty.  474.      '•'    - 

tor  kind,  478. 

plurality  of  sires,  478. 


Mill.'.' 

I  /;  ■>  V 


O. 

ChesapeaKe  Bay  dog,  423. 

Choice  of  a  dog,  448.  ,'■  .    ' 

Colleys,  444.  ii'  .■ 

D. 

Daschiinds,  435.  '    ,' 

Deer-hound,  440.  ,      n 

Diseases,  474.  ,r      ■ 

alopecia,  493.       ■       ' 

alteration  of  secretions,  496. 

bronchouele,  534. 

canker,  531.  ; 

cataract,  493.  '      '•    ■"  ;'  •  ' 

c'lorea  Sancti  Viti,  511, 

colic,  491. 

convulsions,  508.  •       '    '  " 

coughs,  533. 

diarrhfKa.  489,  491. 

distemper,  499. 

dysentery,  491.       ,  ,  .,,;,:  ■;,:;, c>;i, 

enteritis,  486.  -      ■   ',       , 

epilepsy,  508.  . ;,;.  ,,r 

feet,  gnawing  the,  534- 
tender,  534. 

fits,  508.  1    1  .1.    > 

hernia,  533.  ,.       .,,.,, 

hydrophobia,  513.  '  ..  '.^    :  '  *'    ' 

ileus,  486. 

inflammation  of  the  bowels,  486. 
of  the  eye,  492. 
of  the  lungs.  499.    7',.  ",','"'    i 

intestinal  catarrh,  486 
.      itch,  493. 

lung  tever,  499. 

lyssa,  512.  , ...  ,,;-,; 

mange,  493. 

mucous  enteritis,  489. 

ophthalmiiis,  492.   • 

o]ihlhahnitis  conjunctivae,  492. 

osmidrosis,  496. 

peritonitis,  489. 

piles, 

pleuro-pneumonia,  499. 

pneumonia,  499. 

purpurea  canina,  497.    ,,,. 

rabies  canina,  5t2.  'C 

ring  worm,  494. 

St.  Vitus'  dance,  511. 

scabies  canina,  493.       ^,  ^•^\^^i\  \ 
tape-worm,  483.  "♦•+-,'- »,+iw  1  , 

trichosis  furfuracea  canina,  494. 


>IC) 


Diseases,  tumors,  533.  'U«  ji/ll'itriovif 

warts,  533.  •*'.  ,t,>1Jm  !•:><«■  I 

worms,  479.  • '     i.,|  .;  .,ir,,, 

Disinfectants,  535.  C,,    I'    .i-'u'r 

Docking  tail,  455.  1  'i:      ■■i.w.i    iv 
Domestic  dog,  413.  .    )   .  1     .r 

Emetics,  534.  ,,,.       ,,„  ■ 

P.  "'',:',. "''d  ' 
Feeding,  45a.  .ii'i  j 

Feeding  puppies,  455.  .H'   loir.n!   ■> 
Fox-hound,  428. 

Grey-hound,  438. 

Harrier,  431. 


a. 


■.-)i.-j„'  ;;;;  ■  i,  1 

,;i'  'U;  .'I;  ill 


E. 


Kangaroo  dog,  444. 
Kennel,  450. 


•  1.  ,.'  -rl-f!')!!.-; 


M. 


Muzzling,  45S,  531. 


N. 


Nose,  want  of,  467. 


Otter-hound,  441, 


o. 


'.-V  ,UriAfT».  '. 
.'.-■(.•_  ,  -jxiUiti  ■ 

.,;..        Slu'i     ili     U    I 

I'.nn  -..ij.i/.i/tvii'" 
JP;.',-,  .>'.l'-:r  :>'rii:)no 
Pointer,  430.  '-^  ,>«,.£  ,7oH:i;jr;< 

Prescriptions,  535.        ■%';X;::Zu;r 

MX.  V,;,   .Oi:X,'.'  :. 

Retriever,  427.  .n  i;tf!-)  oiiyi  t 

■  ■ '  ■  ■■>'■    T  ••■.■;  r 
Setter,  black  and  tan,  418. ,  \^  ,;j  {[ 
En,i,dish.  413.  ;■   ";,( 

Gordon,  418.         .,..,^  .yu-'d'xj'l 

Irish,  415.  ,,,,  .  ■ 

native,  413. 
Si'ANiEL,  lield,  426. 

Irish  water,  434,        ',^'.y,-rj,u 
Spaying,  457.  ',  i^ci  !..,s..  v.; 

T. 

Tcntamone,  533, 
Tekkiek,  bull,  443. 

Dandie  Diamont,  443. 

English,  443. 

fox,  443. 

Skye,  443.        jsj. 


Vermin,  534. 


T^^fSilf  llojpl  .5>sA 


!:i 


686 


INDEX. 


lie  I 


FOREST,    FIELD    AND    PRAIRIE.      OCEAN, 
LAKE,   AND   RIVER. 


I 


I:   I 


'I 

il!; 


fi 
'I  ii ; 


Angle  worms,  artificial,  612. 
to  scour,  613. 


Baked  beans,  620. 

Hamhoo,  573. 

Harometer,  613. 

Hites  of  rabid  animals,  6iq. 

Hlinds,  550. 

Burns,  618. 


Cartridges,  cleaning. 
Clam  bake,  621. 
Cold  and  headache,  618. 
Concentrators,  568. 
Croup,  618. 


Decoys,  563. 

Deer   to  pack,  or  carry,  615. 
JJiarrhoea  and  dysentery,  618. 
Disinfectants,  619. 
Dittmar  wood  powder,  566. 


Fever  diet,  6i8.  - 

Fire  arms,  rules  for  use  of.  555. 

I- ish  baits,  612. 

Fislibone  in  throat,  618, 

tish  lines,  to  color,  587.      '        ''   • 

to  waterproof,  587.  ^n^     . 

Fish  roe,  613. 
Fleas,  614. 
Fi.iKs,  artificial,  603. 

trout  flies  in  season,  (5io.         ,' ' 
Fly  casting,  578,  ^  ■'""= 

Fly  fishing,  S73. 
F  !y  making,  583.        tx 
Frogs,  for  bait,  613. 
Ful,ninate  for  caps  and  cartridges,  569. 


V*.  -      1  3V!  V 

Guns  and  ammunition,  536. 

charges,  table  of  proportionate,  SS3 
choke  boring,  554.  ^" 

choosing  a,  536. 
cleaning,  579. 
loading  choke-bores,  568. 
loading  for  game, 
loading  paper  shells,  568. 
loading  shot-guns,  568. 


Guns,  point  blank,  547.        .] 

sighting,  544. 

sh(>()ting  ovtT,  544. 
(.un  barrels,  to  brown.  57a 
C.unpowder,  conipositi.iii  of.  «6< 
Gun  stocks,  to  darken,  570. 


H. 

Head  with  hair  on,  to  cook,  630. 
Helgramite  for  bait,  613. 
Horse,  age  of,  613. 

food  for,  614. 

saddle  marks,  614. 

shedding  mane,  614. 

swimming  a,  613. 
,    to  subdue  a,  613. 

ticks  on,  614. 


Insects,  604. 


r. 


L. 


Lacquer  for  guns,  571. 

Lasso,  615. 

Leather  gun  cases,  to  soften,  <ji. 

Lines  and  lures,  573,    '      ., 


Minnows,  to  keep  fresh,  613. 

Mired  animals,  614. 

MoHcjuito  bites,  578. 

Mountain  holth-polth,  631.    ^      - 

Mushrooms,  630.  *      ■ 


P.:r 


Poison  ivy,  619. 
Poisons,  619. 
Poison  sumac,  619. 
Powder  measure,  566. 
Prairie  shooting,y58. 


jTJ.'::'-;  , 


Rattlesnake  bite,  619. 
Rawhide  straps  and  halters,  614 
Keels,  575.  '     ' 

Rifles,  long  and  short  range,  549. 
Rods  573.  ^ 

Rubber  cement,  617. 
Rust,  to  preserve  steel  from,  sti 
in  gun  barrels,  571,  ^' 


:.''itHJ 


liVDKW 


687 


Shell-holder,  569,   .  1  '  ' 

Shells,  546. 

to  clf:in,  ^fiq. 
Shot,  iHimher  of  in  a  cliarj^e,  566. 
Sliriinps,  to  keep  Iresh,  612. 
Small  biids,  to  bake,  620. 
Snake  bites,  oiq. 
Sneak  box.  !;'«>. 
Southern  sliootinp,  $^6. 
Sciiiawker  li-r  diiek  shooting,  564. 
Stools  lor  snipe  shooting,  ^6\. 
Sumac  poison,  619. 


T. 

Tackle,  care  of,  576. 


Target,  572. 
Turkey  calls,  564. 


Varnish  for  rods,  586. 
Venison  steak,  620. 

stew,  620. 
Vermin,  Cia. 

w.  ' 

VVaterproofinpr  boots,  616. 

•;arments  and  tents.  616. 
Weight  offish  accordiiif^  to  length, 
^V'eatller  indications,  612.        ,   .,  1    > 
Whistle  tor  l)ay  snipe,  564.  ,,     '      .. 

for  plover,  564.  ^     ..■  ,, 

Wild  turkev.  to  roast,  6ao.   '. 
Wire  cartridges.  568.  '    ,        , 

Wounds,  cure  for,  618.  v , 


586. 


;i')  .kA  ■■1:1 


SPORTING    BOATS    AND   CANOES.        •  * 

Gunning  boat,  631.  "       Si'' 

Gunning  skitT,  633. 


Adirondack  boat,  636 
Al  Fresco  boat,  626. 


Barnegat  sneak  boat,  6-io. 
Berthon's  self-fo!ding  boat,  637, 
Birch  canoe,  633. 
Bond's  sectional  boat,  636. 


o.    ...... 

Calking,  633.  r 

(;iialou[)e,  628.  ,^ 

Chesuijeake  Hay  boat,  638.  ,' 

Calvin's  canvas  boat,  •/ 


■.■1:1 


Dug  out,  633. 


<■■  .y- 


English  canoe,  637. 

English  centre-board  gig,  632. 


'•/fiinJSbl.  ■ 
Fair  Haven  sharper,  6a6.  '?  sbid- 

Fenner's  portable  boat,  635.        -'C?  <*' 


iuA  .«■ 


Gordon  canoe,  637,    ,t.»,.  ,. 


:\: 


■  i  y 


Hegeman's  folding  boat,  635. 
Herald  canoe,  637. 

L. 

Lyman's  patent  rowing  gear,  638. 

M. 


Mackinaw  boat,  628. 
Monitor  raft,  635. 


Nautilus,  633. 
Newport  boat,  626. 


N. 


Pirogue,  633. 


P. 


;  ■    /  1  1' 

■,yrj.'' 

it 

.'7 

■  ■  •  ■  J 

i    < 

;,'  I 

tlOt''*  '  (** 

■  !  >.  V, 

; 

7 

^ 

'- ' 

'!  -1' 

;  r 

'■ 

■»•;■'  .. 

(i!;l;;.r; 

.' 

4 

I'..-.  Tv. 

Stj'c'J 

•  I'r 

HI 

•'J 

Qui  Vive  canoe,  637. 


It 


Rob  Roy,  630. 
Rushton  boat,  637, 

■  t 

:  i 

S.  A^rjihi^l 

Sailing,  rules  for,  623.  .'?  »nibi«?'t 

suggestions  for,  625.         '*  B"H'««* 


<\\: 


688 


Treat's  steel  frame  canoes,  635. 
T.)  waterproof  paper  boats,  623. 
To  whiten  decks,  623. 


INDEX. 


W. 


Waters'  paper  canoe,  C36, 
Whitehall  boat,  634. 


i  f--  \. 


1  1(11 1 

Pi:  y 

ii;l*'  1  ' 


o. 

Camp  site,  644. 
Compass,  647. 
Carrying  camp  stun",  643. 
Condensed  Jood,  643. 


Dress,  63Q. 


F. 


WOODCRAFT. 


Fire,    h. 

Fhes,  protection  against,  646. 


Outfit,  639. 


Party,  selection  of  the,  64a. 
Provisions,  640. 


Rocky  Mountain  trout,  65a. 

S. 

Sleeping,  64a. 
Snow  blindness,  655, 
Southern  travel,  649. 


Trails,  549. 
Water,  640. 


T. 
W. 


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A   SrORTSMAN'S    DIRECTORY 

TO   THE 

PRINCIPAL    RESORTS    FOR   GAME    AND    FISH 
IN    NORTH   AMERICA. 


ALABAMA. 

This  State  has  a  population  of  907,000.  It  may  be  said  to  be 
divided  into  three  parts  lil<c  its  neighbor  (ieorgia,  namely,  into  the 
low  country,  the  midland  or  pine  wood  country,  and  the  upper  or 
hill  country.  In  the  lower  part,  on  the  coast,  sea  fowl  are  abun- 
dant in  winter,  and  the  salt  water  fishing  is  good.  I'here  are 
many  canebrakes  and  wilderness  tracts  which  abound  in  wild  game 
of  all  kinds,  panthers,  bears,  deer,  and  the  like.  In  the  piney 
woods  and  mountain  districts,  the  game  includes  many  northern 
varieties.  The  State  is  sparsely^ettled  in  many  parts,  and  the 
game  is  very  abundant.  By  takWjg  one  of  the  railroads  or  rivers 
which  traverse  the  States  like  arteries,  the  sportsman  can  find 
access  tolerably  easy  to  excellent  hunting  districts.  The  fishing, 
except  for  black  bass,  or  "chub,"  is  indifferent. 

Baldwin  Cotmty— 

Fish  River  and  Berwick's  Bay.  From  Mobile  take  one  of  the  little  steam- 
ers, which  nly  regularly,  t-.vice  daily  between  the  city  and  all  (loints  on  the  bay, 
to  Battle's  Vv  hart,  and  drive  thence  nine  miles  to  the  ferry  on  H-h  River.  Here 
will  be  found  every  convenience  in  the  way  ot  boats,  and  the  angl .  r  can  enjoy  the 
udvantages  of  both  fresh  and  salt  water  tishing.  In  he  river  and  its  numerous 
tributary  creeks  and  branches  are  multitudes  of  perch,  and  a  species  of  bass,  called 
by  the  natives  frcsh-watcr  trout. 

The  bay  is  only  a  mile  below  the  mill,  and  in  its  waters  are  salt-water  trout, 
red-lish,  croakers,  sheepshead,  and  mullets  by  the  myriad.  These  latter  cannot 
be  caught  with  a  hook,  but  are  easily  caught  with  nets,  and  are  used  for  bait. 
Minnows  are  not  to  be  had,  and  cut  mullet  is  used  almost  exclusively. 

Berwick's  Hay,  or  Wick's  Hay  as  it.  is  called,  is  a  lake-like  expansion  of  Fish 
River,  where  it  forms  an  elliptical  basin  sonic  three  miles  long  and  two  miles 
broad  before  its  emboucher  into  Mobile  Bay.  Where  its  waters  mingle  with 
those  of  the  bay,  it  is  not  more  than  two  hundreil  yards  wide,  and  at  tnis  place 
is  a  bar,  which  is  a  fine  place  for  seining.  The  fishing  in  the  bay  is  at  times  very 
exciting,  and  at  all  seasons,  plenty  of  game  and  edible  fish  reward  the  angler  s 
care.    The  gars  do  not  annoy  one  quite  as  much  here  as  in  the   river. 

Fish  River^  which  empties  into  Berwick's  Bay,  twenty-five  miles  from  Mobile, 
is  a  favorite  hshing  ground  for  red-hsh,  croakers,  trout,  mullet,  etc.  Captain 
Wemyes  owns  a  large  saw-mill  on  the  river,  and  will  entertain.  Reached  by  sail- 
boat or  steam-tug  from  Mobile.    Country  flat. 


2  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

Itullock  County — 

A  large  part  of  the  county  is  covered  by  expensive  nine  forests  which  are  full 
of  paine.  The  Montgomery  and  Eufaula,  and  the  Mobile  anil  Girard  Railroads, 
intersect  at  Union  Springs,  where  hotel  accommodations  may  be  found,  and  from 
which  the  game  centres  are  accessible, 

Cherokee  County— 

Stonewall,  on  the  Selma,  Rome  and  Dalton  Railroad,  and  Centre,  reached  from 
Greenwood  on  the  Alabama  and  (Chattanooga  Railroad,  are  initial  points  for  si)ort 
in  this  county.  Hears,  deer,  wild  turkeys,  (piail,  and  other  game  are  abundant. 
The  country  is  mountainous,  and  partly  covered  with  pine  forests. 

Choctaw  County — 

Lies  between  the  Tombigbee  River  and  the  Mississippi  line.  The  county  tt  wn 
is  Butler,  which  lies  a  little  to  the  north  and  east  of  the  centre  of  the  cou  ity. 
The  nearest  railroad  and  telegraph  station  is  at  Vork,  Sumter  County,  distant 
thirty-eight  miles.  There  are  several  other  towns  of  very  moderate  size  in  Choc- 
taw Countj^,  the  principal  of  which  are  Bladen  Springs,  Mount  Sterling,  and 
Tompkinsville. 

The  game  consist"^  of  deer,  bears,  an  occasionalwild-cat,  or  catamount— rac- 
coons, c;.ossums,  rabbity,  squirrels,  wild  turkeys,  ducks,  quail  (partridge),  geese, 
snine,  "odcock,  and  many  others.  Deer  and  turkeys  are  particularly  abundant, 
and  wi  t  little  trouble  one  can  have  rare  sport. 

There  are  several  small  lakes  throughout  the  county,  and  these  are  full  of 
fish.  The  river  contains  many  varieties  in  abundance,  including  the  white,  or 
channel  cat,  and  the  buffalo. 

The  hunting  grounds  are  very  uneven,  broken  and  hilly. 

The  routes  most  favorable  for  getting  into  this  country  are,  from  the  North 
and  East,  7>ia  Montgomery,  where  you  take  the  Western  Alabama  Railroad  to 
Selma  ;  thence  the  Alabama  Central  to  Demopolis,  or,  if  the  boat  be  not  there,  to 
York,  where  a  team  can  be  hired  to  Butler.  If  the  boat  be  at  Demopolis,  stop 
there,  and  go  down  the  river  (Tombigbee)  to  Tuskohoma,  where  a  conveyance 
can  be  procured  for  Mount  Sterling  or  Butler,  the  former  distant  four,  and  the 
latter  eight  miles. 

From  the  west  go  to  Meridian,  Mississippi,  forty  miles  from  Butler,  and  take 
the  cars  thence  to  Vork,  or  hire  a  carriage  to  Butler. 

The  most  pleasant  way  is  from  the  .South.  Go  to  Mobile,  and  there  take  the 
boat  to  Bladen  Springs  Landing  (Bladen  itself  is  four  miles  from  the  river  ;  con- 
veyai  ce  thitlier  can  always  be  procured  from  Mr.  Heron,  who  keeps  the  landing), 
or  go  on  to  Tuskohoma  Landing,  as  before.  At  Tuskohoma,  Mr.  Henry  Gaines, 
the  pioprietor,  will  give  every  information  and  afford  every  facility  to  the  visitor. 

If  you  stop  at  Bladen,  Mr.  James  T.  Staples  will  show  the  sportsman  plenty 
of  game,  and  take  pleasure  in  making  his  stay  agreeable. 

At  Bladen  there  is  a  hotel.  If  the  visitor  goes  to  Butler  he  will  have  to  depend 
upon  the  kindness  of  the  people.  There  are  some  who  keep  what  is  called  a 
"  house  of  entertainment.  Where  the  traveler  can  obtain  food  and  lodging.  But 
with  the  exception  of  Mr.  Spangenberg,  no  one  entertains  except  during  court. 
After  a  few  days  the  sportsman  will  probably  be  taken  in  hand  by  the  members 
of  the  Hound  Dog  Club,  all  of  whom  will  take  jileasure  in  making  the  stranger 
comfortable.    The  country  is  very  uneven,  broken  by  steep  ridges  and  hills. 

Clarke  County — 

By  taking  boat  to  any  one  of  the  river  towns  on  the  Tombigbee  or  Alabama 
River  and  then  striking  inland,  the  sportsman  cannot  fail  of  finding  game  in  abun- 
dance. Deer,  bears,  wild-cats,  raccoons,  opossums,  turkeys,  ducks,.geese,  snipe, 
woodcock,  rabbits  and  squirrels  will  be  found  in  more  or  less  abundance  with 
white,  channel,  cat,  and  buffalo  fish  in  the  rivers  and  their  tributary  streams. 

Colbert  County — 

South  Florence,  on  the  Memphis  and  Charleston  Railroad,  is  near  the  Muscle 
Shoals,  famed  for  their  wild-fowl  shooting.  [See  Lauderdale  County.]  Deer,  tur- 
keys, and  quail  arc  abundant  through  the  county. 

C»neenh  County— 

Evergreen,  on  the  Mobile  and  Montgomerv  Railroad,  is  a  good  initial  point 
for  the  sportsman.  Deer,  turkeys,  quail,  small  game  and  wild  fowl  shooting 
may  be  (ound  in  fair  numbers. 


I 


CAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS,  3 

JDeKalb  County- 
Deer,  bears,  an  occasional  panther,  wild   turkcvs,  quail,  and  squirrels.    The 
fishing  is  chiefly  for  blacit  bass,  chub,  and  bream.     Reacncd  via  tiie  Alabama  and 
Chattanooga  Railroad  to  Valley  Head,  forty  miles  from  Chattanooga.    The  sur- 
face of  the  country  is  rugged  and  mountainous,  and  noted  for  its  romantic  scenery. 

Usramhla  Countif— 

Witli  the  exception  of  the  southern  portion,  this  county  is  still  unsettled,  and 
abounds  in  game,  while  the  numerous  streams  afford  good  fishing.  Deer, 
turi<eys,  (luail  and  other  game  will  be  found  in  abundance,  by  starting  out  from 
any  point  on  the  Mobile  and  Montgomery  Railroad. 

tfackson  County  — 

The  numerous  creeks  in  this  county  furnish  black  bass,  catfish,  drum,  perch, 
red  horse,  and  wall-eyed  pike  fishing.  The  wooded  and  mountainous  parts  are 
the  abode  of  deer  and  wild  turkeys,  and  quail  and  wild  fowl  are  found  in 
numbers  sufficient  for  good  sport.  Take  Tennessee  River  boats  to  Hellefonte, 
or  go  via  Memphis  and  Charleston  Railroad,  to  Larkinsville,  Stevenson,  or  to 
Scottsborough,  at  which  place  board  can  be  obtained  for  $13  to  $15  per  month. 

*feffer8on  County — 

Joncsborongh .    Hears  and  deer  in  the  neighboring  mountains,  (juail  and  wood- 
cock in  the  swamps  and  cultivated  fields.   Game  abundant  along  the  Salem  Creek, 
and  on  the  line  ot  the  Alabama  and  Chattanooga  Railroad,  by  which  Jonesboro 
is  reached.    Good  hotels. 

Lauderdale  County— 

North  Alabama  is  one  of  the  finest  hunting  regions  In  the  United  States.  The 
fields  are  filled  with  quail,  the  woods  with  wild  turkeys  and  deer,  and  all  the 
streams  and  ponds  in  winter  abound  with  wild  ducks  and  geese.  The  finest  wild- 
goose  shooting  is  to  be  had  every  winter  in  the  Muscle  Shoals  on  the  Tennessee 
River,  where  the  wild  geese  congregate  by  the  thousands.  The  shoals  are 
about  five  miles  wide,  and  filled  with  small  islands,  called  *'  tow-heads."  Most 
of  these  tow-heads  are  covered  with  drift  wood,  in  which  the  sportsmen  conceal 
themselves,  and  shoot  the  geese  as  they  fly  over,  which  happens  every  few 
minutes,  as  they  are  constantly  being  disturbed  by  one  cause  or  another.  Just 
before  nightfall,  the  geese  leave  the  river  for  the  fields  and  ponds,  which  af- 
fords the  sportsman  another  good  opportunity  for  rare  sport.  What  is  true 
of  the  wild  geese,  is  more  or  less  true  of  the  wild  ducks,  with  this  in  addition, 
ihat  the  latter  are  to  be  found  every  where,  all  the  winter  through,  filling  every 
point,  "spring  branch,"  or  creek.  Wild  turkeys  abound  everv  where,  and  the 
red  deer  almost  every  where.  The  deer  are  hunted  with  hounds.  Laige  black 
bass  are  caught  in  Shoal  Creek  The  route  is  to  South  Florence,  or  Florence 
via  Tuscumbia,  on  the  Memphis  and  Charleston  Railroad,  or  to  Decatur  on 
the  same  road,  tlience  via  team  or  boat  down  the  river.  Or  go  to  Athens  on 
the  Louisville  and  Nashville  and  Great  Southern  Railroad,  thence  by  wagon. 

See  Decatur,  Morgan  County. 

Lawrence  County— 

Courtland,  reached  via  the  Memphis  and  Charleston  Railroad,  is  in  the  vicinity 
of  good  deer,  turkey,  quail  and  wild-fowl  shooting.  The  Muscle  Shoals  (See 
Lauderdale  County),  on  the  northern  border  of  the  county,  are  accessible  from 
Courtland. 

Jjhncstone  County — 

This  county  is  well  supplied  with  game.  Deer,  turkeys,  quail,  ducks  and 
geese,  afford  fine  snort,  and  the  fishing  is  for  black  bass,  salmon,  pike,  and 
speckled  jierch.  Tne  Nashville  and  Louisville  and  Great  Southern  Railroad 
intersects  the  county,  and  renders  it  easily  accessible.  Slop  at  Athens  or  other 
points  on  this  road.    Steamers  ply  on  the  Tennessee  and  Elk  Rivers. 

Lowndes  County — 

This  county  is  made  up  of  pine  and  hammock  lands,  and  abounds  in  the  varie- 
ties of  game  peculiar  to  such  country.  The  county  is  intersected  by  the  Mobile 
and  Montgomery  Railroad,  and  from  that  road  the  game  grounds  are  accessible. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Madiison  County— 

HuHtsville.  Excellent  black  bass  and  wall-eyed  pike  fishi.ig  in  Flint  River, 
fifteen  miles  distant.  The  best  points  are  at  Wood's  and  Gardiner's  Mills.  See 
also  Decatur,  Gunlcrsville  and  Muscle  Shoals,  all  ot  which  places  are  resorted  to 
by  Hunts ville  sportsmen. 

Marengo  County— 

'  For  description  of  game  and  character  of  county,  see  Choctaw  County.  Take 
the  route  as  there  given  to  Demopolis,  or  thence  down  the  river  to  any  of  the 
stoamboat  landings. 

Marshall  County— 

Guntersville.  In  Short  Creek  are  black  bass,  catfish,  drum,  perch,  red-horse 
and  salmon,  or  wall-eyed  pike.  On  the  Tennessee  River,  thirty  miles  from 
Huntsville,  reached  by  wagon  or  boat. 

Mobile  County— 

Mobile.    Deer,  quail,  snipe,  ducks,  and  many  varieties  of  bay  birds,  and  wild 
fowl  on  the  bay,  with  excellent  fishing.    Daily  communication  with  Lake  Pon-* 
tchartrain,  Louisiana  (See  Lake  Pontchartrain). 

Monroe  Cotmty — 

Claiborne^  on  the  Alabama  River.  Deer,  turkeys  and  quail.  Reached  via 
steamer  from  Mobile  or  Montgomery.    Hotel. 

Montgomery  County — 

Montgomery.  The  central  position  of  this  city  and  its  excellent  railroad  and 
river  communications  with  all  parts  of  the  State,  render  it  one  of  the  best  initial 
points  for  sportsmen  in  the  whole  State.  The  Mobile  and  Montgomery,  Mont- 
gomery and  Eufaula,  South  and  North  Alabama,  and  Western  Alabama  Rail- 
roads all  centre  here,  and  on  the  line  of  each  the  sportsman  will  find  excellent 
game  regions.  The  Alabama,  Coosa  and  Tallapoosa  Rivers,  on  all  of  which 
steamers  ply,  flow  through  a  country  full  of  deer,  bears,  wild  turkeys,  quail  and 
other  game.  The  railroad  and  steamboat  officials  are  as  a  rule  well-informed  as 
to  game  localities,  and  will  always  give  every  information  in  regard  to  the  best 
routes,  etc. 

Morgan  County — 

Decatur,  The  game  fish  are  the  trout,  so-called— a  congener  of  the  northern 
bass — the  salmonjthe  pike,  and  the  speckled  perch,  a  fine  fish,  often  weighing 
several  pounds.  These  fish  are  usually  taken  with  the  minnow  for  bait,  though 
in  Swan  and  Beaver  Lakes,  they  are  taken  with  the  fly,  and  by  "  bobbing." 
Swan  and  Beaver  Lakes,  the  places  most  visited  by  anglers  from  a  distance,  are 
one  mil6  from  Decatur,  where  strangers  can  find  good  hotels.  These  lakes  are 
free  to  all.  Next  to  these  the  Muscle  Shoals  aiford  the  best  fishing.  Deer,  tur- 
keys, quail,  and  wild  fowl,  furnish  good  sport. 

Decatur  is  at  the  junction  of  the  Memphis  and  Charleston,  and  the  Louisville 
and  Nashville  and  Great  Southern  Railroads.  The  country  is  hilly  and  moun- 
tainous. 

Pike  Cotmty — 

The  pine  forests  which  are  extensive,  are  filled  with  game  ;  bear,  deers,  wild 
turkeys,  quail,  squirrels,  etc.  Take  the  Mobile  and  Girard  Railroad  to  Troy, 
whence  other  parts  of  the  county  are  accessible  by  wagon  roads. 

Sumter  County — 

For  general  description  of  the  county  with  game  and  fish,  see  Choctaw  County. 
Take  the  Alabama  and  Chattanooga  Railroad  to  Livingston  or  York,  or  the 
Alabama  Central  to  Coatopa,  and  from  these  points  the  game  regions  are 
easily  reached. 

Washington  County — 

The  country  and  game  of  this  county  answer  to  the  description  given  under 
Choctaw  County.  Take  boat  from  Mobile  up  the  Tambigbee  River  to  St.  Ste- 
phens, or  strike  off'  from  any  of  the  stations  on  the  Imb  of  the  Mobile  and  Ohio 
Railroad. 


GAME  AND   FISH  RE  SO  UTS. 


Wilcox  County— 

Take  the  Alabama  River  steamers  to  Black's  Bluff  or  Clifton,  or  the  Selma 
and  Gulf  Railroad  to  AUenton,  or  Pine  Apple.  Deer,  turkey  and  quail  shooting, 
will  be  found  along  the  river  bottoms,  and  other  varieties  of  large  and  small  game 
in  the  woods. 


ALASKA. 


Alaska  has  an  area  of  580,107  square  miles.  The  southern 
and  western  portions  are  mountainous  and  near  the  coast  covered 
with  forests  of  spruce,  cedar  and  fir.  The  Northern  and  Arctic 
Ocean  coast  regions  are  level  and,  for  the  most  part,  barren.  The 
climate  is  not  so  severe  as  that  of  the  corresponding  latitude  on 
the  Atlantic  coast.  The  mean  annual  temperature  at  Sitka  is  42°. 
The  zoology  of  the  country  embraces,  elk,  deer,  polar  bear,  barren- 
ground  bear,  grizzly  bear,  black  bear,  seal,  fo.x,  beaver,  marten, 
otter,  mink,  lynx  and  W5lvenne.  Alaska  is  the  nesting  place  of 
many  migratory  birds  ;  geese,  ducks,  the  canvas-back  and  others, 
swans,  ospreys,  etc.  The  ptarmigan  is  found  here.  The  fish  are 
of  many  varieties  and  of  inexhaustible  quantities,  constituting  the 
chief  wealth  of  the  c<jVintry. 

At  the  head  of  the  salt  water  species  stands  the  salmon,  found 
from  Behring  Straits  to  the  most  southerly  point  of  Vancouver's 
Island.  In  the  spawning  season  the  straits,  bays,  sounds  and 
inlets  of  the  coast  are  thronged  with  it.  f^rom  the  first  of  June  to 
the  middle  of  August  the  Stikine  and  Yukon  Rivers  are  fairly  alive 
with  the  countless  numbers  hastening  to  the  headwaters,  among 
the  mountain  gorges.  The  first  salmon  to  visit  Alaska  is  the  chief 
or  king  salmon,  the  onchorhynchiis  orientalis  of  Pallas.  Two 
other  species  are  also  found  in  these  waters,  the  O.  lagocephalus 
and  O.  Proteus,  of  Pallas,  and  the  iwot-glag-hoo  and  noog-lag-uh, 
respectively,  of  the  Yukons  or  Tinnehs.  The  salmon  or  mountain 
trout  is  very  abundant  in  the  northern  portion  of  Alaska,  and  is 
apparently  a  constant  resident,  as  it  is  found  in  the  streams  at  all 
seasons. 

The  O.  sangidnolaitus,  or  red-fish,  the  O,  lycaodon,  or  dog 
salmon,  and  the  salmo  purpiiratus  or  black  salmon,  of  Pallas, 
arrive  in  the  rivers  between  August  and  October,  and  run  for  a 
month  or  more. 

A  sucker  found  here,  which  is  called  craskee  by  the  Russians, 
{catostomus  teres),  is  quite  common,  and  for  its  northern  habitat, 
quite  large,  averaging  from  four  to  seven  pounds.  A  species  of 
the  cottidae,  called  undttk  by  the  Tinnehs,  frequents  the  shallow 
streams  and  ponds,  and  is  caught  in  large  numbers  by  the  abori- 
gines, who  scoop  them  out  with  their  hands,  paddles  and  grass 
baskets.    A  small  dace,  also  found  with  this,  bites  readily  at  a 


O  GAME  AND   FISH  RESORTS. 

baited  hook.  The  pike,  {esox  cstor),  is  very  abundant  in  the  ponds 
and  lakes  of  the  almost  arctic  regions  of  Alaska.  The  burhot,  eel 
pout,  or  losh,  {lota  maculata),  swarms  in  the  lakes  and  rivers. 
Of  the  wliile-fish,  there  are  several  varieties  or  species,  the  larger 
portion  being  allied  to  the  southern  prototypes,  the  greater  differ- 
ence being  in  their  numbers.  The  nulato — nulatoski  of  the 
Russians,  the  morskoi,  or  white-fish  of  the  Russians,  the  hump- 
backed species,  the  corabati  of  the  Russians  and  Ko-lak-ah  of  the 
Yukons,  is  quite  abundant  but  bony  and  insipid,  the  corei^omts 
nasus,  or  round  fish — the  Russian  kru^i^,  and  Yukon  hiittien,  is  a 
denizen  of  several  streams,  and  is  often  caught  for  food  ;  the  cor.' 
egonus  miiksioi,  or  broad  white-fish,  the  tel-ih-yiih  of  the  Yukons, 
weight  of  thirty  pounds.  The  largest  of  this  genus  is  the  great 
white-fish,  {luciotrutta  leiicicthys),  which  excels  its  congeners  not 
only  in  size  but  flavor.  It  is  very  abundant  in  the  Stikine  and 
Yukon  Rivers — and  is  found  in  all  the  streams  throughout  the 
year.  The  grayling,  {t/iymallus),  is  v  "  abundant,  and  with  the 
brook  trout  completes  thr  Mst.  Tl'^  salt  water  fishing  is  for  cod, 
tom  cod,  halibut,  five  spto.  s  of  clupea,  two  species  of  flounders, 
euchalon  and  smelts. 


ARIZONA. 


The  surface  of  the  State,  which  has  an  area  of  113,916  square 
miles,  may  be  described  as  a  series  of  wide  and  elevated  plateaus 
sloping  gradually  southward  and  interspersed  with  desert  wastes 
and  arid  plains  on  which  no  vegetation  grows,  excepting  the  arte- 
misia  or  sage  bush.  These  plateaus  are  broken  up  by  numerous 
mountain  chains  and  spurs  and  diversified  by  many  lofty  buttes. 
A  noticeable  feature  of  the  country  is  the  rumber  and  depth  of  its 
canons.  The  mountain  regions  are  densely  wooded  and  are  the 
haunts  of  many  kinds  of  wild  animals.  The  plateaus,  prairie  and 
sandy  plains,  are,  especially  in  the  southern  portions,  good  shoot- 
ing grounds  for  wild  fowl  and  other  game  birds.  The  game  of 
the  country  includes  elk,  deer,  antelope,  mountain  sheep,  pumas, 
jaguars,  ocelots,  black  and  grizzly  bears,  wild  cat,  red  and  grey 
wolves,  fox,  peccary,  raccoon,  opossum,  sage-rabbit,  several  vari- 
eties of  squirrel,  wild  turkeys,  ducks  and  geese  in  great  variety 
and  abundance,  swans,  cranes,  curlew,  snipe,  plover,  etc.,  in  count- 
less multitudes.  The  streams  contain  several  varieties  of  gamey 
and  finely  flavored  fish. 

Arizona  is  thinly  settled,  there  being  few  towns,  with  a  limited 
number  of  military  posts.  The  population  is  in  great  part  of 
Spanish  and  half-breed  descent.  The  lines  of  communication 
through  the  country  are  few,  and  confined  to  the  stage  routes. 


GAME   AND  FISH  RESORTS.  J 

These  are  all  more  or  less  infested  by  Indians,  chiefly  Apaches, 
rendering  travel  and  hunting  here  very  precarious.  For  this  rea- 
son we  have  not  specified  particular  localities.  The  sportsman 
will  not  be  apt  to  go  far  from  the  regular  lines  of  travel,  nor  will 
he  need  to  do  so.  He  will  find  in  his  pathway  game  of  all  kinds 
and  in  such  quantity  as  to  afford  him  constant  occupation.  We 
will  however  mention,  as  one  of  the  best  regions  for  elk,  deer, 
antelope  and  wild  turkey  shooting,  the  White  Mountains. 


ARKANSAS. 


Arkansas  has  a  population  of  484,471.  It  is  sparsely  settled  In 
nearly  all  parts,  and  therefore  offers  unusual  opportunities  for 
sportsmen  who  are  willing  to  rough  it.  There  are  very  few  coun- 
try hotels  in  the  State,  that  can  be  dignified  even  by  the  name  of 
tavern,  so  that  the  sportsman  must  generally  be  prepared  to  camp 
out,  or  take  chances  at  the  farm  houses  and  plantations.  As  a 
rule,  the  people  will  be  found  hospitable  to  true  gentlemen  sports- 
men, and  willing  to  entertain  them.  Much  of  the  hunting  will 
have  to  be  done  from  the  saddle  or  pirogues.  The  State  is  tolera- 
bly flat  in  the  lower  division,  filled  with  canebrakes,  and  cut  up  by 
water  courses.  In  the  middle  it  is  densely  wooded  and  undulat- 
ing, interspe-  sed  with  prairies.  The  northern  part  is  hilly,  and 
the  northwestern  part  partakes  of  the  features  of  the  Indian  Ter- 
ritory adjoining.  The  northeastern  counties  are  an  unbroken 
level,  with  the  exception  of  Crowley's  Ridge,  a  lo.v  range  o^  hills, 
which  traverses  six  counties  from  northwest  to  southeast,  averag- 
ing in  width  from  two  to  five  miles.  This  range  of  hills  runs  par- 
allel with  the  St.  Francis  River,  and  is  the  western  boundary  of 
the  Great  Mississippi  Swamp.  To  the  east  of  this  range  of  hills, 
and  between  the  St.  Francis  and  Mississippi  Rivers,  lie  the  swamp  * 
counties  of  Crittenden  and  Mississippi — about  forty  miles  in  width 
and  about  one  hundred  in  length.  They  are  but  thinly  settled, 
abound  in  lakes  and  bayous,  and  are  traversed  by  the  Tyronza 
and  Little  Rivers,  tributaries  of  the  St.  Francis. 

The  unsettled  portions  of  these  counties  consist  of  dense  and 
heavy  canebrakes  and  low  swamps.  The  animals  found  here  are 
the  bear,  panther,  wolf,  wild-cat,  deer,  and  turkeys  and  water-fowl 
of  every  variety,  from  the  swan  to  the  smallest  duck.  This  is  also 
a  fine  held  for  trapping.  Beaver,  otter,  mink,  coon,  etc.,  are  very 
abundant.  The  rivers,  lakes  and  bayous  abound  in  every  variety 
of  game  fish  known  to  this  latitude — such  as  trout,  black  bass 
striped  bass,  speckled  perch,  and  all  the  varieties  of  bream  and  lake 
perch  ;  these  are  taken  in  great  numbers  at  any  season  of  the  year. 


8  CAME  AND  FISH  KESO/iTS. 

The  country  west  of  these  hills  is  level  as  far  west  as  White 
River — with  one  small  prairie  about  six  miles  in  width,  and  thirty 
in  lenf^th — a  fine  field  for  deer  and  bird  shooting. 

The  swamp  country  is  accessible  from  Memphis  by  river,  and 
by  the  Memphis  and  Little  Rock  Railroad.  The  lakes  and  bayous 
are  numerous  and  without  names.  The  principal  and  largest  one 
is  the  Sunk  Land  Lake  of  the  St.  Francis  and  Little  Rivers,  sit- 
uated in  the  counties  of  Greene,  Craighead  and  Mississippi,  just 
below  the  Missouri  line.  The  general  physical  characteristics  of 
the  State  resemble  those  of  Texas.  There  are  few  railroad,  steam- 
boat, and  stage  facilities  throughout  the  State. 

Clark  County— 

Arkadelphia^  on  the  St.  Louis,  Iron  Mountain  and  Great  Southern  Railroad,  is 
a  centre  for  bear,  deer,  snipe,  and  wild-fowl  shooting.  The  surrounding  country 
is  hilly  and  rolling. 

Craighead  County — 

Goldsborough.  The  hunting  grounds  of  St.  Francis  Lake  are  within  easy 
access.     For  the  game  found  there  see  Forest  City,  St.  Francis  County. 

Crittenden  County — 

Mar/on,  opposite  Memphis,  Tennessee.  Deer,  bears  and  wild  turkeys  in  the 
swamps  and  thickets,  foxes  and  wolves  in  the  lowlands,    ^uail  are  abundant. 

Cross  County — 

The  dense  swamps,  canebrakes  and  forests,  of  which  the  county  is  mainly 
made  up,  are  the  haunts  of  many  wild  animals,  sucli  as  bears,  panthers,  wild- 
cats, with  deer  and  the  smaller  game  in  sufficient  abundance  to  afford  good 
sport.  The  fur-bearing  animals  most  largely  trapped  are  beavers,  otters,  minks 
and  coons.  Bass,  striped  and  black,  speckled  perch,  lake  perch,  all  the  varie- 
ties of  bream,  and  several  other  kinds  of  fish,  ailord  good  angling.  Take  the 
Memphis  and  Little  Rock  Railroad  to  Forest  City,  thence  via  team  to  Wittsburgh. 
Guides,  outfit,  and  all  necessary  information  will  be  found  at  Forest  City. 

Dallas  County— 

Fairvievj.    Bears,  deer,  turkeys,  quail,  and  other  varieties  of  game. 

Garland  County — 

Hoi  Springs.  This  is  a  winter  resort  for  invalids  and  pleasure  seekers,  which 
■will  compare  favorably  in  its  attractions  and  appointments  with  any  at  the  north. 
It  is  one  of  the  pleasantest  spots  in  the  south,  and  is  much  frequented  by  northern 
people.  There  is  good  shooting  and  fishing  anywhere  within  a  radius  of  twelve 
miles,  and  one  can  here  enjoy  all  the  luxuries  and  comforts  of  civilization,  and 
take  his  shooting  and  out  door  pastimes  with  dignity  and  ease.  The  route  to 
Hot  Springs  is  via  the  St.  Louis,  Iron  Mountain  and  Southern  Railway  to  Mal- 
vern, forty-three  miles  south  of  Little  Rock,  thence  via  the  Hot  Springs 
Railroad. 

Oreene  County — 

The  hunter  will  here  find  much  large  game,  bear,  deer,  panther,  wolf,  etc., 
with  wild-fowl  shooting,  and  fishing  excellent.  The  southern  border  of  the  county 
touches  the  lakes  of  tlie  St.  Francis  River,  which  are  noted  shooting  grounds. 
Take  the  St.  Louis,  Iron  Mountain  and  Southern  Railway,  to  De  La  Plaine. 

Betnpstead  County — 

Fulton  and  Ho^e^  on  the  St.  Louis,  Iron  Mountain,  and  Great  Southern  Rail- 
way, are  good  initial  points  for  the  hunting  of  the  county.  Deer,  bears,  and 
other  large  game,  with  an  abundance  of  wild-fowl,  snipe,  quail  and  woodcock 
shooting.    The  southern  part  of  the  county  is  accessible  by  Red  River  steamers. 


GAME  AND  FISH  KE SORTS.  g 

Jackson  County— 

Jiicksfln/>ort.  The  White  River  before  its  junction  with  Hlack  River,  abounds 
in  a  variety  of  fisli,  firm  iinil  tinelv  tlavored.  Oiipositc  the  town  a  long  sandy 
bar  extends  into  the  river,  and  ofl  this  bar  some  splendid  fish  may  be  taken.  They 
are  the  black  bass  and  striped  bass  ;  each  kind  readily  takes  a  minnow  or  small 
craw  fish.    There  is  also  a  tine  game  fish,  locally  ciUled  the  jack  salmon. 

Little  Red  River  empties  into  White  River,  fifty  or  sixty  miles  below  Jackson- 
port.  It  abounds  in  fisli  of  several  varieties,  consisting  of  black  bass,  drum,  cat- 
lish,  bream,  and  white  perch. 

Red  River  is  deep,  rather  clear,  and  with  very  little  current.  In  the  vicinity 
of  Jacksonport,  game  is  atiundant.  The  river  in  winter  is  full  of  ducks  of  various 
kinds,  and  the  small  lakes,  (londs,  sloughs,  and  lagoons  absolutely  swarm  with 
them.  Geese  are  quite  jilenty  ;  and  occasionally  a  swan  is  seen.  Hob  White  is 
there  in  full  numbeis  in  the  plantations.  A  few  woodcock,  and  an  abundance  of 
snipe.  East  of  town,  twelve  or  fifteen  miles,  deer  are  plenty,  especially  between 
bayous  Cache  and  Dc  View.  Between  these  bayous,  there  is  a  belt  of  post  oak 
barrens,  almost  uninhabited.  The  deer  there  are  not  much  hunteil,  and  lie  well 
when  approached  on  horseback,  and  when  hunted  with  hounds  do  not  run  off, 
but  tack  and  dodge  for  hours. 

In  the  dense  cane  along  the  river  are  found  bear,  wild-cat,  and  occasionally  a 
panther.  Ducks  can  be  bagged  by  the  score  by  stalking  them— under  nover  of 
the  switch  cane— ak«g  the  bayous,  lakes  and  ponds,  and  by  floating  fir  them  in 
the  river.  Snipe  are  abundant.  Reached  via  the  St.  Louis,  Iron  Mountain  and 
Great  Southern  Railway  to  Newport,  thence  via  stage  or  hired  conveyance. 

Xa  I'ayettc  County— 

The  numerous  bayous  of  this  county,  with  the  rivers  and  water  courses,  afford 
fine  shooting  for  geese  and  ducks.  The  hammock  lands  are  the  haunts  of  the 
deer,  bear,  wild  cat,  and  other  varieties  of  large  game,  snipe  and  woodcock 
shooting  Louisville  will  be  found  a  good  initial  point,  and  may  be  reached  from 
some  station  on  the  St.  Louis,  Iron  Mountain  and  Southern  Railway.  Communi- 
cation is  also  had  with  different  points  by  the  Red  River  steamers. 

Miller  County— 

Texarkana.  Bears,  deer,  wild  turkeys,  quail,  pinnated  grouse.  Reached  via 
St,  Louis,  Iron  Mountain  and  Southern,  or  Texas  and  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel 
$2.50  ;  guides  $1  ;  teams  $3.  Camping  necessary.  Good  sport  can  be  had  any- 
where in  the  vicinity,  by  going  from  one  to  four  mile'?  back  from  the  railroads. 

Mississippi  County— 

Le7vis  a.nA  Osceola.  See  the  northeastern  counties  above.  Osceola  is  reached 
via  Mississippi  River  steamers.  The  hunting  grounds  of  St.  Francis  Lake  are  ac- 
cessible.   See  Forest  City,  St.  Francis  County. 

Ffalrie  County — 

Dfs  Arc.  In  the  extensive  canebrakes  between  the  White  and  Cache  Rivers 
are  great  numbers  of  deer,  bears,  wild  cats,  wolves,  panthers,  and  other  game. 
Des  Arc  is  a  few  miles  distant  from  DevalPs  Bluff.,  which  is  an  excellent  mitial 
point  for  sportsmen.  In  addition  to  the  game  mentioned  above,  there  are  found 
within  a  few  miles  of  the  town,  wild  turkeys,  pinnated  prouse,  quail,  snipe,  plover, 
rail,  geese,  brant,  ducks,  and  water-fowi  of  all  varieties.  Four  miles  distant  is 
Pepper's  Lake,  one  of  a  chain  forming  the  head  waters  of  Reese's  Fork.  These 
lakes  teem  with  fish  in  great  variety,  and  are  fine  shooting  grounds  for  wild  -fowl. 
Rock  Roe  Lake  affords  the  best  tishing.  Reached  via  the  Memphis  and  Little 
Rock  Railway,  or  via  boat  from  Memphis.  Hotel  $1.50,  $7  per  week.  Write  to 
T.  M.  Horsfall. 

Pltillips  County- 
Helena.    In  the  numerous  lakes  in  the  vicinity  are  found  all  the  variety  of 
water-fowl  that  winter  in  this  latitude  :  in  the  woods  are  deer,  black  bears  and 
occasionally  a  panther.    Trout,  bass  ana  while  perch  in  the  waters.    See  Austin, 
Mississippi.    Reached  via  the  Arkansas  Central  Railroad. 

JPoinsett  Cottnty — 

Harrisbttrg.  For  the  game,  see  Forest  City,  St.  Francis  County.  St.  Fran- 
cis Lake  is  easy  of  access. 


10  GAME  AND  FISH  KE SORTS. 

J'ulaaki  Count  If—  ^ 

Little  Rock.  The  sportsmen  of  this  city  have,  within  a  day's  ricie,  excellent 
shoolinR  for  such  K*'nc  as  bear,  panther,  wild-cat,  deer,  wild  turkey,  quail,  wood- 
cock, ducks,  geese,  snipe,  and  otiier  varieties.  The  fishing  is  for  black  bass, 
drum,  cat-fish,  brown  and  white  perch. 

8t.  Francis  Co%inty— 

Forest  City  is  the  initial  point  for  sport  in  St.  Francis  and  the  adjoining  coun- 
ties. The  game  here  comprises  bear,  wolf,  panther,  wild-cat,  deer,  turkey,  all 
varieties  of^water  fowl,  beaver,  otter,  mink,  coon  ;  trout,  black  and  striped 
bass,  speckled  and  lake  perch,  all  the  varieties  of  bream,  and  other  kmds  of  hsh. 
Reached  via  the  Memphis  and  Little  Rock  Railroad,  forty-five  miles  from  Mem- 
phis. The  Hunting  Club  will  give  all  needed  information,  and  show  every  atten- 
tion to  gentlemen  sportsmen  from  abroad.  Teams  ($4)  and  camping  outfits  can 
be  procured  for  the  St.  Francis  and  Little  Rivers  and  their  lakes,  seventy-five 
miles  north.     Here  will  be  found  all  the  varieties  of  game  enumerated  above. 

Black  Fish  Lake,  two  and  one-half  miles  north  of  Black  Fish  Sitling,  a  station 
on  the  Memphis  and  Little  Rock  Railway,  and  thirty-three  miles  from  Memphis, 
Is  a  favorite  resort  for  sportsmen.  The  region  abounds  in  the  game  mentioned 
under  Forest  City.    The  lake  contains  black  and  spotted  perch. 

Van  Jturen  County— 

On  Sugar  Loa/ and  the  adjacent  mountains  is  found  game  in  great  variety  and 
abundance.    The  streams  afford  excellent  tishing. 

White  County— 

IVvst  Point.    Coons,  otters  and  minks  are  found  in  this  vicinity. 

The  Red  River.  For  the  fish  and  game  of  this  region  see  Jacksonport,  Jack- 
son County. 

White  Court  //ouse.— Raft  Creek  is  a  small  sluggish  creek  of  about  fifteen  miles 
in  length,  widening  out  into  small  lakes  and  large  cypress  ponds  in  its  tortuous 
course  into  White  River.  Halev  lake  is  much  visited  as  a  fishing  resort  by  the 
people  living  back  on  the  hills.  The  water  is  deep,  and  fine  buffalo  fish  and  perch 
are  taken  with  the  hook  and  line.  Although  the  lake  is  right  in  the  bottom 
and  subject  to  six  feet  overflow  from  White  and  Little  Red  Rivers,  there  is  about 
tv/elve  acres  on  the  north  bank  of  the  lake  entirely  above  any  high  water  which 
would  be  a  pleasant  camp  ground  at  any  t'me  in  the  winter.  Good  deer  and 
turkey  shootmg,  and  fine  trapping  all  arounci  this  country. 

Woodruff  County — 

A  ugusta.  For  the  game  region  lying  between  the  bayous  Cache  aiid  De  View, 
see  Jacksonport,  Jackson  County. 


CALIFORNIA. 

California  has  an  area  of  188,981  square  miles,  with  a  popula- 
tion of  560,247,  the  bulk  of  which  is  confined  to  the  belt  lying 
between  the  thirty-seventh  and  fortieth  parallels.  The  distinctive 
physical  feature  of  the  State  is  her  vast  mountain  system,  which 
may  be  divided  into  two  grand  divisions,  the  Sierra  Nevadas  on 
the  east,  and  the  Coast  Range  on  the  west.  In  addition  to  these, 
there  are  many  distinct  ranges,  spurs,  and  isolated  peaks,  or 
buttes.  Between  the  Sieiras  and  the  Coast  Range  lie  the  extended 
valleys  of  the  San  Joaquin,  and  the  Sacramento  ;  and  east  of  the 
culminating  crest  of  the  Sierras  is  the  lake  country.  The  State  is 
divided  into  three  parallel  sections,  the  Eastern  slope,  or  the  terri- 
tory east  of  the  Sierras  ;  the  California  Valley,  between  the  foot- 


CAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS  II 

hills  of  the  Sierras  and  the  Coast  Range,  and  the  Pacific  slope, 
between  the  Coast  Range  and  the  ocean.  The  face  of  the  country 
presents  every  variety  of  surface,  lofty  mountains,  fertile  riv(.r  val- 
leys, canons,  wide  stretching  plains  and  prairies,  and  tule  lands. 
These  tules,  or  marsh  lands,  consisting  of  dense  brakes  of  rushes 
and  covering  nearly  one-half  the  entire  surface  of  the  State,  are  in 
all  seasons  the  abodes  of  numerous  and  varied  wild-fowl  and  game 
animals,  and  afford  unlimited  sport  for  the  hunter.  The  game  of 
the  State,  embraces  one  hundred  and  fifteen  species  of  mammals, 
three  hundred  and  fifty  species  of  birds,  and  one  hundred  and  fif- 
teen species  of  fish.  Every  portion  of  the  State  is  accessible  by 
rail,  stage-coaci"'.  and  steamboat ;  while  excellent  hotels,  guides, 
boats,  saddle  horses,  and  all  the  necessary  articles  of  camping  out- 
fit are  everywhere  easily  secured.  With  the  abundance  and 
variety  of  game,  and  the  facilities  of  communication  here  offered, 
("alifornia  will  long  offer  peculiar  inducements  to  the  sportsmen 
of  the  country. 

Alameda  County— 

Oalland.  Within  a  radius  of  fifty  miles,  there  are  at  least  twenty  localities 
where  Rood  trout  fishing  may  be  had.  There  are  the  Water  Company  Lakes,  or 
Laite  Merced,  of  the  Acclimatizing  Society,  in  either  of  which,  tor  a  small  fee, 
permission  may  be  obtained  to  fish,  and  fine  fishing  is  to  be  found.  There  are  a 
great  number  of  creeks  and  streams  inland,  north,  south,  and  east,  where  are 
frequently  taken  from  thirty  to  fifty  trout  in  a  day's  fishing. 

Berkeley.    See  San  Francisco. 

Atnador  County— 

Amaiior  City.  In  the  Amador  Valley,  jack  snipe,  quail,  ducks  and  other 
game  birds  are  found  in  great  abundance.  Reached  via  the  Sacramento  and  Pla- 
cerville  Railroad  to  Latrobe,  thence  stage. 

Suite  County — 

Durham.  In  the  Sierra  Nevadas,  seven  miles  distant,  bear,  deer,  California 
lion  and  other  large  game  ;  wild  fowl  abundant  in  the  valley  near  the  town  ; 
good  fishing  in  a  branch  of  the  Feather  River.  Reached  via  the  Oregon  Division 
of  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.     Guides  are  necessary  for  the  mountain  hunting. 

Chico.  Bear,  deer,  trout,  salmon,  sturgeon  and  pike.  Readied  via  Central 
Pacific  Railroad,  Oregon  Division.     Board  $i  to  $3  j  teams  J3  to  $to. 

Catia.  Grizzly  bear,  deer,  ducks,  geese,  quad  ;  salmon,  mountain  trout. 
Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific  Railroaa.    Hotel  $1  ;  guide  $1.50 ;  teams  $5. 

Nord.    Deer,  elk,  panther,  California  lion,  grouse,  quail,  ducks,  snipe,  curlew,  ' 
rabbits,  hares  ;   salmon,  sturgeon,  trout,   perch,  white  fish.     Reached   via   the 
Oregon  Division  of  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.     Hunters  must  camp.     Indian 
guides  can  be  procured  at  small  expense.    Hunters  and  stockmen  are  scattered 
through  the  mountains,  and  are  always  hospitable. 

Contra  Costa  County — 

Mariinez.    See  San  Rafael,  Marin  County. 
JFresno  County — 

Borden.  Bear,  deer,  antelope,  quail,  geese,  ducks,  swans,  cranes -mountain 
and  salmon  trout,  salmon  and  white  perch.  Reached  via  the  Visalia  Division  of 
the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  All  along  the  line  of  this  road,  the  sportsman  will 
find  plenty  of  ducks  and  geese.  Board  $1.50;  teams  $2.50  to  $3.  For  hunting 
in  the  mountains,  guides  are  necessary,  and  can  be  secured  for  $35  per  month, 
and  found.   The  San  Joaquin,  Fresno  and  King's  rivers,  are  good  fishing  streams. 

Berendo.    Antelopes,  liares,  rabbits,  sand  hill  cranes,  ducks,  geese  ;  trout  and 


12  CAME  AXD  flSU  RESORTS. 

•almon  trout  in  the  Snn  Joaiiiiin  River.     For  route,  sec  Borden.    Ilonnt  li.Ko  to 
I2,  5;  per  vvecli.     (^uiiipiii)^  nctc-ssary  (or  successful  sport.    Tlic  couutry  prairie. 

Jlninholilt  County— 

Tin-  lln>nl>oliH  Hny  Country  comprises  nil  of  Humboldt,  and  parts  of  Klamath, 
Trinity  niul  Mendocino  ('ountics.  The  bav  is  twenty  nules  lonjj,  and  from  one  to 
one  and  a  lialt  tniles  wide.  At  its  head  is  .\r(  ata  ;  halt  way  down  Kurcka,  and 
three  Hiilc  liirtliLr  soutli,  Hu(l<sporl  and  Ki»rt  iiuinlxildt. 

Tlic  game  includes  rhc  Kri//.ly,  cinnotnoti  and  black  bear,  ("alifornia  lion,  pan- 
ther, lynx,  coujiar,  wild-cat,  elk.  (leer,  red,  black, ^rey,  and  prairie  wolves,  foxes, 
raccoon,  opossum,  porcupine,  rabbit,  jack  rabbit,  otter,  sea  otter,  seal,  sea  lion  ; 
Bwans,  (.anada,  Ilutciiins  and  brant  jieese,  ei^htv  varieties  of  ducks,  wild  pijjcon, 
plover,  curlew,  willct,  many  varieties  of  bay  snipe,  Wilson  snipe,  woodcock, 
mountain  quail,  C'alitornia  (|u:iil,  rulled.  pinnated,  pintail,  and  Canada  grouse, 
ptarmifjan,  and  a  host  of  sinnll  birds  of  all  varieties  and  kinds  ;  salmon,  trout, 
mullet,  bass,  rork  cod,  flounder,  riunfish,  cattish  and  dozens  of  other  kinds. 

Humboldt  iiay  is  reached  via  the  Pacific  Coast  line  of  steamers  from  San 
Francisco,  or  via  rail  and  stajje. 

Cam/>  jitgita.  Salmon  trout  fishinp,  excellent  huntinp.  The  pame  includes 
elk,  deer,  bears  and  ('alifornia  lions,  with  great  numbers  of  quail  and  grouse. 
Reached  by  hired  conveyance  from  Ilumboldt  Hay. 

Xern  County- 
Delano.  Deer  are  found  among  all  the  mountains  of  the  county.  Antelope,  a 
few  elk  ;  quail  along  the  foot-hills,  hares,  rabbits,  geese,  ducks  in  great  variety, 
and  swans.  Reached  via  the  Southern  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  $27  to  $35  per 
month.  The  hunting  grounds  are  near  Kern  River,  Pasa  Creek,  and  Tulare 
Lake,  ten  miles  distant,  where  camping  is  necessary. 

Caliente.  Deer,  wild  hogs,  quail.  Reached  via  the  Southern  Pacific  Rail- 
road, board  $2  ;  teams  $3  to  ^5-  Caliente  is  among  the  foot-hills  of  the 
mountains. 

Jjulte  County — 

Lakeport.  Rabbits  and  quail  are  abundant  in  the  hills  west  of  Lakeport.  For 
route  see  Glenbrook. 

Adam's  Springs.  Deer,  quail,  rabbits,  squirrels  :  with  mountain  trout  abun- 
dant in  a  pond  one  mile  from  town.  For  route  sec  Glenbrook.  Hotel  $a,  $10  i>er 
week  ;  saddle  horses  $2,  teams  $5  to  $8.  Eight  miles  north  is  Clear  Lake,  with 
boats,  etc. 

Glenbrook,  Hear,  deer,  quail,  grouse,  ducks,  geese,  trout.  Reached  via  the 
California  Pacific  Railway  to  Calistoga,  theuce  stage  thirty  miles.    Board  %%. 

JLlatnath  County — 

See   Humboldt  County. 

TAe  Valley  of  the  Klamath  River.    See  Berry  vale,  Siskiyou  County, 
Xo»  Angeles  County— 

In  this  county  and  those  adjacent  to  it  are  many  varieties  of  gime. 

In  the  foot-hills  and  lower  lands,  quail,  rabbits,  hares,  wild  pigeons,  doves, 
and  bastard  snipe,  black-tail  deer,  antelope,  coyotes,  wild-cats,  mountain  lions, 
coons,  foxes,  badgers,  many  ground  grey  squirrels,  and  a  few  tree  scjuirrels.  On 
the  marshes  and  lagunas  are  wild  fowl,  swans,  grey,  white,  and  a  blackish-col- 
ored goose,  inallarcls  and  canvas-backs,  red  heads,  grey  ducks,  blue-bills,  sprig- 
tails,  long-tails,  widgeons,  three  kinds  of  teal,  blue-wing,  cinnamon,  and  green 
wing,  cAu/latioscs,  gadwells,  spoon-bills,  ice  ducks,  and  several  other  varieties. 
There  are  also  brant,  and  on  the  coast  many  sea  fowl.  In  the  mountains  are  deer, 
California  lions,  cats,  black,  cinnamon,  and  grizzly  bears,  big  horn  sheep,  goats, 
grey  squirrels,  pigeons,  mountain  quails,  and  rabbits.  Elk  are  occasionally  seen. 

Anaheim.  Deer,  rabbits,  hares,  quail,  geese  and  ducks.  An  occasional 
grizzly  bear  is  shot  within  thirty  or  forty  miles.  Reached  by  branch  of  the 
Southern  Pacific  Railroad.    Board  $3  to  $2.50. 

Compton.  Geese,  ducks,  snipe,  rabbits,  hares  ;  rock  fish,  smelt,  barracontas, 
etc.    Reached  via  Southern  Pacific  Railroad.    Hotel  $2,  $40  per  month. 

Mont*.    Quail,  hares  and  rabbits  in  the  valley  ;  (food  trout  fishing  in  San 


GAME  AND  FfSH  RESURTH.  1 3 

(Jabriel  Caflon,  ten  miles  ilistaiit,  iind  ten  niilfs  beyond  excellent  snort  may  be 
hail  witii  bfar,  ilecr,  un<l  mountain  sheep,  licached  via  the  Southern  Pacific 
Railroad.     Hotel  16  per  vveolt.     I'Or  successful  spoil,  i  ampins  is  preleral)le. 

Pomona.  Ral)l>its,  (|uail,  ducks  and  k^c^^  *-ii  tlie  plains,  deer,  rabbits  and 
quail  anioni;  the  toot-iiills,  and  in  the  mountains  K>i''lv  bears,  (  alilornia  lions. 
mountain  shee]),  wild-cats,  etc.  Tlie  mountain  streams  abound  in  trout,  keacheii 
via  the  Southern  I'acihc  Railroad.  Hoard  $i  to  $a  \  teams  $4  tu  $6.  Provide 
camping  outlit. 

Santa  Monica,  ^uail  in  the  canons,  sni|ic  and  curlew  in  the  lagoons  and 
aloufj  the  beach.  Deer  are  abundant  among  the  mountains.  Railroad  connec- 
tion with  Los  An)reles. 

y/ri'  San  Cabriel  Narroxvsy  reached  by  rail  from  San  Francisco  to  Los  An- 
geles, and  thence  by  wa^jon  or  saddle  horse,  is  a  startinj^  point  lor  those  who  go 
to  hunt  in  the  liig  Pine  Muuittains,  which  abound  in  game  uf  all  kinds. 

Marin  County — 

Junction.  Hears,  deer,  quail,  ducks,  snipe  ;  brook  trout  and  salmon.  Reached 
via  the  North  Pacific  Coast  Railroad,  seventeen  miles  from  San  l'"rancisco. 

Nicasio.  Cinnamon  bear,  deer,  California  li«n,  wild-cat,  coon,  fox,  S(iuirrel, 
badger,  hare,  rabbit,  quail,  snipe,  wild  coose,  duck,  brant ;  mountain  and  salmon 
trout,  salmon.  Reached  via  the  North  Pacihc  Coast  Railroad,  twenty-four  miles 
from  San  l»"rancisco.    The  cotnitry  mountainous. 

Sancclito.  Hears,  deer,  rabbits,  quail,  ducks:  salmon.  Six  miles  from  San 
Francisco,  via  the  North  Pacihc  (^oast  Railroad.  Hoard  $7-15  per  week.  Guides, 
boats,  etc.,  to  be  obtained.     Hilly  and  mountainous  country. 

San  Rcifael.  Take  steamer  from  San  Francisco  to  San  Rafael,  and  thence  a 
two  or  three-mile  drive  to  the  grounds.  Aft»;r  the  rains  set  in,  Suisun  Hay,  near 
Martinez,  affords  capital  hunting  grounds  :  also  tlie  neighburhooil  of  Milbrac,  on 
the  S.  P.  R.  R.  and,  in  fact,  all  along  the  Hay  of  San  Francisco  good  duck-shooi- 
ing  can  be  had.  There  are  plenty  of  ducks  about  Suisun  Hay,  Solano  County, 
but  most  of  them  are  on  the  inshore  lakes,  and  difficult  to  i^ei  at.  The  ducks  are 
principally  teal,  which  resort  to  the  creek  below  San  Rafael  in  thousands  to  feed 
at  low  tide  upon  the  shrimps  and  soft  crabs  left  on  the  flats.  Milbrae  has  a  good 
hotel. 

Mendocino  County- 
Anderson.  Hears,  deer,  ipiail,  geese,  ducks;  salmon,  trout,  sturgeon,  bass, 
pcr<  h.  Reached  via  San  Francisco  and  Northern  I'acihc  Railroad,  01  steamer, 
to  Cloverdale,  thence  stage  or  hired  conveyance.  Hoard  $1  ;  guides  $3  ;  teams  $4. 
North  Forks  of  tlie  Navarro  River.  Ueer  and  small  game,  with  good  trout 
fishing.  Reached  as  above  to  Cloverdale,  thence  stage  to  the  North  Fork  House, 
where  comfortable  accommodations  will  be  found,  $3.  The  hunting  ground  is 
very  mouiitainous  and  heavily  woodeil. 

Noyo.  Hears,  deer,  an  occasional  panther,  quail,  ducks,  cormorants,  divers, 
salmon.  Route  as  above  to  Cloverdale,  thence  a  stage  ride  of  two  days.  The 
Noyo  House,  John  Byrnes,  $3,  boats  free  to  guests,  ihe  wood-cutters  will  act 
as  guides. 

Merced  County — 

Merced.  In  the  San  Joaquin  Valley,  antelope,  ducks,  geese  and  snipe ; 
towards  the  Yosemite  Valley,  bears,  deer,  quail,  grouse.  Trout,  salmon,  perch 
and  pike  are  found  in  the  mountain  streams  and  in  the  Merced  and  San  Joaejuin 
Rivers.  Reached  via  tlie  Central  Pacihc  Railroad.  Hotels  $2  to  $3  ;  guides 
$2,  double  team  and  driver  $16,  four  horse  team  with  driver  $25. 

/'iai'is/'crtr.  Antelope,  ducks,  geese,  ((uail,  hares,  rabbits.  Reached  via  the 
Visalia  Division  of  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Hoard  $1  to  $1.50  ;  teams  $4.  For 
good  sport  camp  out.     Prairie  country. 

Mono  County — 

Bridgeport.  Deer,  quail,  swans,  wild  geese,  and  ducks  of  all  varieties. 
Reached  via  the  California  Pacific  Railroad.     Hotel  $3  j  boats  $1. 

Napa  County — 

Calistoga.  Hear,  deer,  quail,  brook  and  salmon  trout.  Reached  via  the  Cali- 
fornia Pacific  Railroad,  Hoard  $6  per  week:  teams  $6:  boats,  etc.,  to  be 
obtained. 


M 


CAA/E  AXD  FISH  RESORTS. 


Napa  City.  Deer,  wild  hop,  (Hiail,  snipe,  dutksnn<l  other  wild  fowl.  Reached 
RH  uliovc.  Iliitol  $j  ;  tcitinsls  to  |8.  The  cuuiitry  is  hilly  and  mountainous  with 
excellent  grounds  lor  canipinK- 

Si.  Ildthi.  Ulatk,  brown  and  Rri/zly  'cars  in  the  mountains.  Deer  and 
quail  are  very  al)undanl,  and  liiere  arc  a  few  grouse.  Reached  as  above.  Motel 
$2,  private  board  $6  to  f  lo  per  weel<. 

Vountvilte.  Ueer,  a  tew  bears,  quail  and  rabbits  abundant,  and  good  trouting 
In  all  the  streams.    Route  as  above. 

Jievada  Counti/-~ 

Indchendence  Lake  is  well  known  among  sportsmen  as  an  excellent  game  cen- 
tre. Hlack,  cinnamon  and  grizzly  bcurs,  deer,  and  (lalitornia  lions  constitute  the 
large  game,  while  of  binls  tlicre  are  great  numbers  of  grouse,  mountain  (juail, 
ducks  and  geese.  The  trapper  will  here  find  lynx,  wild-cat,  lishcr,  otter,  maiten, 
mink,  and  red  cross,  silver  grey  and  black  foxes.  The  brooks  arc  filled  vvitli 
trout,  and  in  the  lake  the  lake  trout  weigh  from  eight  ounces  to  a  pound.  Reached 
via  stage  from  Truckee,  faro  $2.  The  independence  Lake  House,  J.  A.  Rhodes, 
pro|>rietor,  turnishes  good  accommodation  ut  $  { ;  boats  and  tackle  free  to 
guests. 

Bronco.  Hear,  deer,  mink,  otter,  wild-cat ;  good  trouting.  Reached  via  the 
Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Hoard  .$1  ;  guides  $3.  Camping  necessary.  The 
country  is  mountainous,  and  heavily  limbered. 

lioca.  Deer  in  the  hills  six  miles  distant,  jack  rabbits,  quail,  grouse,  ducks  ; 
trout  and  other  fish  in  Truckee  and  Little  Truckee  Rivers.  Independence  Lake  is 
fourteen  miles  distant.  Reached  via  the  ('entnil  I'acitic  Railroad.  Koard  $7.50 
per  week  ;  teams  $8  per  day.    This  country  is  mountainous,  with  pine  timber. 

Truckee.  Hear,  deer,  (juail,  grouse,  geese,  ducks  ;  trout,  white  fish.  Reached 
via  Central  Pacific  Railway.  Hoard  $3  to  $5,  guides  $3,  boats  with  boatmen  $5, 
teams  $5  to  $10.  Truckee  is  on  the  river  of  the  same  name.  Donner  Creek,  one 
nnd  one-half  miles  distant,  Donner  Lake  three  miles.  Lake  Tahoe  fifteen  miles, 
AVebber  Lake  twenty-one  miles.  Independence  Lake  twelve  miles.  See  Reno, 
Nevada.    Country  hilly  and  mountainous. 

Prosser  Creek.  Grizzly  an<l  cinnamon  bears,  deer,  groi^ge,  mountain  quail ; 
speckled  and  salmon  trout.    Hotel  $3.    Mountainous  country. 

flacer  County— 

Lake  Tahoe,  famous  for  its  trout  fishing,  is  reached  via  the  Central  Pacific 
Railroad  to  Summit  or  Truckee,  thence  stage  to  Talioe,  on  the  lake.  I'rom  Tahoe, 
an  excursion  steamer  makes  the  circuit  of  the  lake.  There  are  several  good  ho- 
tels, with  guides,  boats,  etc.,  always  to  be  had. 

New  Castle.  Deer,  quail,  rabbit,  squirrel,  fox  and  wild-cat.  Reached  via 
Central  Pacific  Railroad,     board  $1,  $6  per  week;  teams  $8.    Hilly  country. 

Emigrant  Gap.  Deer,  cinnamon  bear,  grouse,  quail  ;  trout  and  white  fish  in 
American  and  Be  11  Rivers,  and  Crystal  Lake.  Reached  via  Central  Pacific 
Railroad.  Hotel  $i  to  $1,50.  Teams  can  be  procured  in  summer.  Mountainous 
country. 

Cisco.  Bear,  deer,  fox,  grouse,  quail.  Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific  Rail- 
road.   Hilly  and  mountainous  country. 

2*lutna8  County — 

Summit.  Bear,  deer,  mmmtain  sheep,  grouse,  quail ;  several  varieties  of 
trout.  Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Hoard  $3.  Saddle  horses, 
guides,  etc.,  can  be  procured.    The  country  is  very  mountainous. 

Sacramento  County- 
Sacramento.  There  is  excellent  wild  fowl  shooting  along  the  river.  Twenty 
miles  below  the  city,  a  tide  slough  that  heads  up  in  the  plains  is  the  resort  of 
preat  flights  of  ducks  and  geese.  There  are  many  varieties  of  the  former,  includ- 
ing grey,  speckled  breasts,  mallards,  sprigs,  widgeons,  teal,  and  others.  Ducks 
arc  also  very  abundant  on  the  Marysviile  road,  a  short  distance  from  the  city. 

San  Bernardino  County — 

Colton.  Grizzly  and  cinnamon  bears  in  the  mountains,  deer  on  the  foot-hills, 
quail,  jack  rabbits  and  hares  in  the  valley.  Reached  via  the  Southern  Pacific 
Railroad.    Hotel  $3.    F'or  large  game  camping  is  desirable. 


CAMJC  AXD  FISH  RESORTS.  1$ 

Bnn  Vrnnfinrn  Cniitiff/-- 

l.ak-f  Mi-tii-ii ^  live  milos  from  Snn  Krnncisco,  Is  stocked  with  salmon  niul  trout. 


^ 


Owncfl  by  11  piivute  »liil>,  witli   tme  aiconinnxlations    (or  nicinljcrs  and   tlicir 

f;iifsts.  A  plL-asiint  ilrlvi?  Iroin  the  city.  I'licre  arc  no  other  tish  in  the  lak<;  but 
inllhcads  and  stickle  backs,  witii  |icrhaps  a  tew  other  sorts  ot  small  lish.  There 
is  on  the  shore  ot  the  luku  a  hotel  the  Ocean  \'ie\v  House— and  at  the  head  ol' 
the  lake  ii  small  tavern,  kept  by  llaskitis,  where  l)oats  can  be  obtained.  iS'eur 
the  ocean,  and  but  a  short  tlistame  Irom  the  lake,  is  the  (Jcean  Side  I  louse,  lour 
miles  (rom  the  famous  Seal  Kock^  ami  (lill  Mouse,  and  seven  miles  Irom  the  city. 

San  Friini  iuo.  There  are  (|uail,  bla(  k-tail  deer,  jaik  snipe,  rabbits  and  hares 
all  about  San  I'rancisco.  The  favorite  ^'rounds  ol  sportsmen  are  the  ^jreat  valleys 
ot  the  San  Jou(|uin  and  Sacranu'Mto.  The  Stale  can  produce  no  better  duckin}»- 
cround  than  the  San  Joacpiin  \  alley,  and  ^eese  arc  nowhere  more  abundant. 
Snipe  and  the  smaller  a<piatic  foul  are  also  |ilentiful.  The  Sacramento,  almosit 
e(|ually  accessible,  is  unsurjiassed.  The  sportsman  tukiiiK  the  lour  o'clock  steam- 
boat, hnds  himself  at  supper  lime  passing  Kio  N'ista.  lie  may  debark  anywhere 
alonfr  here  on  the  Solano  shore,  unpack  his  things  and  beuin  shootint;  on  excellent 
grounds  for  water  fowl.  (!ollinsville  and  Hridj;eiiort  lie  will  find  convenient 
stonpinR  places,  with  bonis  aiul  n'''''i''<  "'  '»  moderate  hire,  (ioinjj;  further  he 
will  find  unsurpassed  shootin;;  on  the  islands  in  the  Sacramento.  Or,  if  u'lother 
route  is  preferred,  let  him  take  the  cars  to  the  SanJoa<juin  Uridjje— if  he  can 
school  himself  to  pass  the  ureat  I.ivcrniorc  snipe  urounds.  lie  will  there  find 
boats  at  his  service,  and  scow  or  flat  boat  hotels,  imiintained  by  experienced  river 
((uimers,  who  will  feast  him  with  the  best  of  sportsman's  cheer,  and  lake  him  to 
the  cream  of  the  shootii'i;  uroumls.  The  Sant:i  Clara  \'alley  also  swarms  with 
wild  fowl,  and  there  are  excellent  sporting  lields  near  Salinas.  There  is  also  an 
abundance  of  the  binls  on  the  San  Mateo  marshes,  which  may  be  reached  in  an 
h(jur  from  this  city  by  car  or  i.iil.  The  hills  back  of  Merkeley,  in  or  about  Wild 
Cat  ('reek,  afford  many  rabbits  and  (piail.     Ueer  are  fre(iuently  met. 

There  are  other  resorts  not  as  jjood  which  sometimes  afford  those  who  must  be 
contented  with  a  few  hours'  shootinfj,  a  little  fun,  such  as  Sancilito,  around  the 
ClilT  House,  Alms  House,  Seven-mile  House,  or  San  Hruno  road  ;  an  occasional 
hare  may  be  shot  in  such  places,  and  sometimes  some  jack  snipe  at  San  Kruno. 

The  Alameda  Marshes  uive  ^ood  duck  shooting  from  blinds,  with  decoys,  but 
the  birds  are  very  w  ild.  '1  he  ilucks  most  abundant  there  are  widgeon,  spoon  bill, 
and  teal,  some  (juail,  curlew  and  jack  snipe  may  occasionally  be  found.  The 
lishinj^  in  the  bay  is  for  salmon,  erdse  and  tom  cod.  The  Oakland  long  wharf, 
o|)posite  the  city,  is  the  favorite  jilace  for  anglers.  There  are  many  resorts  within 
a  short  distance  of  the  city,  easily  accessible  by  the  different  railroad  lines.  The 
Southern  I'acitie  Railroad  will  take  the  anglers  to  Lakes  Pilercitos  and  San  An- 
dreas, controlled  by  the  Sjiortsman's  Clid)  of  California.  San  Hruno  is  the  station, 
and  the  tare  is  fifty  cents  A  vehicle  w  ill  convey  persons  to  the  fishing  grounds. 
To  fish  here  it  is  nece  '; -ry  first  to  become  a  member  of  the  Sportsman's  ("liib 
(initiation  fee,  $20;  i  acs,  $3  i)er  (piarter).  There  are  club  houses  at  both  of  iliese 
lakes.  All  other  information  may  be  obtained  from  Mr.  William  Stuart,  the 
Secretary,  at  No.  113  T.cidesdorfl  street.  Pilercitos,  one  of  the  Spring  Valley 
Water  Company's  reservoirs,  is  now  well  filled  w  itii  fair-sized  trout,  and  San 
Andreas,  chiefly  with  silver  salmon  of  generally  moderate  size. 

The  Pilercitos  trout  are  very  gamey  :  the  meat  is  of  a  rich,  red  color,  and  thej' 
are  in  every  respect  an  excellent  table  fish.     The  angler  who  is  not  a  member  of 
the  Sportsman's  Club  may  go  on  to  San  Mateo  (ji  miles,  ninety  cents).    Near  the 
leSanMa 


town  he  will  strike  the  San  Nlateo  Creek,  in  which  is  good  trout  fishing.  Should  he 
wish  to  extend  his  journey  to  the  coast  he  may  proceed  by  stage  from  San  Mateo 
to  Spanishtown,  where  will  be  found  two  or  three  pretty  good  trout  streams,  and 


wish  to  extend  his  journey  to  the  coast  he  may  proceed  by  stage  from  San  Mateo 
to  Spanishtown,  where  will  be  found  two  or  three  pretty  good  trout  streams,  and 
beyond  there  down  the  shores  of  the  ocean  are  Punssima,  San  (jregorio,  Lobetis, 


Pescadcro,  Hutano,  Sec*',  and  other  creeks,  in  each  of  which  tolerably  good  and 
sometimes  excellent  sp  may  be  had.  although  the  Hsh  are  mostly  not  of  much 
size.     Between  San  >'  and  Santa  Clara  there  are  several  small  streams,  which 

can  be  reached  on  a  S.  arday,  and  where  fishing  may  be  enjoyed  from  that  day  to 
Monday  morning.  The  nanics  of  these  creeks  are  the  Adobe,  San  Francisquita, 
Stevens,  and  Congress  Hall.  From  Santa  Clara,  stages  connect  for  Saratoga  in 
Santa  Cruz  County,  from  which  jioint  may  be  reached  the  head-waters  of  the  San 
Lorenzo,  once  a  capital  trout  stream,  and  affording  fair  sport  now.  There  is  good 
fishing  in  the  Guadaloupe,  Coyote,  and  Los  Gatos  Creek,  all  of  which  may  be 
reached  via  Santa  Clara. 

On  the  San  Francisco  and  North  Pacific  Railroad,  good  fishing  may  be  had  in 


i6 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Santa  Rosa  Creek.  A  branch  of  this  road  runs  from  Fulton  to  Guerneville,  a  dis- 
tance of  fifteen  miles.  At  the  latter  ulace  may  be  found  some  of  the  hnest  trout 
fishing  in  the  State.  Squaw  Creek,  ni»rth  of  Cloverdalc,  and  Sulpiiur  Creek,  near 
Cloverdale,  are  very  attractive  trout  streams.  For  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  beau- 
ties of  nature,  the  aroma  of  the  redwoods  and  a  genuine  least  of  trout  fishing, 
these  latter  streams,  including  those  on  the  headwaters  of  tlie  Walhalla,  Big  River, 
Navarro  River,  Dry  Creek,  Russian  River,  and  Little  Dry  Creek,  in  Sonoma 
County,  will  recjuire  a  vacation  of  a  week  or  two.  The  San  Francisco  and  North 
Pacific  Railroad  Company  will  make  special  rates  with  camping  parties,  desirous 
of  stopping  over  at  any  of  the  stations  on  their  line.  The  rates  of  fare  and  the  dis- 
tance ol  some  of  the  prominent  places  are  : 

Distance  Miles,               Single  Trip.  Excursion. 

Petaluma 42  |i  50  $200 

Santa  Rosa 57  2  00  3  00 

Fulton 61  3  25  3  50 

Mark  West 63  3  50  3  7S 

Healdsburg 72  300  400 

Littons ^b}i  3  25  4  50 

Guernville 77  375  S  00 

Cloverdalc 60  435  550 

The  excursion  tickets  are  only  good  from  Saturday  to  Monday. 

The  North  Pacific  Railroad  from  San  Quentin  to  Moscow,  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Russian  River,  runs  through  a  magniHcent  region  of  country,  which  is  watered 
by  innumerable  streams,  in  which  the  hnny  tribe  abounds.  The  *'  Lagunitas,"  or 
"San  Geronimo,"  Creek,  is  the  first  trouting  stream  north  of  the  city,  of  any 
magnitude,  in  which  the  public  are  allowed  to  fish,  and  here  only  on  payment  of 
a  moderate  sporting  fee.  The  head-waters  can  be  reached  by  way  of  San  Rafael, 
on  horseback,  or  even  by  buggy,  if  a  strong  one.  The  best  way  of  entering  the 
canon,  however,  for  a  man  wlio  is  willing  to  walk  five  or  six  miles,  is  by  way  of 
Fairfax,  just  beyond  San  Rafael.  The  scenery  is  superb  and  the  fishing  fair.  If 
one  wishes  a  tramp  of  a  dozen  miles  or  so,  let  him  make  the  passage  of  Lagunitas, 
from  its  source,  just  back  of  Mount  Tamalpais,  to  its  confluence  with  White  Creek, 
and  here  he  can  take  the  cars  of  the  North  Pacific  Coast  Railroad  for  the  city  ; 
but  he  should  not  attempt  the  passage  alone,  and  must  be  prepared  to  camp  over 
night  part  way  down  the  canon.  The  way  is  very  rough,  and  one  must  stick  close 
to  the  bed  of  the  Creek. 

From  the  point  where  it  strikes  Paper  Mill  Creek  (which  is  formed  by  the  unit- 
ing of  the  Lagunitas  and  White  Creeks),  the  railroad  follows  the  canon  many 
miles.  A  short  distance  below  the  paper  mill,  at  Taylorsville,  from  which  the 
creek  takes  its  name,  is  a  dam.  In  this  vicinity  sportsmen  are  not  allowed  to  fish, 
the  ground  being  reserved  for  private  use  ;  but  below  the  mill  property  ttie 
Stream  is,  we  believe,  public  fishing  ground.    The  cars,  following  the  canon,  will 

Eut  you  down  or  take  you  up  at  any  point,  on  request.  At  Olema,  several  miles 
elow,  the  creek  flows  into  Tomalea  Bay  ;  and  here,  in  the  months  of  February 
and  March,  extending  at  times  into  April,  great  sport  is  had  in  taking  salmon- 
trout  with  shrimp  bait.  Olema,  possessing  a  good  country  hotel  and  livery  stable, 
with  three  small  but  well-stocked  trout  streams  (one  close  by  and  two  in  the  dis- 
tance of  a  few  miles)  offers  special  advantages  to  fishermen  from  the  city  who  wish 
to  make  the  shortest  possible  trouting  excursions.  Leaving  the  city  at  about 
midday,  you  may  reach  Olema  in  time  to  get  the  evening's  fishing,  and  return  the 
next  day,  after  a  morning's  sport.  A  full  day  or  a  week  even,  for  that  matter, 
can  be  pleasantly  spent  here  and  in  the  vicinity.  Fare  to  Olema  and  return, 
$3-50. 

From  Olema  to  Bolinas,  a  distance  of  twelve  miles,  runs  one  of  the  finest  wag- 
on roads  in  the  cuuniry.     You  can  go  by  livery  team  or  stage  from  Olema. 

At  Bolinas  are  two  hotels,  and  in  the  vicinity  two  trout  brooks.  Here  also  are 
two  ponds  for  artihcial  propagation,  where  the  fishing  is  moderate.  Bolinas  can 
also  be  reached  via  Saucelito,  by  stage.     Fare  to  Bolinas  and  return,  $1.75. 

On  the  line  of  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad,  by  an  experienced  angler,  some 
trout  may  be  whipj^ed  out  of  Alameda  Creek  early  in  the  sea  on.  At  San  Lean- 
dro,  a  short  distance  above  the  water-works,  the  sport  may  be  enjoyed,  also  near 
Hayward's,  in  Palmyrus  Creek,  and  in  Stony  Brook,  near  Niles.  These  streams 
are  all  within  a  few  hours  journey  of  this  city 

Those  who  feel  disposed  to  engage  in  the  inTigorating  exercise  of  a  good  tramp 


GAME   AA'D  fISII  RESORTS.  1/ 

before  they  cast  their  lines,  shoukl  go  over  to  Rerkeley,  and,  taking  the  San 
Pablo  roud,  walk  over  the  hills  to  Wild-cat  Creek,  tive  miles  from  the  University. 
They  will  lin<l  some  excellent  sport  here.  Two  miles  beyond  this  stream  they 
will  strike  the  San  I'ablo  Creek.     In  both  they  will  be  rewarded  by  good  catches. 

Sun  Joaquin  County — 

StocJiton.  Ducks,  geese,  snipe,  quail  ;  salmon,  salmon  trout,  perch.  Reached 
via  Central  Pacihc  Railroad.  Hoard  $3.50  ;  saddle-horses  and  teams  $1.50  to  $10. 
Country  prairie  and  marsh  land. 

Loiii.  Hare,  quail  and  snipe  in  the  immediate  vicinity.  Six  miles  down  the 
Mokelumne  River,  among  the  tules,  geese,  ducks  and  cranes  are  abundant. 
Reached  via  the  Central  Pacihc  Railroad.  Hotel  $2  ;  guides  and  boat  $3.50  to  $4  ; 
teams  $3  to  $4.    Prairie  country,  interspread  with  oak  timber. 

Bantu.  Deer,  wild  hogs,  grouse,  (juail,  and  all  kinds  of  wild  fowl  shooting  at 
the  San  Joaquin,  Old  and  Mid<ile  Rivers,  Shag  Lake  and  Tom  Paine  Slough. 
Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  #2  ;  guides  $j  to  $3  ;  teams  $5  to 
$10.     L(jw  and  level  country. 

Lathr(>/>.  Geese,  ducks,  quail,  hares,  rabbits,  and  excellent  fishing  in  the  San 
Joaquin  River.  Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  §3  ;  teams  $5 
to  $10.     Best  sporting  grounds  three  miles  distant.     Prairie  country. 

Ellis.  Bear,  deer,  quail,  woodcock,  all  varieties  of  geese  and  ducks  ;  salmon 
trout.  A  station  on  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotels  $2  to  $2.50  ;  guides  $3  ; 
teams  %i.    Camping  necessary.     Country  mountains  and  plains. 

San  Luis  OhLtpo  Countj/ — 

/\iso  Ro/iles.  Game  in  wildest  variety.  Reached  via  Southern  Pacific  Rail- 
road to  Soledod,  thence  stage.     Hotel  accommodations. 

San  Mateo  County — 

Pfscath-ro.  Excellent  salmon  and  grilse  fishing.  Wild  ducks  are  here  in  great 
numbers,  but  the  absence  of  covert  renders  successful  shooting  extremely  ditncult. 
Reached  from  San  Francisco  via  Southern  Pacific  Railroad,  twenty-eight  miles  to 
Redwood  city,  thence  stage  thirty-two  miles.  There  are  good  hotels,  with  boats, 
etc.,  always  at  hand. 

Millbrae.    See  San  Rafael,  Marin  County. 

Santa  Clara  County— 

San  Jose.  Bears,  deer,  California  lions,  hares,  rabbits,  ducks,  peese,  snipe, 
quail  ;  trout.  Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific,  or  the  Sotithern  Pacific  Railroad. 
Hotel  $1  to  $4.  Mustangs  for  hunting  expeditions,  can  be  bought  cheap.  The 
country  is  hilly  and  mountainous. 

Santa  Cruz  County— 

Santa  Cruz.  P'ine  sea  iishing.  Reached  from  San  Francisco,  via  stage  or 
steamer.  The  hotel  accommodations  are  excellent.  In  the  Santa  Cruz  moun- 
tains which  are  crossed  by  the  stage  route,  are  many  fine  salmon  trout  streams, 
with  bear  and  small  game  in  abundance.  Good  hotel  accommodations,  and  guides 
will  be  found. 

Shasta  County — 

'J'he  McCloud  River  U.  S.  Fishery.  The  McCloud  river  is  famed  for  its  sal- 
mon and  trout  fishing.  Take  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad  Oregon  Division,  to 
Redding,  thence  stage  twenty-two  miles. 

Castle  Rock.  Bears  and  deer;  salmon  trout,  mountain  trout  and  salmon,  all 
in  great  abundance.  Reached  via  Oregon  Division  of  Central  Pacific  to  Redding, 
thence  stage  sixtv-five  miles.     Board  $1.50.    Mountainous  country. 

Cottonwood.  "Bear,  deer,  quail,  geese,  ducks;  salmon,  trout,  white  fish. 
Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  %\.^o\  guides  I2  ;  boats  with 
boatmen  $5. 

Lower  Soda  Springs.  Good  fishing  in  the  Sacramento  and  McCloud  Rivers, 
Castle  Lake,  twelve  milesdistant.  and  salmon  in  some  of  the  spring  pools.  Black 
tail  and  mule  deer  and  mountain  sheep,  are  found  in  summer  on  Mt.  Shasta,  and 
in  winter  at  Sheep  Rock.  Black  and  brown  bears,  with  California  lions  in  the 
mountains.  The  valleys  fifteen  miles  east,  furnish  fine  deer  and  elk  shooting. 
Quail  are  found  in  fair  numbers.  Reached  via  Redding,  as  above.  Board  at 
W.  Bailey's  $1.75,  $8  per  week  ;  Indian  guides  I1.50  to  $2  ;  horse  $1  to  $1.50. 


1 8  GAME  AND  FISH  KESOKTS. 

Southeren' s  Station.  For  game,  route,  etc.,  see  Castle  Rock.  Fifty-four 
miles  from  Redding. 

Allins  Station.  For  game,  route,  etc.,  see  Castle  Rock.  Twenty-two  miles 
from  Redding. 

Hlitlilyou  County— 

Soita  Springs.  Ulack  and  brown  bear,  black-tail,  and  mule  deer,  grouse,  quail; 
brook  and  Dolly  Varden  trout,  salmon  and  white  fisii.  For  route,  see  Castle 
Rock.  Sixty-five  miles  from  Redding.  Hotel  Ji.ys,  $8  per  week  ;  saddle  horses 
$i.jo.  Guides  are  necessary  for  the  hunting  and  fishing  grounds  of  the  McCloud 
and  Sacramento  Rivers,  Soda  Creek  and  Castle  Lake.  Sisson's  is  eight  miles 
ilistant,  where  all  necessary  outfits  and  supplies  will  be  found.  The  country  is 
mountainous,  but  not  rough. 

Coles.  Deer,  black,  brown,  and  grizzly  bears,  panthers,  mountain  quail, 
grouse.  Reached  by  stage  from  Redding,  on  the  Oregon  Division  of  the  Central 
Pacific  Railroad.     Board  $1.50,  $7  per  week.    C/Ountry  mountainous. 

BerryvaiCy  or  Sisson's  Station,  at  the  base  of  Mt.  Shasta.  Black,  brown  and 
cinnamon  bears,  black  tail  and  mule  deer,  mountain  sheep,  antelope,  elk,  jack 
rabbits,  grouse,  sage  hens,  quail ;  salmon  and  three  varieties  of  trout.  The  game 
and  fisli  in  great  abundance.  Reached  via  stage,  seventy-five  miles  from  Red- 
ding, the  terminus  of  the  Oregon  Division  of  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Fare 
$7.50.  J.  H.  Sisson  keeps  a  sportsman's  house,  $1.50,  $10  jier  week.  For  hunting 
expeditions,  he  furnishes  saddle  and  pack  horses,  comj)lete  camping  outfit,  with 
guides  and  cook,  and  furnishes  board.  The  expense  per  man,  is  about  $5  per 
day.  Excursions  are  made  into  the  Klamath  Basin  for  antelope  and  mountain 
sheep,  and  into  Oregon  for  elk.  This  is  also  an  excellent  headquarters  for  fishing 
in  the  McCloud  River. 

Solano  County — 

Dixon.  On  the  Sacramento  River  the  sportsman  will  find  geese,  ducks,  mal- 
lards, pin-tails,  widgeons  and  teal,  bitterns,  cranes,  snipe,  curlew  ;  quail  in  the 
foot-hills ;  fish  abundant  in  Patch  Creek.  Reached  via  the  California  Pacific 
Railroad,  sixty-five  miles  from  San  Francisco,  twenty-one  miles  from  Sacramento. 
Board  $2.  with  boats  tree,  guides  $3,  teams  $5.    The  country  is  level  prairie. 

Fairfn-ld.  Ducks,  geese,  quail,  and  many  varieties  of  wild  fowl ;  trout,  sal- 
mon. Reached  via  the  California  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  $1.50  to  $2,  or  %^  per 
week,  guides  and  boats  $3  to  $5  per  day.    Country  hilly  and  prairie. 

Sonoma  County — 

Healdshttrgh.  Deer,  bears,  panthers,  wild-cats,  foxes,  rabbits,  hares,  quail, 
grouse,  and  ducks  of  all  varieties.  Of  fur-bearinfj  animals,  there  are  beavers, 
pine  martens,  minks,  coons  and  grey  squirrels.  Salmon,  salmon  trout  and  moun- 
tain trout  are  abundant  in  the  rivers  and  small  streams.  Take  the  San  Francisco 
and  North  Pacific  Railroad.  Sylvester  Scott,  who  lives  twenty-five  miles  from 
llealdsburgh,  is  an  old  hunter  and  a  good  guide. 

The  Wachalla^  on  the  coast,  is  a  noted  territory  ♦or  deer  and  bears.  Hunting 
is  done  chiefly  with  dogs,  in  the  hot  dry  season. 

Stanislaus  County — 

Oakdale.  Cinnamon  bear,  quail,  ducks,  gee.se  and  other  wild  fowl ;  salmon 
and  trout.  Reached  via  Modcsta,  on  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  $1.50  ; 
teams  I5. 

Tehama  County — 

I'ina.  Bears,  deer,  California  lions,  quail,  geese,  ducks,  cranes  and  other 
water-fowl.  Reached  via  the  Oregon  Division  of  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad. 
Board  $4  to  $5  per  week  ;  teams  $4  ;  guides  at  reasonable  rates.  For  the  best 
sport,  camping  is  necessary. 

Tulare  County — 

Cross  Creek.  Bear,  deer,  antelope,  grouse,  ojuail,  ducks  and  geese  -salmon, 
trout,  and  other  fish.  Reached  via  Visalia  Division  of  Central  Pacific  Railroad. 
Hotel  $1  50;  guides  $3  to  #5,  with  boats  J5  ;  teams  ^3  to  $5.  For  good  sport, 
camp  out.    Country  prairie  and  mountains. 


AND   FISH  KE SORTS.  I9 

Tulare.  Splendid  duck  and  goose  shooting  on  Lake  Tulare.  Every  variety 
of  these  birds  known  on  the  coast,  congregate  here.  Reached  as  above.  The 
shooting  is  done  over  decoys,  and  from  boats  concealed  in  the  tule,  a  broad  belt 
of  which  surround  the  lake. 

Ventura  County— 

Quail,  ducks,  and  sand-hill  cranes  in  great  abundance.  Deer  shooting  in  the 
vicinity.    Excellent  salmon  and  trout  lishing  in  Lake  Merced. 

Yolo  County— 

K7tight's  Landing;.  Deer,  ducks,  geese,  rabbits,  beavers  ;  salmon,  sturgeon, 
perch.  Reached  via  the  California  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  $1.50,  teams  $3  to 
^3.50.  Country  prairie,  with  mountains  twenty  miles  east. 

Yuha  County— 

Marysville.  Ducks,  geese,  snipe,  curlew,  quail,  hares,  and  rabbits  in  great 
abundance  ;  salmon,  sturgeon  and  perch  in  Yuba  and  Feather  Rivers,  and  Lake 
Como.  Reached  via  the  Oregon  Division  of  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Board 
at  hotel  $2.50  ;  teams  $6.    Rolling  country. 

Wheatland.  Wild  geese,  ducks,  snipe,  quail  and  other  game.  Reached  as 
above.  Hotel  $1.  Wheatland  is  in  the  Sacramento  Valley,  with  the  Sierra  foot- 
hills seven  to  ten  miles  distant. 


COLORADO. 


Colorado  has  an  area  of  104,500  square  miles  with  a  popula- 
tion of  39.864.  The  State  is  traversefl  near  its  centre  by  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  which  chain  forms  the  watershed  of  the  con- 
tinent. The  parks  among  these  mountains  are  famed  for  their 
romantic  scenery,  and  are  taking  tiieir  place  among  the  popular 
summer  resorts  of  the  country.  These  mountains  and  parks 
abound  in  many  varieties  of  large  and  small  game,  and  the  exten- 
sive plains  and  rolling  prairies  which  make  up  the  eastern  and 
western  portions  of  the  State,  are  still  the  feeding  grounds  oi  the 
buffalo,  antelope,  and  innumerable  wild  fowl.  Colorado  is  rap- 
idly developing  her  railroad  facilities  and  access  may  be  had  to 
any  part  of  the  State  where  the  sportsman  will  find  abundant 
employment  for  both  rod  and  gun. 

Arapahoe  County- 
Denver.  There  are  many  inviting  fields  open  to  the  sportsman  about  Denver. 
To  the  west,  accessible  by  rail  and  wagon,  are  the  Rocky  Mountain  Parks, 
abounding  in  many  varieties  of  game.  Sixteen  miles  from  Denver  on  the  South 
Park  Railroad,  at  Morrison  Springs,  (Evergreen  House)  Beach  Creek,  offers 
excellent  trouting.  The  Platte  and  Cachc-la-Poudre,  arc  also  good  fishing 
streams.  Twenty  miles  up  Cherry  Creek,  which  Hows  through  Denver,  will  be 
found  great  numbers  of  pinnated  grouse,  quail,  and  large  jack  rabbits.  Still 
farther  up  this  stream  are  grouse  and  ducks.  Along  the  base  of  the  mountains 
are  deer  and  bears,  and  on  the  plains,  to  the  west,  antelope,  elk  and  buffalo. 
Twenty  miles  south  of  Denver  is  Parker's,  a  favorite  resort  for  shooting  pinnated 
grouse.  Here  the  game  are  found  in  gulches  or  water  courses,  and  when  routed 
out  from  these,  are  shot  on  the  open  prairie.  Wild  geese  and  turkeys  are  found 
In  great  numbers  within  a  short  drive  from  the  town.    Denver  is  reached  via  the 


20  CAME   AA'D   FISH  A'ESOA'TS. 

Union  Pacific  to  Cheyenne,  thence  via  the  Denver  Pacific  Railroad,  or  via  the 
Atchison,  Toncka  and  Santa  Kc  Railroad  to  I'ueblo,  thence  via  the  Denver  and 
Rio  Grande  Road  ;  or  via  the  Kansas  Pacific  Railroad.  There  are  several  good 
hotels,  U  ;  #21  to  $25  per  week. 

JBent  Coiintf/  — 

Kit  Carson.  Larpe  herds  of  antelope  are  found  west  of  this  town.  Reached 
via  the  Kansas  Pacific  Railway. 

Rocky  Ford.  A  j?ood  hunting  ground  for  antelope.  Reached  via  the  Atchison, 
Topeka  and  Santa  I"  e  Railroad.    The  hunting  grounds  arc  high  rolling  prairie. 

Honlder  County— 

Caribou.  Good  hunting,  and  fine  trout  fishing  in  the  mountain  streams. 
Reached  from  Denver  via  tlie  Colorado  Central  Railroad  to  Boulder  City,  thence 
via  good  wagon  road  twenty  miles. 

Clear  Creek  County— 

Georgetown.  Game  abounds  in  all  the  surrounding  country.  The  Chicago 
Lakes  eight  miles  distant,  the  Green  Lakes  and  Grand  River  are  all  well  stocked 
with  trout.  Reached  from  Denver  via  the  Colorado  Central  Railroad  to  Floyd 
Hill,  thence  stage  sixteen  miles.    Fare  from  Denver  $7  ;  round  trip  $11.50., 

Costilla  County — 

San  Louis  Park  and  the  surrounding  country  affords  fine  goose,  duck,  quail, 
mountain  grouse  and  deer  shooting.  Reached  via  Denver  and  Rio  Grande  Rail- 
way, to  Cucharas,  thence  stage. 

JEl  Paso  County — 

Manitou.  In  the  vicinity  are  elk,  bear,  black-tail  and  other  varieties  of  deer, 
bison  and  mountain  sheep.  It  is  one  of  the  best  trout  centres  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  the  season  extending  through  July  and  August.  Manitou  is  five 
miles  from  Colorada  Springs  station,  on  the  Denver  and  Rio  Grande  Railway, 
and  seventy-two  miles  soutTi  of  Denver.  The  narrow-gauge  cars  take  the  trav- 
eler along  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  miles  an  hour,  reaching  Colorado  Sj)rings  at  noon. 
Thence  a  carriage  is  taken  to  the  Springs.  Here  the  Manitou  House,  and  the 
Cliff  House,  and,  two  miles  further  on,  the  Tonic  Siirings  Hotel — all  having  spa- 
cious walks,  croquet  grounds,  drive  ways,  billiard  halls,  barber  shops,  and  min- 
eral baths— offer  abundant  comforts  for  guests.  Charges  $3.50  to  $4.50  per  day. 
Saddle-horses  and  carriages  can  be  obtained  to  visit  all  the  points  of  mterest ; 
also  guides  and  pack  animals  to  the  summit  of  Pike's  Peak,  where  the  Govern- 
ment signal  office  is  located. 

Fremont  County — 

Canon  City,  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles  from  Denver,  is  the  terminus  of  the 
Arkansas  Valley  branch  of  the  Denver  and  Rio  Grande  Railroad,  connecting  with 
tile  main  line  at  Pueblo  ;  distance,  forty-five  miles.  Trout  abound  in  the  moun- 
tain streams,  and  game  is  abundant.    1*  are  from  Denver  $14,  round  trip  $20. 

Gilpin  County — 

Centra/  City.  Grizzly  bears,  buffaloes,  elk,  deer,  antelope,  jack  rabbits, 
ducks,  geese  and  grouse.    Reached  via  the  Colorado  Central  Railroad. 

Rol/ins7'ilie.  hxcellent  trout  fishing.  Reached  via  Boulder  Va'.ley  Railway 
from  Denver  to  Boulder  City,  thence  stage.  Comfortable  hotel,  and  many  good 
camping  points. 

Grand  County- 
Hot  Sulphur  Springs  is  the  objective  point  of  the  Middle  Park  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  In  addition  to  its  charms  for  the  pleasure  seeker,  this  park  offers,  in 
the  variety  and  abundance  of  its  game,  many  attractions  to  tlie  sportsman.  All 
the  game  found  in  North  Park,  (which  see)  is  here  in  equal  quantity,  and  here  as 
there,  camping  affords  the  best  and  most  successful  sport.  Grand  Lake,  twenty- 
five  miles  from  the  Springs,  contains  large  fish,  with  boats,  etc.,  at  hand.  Game 
and  brook  trout  are  found  in  the  country  west  of  Middle  Park,  in  unlimited  num- 
bers.   The  route  to  Hot  Sulphur  Springs  is  to  Denver,  as  above,  thence  via  the 


GAME  AND   FISH  A'ESOKTS.  21 

Colorado  Central  Railroad  to  Central  City,  thence  via  Roliiu-ville  and  the 
Rnllinsvillc  waxon  roiid  over  the  Houldcr  Pass  ;  or  via  Georgetown,  and  daily 
stage  through  the  BeithoL'd  Pass.  Good  hotels  will  be  found  here,  with  guides, 
teams,  etc. 

tTcffet'son  County — 

Morrison.    See  Denver. 

Jjnke  County- 
Twin  Lakes  are  beyond  South  Park,  in  the  Arkansas  range  of  mountains,  and 
are  becoming  a  favorite  i)lace  of  resort  for  fishing,  hunting  and  boatinp.  They 
can  be  easily  reached  from  Colorado  Springs— although  mountainous  all  the  way 
—by  carrialje,  ambulance  or  stage.  The  Takes  are  upon  the  Lake  I-'ork  of  the 
Arkansas  River,  one  of  the  largest  of  its  tributaries,  which  flows  eastward  from 
the  summit  of  the  lofty  Saguache  Range.  This  place  is  a  great  summer  resort 
for  the  Denver  people,  who  go  with  tents  and  all  the  conveniences  for  out-door 
life. 

At  the  Twin  I  ^es  the  fishing  is  tolerably  good,  but  the  fish  are  small.  Should 
a  party  fit  out  witn  a  pack  team  when  at  the  Twin  I.akes.  and  follow  the  Arkansas 
River  to  its  head  t  Tennessee  Pass,  and  then  strike  the  head  waters  ot  Eagle 
River,  and  follow  ii  down  until  nearly  opposite  the  mountain  of  the  Holy  Cross, 
they  can  catch  trout  to  their  hearts  content,  and  probably  kill  some  elk  and  moun- 
tain sheep.  The  trout  of  the  Eagle  River  run  large,  and  large  flics  or  spinning 
tackle  should  be  used  to  take  them.  Another  party  wishing  to  hunt  grizzlies,  can 
go  by  pack  train  from  the  lakes  up  Twin  Lake  Creek,  about  ten  miles  to  the  fork, 
and  then  follow  the  left  branch  of  the  creek  to  Elk  Pass,  where  the  Elk  Moun- 
tains are  crossed.  From  the  Elk  Mountains  there  is  an  old  Ute  trail  going  to 
Rock  Creek  and  to  the  snow  ranges  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  where  grizzlies  ai:« 
common  during  the  summer.  There  are  trails  leading  to  Rock  Creek  and  Eaglo 
River,  which  were  made  by  the  U.  S.  Geological  Survey,  under  Dr.  F.  V.  Hay- 
den  in  1873. 

Granite.    Good  trout  fishing  in  Twin  Lakes,  which  see. 

I^nrimer  County — 

Esfei  Park,  eighty-four  miles  from  Denver,  via  Boulder  and  Longmont,  and 
thirty  miles  from  I.ongmont,  at  the  northeast  foot  of  Long's  Peak,  is  a  beautiful 
basin  of  meadows  and  groves,  with  delightful  hunting  and  fishing,  where  a  week 
or  a  month  of  the  later  summer  months  can  be  spent  very  agreeably.  Reached 
via  the  Colorado  Central  Railroad  to  the  above  stations. 

Fort  Collins  is  situated  in  Colorado  Territory,  on  Cache  le  Poudre  River,  a 
clear,  swift,  never-failing  stream,  abounding  in  trout  and  other  fish.  Game  is 
abundant  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  from  Cheyenne,  or  from  Greeley,  on  the 
Denver  and  Pacific  Railroad. 

Xa»  Anitnns  County— 

The  western  fourth  of  the  county  is  mountainous,  Interspersed  with  valleys 
and  mountain  peaks.  This  section  is  covered  with  pine  forests,  and  intersected  by 
numerous  mountain  streams  which  abound  with  trout.  The  eastern  three-fourths 
of  the  coiinty  is  a  series  of  table-lands,  stretching  from  the  mountains  to  the  level 

Elain.  The  principal  wild  game  in  this  part  of  the  country,  arc  buffalo,  antelope, 
eaver,  otter,  jack  rabbits,  etc.  The  mountains  abounil  with  different  species  of 
bear,  immense  droves  of  deer,  turkeys  and  mountain  grouse,  and  various  animals 
hunted  and  trapped  exclusively  for  their  furs. 

Sucarica  C'anon,  Cottonwood  Canon,  and  Tuckalote  Cafion,  all  within  a  few 
miles  of  Dick's  ranchc,  on  the  southern  slope  of  the  Ratorn  Mountains,  near  the 
New  Mexico  boundary  line,  afl^ord  excellent  shooting  for  deer,  antelope,  tur- 
keys, bears,  and  other  game.    Take  rail  to  Pueblo,  and  there  fit  out. 

Trinidad.  Fine  antelope  shooting  east  of  the  town,  and  through  the  county. 
Reached  from  Pueblo,  via  the  Denver  and  Rio  Grande  Railway  to  El  Moro, 
thence  a  short  stage  ride. 

I'uchlo  Ctninty—  ' 

Pueblo,  at  the  junction  of  the  Atchison,  Topcka  and  Santa  Fe,  and  the  Denver 
and  Rio  (Jrande  Railroail,  has  rail  and  stage  connections  for  all  the  best  hunting 
grounds  in  Colorado  and  New  Mexico.  This  is  the  headquarters  where  hunting 
parties  fit  out  for  the  antelope  plains  to  the  east,  and  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the 


22  GAME   AXD  FISH  RESORTS. 

west.  nuflTalo,  antelope,  wolves,  foxes,  elk,  deer  of  several  varieties,  mountain 
sheep,  bears,  and  many  other  kinds  of  larfje  Rame,  with  wild  fowl  of  all  descrin- 
tions,  and  excellent  fisninp  arc  found  within  short  distances  from  Pueblo.  The 
sjwrtsman  cannot  go  amiss.  Kvery  thing  necessary  for  camjung  ou:,  horses, 
pack  mules,  guides,  etc.,  will  be  found  here. 

JRio  Grande  County— 

Del  Norte.  Deer,  bear,  wild  ducks,  grouse,  and  in  the  streams  fine  troutmg. 
Reached  from  Denver  via  Denver  and  Rio  Grande  Railroad  to  Canon  City, 
thence  one  hundred  and  forty  miles  by  fine  stage  route,  over  a  mountain  road. 
Saddle  horses  or  pack-mules,  can  here  be  obtained  at  reasonable  prices. 

Hutntnit  County — 

TV/tf  North  Park  is  filled  with  a  great  variety  and  abundance  of  game,  m- 
cluding  black  and  cinnamon  bears,  elK,  antelope,  black-tail  and  white-tail  deer, 
mountain  lion,  mountain  sheep,  woodland  buffalo,  or  mountain  bison,  wild  geese, 
ducks  of  several  varieties,  and  four  kinds  of  grouse,  with  excellent  trout  hshing 
in  the  mountain  streams.  The  smaller  fur-bearing  animals  are  found  here  in 
ereat  numbers.  Go  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  to  Cheyenne  or  Laiamie,  and 
uiere  tit  out.    Tents,  pack  horses,  wagons,  etc.,  will  be  found  at  either  place. 


CONNECTICUT. 

Connecticut  has  an  area  of  4,674  square  miles,  with  a  popula- 
tion of  537,454.  Though  some  portions  of  the  State  are  rugged  and 
hilly,  there  are  no  mountains  properly  speaking.  The  surface  of 
the  country  is  made  up  mostly  of  the  valleys  of  the  Housatonic, 
Connecticut  and  Thames  Rivers,  with  their  tributary  streams. 
Railroads  and  fine  wagon  roads  intersect  every  part  of  the  State, 
and  with  the  rivers  furnish  excellent  travelling  facilities.  Owing  to 
the  dense  population  of  this  State,  there  are  now  very  few  of  the 
larger  and  wilder  animals,  once  abundant,  though  in  most  parts 
of  the  less  thickly  settled  regions,  small  game  is  found  in  fair 
quantity.  Along  the  bays  and  inlets  of  its  southern  shore,  wild 
fowl  are  abundant,  and  always  afford  good  sport. 

I'^ait'fteld  County — 

Bridgeport.  Blue-fishing  in  the  harbor,  and  by  taking  rail  to  Stratford,  good 
bass  fishing  may  be  found  in  the  Housatonic  River.  Excellent  duck  shooting 
around  Bridgeport,  in  the  Harbor  antl  on  the  Sound.  Route :  Boat  from  New 
York,  or  New  York,  New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad,  Hfty-seven  miles  from 
New  Vork.     Hotels  :  Sterling  and  Atlantic  Houses,  each,  $3.     See  Stratford. 

Stamford.  Quail,  partridge  and  woodcock  shooting  ;  fishing  on  the  Sound. 
Route  as  above.  Hotels  :  Stamford  and  Union  Houses.  The  Ocean  House, 
on  the  beach  at  Shippan  Point,  is  a  summer  resort  for  New  Yorkers. 

Stratford.,  on  the  Housatonic  River.  Ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  quail,  black 
duck  and  teal  shooting.  Good  bass  fishing,  and  the  river  has  been  stocked  with 
California  and  Kennebec  salmon.  Route  as  above  via  rail.  No  hotel.  Good 
quail  and  woodcock  shooting  around  Fairfield  and  neighboring  towns,  but  the 
grounds  are  pretty  thoroughly  posted, 

Hartford  County — 

Hart/and.  Partridges  afford  good  sport.  Take  the  Canal  Railroad  from  New 
Haven. 


GAAfE  AND  F/S/I  JiESOJiTS.  23 

New  Britain.  Black  bass  of  larpe  size  are  caught  in  Shuttle  Meadows  pond, 
two  miles  from  town.     Route  :  Hartford,  Providence  an<i  Kishkill  Kaiiroad. 

East  Glastonbury.  The  headwaters  of  Roaring  Brook  atfoni  good  trout  fish- 
\n%. 

The  Farmington  River  has  been  stocked  with  Califoinia  salmon.  Go  via  the 
Canal  Railroad  to  Farmington  or  Granhy,  in  both  of  which  places  there  are  hotels, 

/>(j«(^«>-.v  anglers  resort  to  Lake  Kenosha  with  its  boating  and  excellent  fishing. 
It  is  two  miles  from  the  village,  reached  by  a  pleasant  drive.  Danbury  is  on  the 
Danbury  and  Norwalk,  and  the  Housatonic  Railroads.    Two  hotels. 

MitUllespx  CouHttf— 

Saybrook  Pointy  at  the  mouth  of  the  Connecticut  River,  furnishes  excellent 
shooting  lor  ducks,  broadbills,  red  heads,  black  ducks  and  dippers.  Reached  by 
the  Shore  Line,  or  Connecticut  Valley  Railroad.  There  is  a  good  hotel  within 
forty  rods  of  the  depot. 

East  Hampton,  lixccllcnt  black  bass  fishing  in  Lake  Pocatsnpogue  whose 
waters  have  also  been  stocked  with  salmon.  Reached  via  the  New  York  and 
Boston  Air  Line.     Buell's  is  a  good  stojiping  place. 

Clinton.  Woodcock,  ruffed  grouse,  jnckerel.  Reached  via  the  New  York, 
New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad,  twenty-three  miles  from  New  Ilaven. 

Higganum.  Salmon  are  taken  in  the  Connecticut.  Reached  via  the  Con- 
necticut Valley  Railroad. 

New  Haven  County — 

Guilford.  Duck  and  snipe  shooting,  and  good  fishing.  Guilford  is  on  the 
New  Y()rk,  New  Haveii  and  Hartford  Railroad,  sixteen  miles  from  New  Haven. 
Hotel,  the  Guilford  House,  and  at  Guilford  Point  several  suiniuer  hotels. 

Mil/ord.  Several  trout  streams  in  the  vicinit\-,  and  a  variety  of  lisiiing  in  the 
Sound.  Route:  New  York,  New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad.  Hotel:  the 
Milford  House,  $3.  Charles  Island  with  a  small  hotel,  is  a  summer  resort,  and 
affords  good  fishing. 

New  Haven.  On  the  East  Haven  marshes  snipe  abound.  On  the  hills  wild 
pigeons  are  found  in  their  season,  and  quails  also  abo\ind.  On  the  ridge  that  joins 
the  East  and  West  Rock  quails  are  found  in  considerable  numbers,  and  on  the 
West  Havensideisaseriesof  salt  water  flats  that  extend  for  several  miles.  These 
of  course  are  much  h<inted.  Savin  Rock  or  Light  House  Point  are  within  an  liour's 
drive  by  carriage,  and  both  afford  good  fishing,  while  by  the  Siiorc  Line  Railroad 
a  few  minutes  ride  by  the  early  train  will  place  the  angler  at  Branford,  Double 
Beach,  Stony  Creek,  Guilford,  the  Tliimble  Islands,  and  other  places  long  known 
as  tip-top  fishing  grounds  for  black  fish,  sea  bass,  vveak  fish,  lobsters,  etc.,  and 
now  provided  with  hotels  and  boarding  liouses  of  all  classes  and  every  style  of 
pretension. 

Stony  Creek.  Good  duck  shooting  on  the  Shore  Line  Railroad.  Guides  and 
information  can  be  obtained  at  Frink  s  Hotel.  Several  inexpensive  hotels.  For 
full  information  address  Richard  I'ayne  or  Henry  Rogers.  P'rom  the  Indian 
Point  hotel  boats  may  be  hired  (25  to'50  cents)  for  the  Thimble  Islands. 

The  Thimble  Islands.  A  resort  that  ought  to  be  brought  more  generally  to 
the  notice  of  the  people  outside  of  Connecticut,  is  the  '*  Thimble  Islands,''  lying 
between  New  Haven  and  New  London,  and  reached  by  the  Shore  Line  Railroad 
from  Stony  Creek,  Branford  or  Guilford  stations.  There  are  several  hundred  of 
tiiese  islands,  with  bold  shores,  and  splendid  sea  fishing  of  all  kinds  convenient, 
offering  greater  variety  and  change  of  scenery  than  is  usually  afforded  by  any 
single  i)leasure  resort.  A  cruise  among  these  islands  in  a  yacht  gives  perfect 
dolcc  far  niente.  The  old  Double  Beach  House,  a  famous  resort  for  fifty  years, 
the  Branford  Point  House,  and  a  dozen  new  ones,  offer  abundant  hotel  accommo- 
dation. Many  ot  the  islands  are  occupied  by  private  cottages.  The  pleasantest 
way  to  reach  the  islands  from  points  south  of  New  York,  is  to  take  the  New 
Haven  steamboat  line  at  Peck  Slip,  New  York,  at  11  p.  m.,  sleep  all  night  com- 
fortably, and  reach  Stony  Creek  in  time  for  breakfast. 

West  Meriden.  Good  snipe  shooting.  Reached  via  the  New  York,  New 
Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad,  to  Meriden. 

Htchfleld  Countff— 

Canaan.  The  Twin  Lakes  are  fast  growing  into  favor  as  a  camping  and  pic- 
nic resort.    On  the  mountain  tops  near  at  hand,  are  lakes  as  wild  and  much  less 


24  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

frequented  than  the  Adirondacks  or  Maine  lakes,  and  abundantly  stocked  with 
fish  and  kiiitic. 

The  "  Twins'"—"  Waushincc"  and  "  Waushininfj"— are  on  the  Connecticut 
VVustcrn  Railroad,  twelve  miles  east  of  Millcrton,  which  is  on  the  llaiicin  ro-.id, 
and  fifty-seven  miles  west  from  Hartford.  They  are  on  liiph  ground,  and  held  in 
place  by  a  range  of  hills.  The  Twins  arc  '*  siamesed  "  together  by  a  narrow, 
crooked  strait,  that  is  barely  navigable  in  low  water.  Moth  lakes  are  well  stocked 
with  the  fish  usually  found  in  this  region,  and  vast  quantities  of  piikerel  and 
perch  are  taken  from  the  smaller  lake  during  the  winter.  The  large  lake— sonic 
six  miles  in  circuit— has  long  been  famous  for  its  tine  ])ike  (i)ickerel  they  are  cnlled 
hereabouts),  fish  of  five  to  seven  jiounds  weight  h'jing  not  unusual  in  the  bygone 
days  ;  but  since  the  stocking  of  the  waters  with  black  bass,  some  years  since,  the 
pike  are  not  so  plenty  nor  so  large.  The  abundant  su|)ply  of  bass,  however, 
more  than  makes  uj)  tor  it,  and  during  the  summer  affords  rare  sport  to  those  ex- 
perts who  know  the  when  and  the  how  to  take  them.  The  lakes  have  also  been 
stocked  with  land  locked  salmon.  Close  around  this  lake  nrgion  are  numerous 
trout  streams,  which  afford  the  angler  fine  sport ;  notably  More  Hrook  and 
Bracie's  brook,  m  Salisbury,  and  Bartholomew,  Spurr,  and  I.ee  brooks,  in  Shef- 
field, and  the  Sages'  Ravine  brook,  that  divides  the  two  States.  These  streams 
are  hardly  large  enough  for  the  fly-fisher's  best  efforts,  though  trout  o(  two  pounds 
weight,  have  been  taken  from  the  Lee  brook,  and  very  good  creels  full  in  Sages' 
Ravine  and  the  More  Hrook. 

The  game  in  the  neighborhood  comprises  grouse,  woodcock,  quail,  squirrels, 
and  rabri'**-',  mink  and  otter,  fox,  wild-cat,  and  woodchucks.  Of  ducks  there  are 
the  broad-bill,  shell  drake,  whistler.  bufHe-head,  brant,  black  duck,  and  in  short 
nearly  every  kind  found  on  any  fresh  water, and  in  great  abundance  ;  wild  geese 
are  here  in  great  numbers,  and  quail,  woodcock  and  pigeons  in  suflicient  cjuanti- 
ties  to  insure  good  sj)ort.  From  New  York  City  via  Harlem  and  Connecticut 
Railroads,  the  fare  is  $2.80.  Hoard  at  the  Twin  Lakes  Trout  I'arm,  Corbin's 
Union  Depot  Hotel,  and  at  Salisbury,  which  see. 

Chapinville.  Good  bass  fishing.  Route  :  Connecticut  Western  Railroad  from 
Hartford. 

Kent.  The  Spectacle  Ponds  are  two  lakes  amid  the  forest  on  a  high  plain  to 
the  west,  and  reached  by  a  steep  road.  These  waters  have  been  stocked  with 
landlocked  salmon.  Reached  via  the  Housatonic  Railroad  from  Bridgeport  or 
Pittsfield.     Hotel,  the  Kent  Plains  House. 

Nexu  Mil/ord.  Fine  black  bass  hshing  in  the  Housatonic  River.  Route  as 
above.     Hotel,  the  New  Milford  House. 

Salisbury.  For  game  and  fish  see  Canaan.  The  Twin  Lakes  are  six  miles 
distant,  reached  via  a  good  wagon  road.  Route  :  from  Hartford  via  the  Connec- 
ticut Western.    Hotels,  Barnard  House  $2  ;  and  a  large  summer  boarding  house. 

West  Norfolk.    Trouting  in  the  vicinity.     Route  as  above. 

Winsted.  Some  distance  above  the  village  on  a  high  jilateau,  is  Long  Lake, 
which  has  been  stocked  with  land  locked  salmon.  Route:  Naugatuck  Railroad 
from  Bridgeport ;  fare  $1.85  ;  or  Connecticut  Western  Railroad  from  Hartford. 
Hotels,  Clarke  House  %i  ;  Beardslej'  House. 

Litch  field  is  one  of  the  favorite  quiet  and  unfashionable  summer  resorts  of  the 
State.  Bantam  Lake,  reached  by  a  pleasant  drive,  is  a  beautiful  sheet  of  water, 
full  of  many  kinds  of  fish,  and  is  much  visited  by  the  summer  tourists  and  pleas- 
ure seekers  who  resort  to  Litchfield.  Take  the  Naugatuck  Railroad  from 
Bridgeport. 

Hew  London  County — 

Niantic.  The  striped  bass  in  the  river  afford  excellent  sport.  The  fishing  at 
this  point  is  the  more  attraccive,  as  it  is  done  from  a  bridge  not  twenty  yards  from 
the  hotel,  on  the  flood  tide,  and  from  below  the  railroad  bridge  at  the  ebb,  and  by 
trawling  at  night.  The  current  is  very  rapid,  and  from  the  bridge,  the  line 
sweeps  the  whole  width  of  the  river  at  this  point  of  the  channel.  The  hotel  is 
comfortable,  and  the  fishing  ground  within  call  of  the  dinner-bell.  Blood  Point, 
one  mile  from  Niantic,  is  a  famous  resort  for  fishing  for  large  striped  bass.  Nian- 
tic is  six  miles  from  New  London,  is  reached  from  ICast  Lyme,  and  is  one  mile 
from  that  place.  The  Niantic  River,  two-and-a-half  miles  lonir,  connects  the  bay 
with  a  lake  which  receives  the  waters  of  several  fine  trout  streams,  so  that  the 
river  and  bay  form  a  natural  breeding  and  spawning  firound  for  bass.  There 
are  two  hotels,  one  at  Block  Point  on  the  East  Lyme  side,  and  the  other  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river  at  Bloody  Point.    Niantic  Bay  is  three  miles  wide,  and 


6V/.1/A'   AXD   I- nil  RESORTS.  t$ 

has  a  dcplli  of  three  fathoms.  In  the  diamicl  bdow  the  railrnad  bridge  it  is  five 
talhoms.     A  small  lisli  known  as  niummytliu^js  is  used  for  hait. 

Norivich.  Kly  lisliiii);  for  siiad  at  lirocnvillc  Duin,  one  mile  above  Norwich, 
on  the  Shetucket  River.  Dai  e  and  bonv  lish  are  also  taught  there,  and  the  river 
has  been  stocked  witli  I'alilornia  and  Kennebec  sabnon.  Keached  via  the  New 
York  and  New  Knj{land,  or  the  New  London  Northern  Railroads.  H6lels  f  2.50, 
;^3  and  less. 

AVw  Loudon.  (»ood  striped  bass  fishinpat  Rope  Kerry,  on  th<!  Niantic  River, 
nnd  a  variety  ol  fishing  on  tiic  Sound.  Reached  via  steamboat  or  rail  Irom  New 
York  and  lioston. 

Noanky  a  little  village  midway  between  New  London  and  StoninKton,  fur- 
nishes excellent  lishinjj  for  mackerel,  blue  fish,  tautojr,  llonnders,  i)orpies  and 
s(|ueteaKue,  or  weak  hsh,  locally  known  as  yellow-hns.  The  principal  tishing 
ground  is  iUock  Island  Sound.    Oood  duck  shooting  nmy  be  had  in  season. 

Tolliind.  Skungaurong,  Sni|)sie,S(|uare  and  Hollon  rond,  all  within  an  hour's 
drive,  alford  as  good  boats  anci  as  good  pond  Hshing  as*  can  be  had  at  any  point 
in  the  State.  Woodcock  and  snipe  are  in  fair  abuiulance.  Route  Central  Ver- 
mont Railroad. 

Vhidfitnn  County— 

Jh-ookfyn.  Ouail,  ruffed  grouse  and  woodcock.  Take  the  New  York  and 
New  England  Railroad  to  Daniclsonville,  thence  a  drive  of  four  miles.  Hotel,  tho 
Putnam  House. 

Woodstock.  One  mile  from  tlic  village  is  Woodstock  Lake,  where  there  is 
good  boating  and  tishing.  Woodstock  is  a  ([uict  country  town  with  one  hotel, 
w  lerc  the  stranger  will  hnd  comfortable  accommodations.  Take  the  New  York 
and  New  England  Railroad  to  Putnam,  thence  hve  miles  viti  stage  or  hired 
conveyance. 


DAKOTA. 


The  territory  is  divided  into  two  nearly  equal  parts  by  the 
Missouri  River,  which  flows  through  it  from  northwest  to  south- 
east. The  surface  of  the  country  north  and  east  of  the  river  is 
broken  up  by  many  lakes,  some  of  them  of  large  size,  and  all 
abounding  in  fish  and  game.  From  the  southwest,  there  are  a 
series  of  gradually  rising  plateaus,  extending  west  to  the  Black 
Hills,  and  the  Rocky  Mountain  spurs.  The  first  of  these  [  lateaus  , 
h  the  Coteau  des  Prairies,  west  of  this  the  Coteau  de  Missouri ; 
north  is  the  valley  of  the  Red  River,  and  west  of  this  another 
plateau,  extending  to  the  Rocky  Mountains.  These  plains  are 
diversified  by  occasional  lofty  buttes,  and  deep  caiions.  In  the 
south  and  southwestern  part  of  the  territory,  are  the  Bad  Lands, 
sterile  plains  of  blue  clay  land.  The  plateaus  and  mountains  are 
full  of  game,  including  the  larger  species  common  in  the  west, 
with  all  the  wild  fowl  and  fish  usually  found  in  the  neighboring 
States  and  territories.  The  country  is  thinly  settled,  and  the  game 
consequently  for  the  most  part  undisturbed.  The  North  Pacific 
and  Central  Pacific  Railroads  and  the  Missouri  River,  are  the 
principal  lines  of  access  to  the  Territory.  The  population  is  con- 
fined to  the  eastern  and  southern  borders,  and  the  line  of  the 


26  CAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

Northern  Pacific  Road.  The  interior  is  uninhabited,  or  occupied 
by  hostile  Indian  tribes,  and  travelHng  without  armed  cscourt 
consequently  dangerous. 

Black  If  ills.  As  a  Ramc  repion,  the  Rlnck  Hills  will  compare  very  fnvorably 
with  any  locality  in  the  country.  Deer  ot  two  species  iirc  most  iibumlaiit,  the 
wliitc-tailcd  anil  the  mule  deer.  KIk  arc  numerous,  ^x\T:i\y  bears,  mountain 
sheep,  cougar,  wild-cat,  Canada  lynx,  K''cy  wolf,  and  coyote,  are  common.  The 
kit  lox,  or  switt,  is  abundant  on  the  plants.  The  mink,  otter  and  badp;er  are 
abundant  on  the  rivers  tlowin^;  into  the  Missouri,  and  sipiirrels,  gophers,  wood- 
chucks  and  muskrats  arc  conimou  on  the  plains.  The  beaver  buUds  its  dams  in 
all  the  streams.  C>ame  birds  are  well  represented  by  several  species  of  pecse 
aixl  ducks,  which  are  to  be  found  alonj^  the  varii>us  water-courses  in  and  about 
the  Hills,  and  by  at  least  two  species  ot  (grouse,  the  sharp-tailed  and  the  ruffed. 
The  former  arc  numerous  aloni^  the  open  valleys  and  in  the  sparsely-wooded 
hill-sides,  and  the  latter  among  the  dense  pines  of  the  hijjher  land.  Altogether, 
the  Hhick  Hills  offer  to  the  sportsman  an  abundance  and  variety  of  Kn"i>^<  unci 
since  opened  to  the  white  man,  are  as  much  esteemed  as  a  huntini^-t^round  by 
him,  as  formerly  by  the  Indian. 

From  the  north  there  are  routes  from  Bismark,  I*"ort  Pierre  and  Hriile  ('ity  to 
the  northern  and  northwestern  parts  of  the  Hills.  From  the  east  there  are  trails 
from  Yankton,  Sioux  C-itv  and  Kearney  Junction.  There  are  three  routes  from 
the  south  ;  from  North  I'l.itte  and  Sidney  in  Nebraska,  and  from  (Cheyenne, 
Wyoming  ;  and  one  from  the  west,  by  the  way  of  Whisky  Gap  and  Independence 
Rock. 

The  route  from  CJhcyenne  is  said  to  be  the  safest,  and  preferable  to  the  others. 

Crystal  S/>ri>if^s  is  a  hue  ground  for  ducks,  geese,  swans,  etc.  A  station  on 
the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad,  sixty-four  miles  east  of  llismark.  The  lakes  and 
sloughs  are  all  shallow^  with  hard  bottoms.  A  boat  is  unnecessary,  as  the  hunter 
can  walk  through  the  rice  and  rushes. 

JBarnes  County— 

U'orthington^  on  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad.  There  are  a  few  buffalo, 
with  j)lcnty  of  elk,  antelope,  wolves,  jack  rabbits  and  other  game.  The  country 
is  rolling  prairie. 

Burleigh  Count]/ — 

Bismark,  on  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad,  is  an  excellent  point  for  sportsmen 
to  make  their  headquarters.  In  the  surrounding  country  will  be  found  buffalo, 
large  droves  of  elk  and  antelope,  black-t.iil  deer  in  abundance,  and  unlimited 
numbers  of  swans,  brant,  geese,  ducks,  plover,  snipe  and  pinnated  grouse. 

Cass  County — 

Farm.  Buffalo,  black  bear,  elk,  black-tail  deer,  antelope,  canvas-backs, 
mallards,  blue  and  green-winged  teal,  widgeons,  and  red-head  ducks,  brant, 
Canada  geese,  swans,  pelicans,  snipe,  curlew,  upland  and  golden  plover,  ruffed 
and  piimated  grouse.  Fargo  is  on  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad,  and  is  the  point 
of  departure  of  the  Red  River  steamers.  The  sportsman  will  find  good  accommo- 
dations at  the  Headciuarters  Hotel.  From  Fargo,  for  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles 
out  to  the  Missouri,  the  country  is  mostly  open  rolling  prairie.  Rivers  and 
lakes  are  comparatively  rare,  but  when  found,  abound  in  fish  and  attract  great 
quantities  of  game  to  their  wooded  shores.  Antelope,  elk,  wolves,  jack  rabbits, 
and  other  game  abound.  Buffalo  are  rare,  as  hostile  Indians  beyond  the  Mis- 
souri watch  the  fords  jealously  to  prevent  their  crossing. 

Charles  Mix  County— 

White  Swan.  Hlack-tail  deer;  antelope  are  plenty  on  the  Bijou  Hills,  forty- 
five  miles  up  the  river. 

Stutstnan  County — 

Stimestown.    Elk,  antelope,  wolvcs.jack  rabbits  and  other  game  in  abundance, 
buffalo  occasionally.    Rolling  prairie.  ,  •    •  •-,  ^ 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  $f 


DELAWARE. 

This  State  occupies  the  eastern  portion  of  the  peninsula 
which  lies  between  the  Delaware  Bay  and  the  Atlantic  Ocean  on 
the  east,  and  the  Chesapeake  Bay  on  the  west.  The  greatest 
l.-ngth  of  the  State  is  ninety-six  miles,  the  breadth  thirty-seven, 
(he  whole  area  2,120.  and  the  population  125,000.  The  surface  is 
hilly  and  rolling  in  the  northern  part,  and  level  in  the  central  and 
southern  portions.  The  coast  is  indented  by  numerous  bays  and 
inlets,  which  are  the  resort  of  great  numbers  of  wild-fowl,  and  are 
easily  reached  by  the  Delaware  railroads  and  their  branches,  or  by 
the  different  lines  of  steamboats  plying  on  the  Bay. 

Kent  County— 

Komhay  Hook.  Lnpnn's  Hotel  is  a  well-known  resort  for  piinncrs.  Ray  and 
beacli  birds  are  here  round  in  alxindance.  Reached  from  Dover,  vviiicli  is  on  the 
Philadelphia,  Wilmington  and  Hiiltimorc  Railroad,  or  via  boat  from  l'hiladel|ihia. 

Kitshannocky  nine  miles  from  Dover,  is  a  well-known  place  tor  bay  and  beach 
bird  shooting.     A  goo'l  hotel  here. 

Little  Creek  l.uniiiii);.  On  Little  Creek  is  to  be  found  woodcock,  quail,  snipe 
and  other  duck  shooting.  A  few  miles  from  Dover,  which  is  on  the  Philadelphia, 
Wiiminnton  and  Haltimore  Railroad.     Hotel  at  Dover,  the  Capitol  House. 

Smyrna.  ^>uail  and  snipe  shootinp.  Reached  via  Philadelpliia,  Wilmington 
and  Baltimore  Railroad.     Two  hotels,  the  Delaware  and  the  Smyrna. 

Dover.  On  the  creeks  near  the  city  are  woodcock,  quail,  snipe,  ducks  and 
wild-fowl  of  several  varieties. 

Near  Mil/ord^  are  the  popular  sportsmen's  resorts,  Thorn  Point  and  Doctor's 
Island,  which  are  annually  visited  by  gunners.  The  Milford  House  furnishes 
comfortable  accommodations.  Reacneu  via  the  Junction  and  Hreakwater 
Railroad. 

Netc  Cnatle  County — 

Delaware  City.  Woodcock,  quail  and  snipe  on  the  Dragon  Marshes.  Reached 
via  the  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware  Railroad. 

Port  Penn.    On  the  marshes  are  snipe,  and  excellent  rail  shooting. 

SUHHcx  County— 

Lewes,  on  Lewes  Cresk  and  Delaware  Bay,  affords  excellent  bay-bird  and 
wild-fowl  shooting,  with  fresh  and  salt  water  fishing.  Terra|)ins,  rock-tish,  perch, 
eels,  and  near  the  Breakwater,  large  numbers  of  black  lish  and  floumlers.  The 
route  is  via  the  Junction  and  Breakwater  Railroad.  The  Atlantic  House  and 
the  United  States  House  afford  comfortable  accommodations. 

Rchoooth  Beach,  a  few  miles  south  of  Lewes,  is  a  summer  resort  for  Delaware 
people,  and  there  the  visitor  will  find  home-like  hotels,  with  fishing  and  shooting 
ui  the  neighborhood. 


DISTRICT   OF   COLUMBIA.       . 

The  District  of  Columbia,  with  the  adjoining  counties  of  Mary- 
land and  Virginia,  is  one  of  the  best  game  bird  and  fish  centres  in 
the  country.  Dr.  Coues  has  found  two  hundred  and  twenty-six 
different  varieties  of  birds  there.    Ducks,  geese,  snipe,  woodcock, 


28 


CAME  AXD  FISH  RESORTS. 


wild  turkeys,  rufTed  grouse,  quail,  rccd  birds,  wild  pijjenns,  etc., 
can  be  obtained  in  greater  quantities  here,  than  at  inuch-talked-of 
places  hundreds  of  miles  further  off,  and  scarcely  accessible. 

W'lishington.  There  nrc  hundreds  of  i)U(CSi>n  the  Potomac,  within  two  or 
three  hour?  drive  ol  Wushin«;ton,  wliere  bliick  hiiss  niiii  perch  are  at)unilant.  and 
'where  the  rarest  sport  Is  atfordeil.  The  Little  i'alls,  Duin  No.  7,  and  tiie  busin 
above  it,  Stuhblehelil  I'alls,  the  (Ireat  balls,  and  many  other  places  between 
Washington  and  the  latter  point,  are  celebrated  tor  ^ood  tisliiriLr.  Duck  i.:ii'.  sninc 
Hh(<otin(r,  and  on  the  marshes  in  the  vicinity  ol  the  city  arc  reed  birds,  bluck-binls, 
ortolans,  jack  snipe,  stifl-tads,  and  canvas-back  ducks. 

Marl'wrough  Point  is  the  best  place  \\\  the  vicinity  for  quail,  or  for  bar  shoot- 
inf;  tor  mallard  ducks. 

On  the  eastern  branch  near  the  vicinity  of  HenninR's  liridge,  la  a  locality  for 
plover,  mallard,  spri^-tail  and  teal  ducks,  ami  reed  l)irds. 

Black  liass  Fin/tintr  in  the  Reservoirs.  Connecte<l  with  the  aqueduct  which 
supplies  the  cities  of  Washiiifi;ton  and  (Jeorgetown  with  Potomac  water,  are  two 
immense  reservoirs,  one  of  which  is  known  as  the  receiving  reservoir,  and  the 
«)thcr  as  the  distributinK  reservoir.  The  hrst  is  used  lor  the  storajje  of  water  to 
supuly  the  city  in  case  of  a  freshet  in  the  river,  or  when  the  water  continues 
mudtly  for  any  length  of  time  ;  and  the  other,  located  at  the  head  of  the  pipe  line, 
supplies  the  various  mains  leadin;^  to  the  two  cities.  Hotli  of  these  reservoirs  arc 
tilltid  with  black  bass.  The  receiving  reservoir  was  first  comoleted  and  hlled 
with  water.  It  has  been  in  use  about  hfteen  years,  and  during  that  time  the  bass 
hai'e  increaseil  and  multiplied  therein  with  fjreat  rapidity  ;  besides  the  supply  is 
annually  increased  by  the  young  ones,  which  come  down  the  conduit  from  the 
Kails,  and  easily  get  through  the  wire  screens  into  the  reservoir,  011  account  of 
their  diminutive  size.  Many  now  in  the  waters  <if  the  reservoir,  have  been  there 
twelve  or  fourteen  years,  and  in  that  time  have  attained  a  weight  of  from  four  to 
five  pounds.  This  reservoir  covers  an  area  of  forty-four  acres,  and  varies  in  depth 
from  two  to  fifty  feet.  The  presence  of  fish  in  the  reservoirs  was  long  a  disputed 
question,  but  is  now  pjenerally  admitted  that  they  are  beneficial  to  the  water,  as 
tney  feeil  upon  the  animalculrc,  and  to  a  great  extent  clear  it  of  insects  and  vege- 
table matter,  washed  therein  by  rains  from  the  surrounding  hills,  which  are  culti- 
vated. Some  years  since  it  was  noticed  in  the  s|>ring.  that  the  watci  ha<l  a  fetid 
taste  and  smell,  and  it  was  then  argued  that  its  offensiveness  proceeded  from  hsh 
in  a  state  of  decomposition  in  the  reservoirs  or  pipes  leading  to  the  city.  Other 
water-works  in  different  parts  of  the  country  had  the  same  trouble,  and  the  sub- 
ject was  scientifically  investigated.  The  generally  received  opinion  now  is,  that 
it  arises  from  the  confervjE,  which,  under  favorable  circumstances,  are  generated 
in  all  reservoirs. 

The  bait  used  for  bass  in  these  waters  is  live  minnows,  frogs,  and  crawfish. 
They  never  rise  to  a  fly  in  the  still  water  of  the  reservoirs,  thougn  they  often  take 
it  in  the  Potomac  in  places  where  rocks  abound,  forming  rapids  and  eddies.  The 
bass  undoubtedly  spawn  in  the  reservoirs,  and  for  that  purpose  seek  the  head- 
waters in  the  spring,  where  it  is  not  so  deep.  As  warm  weather  approaches  they 
return  to  the  deep  water.  Fish  are  frequently  taken,  weighing  from  two  to  three 
pounds,  and  when  a  bass  of  that  size  is  hooked  in  water  fifteen  or  twenty  feet 
deep,  with  no  rocks,  grass,  or  snags  to  catch  the  line,  he  affords  delightful  sport. 
Their  favorite  feeding  time  is  early  morning.  Tr()lling  for  them  with  minnow  for 
bait,  is  often  very  successful  in  these  reservoirs,  especially  in  August  and  Septem- 
ber. A  permit  from  the  aijuuduct  authorities  is  necessary,  to  enjoy  the  privilege 
ot  fishing  in  these  waters,  but  the  courteous  gentlemen  who  have  charge  of  the 
work,  never  refuse  such  permission  to  gentlemen  whom  they  know  will  not  abuse 
the  privilege. 


FLORIDA. 


Florida  has  an  area  of  59,268  square  miles,  and  a  population 
of  187,748.  The  country  is  level  throughout  the  State,  with  the 
exception  of  between   the   Suwannee   and   Apalachicola   Rivers 


GAAfE  AND   FISH  RESOKTS.  2^ 

wliere  the  hills  .irc  of  iiiconsidL'r.iljlc  luMj^Hit.  h\  tlu'  southern  part 
of  the  Slate,  a  wide  stiitch  of  ccniiUry  known  as  the  I')verj;Ia(l(s.  is 
annually  sul)merj;e(l.  and  north  of  this  country,  the  elevation  does 
not  exceed  two  lumdred  feet.  Florida  is  well  supplied  with  har- 
bors and  bays,  especially  upon  the  (iulf;  the  wiiole  extent  of  her 
coast  line  is  1,150  miles.  The  St.  John's,  Apalachicola  and  other 
rivers,  with  their  numerous  tributaries,  and  the  many  lakes  con- 
nected with  them,  form  a  system  of  water  communication  with 
the  jjreater  part  of  the  inland.  The  northern  and  eastern  coun- 
ties are  also  accessible  by  railroads,  and  new  roads  are  beinj;  con- 
structed as  the  development  of  the  country  demands  them. 
Florida  has  vast  forests  of  pine  and  live  oak,  dense  swamps,  cane- 
brakes  and  prairie  lands.  The  jjreater  part  of  the  State  is  unset- 
tled, much  of  it  has  never  been  disturbed  by  the  settler,  and  here 
the  sportsman  will  tind  j;ame  in  all  irs  primitive  abundance,  in- 
cludmj^  the  varieties  here  mentioned  : — 

Animals. — Panther,  common  in  all  the  unsettled  parts  of  the 
State,  lynx,  abundant  and  do.  ;  {^rey  wolf,  some  nearly  black,  not 
common;  grey  fox,  common;  raccoon,  very  abundant;  common 
bear  do  ;  red  deer  abundant  but  very  small ;  southern  fox  s(|uirrel, 
abundant,  contincd  \.o  pine  woods,  affords  hne  sport ;  j^rey  s(juirrel 
very  abundant  and  very  tame;  grey  rabbit,  marsh  rabbit,  and 
opossum,  very  common. 

Birds.—  Wild  turkey,  quail,  kill-deer,  plover,  Wilson  i)lover, 
piping  plover,  golden  and  black  belly,  very  numerous  ;  woodcock, 
not  very  abundant  ;  snijKi  very  numerous,  lly  in  large  flocks  and 
cover  the  whole  country;  red-breasted  snipe  very  numerous; 
willet,  yellow  legs,  and  godwit.  very  common  ;  Hudson  curlew 
and  Esquimaux,  rare  ;  long-billed  curlew  abundant ;  black-neck 
stilt,  rails,  galannules,  herons,  cranes  and  ibis,  all  common. 

Ducks,  Geese,  etc. — Mallard,  very  abundant  ;  black  duck,  com- 
mon ;  pin-tail,  green-winged  teal,  blue-wirtged  teal,  blue-winged 
shoveller,  wood  duck,  scaup  duck,  red-head,  all  abundant  ;  bald 
pate,  canvas  back,  butter  ball,  ruddy  duck,  all  common  ;  hooded 
meganser,  abundant ;  Canada  goose,  common  in  western  Florida. 

Fish. — Sheepshead,  red-fish  or  channel  bass,  salt  water  trout, 
drum,  whiting,  red-snapper,  or  groui)er,  black  grouper,  robia, 
pompano,  cavalli,  black  fish,  or  sea  bass,  hog  fish,  croaker,  black 
grunt,  skipjack,  mullet,  salt  water  catfish,  shark,  gar  fish,  or  (saw 
fish),  angel  fish,  ray,  skate,  torpedo  fish,  great  ray  or  devil  fish. 
The  fresh  water  fish  are  the  black  trout,  or  bass,  yellow  perch, 
sunfish,  blue  bream,  red-bellied  perch,  goggle-eyed  perch. 

Jlrcvard  County — 

Fori  CrtfiroH,  at  Indian  River  Inlet,  is  an  excellent  point  for  the  hunter  or  fish- 
erman.  There  are  red  fish,  red  snapper,  sheepshead,  cavalli,  red  trout,  sea  mul- 
let, pompano,  Jew  fish  and  tarpon,  with  other  varieties.  an<l  a  good  game  country 
in  ttte  interior.    Good  board  can  be  found  at  Captain  Payne's.    A  short  distauco 


30 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS, 


from  Car.ron  is  Fori  Pierce,  an  excellent  campinp  pround  where  the  same  sport 
may  be  had.  For  route  to  both  these  points,  see  New  Smyrna,  Volusia  County. 
Sec  also  Titusvillc. 

Clay  Connti/— 

Dfit.i^-no/ia.  Rlack  Creek  is  a  navipable  stream  for  fishermen  and  sportsmen. 
On  a  sunny  day  its  banks  are  lined  with  ullijijators,  wliilu  fish  and  pame  of  all 
descriptions  are  plentiful.  A  regular  landing  for  St.  John's  River  steamboats. 
Hotel,  Is. 

Columbia  County— 

Lake  City.  Deer,  wild  tui".:eys,  ducks,  quail  ;  trout,  bream,  S))cckled  bream. 
Reached  via  the  Jacksonville,  Pensacola  and  Mobile  Railroad.  Hoard  $25  to 
$so  per  month  ;  guides  $1  to  $1.25  ;  teams  $3  to  $5. 

The  Gulf  Counties— 

In  all  the  counties  along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  in  nearly  all  the  heavily 
timbered  lands  •;!  the  others,  are  to  be  found  all  kinds  of  game,  such  as  bear,  deer 
wild  turkeys,  panthers,  catamounts,  wild  cats,  etc.  Deer  and  turkey  are  abun- 
dant. In  all  the  lakes,  rivers,  and  creeks  are  an  abundance  of  fish,  such  as  trout, 
perch,  jack  or  hake,  cattish,  black  fish,  bream,  etc.  On  tnc  coast  there  are  the 
finest  of  oysters,  clams,  turtle,  and  every  variety  of  salt  water  fish.  During  the 
winter  all  the  lakes,  ponds,  bays,  inlets,  rivers,  etc.,  have  an  abundance  of  every 
variety  of  water  fowl.  Sportsmen  should  visit  Middle  Florida  by  all  means  and 
take  a  hunt  and  a  fish  down  on  the  coast. 

Esrnnihia  County — 

This  is  one  of  the  best  sporting  counties  in  West  Forida.  On  the  Perdido, 
Black  Water,  Escambia.  East  Hay,  and  Choctawhatchee  Rivers,  and  on  Palmetto, 
Soldier.  St.  Johns,  and  Stone  Ouarry  creeks,  on  the  Grand  Lagoon,  Bear  and 
Deer  Points,  and  on  Bayous  Grande,  Checo,  Texar,  Marquis,  Garcon  and  Tar- 
kill,  all  within  a  few  hours'  sail  of  Pensacola  and  the  Navy  Yard,  can  be  found 
excellent  fish  in  many  varieties,  with  deer,  bear,  turkey,  squirrel,  etc.  Within 
five  miles  of  the  Navy  Yard  any  quantity  of  game  can  be  obtained.  The  frrand 
Lagoon  furnishes  fine  duck  shooting  all  the  year.  The  summer  or  wood  duck 
remains  the  c  tire  year,  and  in  the  fall  and  winter  it  is  visited  by  great  numbers 
of  Mallard  or  English  duck,  red-heads,  blackwing  teal,  wood  duck,  large  crested, 
widgeon  or  bald  heads,  bullheads,  sawbills,  black  ducks,  gadwalls,  and  the  wild 
goose  and  swan.  In  the  spring  the  sprig-tail  or  jiin-tail,  spoon-bill  or  shoveler 
and  the  blackwing  teal.  The  latter  come  in  great  clouds  and  linger  until  late  in 
May.  They  usuiilly  feed  in  shallow  water  alon*^  the  shore,  and  are  often  found 
in  great  numbers  on  the  beach,  which  affords  tiie  .Uealthy  gunner  a  cajiital  chance 
to  slaughter  them  by  the  wholesale.  In  what  is  known  as  the  Live  Oak  Reserva- 
tion, are  deer,  bears,  and  wild  turkeys  in  great  numbers.  The  fishing  is  for  blue- 
fish,  pompano,  Spanish  mackerel,  sheepshead,  cavalli,  r,.  a  trout,  channel  bass, 
red  snappers,  ana  groupers.  Reached  via  steamer  from  >  ew  Orleans,  St.  Mark's 
and  other  points,  and  via  Pensacola  Railroad,  connecting  at  Junction  with  Mobile 
and  Montgomery  F     Iroad.    Board  $20  per  month. 

Duval  County — 

Jacksonville.  Excursions  go  out  to  the  fishing  banks  off  the  St.  John's  bar, 
■where  large  snappers  and  black  fish  are  caught. 

As  a  place  from  which  one  may  reach  the  most  attractive  portions  of  the  State, 
Jacksor  »'ille  shouUl  be  selected.  Situated  upon  the  St.  John  s,  it  has  steam  com- 
municp.tion  with  every  settlement  upon  that  mtcresiing  river,  and  with  St.  Augus- 
tine, New  Smyrna  and  Indian  River,  upon  the  coast.  It  has  direct  rail  connec- 
tion with  Tallahassee,  the  caj)ital  of  the  State,  with  Cedar  Keys  ujion  the  west 
coast,  and  thence  with  all  the  gulf  ports,  the  Keys  and  (aiba.and  with  Savannah, 
via  the  old  circuitous  route,  and  a  more  direct  new  one.  Here  the  camper -out 
should  procure  his  outfit,  except  tent. 

From  Jacksonville  to  Enterprise,  two  hundred  miles  up  the  St.  John's,  the  fare 
by  steamer  is  $12,  and  of  proportionable  price  to  intervening  landings.  To  Salt 
Lake,  the  farthest  point  reached  by  steamers,  (curious  stern-wheelers),  it  is  about 
$6  more  ;  all  freight  at  the  rate  of  about  $1  per  barrel  ;  a  small  boat  up  the  St. 
John's  pays  $5  foi  passage  upon  the  steamers.    Indian  River,  ihe  great  game  sec- 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESO/^TS.  3 1 

tlon,  is  reached  via  Salt  Lake,  from  the  St.  John's,  the  distance  across  land  at  that 
point  being  but  six  miles. 

Franklin  County—  > 

AJnilachicola.  Curlew,  plover,  snipe,  rail,  (,„"  .lucks  and  pcese.  At  Green 
Point  and  Topsil-bluff,  lliree  miles  distant,  is  good  deer  huntuig.  The  slough 
titty  miles  uji  the  river,  reached  by  steamer,  is  an  excellent  hunting  ground  for 
many  kinds  of  game.  Transportation  of  small  boats  to  this  point,  $2.  Hoard  at 
moderate  rates,  and  dogs  for  deer  hunting  can  be  obtained  at  Apalachicola. 
Reached  via  steamer  from  St.  Mark's,  and  other  points. 

Gadsden  County — 

Chattahoochee.  Deer,  beaver,  fox  and  grey  squirrels,  raccoons,  opossums, 
wild  turkeys ;  ducks,  (juail ;  trout,  speckled  perch,  and  other  varieties  of  fish. 
Tlie  best  fishing  is  at  Fish  Lake,  two  miles  from  the  depot.  The  route  is  via  the 
Jacksonville,  Pensacola  and  Mobile  Railroad.  Board  %i  to $2.50  ;  guides  $0.75  to 
$1.50  ;  boats  at  reasonable  rates. 

Quincy.  Hears,  deer,  wild  turkeys,  ducks,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  small 
game  in  abundance;  trout,  rock  tish,  bream,  and  several  varieties  of  perch. 
Route  as  above.  Hoard  $1  to  $3  \  teams  ;^3  to  $4  ;  guides  and  boats  can  be  secured 
when  necessary. 

Hamilton  County — 

Jasper.  Hears,  deer,  wild  hogs,  turkeys,  ducks,  geese,  ruffed  grouse,  snipe, 
and  many  other  varieties  of  birds,  with  small  game,  and  excellent  hshing. 
Reached  via  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Railroad.  Hotels  and  private  board  $13  per 
week :  teams  $3.    Country  undulating  pine  and  hammock  lands. 

milaborough  County— 

At  Boca  Ciega  Bay.,  Mr.  Murphy's  youngest  son  is  a  good  boatman,  and  a 
reliable  guide  to  the  game  districts  of  the  neighborhood 

Tampa.  For  the  niscator,  'J'ampa  does  ncit  oresent  many  inducements.  A 
few  miles  up  the  Hillsooro'igh  river,  fair  trout  tishiiig  can  be  obtained,  and  about 
the  docks  and  in  the  chan;cl,  j)assable  sheepsheadiuK  will  be  found.  Hy  taking 
a  row  or  sail  boat,  and  proceeding  to  the  oyster  bar,  nine  miles  down  the  bay. 
superior  sheepshead  and  drum  risliing  can  be  enjoyeu.  There  are  several  good 
boarding  houses  here.    Reached  via  steamer  from  Cedar  Keys,  which  see. 

stefferaon  County— 

Monticello.  Bear,  deer,  wild  turkey,  quail,  ducks  ;  black  bass,  trout,  bream, 
perch,  with  other  varieties  of  game  and  fish.  Reached  via  Jacksonville,  Pensa- 
cola and  .Mobile  Railroad.  Hotel  $2  to  $3  ;  private  board  $1.50  to  $2  ;  guides  $1 ; 
boat  so  cts  ;  teams  $6. 

Jjeon  County  — 

Tallahassee.  Tl:e  fields  are  full  of  quail.  In  the  neighborhood  arj  many  small 
lakes,  in  which  ducks,  ^eese,  brant,  ami  other  wild  fowl  arc  plentiful.  At  Lakes 
Lafayette  and  Jackson,  six  miles  distant,  and  some  miles  in  extent,  there  is  good 
fishing  as  well  as  shooting.  About  two  miles  fnnn  town,  and  on  a  high  hill,  which 
lies  among  several  small  lakes,  is  a  favorite  resort  for  duck-shooters — as  the  birds 
are  continually  i)assing  and  repassing  from  lake  to  lake.  There  is  abundance  of 
accommodation  in  the  'ty,  and  the  sportsman  will  receive  all  necessary  informa- 
tion anil  assistance.  ses  and  vehicles  aie  readily  obtained.  Deer  and  wild 
turkeys  are  killed  wii .      x  few  miles  of  the  town. 

St. Mark's,  but  an  hoar's  ride  from  the  cicy,  by  rail,  is  on  the  Gulf;  and  the 
fishing  and  wild  fowl  shooting  is  of  the  best.   Boats  and  assistants  are  easily  had. 

Levy  County— 

Branson.  In  the  neighborhood,  deer,  turkeys,  brant,  duck,  and  quail  can  bs 
found  in  abundance.  Chunky  Pond  v:  distant  from  the  village  about  two  miles  ;  it 
is  about  two  miles  long  and  one  wide,  connecting  with  a  nuii)l)i;r  of  smaller  ponds, 
which  extend  for  a  distance  of  about  nine  miles.  These  ponds  contain  bream  and 
trout  (bass)  in  endless  numbers— the  latter  ranging  from  one  to  fifteen  pounds. 
Uronson  is  on  the  Fernandina  and  Cedar  Keys  Railroad,  thirty  miles  from  Ced^r 


32  GA^fE  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

Keys.  Roard  can  be  obtained  for  $7  per  week  ;  guides  for  fishing  and  hunting 
can  always  be  found. 

Cedar  Ki'ys  is  the  termintis  of  the  \tlantic  and  Gulf  and  West  India  Road. 
Ducks,  geese,  deer  and  wild  turkeys  are  found  in  the  vicinity.  I'^roin  tiie  railroad 
dock,  sea  trout  (weak  tisli)  ranging  from  two  to  si.\  jjounds,  sea  bass  and  p(>rgics 
can  t)e  caught  with  cut  bait,  and  sheepshead  witii  tiddlers.  On  the  points  and 
about  the  reefs  a  few  miles  from  town,  superior  red  and  grouper  fishing  ran  be 
obtained  at  Cedar  Keys.  The  sportsman  will  lind  unbounded  hospitality  and 
courteous  attention  on  the  part  of  the  inliabitants.  From  this  point  the  tourist 
may  take  steamsliip  to  New  Orleans,  Tainita,  Punta  Rassa,  Key  West,  or 
Ilavana.  l""or  tlie  purpose  of  cruising  along  the  coast,  or  general  sporting  i)ur- 
poses,  suitable  boats  with  experienced  sailing  masters  can  be  engaged  at  from 
lour  to  six  dollars  ner  day. 

Rosewood.  In  tlie  hammock  are  bears,  deer,  and  turkeys  in  great  abundance. 
Reached  via  the  Kernandina  and  Cedar  Keys  Railroad.  Mr.  Kord  keeps  a  good 
sportsman's  house. 

Hernando  Countt/— 

Anclote.  In  the  river  of  the  same  name  are  red  fish,  sheepshead,  tarpum, 
with  excellent  snipe,  curlew,  coot  and  duck  shooting.  Reached  by  boat  from 
Bayport. 

liayport.  The  country  back  of  IJayport  is  well  storked  with  bear  and  deer, 
and  there  the  sportsman  may  secure  some  excellent  sport.  The  section  referred 
to  can  be  reached  by  land,  by  taking  stage  from  Gainesville,  or  by  leaving  Ock- 
/awaha  steamers  at  Silver  Spring  ;  conveyance  to  Ocala  and  stage  from  Ocala  to 
Brooksville.  At  the  latter  place  a  vehicle  of  some  description  can  be  obtained, 
by  whic.i  Bayport,  distant  thirty  miles,  can  be  reached.  The  tourist  will  find  the 
neighboriiood  of  Brooksville  an  interesting  locality.  The  immediate  neighbor- 
hood is  liilly,  some  of  the  highest  points  attaining  an  altitude  of  over  four  huniired 
feet.  In  the  neighborhood  tne  sportsman  will  find  some  crystal  lakes,  surrounded 
by  hills,  where  he  can  catch  trout  and  bream. 

Brooksville.,  see  above. 

In  the  Cheeseltowiska  River ^  ten  miles  from  Bayport,  are  found  sheepshead, 
cavalli,  bream,  trout,  and  red  and  black  groupers.  Reached  by  boat  from  Bay- 
port,  or  from  llomosassa. 

Jloinosassa.  In  the  river  and  spring  are  sheepshead,  red  fish,  cavalli,  channel 
bass,  weak  fish,  red  and  black  groupers,  bream,  snapjjers,  skip  jacks,  sea  trout 
and  large  snapi^ing  turtles.  .Ground  the  basin  and  along  the  banks  of  the  river, 
are  large  numbers  of  v/ater  turkeys,  many  varieties  of  sea  birds,  and  ducks  in 
great  abundance.  In  tlie  woods  and  hammocks  are  bears,  deer,  turkeys,  and 
other  game.  There  are  two  routes  to  Homosassa — one  via  Savannah,  Kernandina, 
or  Jacksonville  to  Cedar  Keys,  aiul  tlie  other  via  Silver  Si)ring  and  Ocala.  The 
sportsman  can  easily  ascertain  upon  what  day  he  will  reach  C^edar  Keys,  and  bv 
addressing  .Mfred  E.  Jones,  Homosassa,  Fla.,  in  advance  of  the  day  cf  arrival, 
Mr.  J.  will  be  found  at  the  Keys  with  a  boat  ti'  transport  visitors  to  his  place  free 
c  charge,  If  unable  to  communicate  with  Mr.  J.  a  suitable  boat  may  be  cliar- 
t  red  at  Cedar  Keys  for  about  $10  for  the  trip,  thirty  miles.  It  the  sports- 
man is  desirous  of  visiting  an  interesting  and  attractive  portion  ot  the  State,  he 
can  take  steamer  from  Jacksonville  to  Silver  Spring,  and  back  from  the  Spring  to 
Ocala,  via  stage,  a  distance  of  six  miles.  From  Ocala  to  Homosassa,  the  distance 
is  forty  miles  over  a  fair  road,  and  E.  J.  Harris,  of  the  Ocala  House,  will  make 
the  necessary  arrangements  for  transportation  of  visitors  to  the  hospitable  inglc- 
sidc  of  A.  E.  Jones,  where  will  be  found  excellent  accommodations,  at  moderate 
prices.  No  place  in  the  State  presents  so  many  attractions  for  tlie  sportsman,  if 
we  take  into  consideration  tiie  sporting  advantages  in  connection  with  home 
comforts,  excellent  accommodations,  superior  table,  perfect  cleanliness,  and  an 
admirable  climate.  Sportsmen  who  wish  to  enjoy  themselves,  and  at  tlic  same 
lime  be  accompanied  by  their  wives,  will  liiui  this  j)lace  to  oiler  many  attractions. 
If  a  stag  party  of  from  two  to  four  wish  to  enjoy  themselves  for  a  few  weeks  or 
months,  we  would  recommend  tliein  to  en"fage  Liberty  Hall— from  $10  to  $12  per 
week.  Visitors  will  find  an  ample  supply  of  boats,  and  for  a  trilling  charge 
negroes  living  on  the  plantation  will  keep  the  piscattir  supplied  will-  bait.  There 
is  also  a  gootlpair  of  liounds  for  deer  hunting.  The  sportsman  Liiould  provide  a 
strong  bass  rod,  and  an  assortment  of  flics,  hooks  and  lines,  with  large  sized 
spoon  for  trolling.  Mr.  Jones  is  the  Postmaster,  and  the  place  is  provided  with 
a  weekly  mail. 


GAME  A. YD  FISH  RESORTS.  33 

Jiladiaon  Couttty — 

Madison.  Rear,  deer,  wild  turkcvs  ;  trout,  perch  ;  with  other  varieties  of 
game  and  fish.  Reached  via  the  Jacitsonville,  I'ensacola  and  Mobile  Railroad. 
Board  $2.50  ;  guides  75  cents  to  |i  ;  teams  §2  to  $4  ;  boats  free.  Country  roUintJ 
and  prairie. 

hllavillc.  near,  deer,  wild  turkey,  quail.  Reached  via  the  Jacksonville, 
Pensacola  and  Mobile  Railrouil,     Hoard  $1.50  to  $2.50  per  day  ;  teams  %\i 

3lurlon  County— 

The  Ockl(\7viikii  River.  Tlic  pfainc  once  very  abundant  has  been  much 
depleted  by  wanton  destruction.  Tliere  are  still  found  in  fair  iMimbers  limpkins, 
water-turkeys,  herons,  painted  gallciiells,  coois,  cables.  The  black  bass  fishing 
is  good,  and  alligators  numerous.    The  river  is  reacned  by  regular  steamer. 

Motiroe  County — 

Between  the  ( "aloosatchie  River  and  the  Big  C'ypress  Swamp  and  the  Ever- 
glades, is  a  country  unsurpassed  for  game.  Deer,  wild  turkevs,  ducks  and  quail 
are  verv  abundant.  In  the  waters,  good  cavalli  and  otiier  fishing.  This  country 
is  reached  via  rail  to  Cedar  Keys,  thence  boat  to  the  (^aloosatchie  River.  For 
the  best  s|)ort,  provide  tent,  boat,  and  camping  equipments.  A  light  wagon  with 
mules  is  also  desirable  and  ran  be  jirocured  at  Manatee.  The  country  is  opi-n 
and  the  land  firm.  A  horse  at  lull  speed  can  be  ridden  almost  anywhere  without 
roads  or  i)aths. 

Ifatisati  County— 

Fernandina.  Deer,  duck,  rail  and  snipe.  Reached  via  steamer  from  New 
York,  Charleston,  and  Savannah,  and  by  rail  from  Jacksonville,  and  Key  West. 
The  Mansion  House  affords  good  accommodations.    M.  VV.  Downie,  proprietor. 

Manatee  County— 

Charlotte  Harbor — Bird  Key,  one  mile  west  of  Useppi,  is  a  small  island  con- 
sisting of  about  forty  acres  and  covered  with  large  mangrove  trees.  It  is  the 
roostmg  place  for  the  multitudes  of  birds  that  frequent  Charlotte  Harbor.  On 
the  island  will  be  found  ))clicans,  ganet,  cormorants,  water  turkeys,  cranes  and 
herons  of  all  kinds,  sizes  and  descriptions.  A  person  desirous  of  collecting 
ornithological  specimens  woukl  find  this  a  desirable  locality. 

Gasparilla  Island.  The  Inlet,  at  the  northern  end  of  this  island,  teems  with 
red  fish  ranging  from  five  to  twenty  pounds,  cavalli,  weak  fish,  bone  fish,  grunts, 
or  red  and  black  grouper  of  large  size.  Inside  the  inner  point  sheepsheading  is 
excellent,  the  fish  ranginj^  from  one  to  five  pounds.  With  a  stout  nine  foot  rod 
and  three  hooks  baited  with  fiddlers,  from  one  to  three  sheenshead  can  be  cap- 
tured at  almost  every  cast.  The  water  is  very  clear,  and  the  Dottoin  a  white  shell 
bank,  and  the  fish  are  visible  in  dozens  slowly  swimmin;^  along  in  search  of  food. 
Fiddlers  of  large  size  can  be  secured  in  quantity  for  bait  on  most  of  the  sandy 
keys.  If  placed  in  an  ordinary  wooden  pail  they  will  live  for  man}'  days.  Red 
and  other  fish  will  readily  take  cut  fish  bait,  but  seem  to  prefer  minnows. 

All  the  larger  islands  in  the  vicinity  are  stocked  with  deer,  and  on  most  of  them 
dogs  are  unnecessary  ;  still-hunting  is  preferable.  Coons  in  immense  numbers 
exist  on  these  isli\nds  and  their  tracks  are  visible  everywhere  near  the  bay 
beaches.  On  the  mud  flats  thousands  of  snipe  and  curlews  can  be  seen  at  any 
time,  ajMiarently  waiting  to  be  destroyed.  In  the  centre  of  the  island  the  sports- 
man will  find  a  large  fresh  water  lagoon  where  excellent  water  can  be  obtained. 
The  invalid  who  is  piscatorially  inclined,  and  who  desires  an  excellent  climate, 
should  spend  a  few  weeks  or  months  on  the  northern  end  of  Little  Gasiiarilla. 
The  air  is  pure,  water  excellent,  frost  absent,  sea-bathing  unequalled,  fishing 
beyond  description,  deer  iilentiful  on  the  isla.id  and  on  the  main  land. 

Peace  Creek  is  navigable  for  eighty  miles,  and  on  its  banks  is  tine  deer  and 
tuikey  hunting.    Myakka  River  is  full  oi  alligators. 

Egittont.  Eugene  Coons,  son  of  the  light-house  keeper,  is  a  good  pilot  and 
puide  for  the  game  localities  of  any  part  of  the  Western  and  Southern  coast  of 
Florida.  His  schooner  can  be  chartered  for  an  excursion,  and  under  his  jiilotage 
the  trip  is  pleasant  for  ladies  as  well  as  gentlemen. 

The  South-eastern  I/untinji^  District.  Southwest  of  Lake  Okechobee,  nearly 
to  the  shore  of  Charlotte  Harbor,  and  from  the  Caloosahatchie  River  to  Peace 
Creek,  a  distance  of  sixty  miles,  the  sportsman  will  find  a  beautiful  prairie, 


34 


CAME   AXD   FISH  KESOJ^TS. 


clothed  with  luxuriant  and  nutritious  grasses,  different  from  those  of  the  St. 
John's  and  Atlantic  sections.  Tiiis  vast  expanse  of  hunting  ground  is  dotted  with 
'  islands,"  that  is  to  say,  snots  clotlied  with  live  oalts  and  palms.  Tliese  islands 
vary  from  a  few  Sfjuare  rods  to  tilty  acres,  ami  here  and  there  will  be  lound  small 
belts  of  pine  timber,  the  islands  and  belts  furnishing  ample  stielter  for  pame. 
This  section  is  iinequaled  by  any  portion  of  tlie  Unitei!  States  foi  deerhuntnig  or 
turltey  shooting.  In  crossing  the  prairie  from  New  Kort  (J^entre  large  herds  of 
deer  are  frequently  visible  on  eacii  side  of  the  trail.  t)wing  to  liie  inequality  of  tlie 
surface,  and  the  protection  afforded  by  tlie  tall  grass  and  patches  of  saw  nalmetto, 
the  game  can  be  approached  without  difficulty.  Since  the  removal  of  the  major- 
ity of  the  Seminoles,deer  have  roamed  and  increased  on  the  ^)rairie  undisturbeil. 
VVith  the  exception  of  the  few  annually  destroyed  in  the  neighborhood  of  Kort 
Thompson,  they  are  unmolested,  the  grasses  are  nutritious,  climatic  conditions 
favorable,  and,  as  a  consecjuence,  the  amount  of  deer  in  this  section  is  fabulous. 
This  locality  is  truly  the  hunter's  paradise,  and  if  he  desires  variety,  he  will  find 
numberless  turkeys  on  the  banks  of  the  creek  or  in  the  adjoining  islands  ;  or  if 
disposed  to  indulge  in  fishing,  all  that  will  be  necessary  is  to  use  a  bob,  spinner, 
or  fly,  and  he  will  soon  tire  of  landing  the  largest  and  fattest  trout  in  the  State. 
On  the  rivers  and  lakes,  ducks,  coots,  yellow-legged  snipe,  curlews,  cranes, 
herons,  water  turkeys,  and  other  birds  exist  in  countless  numbers. 

If  any  one  should  contemplate  a  visit  to  this  region  we  would  recommend  as  a 
site  for  his  camp  a  point  on  the  creek  ten  or  fifteen  miles  west  of  New  Fort  Cen- 
tre. To  reach  this  locality  the  sportsman  can  take  steamer  to  Charleston,  Savan- 
nah, or  Kernandina,  and  railroad  to  Cedar  Keys;  or  steamer  from  New  York 
to  Key  West.  I'unta  Rassa  can  be  reached  from  Cedar  Keys  or  Key  West 
by  steamer,  sailing  weekly.  l<"rom  Punta  Rassa  sportsmen  can  ascend  the 
river  to  Fort  Thompson,  or  take  a  bullock  dray  from  Kort  Myers.  Mr.  Carlton 
jesides  two  miles  north  of  Kort  Thomiison,  and  for  $3  per  day  will  furnish  a  con- 
veyance to  the  creek.  To  find  Mr.  C.  s  residence  after  reaching  the  fort,  land  on 
the  west  side  of  the  river  below  the  ranids,  thence  a  northerly  course  must  be 
kept,  leaving  the  river  to  the  right  and  tlie  timber  to  the  left.  Two  miles  from 
the  landing  place  Mr.  Carlton's  residence  will  be  noticed  to  the  letl,  near  some  large 
pine  timber.  Mr.  C.  will  be  found  to  be  a  good  guide — kind,  sociable,  attentive, 
and  moderate  in  his  charges  ;  in  fact,  a  gentleman  whom  we  can  unhesitatingly 
recommend  to  the  favorable  notice  of  sportsmen. 

Orange  County— 

Altamont  furnishes  good  bass  fishing,  and  good  general  hunting.  Reached 
via  St.  John's  River  to  Sanford  or  Mellonville,  thence  stage  or  hired  convey- 
ance.    A.  M.  Shepherd  is  an  old  hunter  and  fisherman,  who  will  serve  as  guide. 

Apopka.  Deer,  turkeys  and  quail.  Reached  via  steamer  up  the  St.  John's  to 
Mellonville,  thence  by  wagon,  nine  miles. 

Mellonville.  Within  eight  miles  of  Mellonville  are  deer,  bear,  panther,  tur- 
key, snipe,  quail,  duck,  plume  birds  of  various  kinds,  such  as  white  heron,  pink 
curlew,  blue  heron,  etc.,  squirrel,  fox,  mink,  otter,  sand-hill  crane,  and  hosts 
of  other  fine  game.  Deer,  beir,  and  panther  are  iiunted  with  hounds,  and  a  fine 
pack  can  be  collected  on  short  notice.  Kox  hunting  affords  good  sport.  Stran- 
gers will  find  plenty  of  gentlemen  who  have  hounds,  and  know  the  stands,  who 
are  always  willing  to  give  them  sport. 

W.  M.  Humphries  and  Count  Nersgaroo  are  the  most  noted  deer  stalkers,  and 
reside  near  Mellonville.  The  finest  hunting  ground  is  the  southwestern  part  of 
Orange  County,  on  the  coast.  The  country  is  invariably  too  rough,  being  cov- 
ered with  saw  palmetto,  but  in  the  interior  a  carriage  can  be  driven  one  hundred 
miles  through  the  pine  woods,  with  scrubs  or  thickets  on  every  hand,  where  the 
deer  can  be  "jumped  "  at  all  times. 

Mellonville  is  reached  by  steamer  on  the  St.  John's  River,  and  hunters  should 
take  a  team  and  wagon  at  Mellonville,  with  tent  and  supplies  to  last  a  few  days, 
and  about  forty  miles  distant,  they  will  find  excellent  hunting  on  Davenport  Creek. 
There  are  hotels  at  Mellonville,  but  none  in  the  hunting  grounds.  Fish  abound 
in  all  the  streams  and  lakes.  Shad  are  taken  with  the  fly  in  Lake  Monroe ; 
black  bass  are  found  there  in  great  numbers,  and  at  the  outlet  are  white  herons, 
blue  ducks,  rail ;  and  bass. 

Long^vood.  Deer,  turkeys,  quail,  black  bass,  bream,  with  other  varieties  of 
fish  and  game.  Reached  via  steamer  to  Lake  Jessup,  thence  stage  or  hired  con- 
veyance, or  by  wagon  from  Mellonville. 

Salt  Lake  is  well  worth  visiting,  especially  if  the  day  is  warm,  and  the  sports- 


GAME  AXD   F/SH  KESOKTS.  35 

mr.n  fond  of  'pator  shooting.  Deer  hunting  in  this  ncighborhoofl  is  fair,  and  the 
rej^ion  wouid  be  found  worthy  of  a  visit.  Yellow  le^s,  kill  deer,  red  breasted 
snipe,  and  other  varieties,  coots,  pintail,  and  black  ducks,  and  teal  are  the  game 
birds  found  here.     Illack  bass  abound.  , 

Orange  Dale.  Grey  and  fo.x  squirrels,  and  other  game  in  IIutchiriR's 
Hammock. 

At  Lake  Georgtr,  on  St.  John's  River,  large  bass  and  wild  fowl  in  greatest  abun- 
dance. In  Itelilj  Stream,  six  miles  from  the  Drayton  Islaml  Motel,  the  best 
bass  fishing  can  be  found.  This  hotel  is  much  favored  bv  sportsmen  ;  it  is  kept 
by  a  Mr.  Crosby.   St.  John  river  steamers  make  this  locality  easy  of  access. 

I'utnntn  County — 

San  Mateo.  Deer,  turkeys  and  squirrels  in  abundance  ;  in  the  St.  John's 
mullet  are  taken  in  large  quantities,  and  Lake  May,  y.ix  miles  distant,  is  an  excel- 
lent fishing  ground  for  fresh  water  trout.  San  Mateo  is  on  the  river,  eighteen 
miles  below  Jacksonville,  and  reached  by  steamer. 

VoluHia  County— 

Enterprize.  Deer,  wild  turkey,  quail,  duck  and  snipe  ;  black  bass.  Reached 
via  steamer  up  the  St.  John's.  A  good  place  for  sportsmen  is  at  Aiken's,  twelve 
miles  from  Enterprize,  on  the  road  to  New  Smyrna. 

NeiK  Smyrna  and  the  Indian  River  Country.  Deer,  bears,  wild  turkeys.  The 
fishing  comprises  sheepsliead,  red  bass,  salt  water  trout,  whiting,  black-fish, 
grunts,  scup,  groupers,  rock  groupers,  cavalli,  snappers,  drum,  bezugas,  pigfish, 
cattish,  sharks,  and  rays.  Hesides  these  common  species,  are  occasionally  taken 
s]>ecimcns  of  more  southern  and  tropical  forms,  which  variety  adds  much  to  the 
interest  of  a  day's  sport  in  these  waters.  The  sheepshead  run  from  one-half  to 
seven  pounds  ;  average,  three  jiounds ;  bass  from  one  to  thirty  pounds  :  average 
five  pounds  ;  grouper  from  one  to  fifteen  pounds  ;  average,  three  pounds  ;  snap- 
per Irom  one-half  to  ten  pounds  ;  average,  two  pounds  ;  trout  from  one  to  twenty 
pounds ;  average,  four  pounds  ;  drumfish  from  five  to  fifty  pounds  ;  average,  tea 
pounds  ;  whiting  and  pigfish  average  one-half  pound  each  ;  black  fish  about  one- 
naif  pound  ;  blue-fish,  one-half  pound. 

In  Spruce  Creek.,  excellent  black  bass,  red  fish,  sea  trout,  jew  fish  and  tarpura 
fishing.  The  bass  average  two  and  a  half  pounds.  Go  to  Major  Alden's  house,  or 
Mr.  Loud's.  One  of  the  best  guides  is  Morrison  Lewis.  His  terms  are  $2  per 
day,  and  $1  for  the  use  of  a  horse,  which  will  be  found  necessary  in  hunting  the 
irreat  swamp  that  extends  from  New  Smyrna  to  the  head  of  Indian  River.  The 
best  time  for  hunting  is  from  15th  December  to  ist  I'^ebruarv-  In  February  the 
docs  are  with  fawn,  and  only  the  bucks  are  fit  to  kill.  Wild  turkeys  should  not 
be  killed  after  February.    The  fishing  is  best  after  February. 

The  Hillsboro'  for  twenty  miles  is  filled  with  mangrove  and  marshy  islands, 
making  many  exceedingly  tortuous  channels  difficult  to  follow.  "  Shipyard 
Reach,"  fifteen  miles  south  of  Smyrna,  is  a  noted  nlace  for  ducks  ;  but  the  i)est 
of  all  grounds  is  a  little  below  on  the  west  channel,  where  they  come  to  a  little 
pool  all  day  long  to  drink.  Parties  have  been  here  and  shot  a  hundreil  to  the 
man  in  half  a  day's  shooting.  Bissett's  orange  mound  is  a  favorite  place  ;  here 
the  wild  oranges  glow  and  glean;  through  the  dark  foliage,  covering  a  shell 
mound,  at  whose  base  is  a  drinking  pool  where  the  ducks  Hock  by  scores.  October 
and  November  are  the  best  months,  and  again  in  March,  the  interim  being  spent 
by  the  greater  part  of  the  mass  of  ducks  wintering  in  Florida  further  south. 

The  route  to  New  Smyrna  is  up  the  St.  John's  to  Enterprise,  thence  via  stage 
or  hired  conveyance  across  the  country.  Or  via  steamer  up  the  St.  John's  and 
Deep  River  to  Crescent  City,  thence  by  stages  which  make  bi-weekly  trips.  Boats 
are  transferred  for  from  $t  to  $30. 

Titusvillc  and  the  Indian  River  Country.  Titusville  is  a  point  of  arrival  and 
departure  for  more  interesting  points  on  the  river.  For  ducks  ">  -  must  go  across 
the  river  to  Dummitt's,  ten  miles,  or  to  Banana  creek,  still  »'  .er.  l""or  deer,  to 
Merritt's  Island,  or  to  the  prairies  bordering  Salt  or  Sou*'  .es.     Boatmen  and 

guides  can  be  hired  to  any  point  on  the  lagoon  and  interic..  j  ames  Stewart,  cap- 
tain of  the  "  Blonde,"  is  perfectly  trustworthy  and  reliable.  Jim  Russell  is  thor-: 
oughly  posted  upon  the  game  and  fish  of  Indian  River,  and  wdl  be  found  of  great 
value  to  any  party  contemplating  a  winters  camp  here. 

Indian  River,  so  called,  is  not  properly  a  river ;  but  rather  a  sound  or  salt 
water  lagoou,  beinc  separated  from  the  ocean  by  a  narrow  strip  of  sandy  latid, 


3<5 


CAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


overprown  with  pnlmettoos  nnd  mnnprovcs.  It  is  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  loii<i,  and  rimnes  Ironi  several  miles  to  fnrty  yards  in  width.  On  the  east  it 
is  fed  by  several  inlets  Ironi  the  sea,  through  which  the  tide  ebbs  and  flows  freely. 
Several  lar>j;c  rivers  enter  it  troni  the  west,  the  i)rin(ii)al  ol  which  are  the  San 
Sebastian,  Santa  Lueia,and  Loiha  Ifatchee.  Kesides  large  game,  such  as  bear, 
deer,  turkeys,  etc.,  this  region  literally  swarms  with  snipe  and  ducks,  at  least 
durin);  the  winter  months.  Partridjjjes  0>ob  w Idles)  are  also  sutticienlly  numerous 
to  artorii  sport.  The  snipe  sliootin;;  on  the  savannahs  is  sin)]>ly  sujierb.  These 
savannahs  (or  natural  meadows)  allord  su(fii:ient  moisture  to  attract  the  birils, 
without  beinp;  so  miry  as  to  render  the  walking  difficult  ur  tatiiruing.us  is  so  often 
the  case  at  points  further  nortii. 

The  localities  for  fish  and  name  in  Volusia  and  Hrevard  (bounties,  arc  these  : 
l'"or  tish  Ro  to  New  Smvriia,  Indian  River  inlet  or  Jupiter.  I'Orduck,  Mos- 
milto  lagoon  and  llillsboro  ,  at  the  places  already  meiiliotied,  the  marshes  between 
Black  Point  and  the  canal,  at  Duuimitt's,  Pelican  Island,  near  the  Narrows,  and 
St.  Lucie  Soinid.  Ten  Mile  ("reek,  ten  miles  back  of  I""ort  I'ierce,  also  abounds  in 
teal  a!id  wood  duck.  b"or  deer  and  bear,  "  Turnbidl's  hammock,"  near  New- 
Smyrna;  Merritt's  Island,  and  the  beach  ridf^e,  three  miles  from  the  southern 
end  ;  the  Narrows  ;  St.  John's  prairie,  five  miles  west  of  Capron  and  beyond. 
For  turkey,  St.  John's  prairie  and  about  St.  Lucie  Sound. 

There  are  pood  canipinp  sites  at  Indian  River  canal,  Jones'  Point,  Addison 
Point,  Horse  ('reek,  Turkey  ("reek,  south  end  of  Merritt's  Island  ;  St.  Sebastian, 
Barker's  Bluff,  Fort  ("apron,  Fort  Pierce,  and  at  various  points  alonfj  St.  Lucie 
Sound.  "Water  may  be  procured  almost  anywhere,  by  digging  a  shallow  pit  in 
the  sand. 

Bt.  John^a  County- 
Remington  Park.  Black  River  abounds  in  large  bass.  Fine  trout,  (wenk  fish) 
and  bass,  weighing  six  pounds  are  taken  up  the  river  a  short  distance  from  where 
it  empties  into  the  St.  John's.  No  hotels,  but  Capt.  \\.  will  secure  accommoda- 
tion lor  gentlemen  in  private  ouarters.  (limping  out  in  winter  is  preferable,  al- 
though the  river  steamers  make  the  locality  sufficiently  accessible  from  hotel 
accommodation. 

St.  Augustine.  Deer,  rabbits,  squirrels,  foxes,  wild  turkeys,  ducks,  including 
the  mallard,  teal,  summer,  spoonbill,  widgeon,  shagpole,  s[)riijtail,  black-head, 
blue-head,  Enj^lish  diver,  canvas-back,  and  raft-duck  ;  channel  bass,  trout,— mul- 
let,— whiting,  black  fish,  sheepshead.  Sportsmen  hunt  some  few  miles  south  of 
the  city,  on  the  Halifax  River,  as  they  like  the  idea  of  sfiending  a  few  weeks  of 
camp  life.  They  generally  go  by  way  of  the  Matanzas  River,  running  South 
about  twenty-five  miles;  thence  they  are  hauled  o\er— boat  and  all— a  strip  of 
land  nine  miles  in  widih  to  the  Halifax  River. 

Suwannee  Conn ty — 

Live  Oak.  Deer  and  wild  turkey.  In  the  ponds  and  lakes  east  and  southeast 
of  Live  Oak,  many  varieties  offish  are  caught.  The  Suwannee  River  is  an  excel- 
lent stream  for  fish  and  game.  Live  Oak  is  at  the  junction  of  the  Atlantic  and 
Gulf,  and  the  Jacksonville,  Pensacola  and  Mobile  Railroads.  Board  in  private 
house  $15  to  $35  per  month  ;  guides  $1  to  $1.50. 

WahulUi  County — 

New  Port.  On  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  deer,  bears,  turkeys,  and  other 
game  in  great  quantity.     The  route  is  by  boat  from  St.  Mark  s. 

St.  Mark's.  Bears,  deer,  wild  turkeys,  quail,  snipe,  geese,  brant,  ducks,  and 
other  wild  fowl.     Reached  via  the  Jacksonville,  Pensacola  and  Mobile  Railroad, 

Sportsmen  should  provide  camping  outfit.    Guides 


ind  by  tl 

^i  to  $2. 


Washington  County— 

Phillip's  Inlet.    Deer,  bear,  and  wild  turkey  in  great  abundance. 

Lake  Okechobce.  There  is  but  one  practicable  route  to  Lake  Okechobee, 
that  via  the  Kissimmce  River.  There  are,  however,  two  routes  to  that  river.  A 
good  boat,  provisions,  and  everything  necessarv  for  a  month's  stay,  are  necessary 
by  either.  One  is  from  Indian  River,  at  St.  Lucie,  across  the  country,  to  the 
location  of  old  Fort  Bassenger,  on  the  Kissimmce  River.  The  other  is  from  Lake 


UAMi:  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  37 

Jessup,  or  Winder,  on  the  St,  John's,  to  Lake  TohopekaliRa,  or  Cypress,  the  head 
waters  of  the  Kissimmee. 

It  is  said  to  be  Ht)(>iu  torty  miles  over  land,  and  one  hundred  and  forty  down 
tiic  river  to  HasscnRcr. 

Tlie  Kissimmee,  as  it  enters  the  hike,  forms  a  bay  a  mile  in  width  and  doptli, 
filled  with  lilies  and  wiiter-lettuce.  There  are  t^vo  cypress  trees  near  its  inoiuli, 
but  all  around  is  marsh.  The  most  conspicuous  i)irtls  on  the  river  are  the  limpl<in, 
or  crvinp  bird,  the  white  ibis,  white  heron,  snake  bird  and  vulture.  Klack  bass  are 
plentiful  and  large,  perch,  cat-Hsh  and  bream  also  abound. 

The  (jame  birds  found  here  are  wild  turkey,  ([uail,  kill-deer,  plover,  snipe, 
yellow  legs,  red  breasted  snipe,  sand  hill  cranes,  clapper  rail,  coots,  nerons, 
bittern,  green  wing  teal  and  wood  duck. 


GEORGIA. 

Area  58,000  square  miles:  population  1,184,109.  The  State 
has  a  coast  line  of  one  hundred  miles  from  north  to  south,  but  by 
numerous  islands  and  their  inclosed  sounds  this  is  increased  to 
four  hundred  and  eighty  miles.  Back  from  the  coast  for  twenty 
miles,  the  surface  is  low  and  swampy,  stretching  out,  in  the  ex- 
treme southwest,  into  the  Great  Okitinokee  Swamp.  Back  of  this 
swamp  land  the  country  rises  by  a  series  of  terraces  covered  with 
pine  forests,  to  Baldwin  Co'.mty  where  the  foot-hills  begin.  North 
and  west  of  this  county  is  the  hill  country  described  more  particu- 
larly hereafter  under  liartow  County.  The  State  is  well  watered 
by  numerous  large  rivers,  and  these  with  excellent  railroad  con- 
nections afford  good  facilities  for  communication  with  all  parts  of 
the  interior.  Many  portions  of  the  State,  especially  the  gre<it  for- 
ests of  the  central  and  southern  sections  are  sparsely  settled,  and 
there  are  few  hotels.  But  the  stranger  will  find  no  difficulty  in 
securing  either  entertainment  or  guides  when  the  latter  are  neces- 
sary. 

llurtnw  County,  antl  The  Hill  Country — 

The  northern  and  north-western  portion  of  Georgia,  embracing  the  coiinties 
of  Rabun,  Habersham,  Hall,  White,  Towns,  Union,  Lumpkin,  Kannin.  Gilmer, 
Pickens,  Murray,  Gordon.  Hartow,  Datle,  Walker,  Chattooga,  and  Kloyd— a  tract 
one  hundred  and  forty  miles  long  by  about  scventy-hve  wide— contains  some  of 
the  roughest,  wildest  and  most  picturesque  scenery  in  our  land,  and  this  is  "  The 
Hill  C/Ountry  of  (ieorgia." 

The  tourist  will  find  high  mountains,  crystal  streams,  deep,  dark  gorges,  roar- 
ing torrents,  smiling  valleys— in  short,  the  grand  and  the  beautiful  in  nature  in 
every  conceivable  form,  and  the  lovers  of  the  rod  and  gun  can  tind  in  its  recesses 
some  of  the  choicest  sport  in  the  South.  It  is  a  wild  country,  and  it  will  be  no 
child's  play  huiiliiig  and  fishing  through  this  wilderness.  Game  ot  all  kinds  is 
abundant.  Deer  ami  bear  are  everywhere  found,  and  amid  its  deep  fastnesses 
the  scream  of  the  panther  is  not  unfro(iuently  heard. 

The  visitor  to  the  hill  country  will  also  hnd  turkeys,  partridges  ((luail)  and 
squirrels  abundant,  and  the  seasons  in  this  elevated  region  are  but  little  earlier 
than  much  further  north.  As  a  general  thing  lish  are  scarce  ;  suckers,  bull-pouts 
and  several  other  varieties  are  fount!  in  most  of  the  streams.  Whert  the  water 
is  clear  and  cold  the  chub  and  bream  abound,  and  most  of  the  lakes  and  mill- 
ponds  contain  "'  trout,"  /.  ;.,  the  black  bass  of  the  South.    These  bass  are  also 


38 


GAME  AND  FI^ll  RESORTS, 


found  in  the  rivers  whi  never  they  arc  not  ol)strurtcd  by  falls  or  too  steep  rap- 
ids. Uast  of  the  Blue  RidKC,  the  mountain  or  spccl<lcil  trout  {salmo  /ontinalis) 
are  not  found,  save  in  one  crceic— "  W'arwnman's  ('recl<  " — in  Kabuti  county.  On 
the  west  siile  (d  tliis  ridge,  however,  they  aliound. 

The  means  ol  access  to  this  country  are— via  Chattanooga,  over  the  Western 
and  Atlantic  Kailroad,  and  via  Richmond,  over  the  Atlanta  and  Richmond  Air 
Line  Railroad.  One  cannot  go  amiss,  whatever  direction  he  tai<es  after  he  leaves 
the  railroad.  Morses  and  teams  can  be  obtained  in  all  the  county  or  other  towns 
with  but  little  trouble.  Hotels  arc  scarce,  though  each  county  town,  usually,  has 
one  or  more.  Hut  il  the  visitor  will  be  satisfied  with  the  rough  fare  of  the  coun- 
try, he  will  be  welcome  everywhere.  All  will  be  glad  to  go  shooting  or  fishing 
with  him,  for  no  one  is  ever  so  busy  as  to  have  no  time  to  siiare.  In  all  these 
counties  arc  men  who  do  little  but  hunt,  and  anywhere  good  guides  and  good 
hunters  can  be  obtained. 

Adairsville,  ( barters villc  and  Kingston,  all  on  the  Western  and  Atlantic  Rail- 
road, will  be  found  convcuicnl  headquarters  for  Hartow  County. 

Jirffan  County— 

Way's  SiatioH.  Game  e.tists  in  great  variety— deer,  bears,  turkeys,  quad, 
snipe,  and  woodcock,  besides  otters,  coons,  minks,  and  opossums.  The  area  of 
forest  has  increased  since  the  war,  and  game  has  multiplied  apace.  There  are  no 
hotels  or  houses  for  entertainment ;  the  sportsman  must  go  prepared  to  camp, 
but  the  planters  are  kind-hearted,  and  know  a  gentleman  wncn  they  see  one. 
Reached  via  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Railroad,  from  Savannah.  Every  one  keeps 
(Pointers,  and  deer  dogs  are  easily  procured.  Hunting  is  good  throughout  the 
country  which  is  levefand  sandy,  undulating  on  the  river  margins,  and  covered 
with  pnie  forests, 

CatndvH.  County-— 

CumhfrlaHii  Island.  A  favorite  resort  for  Georgia  sportsmen.  Reached  by 
the  "  inside-passage'"  boats  between  Savannah  and  the  Florida  ports,  or  from 
Brunswick,  w  liich  nas  rail  connection  with  Savannah  and  the  interior  towns. 

Tkf  St.  Mary's  River ^  which  forms  the  southern  border  of  the  county,  is  a 
fine  region  for  game.    Reached  by  boat  as  before,  or  from  Fernandina,  Kla. 

Chatham  County— 

Sa7<aHHah.  Quail  shooting  on  the  Ogcechee  road,  a  few  miles  from  town; 
wild  fowl  shooting  on  the  inlets,  and  among  the  neighboring  islands.  People  fish 
in  and  around  Savannah  all  tlie  yea:  round,  and  there  is  a  certain  bank  off  Tybee 
Light,  near  the  Linrht  Ship,  where  bass  arc  captured  in  quantity.  From  Savannah 
to  Thunderbolt,  and  in  all  the  waters  in  the  vicinity,  are  fish  in  plenty,  including 
bass,  sheepshead,  whiting  and  croaker. 

Green  IslttHit,  sixteen  miles  from  Savannah,  is  an  excellent  place  for  quail  and 
wild  fowl  shooting,  and  is  reached  by  rail,  boat  from  Savannah,  or  by  the  regular 
inside  route  of  the  Florida  steamers. 

IVkite  Blujjf,  eight  miles  from  Savannah,  affords  fine  fishing,  and  shooting  for 
quail  and  other  birds. 

Chnttooffa  County — 

Snunnerville.  See  Bartow  County.  The  route  is  via  the  Selma  and  Dalton 
Railroad  to  Skelley's. 

Clarke  County— 

At /tens.  Deer,  turkeys,  squirrels,  partridges.  Reached  via  the  Athens 
Branch  of  the  Georgia  Railroad.    There  are  several  large  hotels. 

Columbia  County — 

Berzelia.  Foxes  and  quail.  Fox  hunting  is  a  favorite  sport  throughout  the 
county ;  there  are  many  fine  packs  of  hounds  kept  for  the  purpose.  Reached 
viia  the  Georgia  Railroad  from  Savannah,  Charleston  or  Atlanta. 

J>a<fe  County — 

TrenioH.  Wild  •■•rkcys  and  woodcock,  quail,  deer  and  bears.  Reached  via 
the  Alabama  and  Cbattaaooga  Railroad,  eighteen  miles  from  Chattanooga.    The 


GAME  AXD  F/S/I  A' E SORTS.  *39 

county  occupies  the  valley  of  Lr)oko\it  Mountain,  and  is  surrounded  by  hills  and 
mountains  in  whicii  Rainc  abounds.    See  Uartow  County. 

Jtvratuv  CouHlff— 

liainbridire.  Deer,  wild  turl<cvs,  qunil.  ducks,  English  snipe.  Lake  Doufrlass. 
Moose  Pontl  and  l-liiit  River  with  otlicr  loculitics.  are  tlie  best  known  grounds. 
Readied  via  the  Atlantir  and  (Jult  Railroad.  Hotel  $3  ;  private  boartl  f  15  to  $20 
per  month  •  guides  ^o  cts.  l*"or  the  best  sport  camping  is  necessary.  The  coun- 
try is  pine  barren  and  hammock. 

Fannin  t.ountf/— 

MorgantoH.  Sec  Hartow  County.  The  route  is  via  carriage  road  from  Dalton. 

Floyd  County— 

Koiiii'.  See  Hartow  r<nintv.  The  route  is  via  the  Selma,  Rome  and  Dalton 
Railroad,     llotcl  accunimodalions. 

Ollnirr  t'outity—  ' 

F.llijiiw  I'Or  Rame.  etc.,  sec  Rartow  County.  Reached  via  the  Western  and 
Atlantic  Railroad  to  Tilton,  thence  wagon. 

Glynn  County— 

Jirumivick.  There  is  a  variety  of  excellent  salt  water  fishing  in  the  sounds, 
and  anionji  the  coast  islands.  The  pine  barrens  and  swamps  abound  in  many 
kinds  of  j^amc.  Hears,  deer,  turkeys,  ipiail,  wooilcock,  snipe,  many  kinils  of  wild 
fowl,  witti  several  varieties  of  fur  l)earinf,'  animals.  Brunswick  is  reached  by  the 
Macon  and  Hrunswirk,  and  tlie  Brunswick  and  Albany  Railroads,  or  by  steamer 
from  Savanuali  and  I'lurida  ports, 

Gordon  County— 

Take  tlie  Western  and  Atlantic  Railroad  from  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  or  from 
Atlanta,  and  learn  from  the  conductor  01  employees  of  the  train,  where  to  leave 
the  railroad  for  a  camp  in  the  woods.  Black  nass  fishing,  and  a  variety  of  fishing 
will  be  found.  I'rovisions  may  be  otitained  at  the  neigiiboring  larnihouscs. 
For  fuller  tlirections,  see  Forest  and  Strciim^  Vol.  iv.,  No.  24,  July  aj,  187,^. 
The  railroad  officials  will  be  found  attentive  to  the  wants  of  sportsmen,  See 
Bartow  County. 

Jlahertihant,  County — 

Tallulah  Falls.  Sec  Bartow  County.  The  route  is  via  the  Atlanta  and  Rich- 
mond Air  Line  to  Toccoa,  thence  by  wagon. 

JIall  County— 

Cainsvillc.  Deer,  turkey  and  quail  shooting.  Take  the  Atlanta  and  Rich- 
mond Air  Line.  There  are  good  hotels,  and  the  town  is  in  summer  a  fashionable 
resort.    See  Uartow  County. 

lAberty  County — 

Fleming.  Mclnioshy  and  WalthourvilU.  For  game  and  route  see  Way's  Sta- 
tion, Bryan  County. 

Zowndea  County— 

I'aldosta.  Deer,  turkeys,  quail,  etc.  Reached  via  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Rail- 
road. Hotels  with  guides,  teams,  etc.,  easily  procured.  The  country  is  level 
pine  and  hummock  land. 

Liimpkln  County — 

Dahlonega.  For  game,  etc.,  see  Bartow  County.  Reached  via  the  Atlanta 
and  Richmond  Air  Line  to  Gainesville,  thence  wagon  roau.  Hotel  accommo- 
dations. 

Mcintosh  County — 

Broughton  Island.,  near  Broughton,  Altamaha  Sound,  and  the  rivers  and 


40 


GAME  AAD  FISH   K/l SORTS. 


creeks  which  empty  into  it,  furnish  most  cxccliont  fisliinK  grounds  throuclioiit 
the  year.  In  the  Soiiiul  arc  imnuiisc  niinibors  ol  sea  hass,  spotted  bass,  (Irum, 
sheepsheail,  "  yoiuiK  drum,"  whilinj;,  troakcrs,  weak  fish,  and  yellow  taiU, 
besitles  oysters,  c  lanis,  trabs,  shrimp,  prawn,  terrapin,  etc. 

On  the  wide  rivers  which  form  the  boundary  line  of  HroiiRhton,  terrapin,  soft- 
shelled  turtles,  l)rcam,  trout,  rock  fish.  |)erch  (three  or  lour  species),  and  nianv 
other  kinds  in  their  season.  The  uplantls  in  the  vicinity  ol  the  island  offer  excel- 
lent sport  in  the  way  of  deer,  coon  and  fox  hunting.  Ducks  and  other  wild  fowl 
fre<iuent  the  sounds  and  rivers.  Wild  turkeys,  partri  ,es.  Kn(>lish  snipe,  wood- 
cocK,  turtle  doves,  with  hares  in  abundance,  must  not  be  forKoltcn  in  making  up 
B  list  of  the  shooting  resources  of  this  part  of  the  (ieor^ia  coast. 

'Johnston  Station.  Kor  name  untl  route  sec  Way's  Station,  Bryan  County. 
The  country  is  level  pine  lan<l. 

Siipeh  Island.  Kor  ^amc  sec  Broughlon  Island,  above.  Randolph  Spalding's 
sons  keep  a  pack  of  hounds. 

JUtirray  Countf/— 

.SArinfT  I'lace.  Kor  pame  and  character  of  country  sec  Hartow  County.  Route 
via  Western  and  Atlantic  Railroad  to  Dalton,  thence  wat;on  drive. 

Oglethorpe  County  — 

Le.vington.    I'or  game  and  route  sec  Athens,  Clarke  County. 

l*lckena  County— 

yas/fr,  Kor  game,  etc.,  see  Bartow  County.  Reached  by  wagon  road  from 
Calhoun,  on  the  Western  and  Atlantic  Railroad. 

Putnnnt  County— 

Eatonton.  Deer  and  tiirkeys  in  the  neighborhood.  Reached  via  Central 
Georgia  Railroad  to  (iordun,  thence  via  Millcdgcville  and  Eatonton  Branch.  The 
town  IS  on  a  high  ridge. 

Jtabuii  County — 

Deer,  turkey,  bear  and  wild  cat.  Take  the  Atlanta  and  Richmond  Air  Line, 
and  learn  from  the  conductor  what  station  to  strike  out  from,  (juides  can  easily 
be  secured,  with  board  at  the  tarmhouses.  The  country  is  mountainous,  and 
covered  with  forests.    Sec  Bartow  County. 

Jtlehmond  County — 

In  the  vicinity  of  Augusta,  is  good  bird  and  rabbit  shooting.  At  the  head  of 
the  canal,  which  takes  water  from  the  Savannah  River  for  the  cotton  factoties  in 
town,  are  excellent  perch  and  black  bass  fishing  on  the  rapids  ;  and  shad  arc  also 
taken  here  with  fly.  The  rapids  are  seven  miles  above  town.  This  is  a  favorite 
picnic  ground  for  the  town  people.  Ducr  are  found  along  the  bottoms  in  tlie 
vicinity. 

Thotnaa  County — 

McDoiialti.  Hear,  panther,  deer,  turkeys  and  quail.  Reached  via  the  Atlan- 
tic and  Gulf  Railroad.    Comfortable  hotel. 

TItomasvillc.  Deer,  turkeys  and  quail.  Reached  via  the  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
Railroad.    Hotel,  with  teams,  etc. 

TiOtvns  County— 

Iliawassce.    Kor  game,  etc.,  see  Bartow  County. 
Xlnlon  County — 

Blairsville.  See  Bartow  County.  Reached  by  wagon  from  Gaincsvii.e. 
There  are  two  hotels. 

Walker  County — 

La  Fayette.  Kor  game,  etc.,  see  Bartow  County.  Reached  by  wagon  road 
from  Dalton. 

Ware  County— 

TebeauvilU.  Bears,  deer  and  wild  turkeys  are  found  in  the  neighborhood. 
The  favorite  ground  tor  hunting  and  fishing,  is  the  extensive  Okefinokee  Swamp, 


CAAfK  AXD   F/S/f  AW-.SOHTS.  4I 

• 

eleht  milps  illstnnt.  Rearhod  vin  the  Atlantic  and  (iiilf  Rnllroad,  ninety-nevcii 
niUfS  Intin  Siivunnuh.  Tliu  'ri-t>i-uiivillu  llitlel,  J.  W.  Keinliart,  f>,  $8  per 
week,  (iiiiilt;  $i.s'>.  I'urlics  usually  cump.  The  country  in  low,  tiat  pino  UniJ 
mill  swamp. 

}f'iiMtthif/lou  Cniinti/ — 

(Ki'itif,  urn/  //'<•  (hoHff  Swiim^.  This  swnmn,  ten  milc!«  in  length.  extenHloR 
nIoiiK  the  Oconee  River,  is  lilU-d  with  great  nuiiiliers  ol  bears,  deer,  wild  tuil<e\  s 
nnd  other  k"'»^'i  >vith  all  varieties  of  wild  iuwl.  Take  the  Central  Geurt;iti 
Railroad, 

WHkhmon,  f'otint(f~ 

'/'<>i>ins/'i>ri>nj^'/t.  Kxcellent  shootinf;  in  the  Oconee  Swainp.  For  game  and 
route  sec  (Jcoiice,  above. 

niiite  Count  I/— 

Cl<i7ieliinii.  See  Hartow  County.  Reached  via  the  Atlanta  and  Richmond 
Air  Line  tu  Gainesville  thence  via  wagon. 


IDAHO. 

The  territory  of  Idaho  embraces  an  area  of  86,294  square 
miles,  and  had  a  population  in  1S70,  of  20,583,  of  whom  10,618 
were  whites  and  the  rest  Inchans  and  Chinese.  Idaho  is  moun- 
tainous throughout  nearly  its  whole  extent ;  many  of  its  mountain 
ranges  are  lolty  and  snow-cajjped.  The  only  plain  or  prairie  of 
note  is  that  e.xtending  along  the  Snake  River  south-east  from  the 
Payette  and  Sandtooth  Mountains.  Most  of  the  rivers,  of  which 
there  are  a  large  number,  have  fcitile  valleys,  which  constitute  the 
most  valuable  agricultural  lands  in  the  territory.  There  are  sev- 
eral lakes  of  considerable  extent,  all  of  which,  with  the  rivers,  arc 
supplied  with  the  usual  varieties  of  fresh  water  fish.  The  moun- 
tains iiul  forests  abound  in  many  varieties  of  large  and  savage 
game,  including  bears,  wolves,  panthers,  etc.,  while  buffalo,  moose, 
elk,  several  species  of  deer,  with  smaller  game,  and  many  varieties 
of  fur  bearing  animals  are  found  in  great  plenty.  The  birds  in- 
clude ninety-hve  species,  and  are  generally  abundant.  The  means 
of  communication  are  confined  to  wagon  roads  and  trails.  There 
are  no  railroads  in  the  territory  though  several  have  been  pro- 
jected. The  nearest  approach  by  rail  is  via  the  Ogden  and  Frank- 
lin Branch  of  the  Union  Pacific.  The  inaccessibility  of  the  coun- 
try has  greatly  impeded  its  settlement  and  hence  the  sportsman 
will  find  here  vast  tracts  of  undisturbed  game  ground,  where 
weeks  and  months  may  be  spent  in  successful  sport. 

Ada  County- 
Boise  City,  is  a  central  point  for  expeditions  into  the  game  regions  of  Ada 
County  and  those  adjoining.  The  route  is  similar  to  that  of  Idaho  City.  (See 
Boise  County.)  The  game  in  tlic  mountains  includes  elk,  antelope,  mountain 
sheep,  deer,  bears  and  small  (rame.  The  streams  furnish  mountairi  and  salmon 
trout,  white  Hsh,  and  other  varieties.  » 


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42  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

Atiava  County  — 

The  Three  Duties  are  good  hunting  grounds  for  the  mountain  game  common  in 
this  region  and  mentioned  below.  Reached  from  Soda  Springs  or  Boise  City. 
The  northern  part  of  the  county  is  composed  of  mountain  ridges,  among  which 
game  will  be  found  iu  large  quantities. 

Jioi9e  County— 

Quartzburgh.  Deer,  bear,  grouse,  mountain  trout,  white,  and  red  fish,  sal- 
mon trout.    Route  as  above. 

Idaho  City.  Elk,  deer,  mountain  sheep,  bear  :  mountain  and  salmon  tiout,  red 
and  white  fish.  Reached  via  Central  Pacific  Railroad  to  Kelton,  thence  stage 
three  hundred  miles.     Board  $3  :  guides  $4  ;  teams  $8. 

Payette  Lake  contains  red  fish.  Parties  are  fitted  out  at  Idaho  City  for  fishing 
and  hunting  expeditions  to  the  lake. 

Idaho  County — 

This  county,  extending  east  and  west  from  Oregon  to  Montana,  is  a  grand 
field  for  hunting  and  fishing.  The  county  is  mountamous,  and  for  the  most  part 
unsettled,  fhe  game  found  here  comprises  bears,  wolves,  p&.ithers,  wild-cats, 
foxes  of  several  species,  moose,  buffalo,  on  the  Payette  Valley  prairie,  elk,  black- 
tailed  and  mule  deer,  antelopes,  Rocky  Mountain  sheep,  ducks,  geese  and  many 
other  kinds  of  water  fowl,  with  other  game  birds  in  great  variety  and  abundance, 
and  the  fresh  water  fish  common  to  the  territory.  There  will  also  be  found  excel- 
lent trapping  in  all  the  streams.  Elk  City  at  the  base  of  the  Bitter  Root  Moun- 
tains is  a  good  place  for  headquarters. 

ZiiitUoah  County — 

Moose  are  found  in  the  Coeur  d'Alene  Mountains.  Sage  hens  are  abundant 
throughout  the  county. 

Oneida  County- 
Fort  Bonneville  is  a  good  starting  point  for  elk,  mountain  sheep,  antelope, 
bear  and  deer  shooting.    Quail,  and  grouse  are  abundant.    Mountain  and  salmoa 
trout,  and  white  fish  furnisli  good  fishing. 

Soda  Springs.,  on  Bear  River,  is  in  the  centre.of  excellent  hunting  and  fishing. 
The  game  is  abundant  in  the  mountains  south  and  east.  Bear  River  contains 
grayliiur,  and  the  mountain  streams  are  filled  with  mountain  trout  and  other  vari- 
eties of^game  fish. 

Shoghone  County — 

The  mountains  which  form  the  eastern  boundary  of  this  county  are  full  of  large 
game.    Go  to  Pierce  City  where  guides  will  be  found. 


ILLINOIS. 


The  area  of  the  State  is  55,410  square  miles,  the  population  is 
2,537,891.  The  surface  of  the  country  may  be  described  as  a 
gently  inclined  plane,  sloping  from  Lake  Michigan,  on  the  north, 
toward  the  Mississippi  and  Ohio  Rivers.  An  elevated  plateau 
extends  from  Wisconsin  into  the  northwestern  part  of  the  State, 
where  it  is  manifested  in  bluffs  and  hills.  Another  range  of  hills 
in  the  extreme  southern  section  crosses  the  State  from  Grand 
Tower,  to  Shawneetown.  With  the  exception  of  these  eleva- 
tions, the  State  is  level,  consisting  for  the  most  part,  of  prairie 
lands,  dotted  here  and  there  with  islands  of  oak  and  other  forest 
trees.    The  railroad  system  of  Illinois  is  remarkable  for  its  per- 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  43 

fection.  The  total  length  of  her  railroads  exceeds  that  of  any 
other  State,  and  there  is  scarcely  a  county  which  is  not  tra- 
versed by  one  or  more  o<"  these  lines.  As  a  ganne  region  Illi- 
nois will  compare  favoral)ly  with  the  neighboring  States,  in  the 
abundance  of  wild  fowl  found  on  all  the  rivers  and  lakes,  pinna- 
ted grouse  on  the  prairies,  and  fish  of  various  kinds  in  all  the 
streams.  With  the  exception  of  a  little  deer  shooting,  there  is  no 
large  game. 

A.Aa,ms  County — 

Lima  Lake  is  a  noted  pl^ce  for  wild  fowl  shootine.  See  La  Granee,  Lewis 
County,  Mo.  The  lake,  which  is  surrounded  by  marsn,  contains  several  islands, 
and  is  connected  by  a  navigable  slough  with  the  Mississippi  River.  These 
grounds  may  be  reached  by  river  steamers  ;  by  boat  or  hired  conveyance  from 
puincy  ;  via  Chicago  and  Burlington  and  Qumcy  Railroad  to  Mendon,  thence 
hired  conveyance  or  stage  to  Lima  ;  or  via  La  Grange,  Missouri. 

Quincy,    See  Lima  Lake.  Mt 

Sureau  County — 

Sheffield.  Excellent  duck  shooting  ;  mallards,  and  oiher  varieties.  The  little 
steamer  Sheffield  takes  numerous  parties  from  the  Sheffield  House  to  the  favorite 
hunting  stations  on  Lake  Wolf,  Hyde  Lake,  and  Lake  George,  and  the  Grand 
Calumet,  while  Chittenden's,  Bee's,  and  other  points  loved  by  the  sportsman,  are 
greatly  resorted  to.  One  hundred  and  thirty-six  miles  from  Chicago  on  the  Chi- 
cago, Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad.  The  Sheffield  House  is  the  resort  of 
sportsmen. 

Walnut.  Pinnated  grouse,  ducks,  brant,  geese.  Winnebago  Swamp  is  a 
favorite  resort  for  water  fowl.  Reached  via  tne  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy 
Railroad.    Stop  at  Deer  Grove  Station  for  duck  shooting. 

Champaign  County — 

Urbana.  Pinnated  grouse  :  pike  and  pickerel.  Reached  via  the  Indianapolis, 
Bloomington  and  Western  Railroad.    Board  $2  ;  teams  I3. 

Chrlatian  County — 

Assumption.  Geese,  ducks,  plover  and  snipe,  on  the  wet  lowland  prairie. 
Pinnated  grouse  and  quail  abundant.    Reached  via  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad. 

Cook  County — 

Chicago.  At  Calumet  Lake,  distant  ten  miles,  and  at  other  localities  within 
forty  miles  of  the  city,  is  good  duck  shooting.  Mallards,  wood  ducks,  and  blue 
and  green -winged  teal  are  the  most  common  varieties.  Wilson  snipe  afford 
average  sport.  By  rail  to  Peoria  and  thence  down  the  river,  the  shooting 
grounds  01  Mason  County  (which  see),  may  be  reached.  See  also  South  Chicago 
and  Kankakee. 

Lake  Zurich.    See  Palatine. 

Palatine.  Pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  quail,  partridges,  many  varieties  of 
ducks,  snipe,  plover,  wild  pigeons.  Lakes  Zurich,  Diamond.  Grass,  Honey,  and 
Bangs,  are  in  the  vicinity,  and  afford  excellent  fishing.  Of  these,  Lake  Zurich 
may  be  especially  mentioned.  The  village  of  the  same  name  is  on  its  shores,  and 
has  two  good  hotels  for  summer  guests.  The  lake  is  belted  all  around  with  groves 
of  timber,  among  the  openings  of  which  grass-plats  slope  down  to  the  pebbled 
beach.  Its  waters  abound  with  fish  of  various  kinds,  the  principal  of  which  are 
pickerel  and  black  bass.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 
Excellent  hotels. 

South  Chicago^  twelve  miles  from  Chicago,  on  the  shore  of  the  lake,  is  a  favor- 
ite point  for  Chicago  excursionists.  In  the  vicinity,  especially  in  the  bays  and 
sloughs  of  the  Calumet  region,  are  great  flocks  of  ducks  and  other  wild  fowl. 
Reached  via  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michignan  Southern,  the  Pittsburgh,  Fort  Wayne 
and  Chicago,  and  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroads. 

l>e  Witt  County- 
Farmer  City,    Good  pinnated  grouse  shooting.    Reached  via  Gilman,  Clin- 
ton and  Springfield  Railroad. 


'44  GAME  AND  FISH  HESOl^TS. 

JFord  County— 

Gibson  City.  Pinnated  grouse  abundant.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Padu- 
cah,  and  other  railroads. 

Franklin  Cotmty— 

Benton.  Good  wild  turkey  shooting  in  the  neighbo-hood.  Reached  by  wagon 
road  from  McLeansborough  on  the  St.  Louis  andSouth-eastern  Railroad,  or  trom 
Duquoin  on  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad. 

Fulton  County — 

The  Illinois  River.    See  Mason  County. 

Lewiston  is  within  a  few  miles  of  the  celebrated  sporting  grounds  of  ihe 
Illinois  River.    Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Alton  Railroad. 

M.aneoek  County — 

Nauvoo.  Deer  and  wild  turkeys,  with  an  abundance  of  pinnated  grouse, 
woodcock  and  quail.    Reached  by  river  steamer,  or  wagon  road  from  Keokuk. 

Iroquois  County — 

St.  Mary's.  Ducks,  geese,  crane,  plover,  snipe,  quail,  woodcock,  ruffed  and 
pinnated  grouse.  Reached  via  the  Cincinnati,  Lafayette  and  Chicago  Railroad. 
Board  $2. 

tTefferaon  County — 

Calumet.  Duck  and  snipe  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Illinois  Central,  or  the 
Michigan  Central  Railroad. 

tFerney  County — 

Grafton  is  a  few  miles  above  Alton  at  the  junction  of  the  Illinois  River  with 
the  Mississippi. 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  mouth  of  the  Illinois  River  there  is  good  deer  hunting. 
In  the  marshes  and  lakes  are  snipe  in  their  season,  and  ducks  most  of  the  year. 
In  the  corn  fields  and  stubble,  an  abundance  of  quail.  On  the  brushy  hillsides 
there  are  ruffed  grouse,  locally  known  as  "  pheasants."  Great  numbers  of  geese 
and  brants  frequent  this  vicmity,  and  many  are  killed  as  they  pass  from  their 
feedinjT  grounds  in  the  fields  to  the  sandbars  and  lakes.  There  are  a  number  of 
places  m  the  Mississippi,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Illinois,  v/here  the  current  is  too 
rapid  and  the  shallow  waters  too. turbulent  to  freeze  at  anytime.  Both  geese 
and  ducks  (mallards)  frequent  these  open  places.  Take  rail  to  Alton,  thence  by 
wagon  road. 

K.ane  County— 

Batavia.  The  Fox  River,  from  the  Wisconsin  line  to  its  junction  with  the 
Illinois  River  at  Ottawa,  a  distance  of  about  one  hundred  miles,  abounds  with 
fish  common  to  the  tributaries  of  the  Mississippi,  and  probably  second  to  none  in 
numbers,  variety  and  size.  At  the  head  of  the  river  are  a  number  of  lakes  abound- 
ing in  mascalonge,  black,  silver,  rock  and  river  bass,  yellow  perch,  gar,  pickerel, 
wall-eyed  pike,  red  horse,  bull  heads,  silver  eels,  and  four  varieties  of  dace. 
Batavia  is  on  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railway. 

Geneva  is  built  on  terraces  on  both  sides  of  Fox  river,  which  is  well  sti^cked 
with  black  bass,  pickerel,  pike;  sun,  and  other  fish.  Its  best  hotel  is  The  Union 
House,  which  can  accommodate  one  hundred  guests  at  $3  per  day. 

The  surrounding  country  is  rolling,  and  is  about  equally  divided  between 
prairie  and  timber.  The  county  affords  fine  shooting  in  season.  Pinnated  grouse, 
quail,  woodcock,  partridge,  and  other  game  abound.  Nelson's  Lake.,  Johnson's 
Mound.,  and  Harrington's  Island  are  popular  resorts,  one  to  seven  miles  from  the 
village.    Take  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 

Xitthe  County — 

Deerfield.  Black  squirrel  shooting  is  good  in  the  woods  about  Deerfield. 
Take  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad,  twenty  miles  from  Chicago. 

Fox  Lake.  Fine  hunting  in  the  neighborhood.  The  duck  shooting  is 
excellent. 

Lake  Zurich.    See  Palatine,  Cook  County, 

IVaukee-an.  Game  of  most  kinds  abundant ;  fox  and  black  squirrels  very 
plenty.    Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.   'Good  hotels. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  45 

Kankakee  County— 

Kankakee.  The  Kankakee  River  flows  through  a  country  which  is  one  vast 
marsh  for  miles  on  either  side.  At  times  its  banks  are  darkened  by  the  heavy 
forests  of  Indiana,  which  fringe  the  stream  for  a  considerable  distance.  The 
river  is  winding  and  rapid,  being  deep  in  many  places  and  in  others  so  shallow 
that  boats  cannot  pans  ard  have  to  be  carrieci.    In  other  places  the  wild  rice 

f;rows  all  across  the  shallows,  this  generally  occurring  when  the  surrounding 
and  lies  low,  forming  the  home  of  myriads  of  wild  fowlof  all  sorts.  There  are 
also  plenty  of  fish  in  this  stream,  chiefly  pickerel  and  black  and  speckled  bass. 
Kankakee  is  a  station  on  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad,  and  on  the  Cincinnati, 
Lafayette  and  Chicago  road.    Sportsmen  should  prepare  for  camping  out. 

St.  Anne.  Geese,  brant,  ducks,  cranes,  snipe,  quail,  pinnated  grouse  ;  pike, 
pickerel,  bass  end  other  varieties  of  fish.  Reached  via  the  Chicago,  Danville 
and  Vincennes,  and  Cincinnati,  Lafayette  and  Chicago  Railroads.  Hotels  $i  to 
$1.50  per  day,  $4  to  $5  per  week  ;  guides  $1  to  $1.50  ;  ooats  Ji ;  teams  J2.50  to  $3. 

Xa  Salle  County — 

Marseilles.  Among  the  Islands,  at  the  Kickapoo  Rapids  of  the  Illinois  River, 
are  some  excellent  snipe  shooting  ^  .ounds.  The  route  is  via  the  Chicago,  Rock 
Island  and  Pacific  Railroad. 

Ottawa.  The  marshes  on  the  Illinois  River,  near  this  town,  are  fine  ducking 
grounds.  Reached  via  the  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy,  or  the  Chicago, 
Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad. 

ice  County — 

Compton.  Inlet  Swamp  affords  excellent  shooting  for  Canada  geese,  brant, 
mallards,  pin  tails,  ruffle  heads,  spoonbills,  teal,  and  jack  snipe,  and  on  the 
borders  of  the  swamp  are  ruffed  grouse  and  quail.  Take  the  Chicago,  Burling- 
ton and  Quincy  Railroad  to  Compton,  thence  hired  conveyance  to  the  swamp, 
five  miles  north.    The  mouth  of  Wilson  Creek  is  the  best  spot  for  game. 

Dixon.  A  small  steamer  runs  between  Dixon  and  Grand  Detour.,  twelve 
miles,  and  passes  en  route  many  islands  and  picturesque  points  of  interest.  The 
river  provides  ample  fishing  grounds,  and  the  fisherman  will  be  abundantly  repaid 
for  angling  in  its  waters.  Game  abounds,  the  golden  plover,  upland  plover,  the 
jack  snipe  and  woodcock  being  especially  plentiful.  Reached  via  the  Chicaf^o 
and  Northwestern  Railroad.    There  are  several  fine  hotels. 

Nachusa  is  on  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad,  ninety-three  miles 
from  Chicago. 

White  Rock,  a  popular  picnic  and  fishing  resort,  is  four  miles  north,  and  is 
much  frequented  by  parties  from  all  portions  of  the  State.  The  rock  is  a  noted 
landmark,  rising  as  it  does  sixty  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  water  of  Rock 
River,  and  above  the  surrounding  prairie. 

Ziivlngaton  County— 

Chatsivorth.  Deer,  wild  turkeys  and  grouse.  Reached  via  the  Toledo,  Peo- 
ria and  Warsaw  Railroad. 

JLogan  Cotmty— 

Elkhart  City.  Quail,  pinnated  grouse,  ducks  and  geese.  Wild  turkeys  at 
Lake  Fort,  seven  miles  distant.    Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Alton  Railroad. 

Lincoln.  The  game  on  Salt  Creek  is  similar  to  that  of  the  Sangamon  River. 
See  Petersburg,  Menard  County.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Alton,  and  other 
railroads. 

McDonough  County- 
Colchester.    Pinnated    grouse.    On   the   Chicago,  Burlington   and   Quincy 
Railroad. 

McHenry  County— 

Cary  Station  is  one  mile  from  Fox  River,  in  which  is  excellent  fishing.  See 
Batavia,  Kane  County.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad, 
thirty-eight  miles  from  Chicago.  There  is  a  fine  hotel,  where  sportsmen  will 
receive  every  attention. 

Crystal  Lake.  The  lake  affords  good  black  and  rock  bass,  pickerel  and  perch 
fishing.    Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 

Harvard.  The  Twin  Lakes  are  twentv  miles  distant ;  a  line  of  stages  runs  to 
Geneva,  which  see.    Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 


46 


CAME  AND  FISH  KESORTS, 


McHenry  is  sixty-six  miles  from  Cliicago,  on  the  banks  of  Fox  River.  It  lias 
three  hotels.  Five  miles  distant,  a  chain  of  small  lakes  extends  eastward  some 
thirty  miles.  These  lakes  are  full  offish,  and  along  their  shores  game  is  found  in 
abundance.    Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 

Richmond  is  on  the  banks  of  the  Neipersink  River.  The  Twin  Lakes  are 
three  miles  from  the  station,  and  furnish  excellent  fishing.  Game  abounds  in  the 
vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad,  seventy-five 
miles  from  Chicago.    Hotel  accommodations. 

Ridgejield.  Excellegt  shooting  and  angling  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the 
Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad,  forty-six  miles  from  Chicago. 

McLean  County — 

Belle  Flower.  Excellent  pinnated  grouse  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Oilman, 
Clinton  and  Springfield  Railroad. 

Bloomineton.  Pinnated  grouse  on  the  prairies.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and 
Alton,  or  Illinois  Central,  and  other  roads.     Board  $3  :  teams  $3  to  $5. 

Leroy.  Pinnated  grouse  and  quail.  Reached  via  the  Indianapolis,  Blooming- 
ton  and  Western  Railroad, 

Macon  County — 

Decatur.  Pinnated  grouse  and  ducks.  Reached  via  Illinois  Central  and 
other  railroads.  Hotels  I3. 

Madison  County — 

Allon.  Duck  and  snipe  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Alton,  or 
Indianapolis  and  St.  Louis  Railroad. 

Mason  County- 
Havana,  forty  miles  below  Peoria,  on  the  Illinois  River,  (which  see,  below)  is 
reached  by  steamer,  or  via  the  Peoria,  Pekin  and  Jacksonville,  the  Indianapolis 
Bloomington  and  Western,  or  the  Springfield  and  Northwestern  Railroads. 

The  Illinois  River.  The  most  noted  sporting  grounds  in  Central  Illinois,  if  not 
in  the  whole  State,  lie  upon  the  Illinois  River  about  twenty-five  miles  below  Peoria. 
The  game  here  is  of  great  variety  and  abundance,  consisting  of  ducks  ;  the  mal- 
lard, wood  or  summer,  blue  and  green-winged  teal,  widgeon,  canvas  back,  and 
nearly  all  the  other  inland  varieties,  with  several  of  the  salt  water  species  ;  geese, 
the  brant  and  common  wild  goose  ;  white  pelicans,  sand  hill  cranes,  herons,  water 
turkeys,  coots,  plover,  snipe,  common  hawks,  bitterns,  curlew,  loons.'dippers, 
quail,  pinnated  grouse,  woodcock,  large  fox  squirrels  ;  catfish,  buffalo  fish,  pike, 
bass  and  most  of  the  ordinary  varieties  of  fresa  water  fish.  Of  fur  bearing  ani- 
mals, there  are  raccoons,  minks  and  muskrats.  The  hunting  grounds  lie  upon 
either  side  of  the  river.  The  part  west  is  in  Fulton  County,  that  east  \n  Mason 
County.  Havana,  a  small  village  near  the  south  end  of  tnem,  is  a  good  initial 
point,  either  by  railroad  or  river.  They  are  about  eight  miles  long,  and  one  and  a 
half  miles  on  each  side  of  the  stream.  They  are  "  bottom  lands,"  and  generally 
heavily  timbered,  but  in  some  places  open,  except  brush,  flags,  weeds,  etc. 
They  are  lower,  back  from  the  river,  than  on  its  banks,  which  are  open,  hard, 
dry,  and  fine  for  camping,  with  plenty  of  wood.  Blind  wagon  roads  intersect 
them  generally,  so  they  are  easily  entered  on  f.lmost  every  side.  The  river  is 
generally  about  three  hundred  yards  wide  with  a  slow  current,  and  sloping  banks. 
On  each" side,  and  back  at  convenient  distance  for  hunting,  lie  about  twenty  lakes, 
sloughs  and  ponds,  varying  from  three  miles  and  a  hair",  down  to  the  ordinary 
pond.  These,  about  ten  on  each  side,  stretch  along  from  north  to  south,  throughout 
the  hunting  grounds.  The  most  prominent  are  Thomson's,  Johnson's,  Slim  and 
Duck  Island,  in  Fulton  County  ;  Flag,  Spring,  Mud  and  Clear  in  Mason  County. 
Camps  are  generally  pitched  so  as  to  command  several  of  these  lakes.  Persons 
living  in  the  vicinity  will  always  conduct  strangers  to  the  best  camping  grounds, 
01  haul  their  camp  equipage  to  and  from  the  same.  Steamboats  often  iand  par- 
ties right  on  the  ground,  hence  Peoria  or  Pekin,  from  the  north,  are  good  initial 
points,  where  perfect  outfit  for  camp  may  be  purchased.  A  small  skiff  or  boat  is 
almost  indispensable,  and  there  are  few  if  any  to  hire.  India  rubber  boots  with 
high  leggins,  are  a  necessary  article  of  outfit.  Most  of  the  game  killed  may  be  got 
by  wading  from  the  shore.  The  lakes  are  generally  shallow,  and  some  may  be 
waded  ;  some  are  open,  but  most  are  broadly  belted  with  wild  rice,  flags,  grass, 
etc.  From  about  the  loth  to  the  20th  of  October  is  the  best  time  to  camp  here. 
Shooting  is  generally  along  the  borders,  and  a  retriever  will  add  much  to  the 
sport. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS,  4/ 

MasoH  Cily.  Good  plover  and  snipe  shooting.  On  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
and  St  Paul  Railroad. 

Middle  Grove.  Pigeons,  fox-squirrels,  grouse,  quail,  ducks  and  geese. 
Reached  from  Peoria. 

Menard  County — 

Petersburgh.  On  the  bottom  lands  of  the  Sangamon  River  are  geese,  ducks, 
mallards,  blue  bills,  pintails,  green-winged  teal,  blue-winged  teal,  wood  ducks, 
snipe,  quail  and  grouse.    Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Alton  Railroad. 

Monroe  County — 

Murdoch  Lake^  twenty-six  miles  south  of  St.  Louis,  affords  excellent  black, 
white,  and  striped  bass  fishing.  The  St.  Louis  and  Murdock  Lake  Club  have  a 
club  house  here.  Take  hired  conveyance  from  St,  Louis,  or  go  via  boat  to  Har- 
risonville,  thence  r'rive  to  the  lake. 

Morgan  County— 

Jacksonville.  Game  is  abundant  in  the  vicinity.  This  is  the  headquarters  of 
the  Audubon  Sportsman's  Club.    Easily  accessible  by  rail. 

Ogle  County— 

Flagy  on  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad,  is  three-fourths  of  a  mile 
from  Kite  River,  where  fair  fishing,  and  excellent  quail  and  pinnated  grouse 
shooting  will  be  found. 

Grand  Detour.    See  Dixon,  Lee  County. 

Rochelle.  Pinnated  grouse  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Iowa, 
and  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroads. 

Peoria  County — 

Peoria.  The  best  grounds  for  sportsmen  are  on  the  Illinois  River,  twenty-five 
miles  below  the  city.    See  Mason  County. 

Perry  County — 

Du  Quoin  on  the  Illinois  Central,  and  the  St.  Louis,  Alton  and  Terre  Haute 
Railroads,  is  a  most  excellent  centre  for  small  game. 

Piatt  County — 

Monticello.  As  a  game  region,  Piatt  County  will  compare  favorably  with  any 
in  the  State.  Monticello,  a  good  initial  point,  is  reached  via  the  Chicago  and 
Paducah,  or  the  Indianapolis,  Bloomington  and  Western  Railroad. 

Pike  County— 

Rockport.  Geese,  brant,  ducks,  pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock  and 
quail.    Reached  via  the  Quincy,  Alton  and  St.  Louis  Railroad. 

St.  C'air  County — 

Lebanon.  Quail,  pinnated  grouse,  mallards,  teal  and  snipe.  Reached  via  the 
Ohio  and  Mississippi  Railroad. 

Schuyler  County — 

Bluff"  City.  Dickercon's  Lake  abounds  in  deer,  ducks  and  brant.  It  is  one 
of  the  "Best  localities  in  the  State  for  the  above  game.  Smith's  Lake,  about  three 
miles  from  Bluffs,  Scott  County,  affords  excellent  duck  shooting.  Quail  are  abun- 
dant. T  ^  t  Bluflf  House,  kev^t  by  Col.  Waterhouse,  a  thorough  sportsman,  affords 
excellent  quarters  for  the  sportsman. 

Scott  County — 

Bluffs.  See  Bluff  City,  Schuyler  County.  Reached  via  the  Toledo,  Wabash 
and  Western  Railroad. 

Tazewell  County — 

Pekin.  Good  woodcock  shooting  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Illinois  Railroad.  The 
shooting  grcunds  of  the  Illinois  River  are  easily  accessible.  See  Mason  County. 
Reached  by  rail  from  Chicago,  Indianapolis,  and  other  points. 

Verntillion  County- 
Danville.    Pinnated  grouse  on  the  prairie  ;  bass  fishing  In  the  rivers.  Reached 
via  the  Chicago,  Danville,  and  Vincennes,  and  other  railroads. 


48  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

WliUenldca  County— 

Deer  Grove.  Excellent  wild  fowl  shooting  at  the  Winnebago  Swamp,  with 
grouse  and  plover  on  the  adjacent  sand  ridges  and  fields.  Talce  the  Cnicago, 
Burlington  and  Quincy  Railroad. 

The  Meredosiii  River  is  famous  for  its  wild  fowl  shooting.  See  Camanche 
Clinton  County,  Iowa. 

"Will  County— 

yo/i'et.  Pinnated  grouse  and  snipe  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and 
Alton, or  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad. 

Lockport.  Good  woodcock  shooting  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Chi- 
cago and  Alton  Railroad. 

Peotone.  Geese,  ducks  and  snipe.  Reached  via  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad, 
forty-one  miles  from  Chicago. 

Winnebago  County — 

Rock/ord.  In  the  Rock  River,  which  flows  through  the  city,  and  in  its  tribu- 
tary, the  Kishwaukee,  are  found  shad,  salmon,  trout,  black  bass,  pike,  pickerel 
and  a  few  perch.  Grouse  and  quail  shooting  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the 
Chicago  and  Northwestern,  or  the  Chicago  and  Iowa  Railroad. 


INDIANA. 


Area,  33,809  square  miles;  population,  1.680,637.  There  are 
in  Indiana  no  mountains,  and  no  hills  except  what  are  known  as 
river  hills.  These  are  formed  by  the  erosion  of  the  rivers,  forming 
deep  valleys  gradually  sloping  from  the  former  broad  limits  of  the 
rivers,  to  their  present  channels.  These  valleys  give  the  bluffs 
the  appearance  of  hills  where  in  reality  they  do  not  exist.  Of  the 
whole  surface  of  the  State  two-thirds  are  very  level,  the  other  third 
being  broken  and  rolling.  The  State  is  well  watered  by  rivers 
and  many  small  lakes,  or  what  in  the  East  would  be  called  ponds, 
the  largest  of  which  is  Beaver  Lake,  in  Newton  County.  There  is 
in  the  State  no  large  game  to  offer  attractions  to  the  sportsman. 
Smaller  game  is,  however,  abundant,  hares,  rabbits,  squirrels,  and 
pinnated  grouse  in  unlimited  quantity,  with  an  abundance  of  all 
kinds  of  wild  fowl.  Railroad  communications  throughout  the 
State  are  very  perfect ;  here  as  in  Illinois,  every  county  is  easily 
accessible,  and  on  nearly  every  line  of  these  roads  the  sportsman 
will  find  abundant  sport. 

Allen  County — 

Fori  Wayne.  There  will  be  found  excellent  (^uail,  ruffed  grouse  and  rabbit 
shooting  on  the  line  of  the  Toledo,  Wabash  and  W  estern  Railroad,  between  Fort 
Wayne  and  La  Fayette.  Deer  and  wild  turkeys  are  found  thirty  miles  out,  on 
the  Muncie  Railroad.    Good  bass,  pike  and  pickerel  fishing  near  tne  city. 

Bartholomew  County — 

Columbus.  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  pinnated  and  niffed  grouse,  quail,  woodcock, 
snipe  and  wild  fowl.  Reached  via  the  Jefferson,  Madison  and  Indianapolis  Rail- 
road.   Good  hotels  at  moderate  rates. 


/ 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  49 

Jtlaekford  County— 

Montpeliev.  From  MontpcHer  as  a  centre  the  snortsman  will  find  seventeen 
thousand  acres  ot  splendid  shooting  ground,  pcrtcctly  level.  The  game  includes 
deer,  wild  turkey,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock  and  wihf  fowl  of  all  varieties.  Take 
the  Fort  Wayne,  Muncie  and  Cincinnati  Railroad.  I'rivate  board  can  be  obtained 
at  the  farmhouses. 

Hart/ord  City.  Wild  turkeys  and  quail  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  town. 
Reached  via  the  I'ort  Wayne,  Muncie  and  Cincinnati  Railroad. 

Crawford  County— 

IVvamiotte.  In  the  Greenbrier  and  Blue  Rivers  is  good  fishing  for  black  bass, 
rock  bass,  suniish,  pike,  and  there  are  many  cattish.  Wyandotte  is  about  sixty- 
five  miles  below  Louisville.  The  daily  packets  of  the  Louisville  and  Evansville 
Mail  Line,  and  the  tri-weekly  Louisville  and  Leavenworth  packet  bton  at 
Leavenworth,  the  nearest  point  by  water  to  the  Cave.  The  fare  is  $1.50.  Prob- 
ably the  most  convenient  of  these  packets  is  the  Sandy  No.  2,  a  very  elegant 
little  boat,  with  gentl.:nianly  and  accommodating  officers,  which  ends  its  voy- 
age at  Leavenworth,  thus  enabling  nassengers  to  remain  on  board  all  night. 
Leaving  Louisville  at  live  o'clock,  all  the  boats  reach  their  destination  before 
midnight.     Doard  at  the  Wyandotte  Hotel  $7  per  week. 

Delaware  County— 

Muncie.  Quail  shooting  along  the  White  River.  Reached  via  Fort  Wayne, 
Muncie  and  Cincinnati  Railroad.   Hotels  $2.   Country  level  and  heavily  wooded. 

J'^ountain  County— 

Covington.  Wild  turkey,  nuail  and  pinnated  grouse.  Reached  via  the  Chi- 
cago, Danville  and  Vincennes  Railroad.     Hotels  $2.    The  country  hilly. 

Franklin.  County — 

Mount  Carmel.  Fine  bass  fishing  in  the  Wabash  River.  See  Princeton,  Gib- 
son County. 

Oibaon  County- 
Princeton.  Long  Pond,  on  the  Wabash  Bottom,  a  lake  about  three  miles  long, 
is  full  of  black  bass,  and  there  is  also  excellent  bass  fishing  on  the  rapids  of  the 
Wabash  some  ten  miles  from  Princeton,  where  two  dozen  fish  in  an  hour's  time 
is  considered  nothing  remarkable.  The  river  is  a  clear,  tumbling,  rapid  stream, 
and  the  ride  by  rail  from  Princeton  to  Mt.  Carmel,  and  thence  by  omnibus  to 
the  fishing  grounds,  where  there  is  a  capital  hotel,  is  a  favorite  excursion  with 
both  ladies  and  gentlemen,  not  only  from  the  vicinity,  but  from  Louisville,  Cin- 
cinnati, Indianapolis  and  other  towns.  Princeton  is  reached  via  the  Evansville 
and  Crawfordsville,  or  the  Louisville,  New  Albany  and  St.  Louis  Railroad. 

Pntoka.  The  flats  west  of  the  town  are  excellent  shooting  grounds  for  all 
kinds  of  wild  fowl.  On  the  hills  are  wild  turkeys  and  quail.  Reached  via  the 
Evansville  and  Crawfordsville  Railroad. 

Henry  County — 

Luray.    Pinnated  grouse  and  qualL    Reached  from  New  Castle  or  Muncie. 

tTasper  County — 

RetttiHgton.on  the  Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis  Railroad,  is  a  good 
centre  from  which  to  start  out  for  a  camp  on  the  prairie.  Pinnated  grouse,  sand- 
hill cranes  and  ducks,  with  other  varieties  of  wild  fowl  are  found.  The  best 
shooting  is  on  the  north  side  of  the  railroad.  Teams  can  be  hired  from  the 
farmers. 

tlefferaon  County- 
Madison.    The  Indian  Kentuck,  seven  miles  above  Madison,  is  a  fine  fishing 
stream.    Take  the  JeflFersonville,  Madison  and  Indianapolis  Railroad  to  Madison. 

Knox  County— 

Vincennes.  One  of  the  localities  especially  noted  for  its  snipe  shooting,  is  the 
broad  extent  of  marshes  and  prairies  that  lie  back  of  the  Wabash  River,  some  ten 
or  twelve  miles  from  Vincennes.  Pinnated  grouse  are  found  here  in  abundance. 
There  is  good  hotel  accommodation,  and  one  can  drive  across  the  prairie  in  a 


v» 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


waKon  to  the  hunting;  p;round,  tho<tgh  obliged  to  malce  many  detours  to  avoid 
swamps  and  sloughs. 

K.o»eiuaho  County— 

Syracus*.  Great  numbers  of  geese  and  duclcs  congregate  at  Cedar  and  Nine- 
Mile  Lakes.  These  waters  abound  in  bass,  piclcercl  and  pilte.  Reached  via  the 
Baltimore  and  Uhio  Railroad.  Provide  camping  c(iuipments.  Guides  and  boats 
fa  to  $3.50.     King  and  Sloane  arp  good  guides. 

Tjako  County — 

Croivn  Point.  Pinnated  grouse,  quail  and  wild  fowl  shooting.  Reached  via 
Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis  Railroad. 

Loiuell.  Pinnated  grouse,  quail  and  wild  fowl  shooting.  The  route  is  via  the 
Jeiicrson,  Madison  and  Indianapolis  Railroad. 

Sheffiild.  An  excellent  hcadcjuarters  for  shooting  on  the  Calumet  grounds. 
Reached  via  the  Pittsburgh,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  Rail)  3ad.  There  is  a  good 
hotel,  with  bouts,  etc. 

ToUston.  Excellent  wild  fowl  shooting,  with  snipe,  pinnated  grouse  and 
woodcock.  Reached  via  the  Michigan  Central,  and  the  Pittsburgh.  Fort  Wayne 
and  Chicago  Railroad.  The  Toleston  Club  of  Chicago,  has  a  club  house  here. 
Good  boats',  etc.  ' 

Xa  I'orte  County — 

TAe  Kankakee  Bridge  is  crossed  by  the  Louisville,  New  Albany  and  Chicago 
Railroad  ;  there  are  four  club  houses  at  this  place,  Crawfordsvilie,  West,  Wil- 
liamson, and  Hayden,  and  in  the  shooting  season  there  will  be  from  twenty  to 
thirty  hunters  stopping  at  these  houses,  who  make  it  nretty  lively  for  the  birds. 
Asa  general  thing  each  iiicinbur  has  his  own  boat,  decoys,  etc.  This  point  is 
about  ten  miles  from  English  Lake  (see  Stark  County)  by  river,  and  half  that  dis- 
tance by  across-country. 

Davis  Station,  on  the  Pittsburgh,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  Railroad,  fifty  miles 
from  Chicago,  affords  excellent  saooting.  Ducks,  geese,  grouse,  quail,  snipe  and 
woodcock.  Grafton  Wells  will  act  as  guide.  Boats,  etc.  Provide  camping 
outfit. 

Hanna  Station.  Excellent  shooting.  The  Pittsburgh,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chi- 
cago Railroad.    No  hotels. 

Iffarshnll  County — 

Plymouth.  The  pinnated  grouse  shooting  here  affords  fine  sport.  Reached 
via  the  Pittsburgh,  ?  ort  Wayne  and  Chicago  Railroad. 

Netvton  County — 

Beaver  Lake  is  a  great  resort  for  mallards,  pintails,  and  green-winged  teal, 
also  geese,  snipe,  prairie  fowl,  and  rabbits. 

Noble  County— 

The  Counties  of  Noble.,  Steuben.,  and  Whitley  contain  numerous  small  lakes, 
varying  from  fifty  to  three  hundred  acres,  which  abound  in  fish  and  wild  ducks. 
Of  hsh,  the  principal  varieties  are  the  black  bass,  rock  bass,  pike  and  pickerel.  A 
favorite  mode  of  taking  these  fish,  in  vogue  among  the  Hoosiers,  is  by  spearing 
at  night,  and  the  season  commences  as  soon  as  the  lakes  arc  clear  of  ice.  and  con- 
tinues until  the  '*  splatter  dock  "  shoots  up  its  long  stem  and  broad  leaf  from  the 
bottom,  in  which  the  fish  take  refuge  from  their  nocturnal  enemy,  the  spearer. 
Noble  County  is  intersected  by  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  Railroad,  and 
officers  of  the  trains  will  furnish  information  as  to  the  best  game  localities. 

Rome  City.  Good  duck  shooting,  and  a  variety  of  fishing.  The  lake  is  well- 
stocked  with  pike,  pickerel,  croppies,  ring  perch,  blue-gills,  etc.  Reached  via 
the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  Railroad,  thirty-five  miles  north  of  Fort  Wayne. 
The  Lake  Side  Hotel  furnishes  comfortable  accommodations  for  summer  visitors. 
Boats  can  be  obtained  at  the  hotel.  Several  islands  in  the  lake  afford  excellent 
camping  grounds. 

Porter  County — 

Valparaiso.  Pinnated  grouse,  woodcock,  quail,  snipe,  geese,  brant,  ducks 
and  cranes.  Bass  fishing  is  excellent  in  the  county.  There  are  many  small  lakes 
containing  fish  of  large  size.  Forty-one  miles  from  Chicago,  reached  via  the 
Chicago  and  Lock  Haven,  or  the  Pittsburgh,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  Railroad. 


GAMIi  AND  I'lSIf  KI'iaO/iTS.  $1 

8t.  Joitfph  Cotintff— 

South  Ih-Hci.    I'innatccl  grouse.    Reached  by  rail. 

Stark  Vounty  — 

The  Kankakee  Rhier  which  flows  through  the  northwestern  part  of  the  State, 
Is  a  great  resort  for  sportsmen  from  Chicago,  C/incinnati,  Pittsburgh,  and  other 
cities.  The  game  iiiducies  duclcs  of  every  variety,  geese,  l)rant,  sand  >nll  cranes, 
pinnated  andruffed  grouse,  (]iiail,  sni|)c,  vvoodcocli  and  reed  l»irds.  Of  tish  there 
are  l)ass,  pilce,  picl<erel,  jack  salmon,  and  muscalonge.  One  of  the  best  centres 
iir  good  snort,  is  Enf^lish  Lake^  a  sinall  st.ition  on  tlie  l'lttsl)urg|j  and  C/hicugo 
Railroad.  There  are  two  good  hotels  at  this  place  for  the  accommodation  of  hunt- 
ers and  their  families  who  come  here  from  the  prominent  cities  on  the  line  of  this 
road.  The  hotels  furnish  boats,  decoys,  an<l  a  pusher,  for  which  you  pay  %^  a 
day,  board  %i  a  day.  Their  boats  are  made  double  bowed,  tiat  bottom,  very 
wide, and  can  go  anywhere,  from  two  inches  to  a  fathom  of  water.  At  English 
Lake,  Dr.  George  Veakel  will  be  pleased  to  give  all  needed  information. 

San  Pierre,  on  the  Louisville.  New  Albany  and  Chicago  Railroad,  is  three 
and  a  half  miles  from  the  Kankakee  River.    Hotel  $i ;  boat,  team  and  driver  $5. 

Stfuhen  County  — 

Auf^yla  and  Other  points  in  the  county,  reached  via  the  Fort  Wayne,  Jacksoa 
and  Saginaw  Railroad,  afford  good  shooting  and  Hshing.    Sec  Noble  County. 

Tippecanoe  Countff — 

La  Fayette,  ^uail,  rulTed  grouse  and  rabbit  shooting  on  the  line  of  the 
Toledo,  Wabash  and  Western  Railroad. 

Viyo  County— 

Terre  Haute.    The  Wabash  River  affords  fine  bass  fishing. 

Wayne  County — 

CentreviUe.    The  southern  part  of  Wayne  County  is  a  good  locality  for  small 

ffame,  such  as  squirrels,  rabbits,  and  iiuail.  Here  are  several  packs  of  dogs,  and 
n  winter  great  sport  is  enjoyed  in  *'  circling  "  foxes,  and  in  hunting  coons  at 
night.  The  trespass  laws  are  rigidly  enforced  in  this  county.  CentreviUe  is  the 
nearest  railroad  station  on  the  Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis  Railroad. 
Very  good  hotels. 

Wella  County— 

Bluffton.  Good  wild  turkey  and  quail  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Fort 
Wayne,  Muncie  and  Cincinnati  Railroad.  Hotels,  fi.50;  teams  $2.  Country 
flat,  heavy  timber  land. 

Keystone.  Deer  and  wild  turkey  shootinf![  within  a  few  miles  of  town.  Reached 
via  the  Fort  Wayne,  Muncie  and  Cincinnati  Railroad. 

White  County- 
Reynolds.    Ducks,  geese,  pinnated  |?rouse,  woodcock  and  snipe.    Reached 
via  the  Louisville,  New  Albany  and  Chicago  Railroad.  Hotel  $4  to  $5  per  week ; 
teaniii  $3.50  per  day. 

Whitley  County— 

Columbia  City,  and  other  stations  on  the  line  of  the  Pittsburgh,  Fort  Wayne 
and  Chicago  Radroad,  are  in  the  vicinity  of  good  hunting  and  fishing.  (See  Noble 
County.)  The  conductor  and  employees  of  the  railroad  will  always  give  infor- 
mation of  the  game  localities. 


IOWA. 


Area,  50,914  square  miles,  population,  1,191,792.  The  State 
has  no  mountains,  the  surface  being  generally  rolling  prairie. 
In  the  north-western  section   is  an  elevated  plateau  called  the 


S3 


GAME  AND  FISH  KESOHTS. 


Coteau  cles  Prairies,  which  extends  into  the  State  from  Minnesota, 
and  in  the  north-eastern  portion  of  the  State  is  a  small  extent  of 
rocky  and  rugjjed  country.  With  these  exceptions  the  country  is 
rolling  prairie  throughout  the  entire  State.  This  prairie  land  is  in- 
tersected by  numerous  rivers  vvi»h  deep  furrows,  and  by  numerous 
sinks,  or  depressions  of  the  surface,  which  are  especially  abun- 
dant in  the  vicinity  of  Turkey  River,  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
State.  Near  the  river  the  country  is  generally  well  wooded,  but 
the  prairie  lands  are  otherwise  devoid  of  timber,  presenting  vast 
plains  covered  only  by  prairie-grass.  These  prairies  abound  in 
great  numbers  of  pmnated  grouse,  making  Iowa  one  of  the  best,  if 
not  the  best  ground  for  "  chicken  "  shooting  in  the  country.  The 
water  courses  are  the  resort  of  all  kinds  of  water  fowl,  which  in 
their  season  afford  excellent  shooting.  The  facilities  for  travel 
are  of  the  best ;  railroads,  steamers,  and  good  carriage  roads, 
render  every  portion  of  the  State  easy  of  access,  and  on  the  prairies 
teams  may  be  driven  anywhere  to  the  hunting  grounds. 

Adair  County— 

Adair.    Good  pinnated  prouse  shooting  will  be  found  here  and  at  any  of  the 
stations  west  on  the  Chicago,  Roclt  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad. 
FoHtaneilc.    See  Casey,  Guthrie  County. 

ItvntoM  County — 

Bf//e  Plain.  In  the  surrounding  forests,  deer  and  wild  turkeys  ;  on  the  prairie, 
pinnated  grouse,  quail,  woodcock,  snine  and  other  varieties;  in  the  streams, 
sloughs,  and  bayous,  ducks,  geese,  and  brant.  The  Iowa  River  and  Salt  Creek 
furnish  a  variety  of  fishing.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Rail- 
road.   Several  notels  oiler  good  accommodations  at  prices  ranging  fr'.u  |i  to  $3. 

B/airsto7vn.  Sm.all  game  is  abundant  in  the  vicinity.  Large  pike  and  bass 
are  caught  in  Cedar  River  and  Prairie  Creek.     Reached  as  above. 

Norway.  Excellent  pinnated  grouse,  with  some  deer.  Route  as  above. 
Hoard  $1. 

Jioone  County — 

Doone.  Excellent  pinnated  grouse,  duck,  and  goose  shooting.  Reached  as 
above.     Hotels  $2.50,  private  board  $5  per  week. 

Moingona.  Pinnated  grouse.  Reached  s  above.  Hotels  $i,$S  per  week; 
teams  $3.    Hilly  country. 

liui^na  Viata  County- 
Storm  Lake.    Quail  abundant.    For  other  game,  and  route,  see  Alden,  Hardin 
County.    Hotel  and  private  board  at  reasonable  rates. 

Jiutler  County- 
Greene.    From  this  point  north  to  Austin,  Minn.,  along  the  line  of  the  Burling- 
ton, (<edar   Rapids  and  Northern  Railway,  the  sportsman  will  find  pinnated 
f  rouse  in  immense  uuantities,  with  quail,  pheasants,  Canada  geese,  brant,  sand- 
ill  c4lnes,  ducks,  all  varieties  except  canvas  backs,  and  a  few  wild  turkeys. 

Calhoun  County— 

Manson.    For  game  and  route  see  Alden,  Hardin  County. 
Pomerov-     Ducks,  geese,  turkeys,  grouse,  snipe,    plover,  and  other  game 
birds  in  abundanLe.    Route  as  above. 

Carroll  County — 

Gtidden  is  in  the  midst  of  one  of  the  best  shooting  regions  of  Iowa.  Two 
rivers  run  within  five  miles,  along  the  banks  of  which  are  large  tracts  of  timber, 
that  are  full  of  deer,  wild  turkeys,  and  other  forest  game,  while  the  contiguous 


GAAfK  AND   FIS//  RF. SORTS.  53 

prairies  abound  with  pinnatcij  fjrousc,  snipe,  woodcock,  quail,  and  small  fi^ame, 
and  the  rivers,  creelcs,  uiul  l>ayous  are  lull  ot  diiclcs,  Kt-'csc  and  brant.  The  Glld- 
dcn  House,  by  N.  I).  Thurmiin,  and  the  Dcdrick,  by  J.  C  Deilrick— botli  furnish 
cxffiifnt  t|uarters,  and  alxindant  acconiuiodations  tor  the  sportsmen  who  (re(|uent 
tlie  vill:i){u.  liourd  ^-i ;  tcuins  %\.  (lOud  board  at  farmhouses.  Reached  via  the 
('hicaRo  and  Nc)rt!iwestern  Railroad. 

Cait.s  i'ountft — 

A  nita  and  Atlantic,     For  route  and  K^nie  see  Adair,  Adair  County. 

Ceditr  County— 

Afechiinicsville.  T'innatcd  (j^rousc  and  (juail.  HiRh  Mills  pond,  one  mile  north 
of  the  town,  contains  lar^c  sized  black  bass.  In  (^edar  River,  some  miles  south, 
arc  pickerel,  bass  and  other  varieties  of  tish.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and 
Northwestern  Railroad.     Hotel  |i  to  $3    boat  and  ({uide  $3  ;  teams  I3. 

Cerro  Gordo  County^ 

Mason  City.  Pinnated  CTouse,  cranes,  Reese,  ducks  and  ouall.  Reached  via 
the  Central  Iowa,  and  the  ChicaRo,  Milwaiikee  and  St.  Paul  Railroads. 

Plymouth  ami  Plymouth  Junction.  For  game  and  route,  see  Greene,  Butler 
County. 

Cherokee  County— 

Aurelia.  Excellent  pinnated  grouse  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Iowa  Di- 
vision of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Mr.  Sperry  will  act  as  guide  and  fur- 
nish dogs. 

Cherokee  and  Marcus,    Game  and  route  as  above. 

Clinton  County— 

Charlotte  is  on  Deep  River,  which  has  b  en  stocked  with  California  salmon. 
Goose  Lake,  three  miles  soutiieast,  is  a  greu.  resort  for  sjiortsmen  ;  geese,  ducks 
and  brant  arc  very  abundant  there.  Reached  via  the  ("hicago  and  Northwestern 
Railroad.    Good  accommodations  will  be  tound  at  the  Sherman  House. 

JJe  Witt.  Pinnated  and  rutted  grouse,  quail,  ducks  ;  black  bass  and  pickerel. 
Reached  as  above,  or  via  the  Davenport  and  St.  Paul  Railroad.  Hotel  $1  to  $3, 
jirivate  board  #3.50  to  $5  per  week,     ('ountry  rolling  nrairic. 

Caniaufhe,  is  on  tile  .Nlississippi  River,  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Meredosla 
River,  of  Illinois.  This  last-named  river  has  large  meadows  or  dry  marshes,  ex- 
tending for  many  miles  along  eitlicr  bank,  furnishing  some  of  the  best  duck,  goose, 
brant  and  crane  sliooting  tliat  can  be  found  in  the  west.  Thousands  of  these  birds 
are  sliot  here  every  season,  and  hundreds  of  sportsmen  visit  these  grounils  from 
all  |)arts  of  llie  country,  (^amr.nche  furnishes  many  of  the  outfits  for  these  hunt- 
ing j)arties.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  The  New 
Haven  Hotel,  K.  .\nthony,  proprietor,  $2  per  day. 

Low  Moor  is  four  miles  north  of  the  Wapsipinicon  River,  a  stream  noted  for 
its  most  excellent  shooting.  Ducks,  geese,  anil  brant  abound  on  the  river,  and 
in  the  bayous  setting  into  it.  Snipe,  several  varieties,  woodcock,  pinnated  grouse 
iuul  (luail  are  found  in  countless  numbers  along  its  banks.  The  river  contains 
several  varieties  of  fish.     Reached  as  above.    Hotel  $1. 

H^heutland  is  near  the  Wapsipinicon  River.  For  game  and  route,  see  above. 
Hotel  $a. 

Unllaa  County — 

Redfield.  Pinnated  grouse  are  very  abundant,  with  quail  sufficient  for  good 
sport.     Board  $3.50  to  $3     teams  $j  to  $3. 

Dca  Moines  County- 
Burlington.    Ducks,  geese,  brant,  quail,  snipe,  pinnated  grouse,  wild  turkeys, 
and  a  few  deer  beyond  the  Des  Moines  River,  on  the  line  of  the  Southwestern 
Railroad.    In  the  Mississippi    River  are  wall-eyed  pike,  bass,  croppies    and 
sunfish. 

Dickinaon  County — 

Spirit  Lake.    Excellent  fishing  is  found  in  Spirit  Lake  and  Lake  Okoboii 
Pinnated  grouse  are  veiy  abundant  in  the  vicinity,  and  the  wild  fowl  include 
mallards,  widgeons,  grey  ducks,  canvas-backs,  redheads,  and  other  varieties  of 
ducks,  with  good  goose  shooting. 


54 


GAAfE  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


On  the  shores  of  Okoboji,  some  Enijlishinen  have  built  a  shootinp-box,  and 
after  the  chicken  and  duck  shouting  in  the  tall,  start  from  their  pleasant  head- 
quarters on  the  lake,  out  upon  the  plains  in  pursuit  of  elk,  buffalo,  black  •>''d 
white-tailed  deer,  antelope,  beaver,  and  other  lar^c  (jame  found  there.  A  Mr. 
Van  Steenhurjj,  from  New  York  State,  also  has  a  sliootiiijji-box  deligiitlully  situa- 
ted on  the  shores  of  another  of  the  numerous  and  beautiful  lakes.  The  weather 
continues  very  agrceaLle  till  aftur  t  ic  middle  of  October,  when  it  is  apt  to  be  cold 
and  windy.  The  route  is  via  the  Sioux  City  and  St.  Paul  Railroad  to  VVorthinR- 
ton,  thence  a  beautiful  drive  of  thirty  miles  over  the  roUinfj  prairie,  and  ahsng 
the  timbered  shores  of  the  numerous  lakes  which  give  to  the  country,  in  the 
Indian  dialect,  its  characteristic  name  of  "  Minnesota,"  latid  and  water.  Com- 
fortable accommodations  will  be  found  at  Crandall's  hotel.  All  the  lakes  and 
prairie  lands  in  this  region,  are  splendid  sporting  grounds. 

Dubuque  County— 

IVorthinsion,  on  the  SiouX  City  and  St.  Paul  Railroad.  The  two  lakes,  one 
east  and  the  other  west  of  the  town,  are  the  resort  of  many  varieties  of  wild  fowl, 

?eese,  ducks,  etc.    On  the  prairie  are  pinnated  grouse  in  limitless  numbers, 
lotel  accommodations. 
Dubuque.     Pike,  black  bass  and  white  salmon  in  .abundance.   Excellent  wood- 
cock and  duck  shooting  ten  miles  up  the  river.     Reached  via  the  Illinois  Central, 
and  the  Chicago,  Dubuque  and  Minnesota  Railroads. 

Jfayette  County  — 

Fayette.  Fine  bass  fishing  in  the  Little  Volga.  Fayette  is  on  the  Davenport 
and  St.  Paul  Railroad,  and  turnishes  good  hotel  accommodations.  Ten  miles 
west  via  wagon  road,  is  IVilson  Grove^  a  tine  centre  for  pinnated  grouse  shooting. 

Vloyd  County — 

Rudd.  Pinnated  grouse  shooting  excellent.  Reached  via  the  Chicago,  Mil- 
waukee and  St.  Paul  Railroad.  A  dog  is  necessary,  also  a  team  and  driver,  which 
are  easily  procured.  The  railroad  conductor  will  give  all  necessary  information 
in  regard  to  the  best  localities  on  the  prairies  of  this  and  the  adjoining  counties. 

Marble  Rock^  Nora^  Rockjord.  For  game  and  route  see  Greene,  Butler 
County. 

Greene  County —  '     » 

Grand  Junction.  Excellent  pinnated  grouse  shooting  may  be  found  any- 
where along  the  line  of  the  Keokuk  antl  Des  Moines  Railroad,  from  Grand  Junc- 
tion to  Fort  Dodge,  Webster  County.  As  a  rule,  it  is  best  to  stop  at  a  country 
house  some  miles  out  from  the  railroad,  and  on  the  line  of  some  stage  route. 

New  Jeff'erson.  Pinnated  groiise,  quail,  geese,  ducks,  cranes,  etc.  Reached 
via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.     Hotel  $2  j  teams  $4. 

Scranton  Station  is  south  of  Coon  River,  whicli  tunnshes  excellent  fishing  for 
pike,  bass,  pickerel,  etc.,  and  on  the  prairie  the  pinnated  grouse  afford  excellent 
gunning.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  The  Hunter 
House,  by  F.  Foster,  $2  per  day. 

Guthrie  County — 

Casey  and  Stuart.  Quail,  geese,  ducks,  plover,  etc.  See  Des  Moines,  Polk 
County. 

Manvili   n  County — 

IVebster  City  and  Williams.    For  game  and  route  see  Hardin  County. 

Hancock  County- 
Gamer,  on  the  line  of  the  Chicago.  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad,  from 
Garner  to  Algona.  the  sportsman  will  find  excellent  pinnated  grouse  shooting. 
Garner,  Britt,  Wesley  and  Algona  are  good  initial  points.  The  train  conductors 
will  give  all  necessary  information,  and  at  Garner.  Robert  Elder  will  direct  to  the 
Cottonwood  Grove  Camp. 

Hardin  County— 

Alden  and  Iowa  Falls.  At  any  point  west  of  Iowa  Falls,  on  the  line  of  the 
Iowa  Division  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad,  pinnated  grouse  are  found  in  great 
abundance. 


GAME  AJVD  FTSII  RESORTS. 

Harrison  County — 

Dunlap.  Pinnated  grou!ie,  quail,  ducks,  snipe,  a  few  deer.  Reached  via  the 
Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.    Hotel  $3  ;  teams  $4. 

Little  Sioux.  Game  is  abundant,  deer  bein)^  especially  plentiful.  Reached 
via  the  Sioux  City  and  Pacific  Railroad. 

Missouri  Valley.  Junction  of  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern,  and  Sioux  City 
and  Pacific  Railroads.  The  surrounding  country  is  full  of  game.  Geese,  ducks, 
brant,  ruffec'  grouse,  pinnated  grouse,  quail,  snipe,  plover  and  woodcock  are 
plentiful.  Three  hotels.  The  Missouri  Valley  Sportsmen's  Club  have  their 
headquarters  here. 

tTashson  County — 

Baldwin,  three  miles  from  the  Maquoketa  River.  Wild  game  of  all  kinds 
abounds  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 
There  is  one  hotel. 

Mcquoketa.    See  above. 

Kosauth  Count!/ — 

Alcana.    Pinnated  grouse,   woodcock,  snipe,  and  all  kinds  of  wild  fowl. 
Reached  via  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad.    Good  hotels. 
ll'csley.     Pinnaicd  grouse.     Route  as  above. 

Linn  County— 

Cedar  Rapids.  Pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  quail,  ducks,  geese,  snipe:  wall- 
eyed pike,  bass,  pickerel  and  white  perch.  Reached  via  Chicago  ana  North- 
western, and  other  railroads.    Hotel  $3  to  ^3. 

Marahall  County — 

Marshalltown.  Pinnated  grouse  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Central  Iowa 
Railroad. 

State  Centre.  Pinnated  grouse,  snipe,  ducks,  sandhill  cranes  and  quail. 
Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  Hotel  $1.50  to  $3 ;  teams 
%i.    Country  rolling  prairie. 

Muscatine  County — 

Stockton.  Excellent  shooting  for  pinnated  grouse,  ducks,  brant,  wild  geese, 
snipe,  rabbits,  squirrels,  etc.  Sturgeon,  pike,  buffalo  fish,  |)erch  and  catfish  are 
abundant  in  the  Mississippi  River.  Reached  via  the  C.iicago,  Rock  Island  and 
Pacific  Railroad. 

West  Liberty,  Duck  shooting  is  excellent  on  the  marsh  and  lake,  where 
many  varieties  are  found.  Take  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific,  or  the 
Burlmgton,  Cedar  Rapids  and  Northern  Railroad. 

I'lymouth  County — 

James,  Lcmars  and  Remsen,    For  game  and  route  see  Alden,  Hardin  County. 

l*oenhontas  County- 
Fonda.    For  game  and  route  see  Alden,  Hardin  County. 

Polk  County — 

Des  Moines.  Good  pinnated  grouse  shooting  is  found  on  railroads  running 
west  and  northwest  from  the  city.  From  Des  Moines  northwest  stop  at  Grand 
Junction,  or  Gowrie,  north  of  there,  or  at  almost  any  station  west  of  Grand  Junc- 
tion. Going  west  from  Des  Moines,  stop  at  Stuart  and  take  stage  line  to  Fonta- 
nelle,  twelve  miles  out.  Excellent  snootmg  conveniences,  and  extends  for  twelve 
miles  further.  Twelve  mdes  west  from  Stuart  is  Casey.  Take  stage  from  there 
to  Fontanelle,  twenty-four  miles.  Every  foot  almost  abounds  with  chickens, 
and  at  almost  any  station  west  of  Casey  good  sport  can  be  had.  Permission  to 
shoot  on  the  farms  is  easily  obtained, 

Jfottawattamie  County— 

Avoca.    See  Adair,  Adair  County. 

Cou     II  Bluffs.    Deer,  rabbit,  squirrel,  wild  turkey,  pinnated  grouse  and 
quail.    Beaver  and  mink  are  trapped  in  the  vicinity. 
Neola.    See  Avoca. 

Scott  County — 

Davenport.    Mascalonge  and  black  bass  fishing  in  the  Wapsie,  a  tributary  of 


56 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


the  Mississippi,  twenty  miles  above  Davenport.    Davenport  is  on  the  Chicago, 
Koclc  Island  and  Pacific,  and  the  Davenport  and  St.  Paul  Railroad. 

Shelby  County— 

Shelby.    See  Adair,  Adair  County.  , 

Tama  County— 

Tama  City.  Pinnated  grouse,  quail,  geese,  duclts,  teal  and  mallards  in  preat 
abundance  on  the  Iowa  River ;  bass,  pilce  and  piclcerel.  Reached  via  the  Chicago 
and  Northwestern  Railroad.  Hotel  $3;  guide  $2;  team  #5;  boat  $1.  Rolling 
prairie. 

"Wehtter  County — 

Fori  Dodge.   See  Grand  Junction,  Greene  County,  and  Alden,  Hardin  County. 
Gowrie.    See  Des  Moines,  Polk  County. 

Winnehago  County —     ■ 

Lake  Mills  is  located  in  a  large  belt  of  timber  and  surrounded  by  lakes,  where 
the  hunting  is  excellent.  There  are  here  in  the  spring  and  fall  snipe,  woodcock, 
field  plover,' curlew,  morble.godwit,  rail,  yellow  leg  jilover,  black  Dellied  plover, 
pinnated  grouse,  ruffed  grouse,  sharp-tail  grouse,  quail,  wild  pigeon,  reed  bird, 
sand-hill  crane,  the  whooping  crane,  snow  goose,  white  frontell,  and  Canada 
goose,  with  all  the  ducks  except  the  black  duck.  Deer  are  found  a  mile  from 
town.  Elk  are  killed  about  thirty  miles  away,  and  bear  also.  Of  fur  bearing 
animals  there  are  two  kinds  of  wolves  and  a  variety  of  foxes,  witfc  otters,  minks, 
coons,  skunks,  bat'^jers,  squirrels  and  gophers. 

Woodbury  County — 

Sioux  City.  Deer,  turkeys,  ducks,  geese,  quail  and  pinnated  grouse  are 
abundant.    Reached  via  the  Illinois  Central  and  other  railroads.     Hotels  $a. 

Sloan.  Deer,  ducks,  ^eese,  (juail  and  pinnated  grouse.  Reached  via  the 
Sioux  City  and  Pacific  Railroad.    The  surrounding  country  is  valley  land. 


KANSAS. 


.,  Area  78,418  square  miler,  population  364,399.  The  face  of  the 
country  is  uniformly  rolling  prairie.  There  are  no  mountains  in 
♦he  State.     The  valleys   of  the  Missouri  and  Kansas   Rivers  are 

veil  w^ooded,  and  very  fertile  when  under  cultivation  ;  the  Neosho 
Valley,  which  is  mentioned  hereafter,  is  famous  for  its  agricultural 
wealth,  and  is  one  of  the  best  game  sections  of  the  entire  State. 
Kansas,  as  a  game  region,  has  few  superiors,  buffalo,  elk,  deer, 
antelope,  with  many  kinds  of  smaller  game ;  wild  turkeys,  ducks, 
geese,  pinnated  grouse  and  other  game  birds,  make  up  a  list  full 
of  attraction  to  the  hunter.  By  a  wise  provision  against  shipping 
game  from  the  State,  the  supply  promises  to  be  long  unexhausted. 
The  railroad  and  other  traveling  facilities  are  good  and  are 
constantly  being  improved.  On  any  of  the  lines  of  railroads 
traversing  the  State,  the  devotees  of  rod  and  gun  will  find  ample 
employment.  The  officers  on  these  roads  are  generally  well  in- 
formed and  will  always  give  information  and  attention  to  those 
so  desiring. 


GAME  AND  FISII  RESORTS.  5/ 

Allen  Count!/-—  '  ' 

Humboldt.  Deer,  turkey,  snipe,  ruffed  and  pinnated  grouse,  qunil,  ducic, 
geese,  sandhill  crane,  curlew.  The  route  is  via  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texan 
Railway.  Hotels  $1.50  to  %i  ;  teams$3.so  to  $4.  Tenisand  other  camping  neces- 
sities can  be  .secured.  Big  Creek,  Marmarton  and  Fall  Rivers  are  excellent 
camping  sites, 
Anderson  Count [/— 

Colony,  sixty-eight  miles  south  of  Lawrence,  on  the  Leavenworth  and  Law- 
T:nce  and  (iiilvcston  Railway,  is  an  excellent  initial  point  lor  pinnated  grouse 
shooting.    Teams  can  be  procured. 

Atchison  County — 

Atchisiui.  Excellent  pinnated  grouse,  duck,  goose  and  quail  shooting  in  the 
vicmity.  Atchison  is  easily  accessiole  via  the  Central  Branch  of  the  Union  Pacific, 
the  Chicago,  Ruck  Inland  and  Pacific,  and  other  railroads. 

Jiourhon  County — 

Fori  Scott.  Pinnated  grouse,  quail,  Wilson  snipe,  woodcock.  Within  sixty- 
five  miles  are  fine  duck,  goose  and  turkey  shooting  grounds.  Fore  Scott  is  on  the 
Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas,  and  the  Alissouri  River,  Fort  Scott  and  Gulf  Rail- 
roads.   Hotels  $2  to  %i, ;  teams  $2  to  $5.    Rolling  prairie  and  hilly  country. 

Coffey  County— 

Burlington.  A  few  turkeys,  pinnated  grouse  in  abundanc*^,  quail  and  snipe, 
deer  and  jack-rabbits  ;  bass,  pike,  i)ickerel,  buffalo  and  other  varieties  of  fish. 
The  best  hshing  and  shooting  grounds  arc  the  Neosho  River,  Wolf,  Turkey,  and 
Crooked  Creeks,  and  Swan,  anil  White  Lakes.  Reached  via  the  Missouri,  Kansas 
and  Texas  Railway.  Hotels,  $1.30  to  $2  ;  teams,  with  drivers  $3.50  to  $4.50. 
Clood  camping  grounds. 

Crawford  County — 

Hepler.  Excellent  pinnated  grouse,  quail  and  duck  shooting.  Reached  via 
the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Railway.  A  small  hotel.  Two  and  one  half 
miles  from  the  depot  is  an  old  Kentuckian,  wlio  will  act  as  guide  and  furnish  dogs. 

Douglas  County — 

Lawrence.  Pmnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  and  quail.  Deer  on  the  bluffs  of  the 
Rock  River  shore  ;  deer,  duck  and  snipe  snooting,  with  excellent  fishing  on  the 
Wapsie.  Wild  turkeys,  (lanada  geese,  brant,  and  many  varieties  of  duck 
abound.  Easily  accessible  by  rail.  Hotels  $3  ;  teams  $2  to  $3. 
Jf'ord  County- 
Dodge  City.  A  point  from  which  to  reach  the  antelope  hunting  district  to  the 
west.     Reached  via  the  Atchison,  Topeka  and  Santa  Fe  Railroad. 

Fort  Dodge.    Buffalo,  deer,  antelope,  turkeys,  geese,  teal,  mallards,  shovel  bills, 
widgeons,  butter-ducks,  shell  ducks,  herons,  cranes,   quail,  grouse,  field-plover, 
yellow-legs.  Jack  snipe,  and  pigeons,  are  found  about  the  small  tributaries  of  the 
Cinnamon  River  southeast  ot  Fort  Dodge. 
Jjahette  County — 

Chetopak.  A  place  of  fifteen  hundred  people,  and  one  of  the  most  thriving  in 
Kansas.  One  of  the  best  chicken  centres  in  the  United  States.  Deer  and  pinna- 
ted grous(;,  by  the  hundred,  can  be  got  within  two  or  three  miles  of  town, 
(iond  hotels,  guides,  wagons,  outfits,  tents,  etc.  A  station  on  the  Missouri, 
Kansas  and  Texas  Railroad. 

Parsons.  The  Labette  River,  one  mile  southwest  of  town,  affords  fine  duck 
shooting  •  the  marshes,  meadows  and  prairies  in  the  vicinity  offer  sijlendid  grouse, 
<iuail  and  snipe  shooting.  Reached  via  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Railroad. 
1  he  Belmont,  Lockwood  and  St.  James  Hotels  are  near  the  depot,  and  the  pro- 
l)rietors  are  well  posted  as  to  the  country.  The  town  has  good  livery  stables  ; 
there  are  also  quite  a  number  of  sportsmen,  and  some  fine  dogs. 

JLyon  County — 

Emporia,  is  situated  between  the  Neosho  and  Cottonwood  Rivers.  These 
•with  tneir  numerous  tributaries  in  the  neighborhood,  offer  excellent  sport. 
Quail,  grouse,  snipe,  duck,  geese,  brant,  curlew,  and  plover  in  immense  quanti- 
ties, with  now  and  then  a  deer.  Reached  via  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas 
Railroad. 

3* 


58 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Marshall  County — 

Beattie.    Pinnated  grouse.    On  the  St.  Joseph  and  Denver  City  Railroad. 

Hiaini  County — 

J'ao/a.  Deer,  jack-rabbits,  pinnated  grouse,  wild  turkeys,  quail,  ducks, 
geese,  swan,  snipe  ;  several  I'arietics  of  fur-bearing  animals.  Reached  via  the 
Missouri  Kiver,  Kort  Scott  and  Gulf  Railroad.  Hotel  and  private  board  75  cts,  to 
$2  ;  teams  $2  to  $4.    Rolling  country,  with  excellent  camping  grounds. 

Montgomery  County— 

Cofffjville.  Pinnaletl  grouse  and  quail  shooting,  very  fine  in  the  immediate 
vicinity,  with  ducks  and  ^eese.  Ba.->s  fishing.  Ten  miles  south  in  Indian  Terri- 
tory, are  deer  and  wild  turkey.  Reached  via  the  Leavenworth,  Lawrence  and 
Galveston  Railroad.    Hotel,  $6  per  week. 

Indc/iendence.  Liberty  Lake  affords  fine  duck,  plover  and  snipe  shooting. 
Pinnated  grouse  are  abundant,  and  deer  and  turkeys  twenty  miles  distant.  Route 
as  above. 

Morris  County — 

Council  Grove.  Pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  quail,  snipe,  ducks,  cranes,  and 
other  game  in  great  plenty,  on  the  prairie  lands^two  to  twelve  miles  west  of  the 
town.  Reached  via  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Railway.  The  Old  Com- 
mercial Hotel,  $2  ;  team  $5. 

Neosho  County— 

Osage  Mission.  The  Neosho  River,  marshes,  meadows  and  small  streams 
afford  excellent  duck,  snipe  and  plover  shooting,  while  on  the  prairies,  and  amonj^ 
the  brush  and  corn-fields  near  at  hand,  quail,  chickens  and  rabbits  are  very  abun- 
dant. The  depot  agent  will  show  sportsmen  good  grounds,  and  direct  them  to 
first-class  accommodations.     Reached  as  above. 

New  Chicago.  A  few  deer  and  wild  turkeys.  Geese,  brant,  ducks,  mallards, 
wood  ducks,  widgeons,  teal,  redheads,  pin-tails,  spoon-bills,  canvas-backs  and 
others.  Pinnated  grouse  arc  very  abundant.  Quail,  snipe,  plover,  and  curlew 
shooting.  Common  and  jack-rabbits.  ReacherT  via  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and 
Texas  Railroad.    Good  hotel  accommodations. 

The  Neosho  River  Valley,  along  tlie  line  of  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas 
Railroad,  affords  excellent  shooting.  Quail,  pinnated  grouse,  snipe,  ducks  and 
geese,  antelope,  and  jack-rabbits  are  found  within  short  distances  of  the  railway. 
The  railroad  officials  will  give  all  needed  direction  to  the  best  game  localities. 

Ottawa  County — 

Delpkos.    Grouse  and  quail.  ' 

Jtvno  County — 

Hutchinson  is  a  good  point  from  which  to  start  south  for  the  antelope  country. 
On  the  Atchison,  Topeka  and  Santa  Fe  Railroad,  one  hundred  and  sixty -eight 
miles  from  Topeka.  Fit  out  at  Hutchinson,  thence  ride  fifty  miles  south  over  the 
prairie.  The  country  is  rolling  prairie,  covered  with  buffalo  grass.  Ducks,  geese 
and  prairie  chickens  abound. 

Jtussell  County- 
Russell.    Elk,  antelope,  buffalo  occasionally,  deer,  jack-rabbits,  coyotes,  grey 
wolves,  quail,  pinnated  and  sharp-tailed  grouse,  and  a  few  dusky  grouse.  Reached 
via  the  Kansas  Pacific  Railway. 

Saline  County — 

Brookville.  Excellent  pinnated  grouse  and  quail  shooting ;  jack-rabbits  and 
antelope.  Reached  via  the  Kansas  Pacific  Railway,  thirty-two  miles  from 
Topeka. 

Wallace  County — 

Fort  Wallace.  Buffalo,  black  tail  deer  and  antelope^  Reached  via  the  Kansas 
Pacific  Railway. 

Woodson  County— 

Neosho  Falls.    Gcjse,  ducks,  snipe,  woodcock,  pinnated  grouse,  quail,  rabbits. 


^ 


GAME  AND  FISH  KESOJiTS.  59 

jack-rabbits,  squirrels.  A  few  deer  and  wild  turkeys.  Hass,  sun,  cat  and  buffalo 
fish,  and  mullets.  Reached  via  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Railroad. 
Hotels  $2  ;  team  and  driver  $3. 


KENTUCKY. 

The  area  of  the  State  is  37,680  square  miles  ;  the  population 
was,  in  1870,  1,321,011.  The  Cumberland  Mountains,  which  form 
the  western  boundary  of  the  State,  have  several  spurs  extending 
through  the  eastern  and  south-eastern  counties  to  Wayne  County. 
The  central  and  northern  counties  are  hilly  and  rolling.  The 
v/estern  section  of  the  State  is  a  table  land  intersected  by  nu- 
merous rivers  which  have  worn  deep  furrows  often  reaching  a 
depth  of  400  feet,  and  giving  to  the  country  a  hilly  appearance, 
where  in  reality  no  hills  exist.  The  inland  river  communication  of 
the  State  is  very  extensive  and  the  natural  facilities  thus  afforded 
have  been  augmented  by  a  series  of  artificial  locks  and  dams.  All 
parts  of  the  country  are  easily  accessible,  by  boat,  rail,  or  good 
carriage  roads.  There  will  usually  be  found  good  hotel  accommo- 
dations, and  where  these  do  not  exist  the  stranger  will  find  no  lack 
of  hospitality  among  the  people.  The  game  of  the  State  is  for  the 
most  part  confined  to  the  smaller  varieties.  Fox  hunting  with 
hounds  is  a  favorite  sport.  There  are  some  deer  among  the  mount- 
ains in  the  eastern  districts.  The  blue  grass  country  abounds  in 
woodcock  and  quail.  The  farms  are  large,  generally  not  posted, 
and  an  opportunity  for  good  shooting  always  afforded. 

Jiourbon  County — 

Paris.  Good  red  fox  hunting  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Kentucky 
Central,  and  Maysville  and  Lexington  Railroads. 

Campbell  County — 

Nejv^ort,  on  the  Ohio  opposite  Cincinnati.  Ducks  are  plentiful  and  wild 
turkeys  abound  within  a  radius  of  ten  miles.  There  is  excellent  spoon-trolling 
for  southern  black  bass.    On  the  Louisville  and  Cincinnati  Railroad. 

Carroll  County— 

Carrollton.  Quail  aqd  rabbit  shooting  good  along  the  rivers.  Reached  via 
Ohio  River  steamer. 

Ghent.    See  above.    "-  ._■        j 

Clark  County — 

In  the  Ked  River  is  excellent  black  bass  fishing.  Take  Louisville,  Cincinnati 
and  Lexington  I^ailroad  to  Win^^hester,  thence  via  wagon. 

Franklin  County — 

Frankfort.  In  the  Kentucky  River  are  black  bass,  salmon,  silver  perch,  and 
near  its  source,  pike  are  abundant.  The  best  locality  for  fishing  is  in  the  Elkhomt 
a  small  tributary  of  the  Kentucky,  a  few  miles  below  Frankfort,  where  are  grea, 
numbers  of  black  bass.  The  stream  is  narrow,  shallow,  rocky  and  hill-bound, 
requiring  constant  wading.  In  Black's  Pond,  four  miles  distant,  are  caught 
perch,  dark  grey,  and  silver,  and  black  bass. 


60  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

OallatlH  County— 

IVaysaw,  on  the  Ohio  River,  midway  between  Louisville  and  Cincinnati,  on 
the  L.  C  and  L.  R.R.,  is  a  pood  starting  point  lor  quail  grounds.  Turkeys,  rab- 
bits, pigeons,  and  some  tcalcan  also  be  had.  Only  a  small  part  of  the  district  is 
posted,  and  gunners  have  a  fair  showing.  Board  can  be  obtained  at  reasona- 
ble rates. 

Grant  County~- 

IVilliamstown.  Partridj2fes,  pheasants,  woodcock,  rabbits  and  squirrels. 
Reached  via  rail  and  stage  from  Covingion. 

Jlophins  County — 

Ashhyxlnirff,  on  the  Green  River,  is  in  the  vicinity  of  good  squirrel,  quail  and 
rabbit  shooting.  Reached  by  rail  to  Madisonville,  thence  drive,  or  via  (ireen 
River  steamboats. 


Louisville.    Quail  and  ruffed  grouse  in  the  vicinity.    Mr.  J.  P.  Johnson,  of  the 
"lis' 


tTefferaon  County— 

Louisville.    Quail  a 
Gait  House,  wilTgive  every  information  in  regard  to  localities 

MlcJeman  County-^  > 

Colutnius.  Rears,  deer,  wild  turkeys,  ducks,  geese,  with  an  abtindance  of 
small  game.  Good  hunting  is  ;ilso  found  on  the  other  side  of  the  Mississippi 
River,  in  Missouri.  Reached  via  the  Mobile  and  Ohio  Railroad,  or  via  steamboat. 
Board  $1.50  to  $3,  $4  to  $5  per  week ;  boats  and  guides  $3  ;  teams  $3. 

Jjincoln  County — 

Stanford.  Quail  and  rabbits  j  good  bass  fishing.  Via  Louisville,  and  Nash- 
ville and  Great  Southern  Railroad,  six  hours  from  Louisville. 

JHeJucan  County — 

Calhoun.  Green  River  is  from  ei?>iity  to  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  yards 
in  width,  and  from  twenty-five  to  one  hundred  feet  deep  from  the  mouth  to  Cal- 
houn, distant  seventy  miles.  Lock  and  Dam  No.  3  is  situated  at  Calhoun,  anil  in 
May  and  June  one  can  have  tolerably  fair  sport  catching  bass  below  tiie  falls. 
But  of  all  the  fish  famous  in  the  waters  oi"  ;!;is  river  is  the  catfish  ;  they  grow  to 
immense  size,  and  as  they  suffer  less  from  the  netf  than  other  fish  they  are  still 
tolerably  plenty.  In  the  oak  and  hickory  flats  alon^  the  river  bottom  are  ]>lcnty 
of  squirrels:  quails  and  rabbits  are  abundant  on  the  hills ;  geese  and  ducks  in 
limited  numbers.  Reached  via  Evansville,  Owensboro'  .id  Nashville  Railroaii 
to  Livermore,  thence  wagon,  or  by  river  steamer. 

JtTaaon  County— 

Maysville.  Good  quail  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Maysville  an  1  Lexington 
Railroad. 

Mereer  County— 

A  good  shooting  ground  for  small  game.    Coons  abundant. 
Oldham  County—  .  ' 

La  Grange.    Quail  and  rabbit  shooting.    Reached  via  Ohio  River  boats. 

Pendleton  County — 

Falmouth.  Bass  and  red-eye  fishing  is  good  in  the  Licking  River,  at  Fai- 
mouth,  and  other  points  on  the  line  of  the  Kentucky  Central  Railroad, 

Powell  County— 

Stanton.  Fine  bass  and  pike,  (locally  known  as  "  jack  ")  fishing  in  the  Red 
River.  Deer  hunting  in  the  vicinitv.  Tfie  route  is  from  Lexington  via  the  Louis- 
ville, Cincinnati  and  Lexington  Railroad  to  Mt.  Sterling,  thence  via  private  con- 
veyance.   Provide  camping  equipments. 

Woodford  County- 
Midway.    Ducks  and  jack  snipe.    Bass  fishing.    Reached  via  the  Louisville, 
CincionatTand  Leziagton  Railroad. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  6l 


LOUISIANA. 

This  State  embraces  a  great  deal  of  flat  country,  much  cut  up 
by  rivers,  bayous,  lagoons,  marshes,  and  intricate  water  courses. 
The  water  surface  of"  Louisiana,  excluding  the  rivers  and  the  bays, 
which  open  out  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  is  1700  square  miles.  This 
includes  Lake  Pontchartrain  and  all  the  many  fresh  water  lakes  in 
the  interior  of  the  State.  The  coast  marshes  are  peculiar — mostly 
affected  by  the  tides  of  the  lakes  —are  covered  with  a  tall  rank 
growth  of  reed  and  grass,  ranging  in  height  from  three  to  six  feet, 
and  almost  impenetrable.  Throughout  this  region  are  found  shell- 
banks,  or  islands,  showing  unmistakable  indications  that,  at  some 
remote  period,  this  whole  expanse  of  marsh  land  must  have  been 
covered  by  the  waters  of  the  sea.  The  people  burn  the  grass  in 
early  fall  to  afford  "  snipe  burns  "  where  the  birds  feed  in  great 
numbers,  and  along  the  edges  of  the  bayous  and  lagoons  the  grass 
is  permitted  to  grow,  as  it  furnishes  the  best  of  blinds  for  conceal- 
ment in  ducking.  In  ducking,  the  prevailing  custom  is  to  hunt  in 
the  pirogue  ;  very  cranky  specimens  of  the  ship-builder's  craft  to 
the  inexperienced.  To  the  experienced,  the  pirogue  is  safe  and 
comfortable  as  a  Clyde  steamer,  and  the  writer  remembers  having 
frequently  seen  men  so  expert  as  to  stand  upon  the  gunwale  and 
shoot  or  paddle  without  materially  rocking  the  boat.  The  parishes 
which  have  the  greater  part  of  their  surface  covered  with  this  marsh 
are  Cameron,  Vermillion,  St.  Mary's,  Terrebo  me.  La  Fourche, 
Jefferson,  Plaquemines,  St.  Bernard  and  Orleans.  In  all  of  tliein 
there  are  other  kinds  of  surface  ;  belts  of  very  fertile  alluvial  land 
along  the  bayous,  some  prairie  in  Cameron,  a  good  deal  in  Ver- 
million and  a  less  amount  in  St.  Mary's. 

Excepting  the  planters  living  on  the  bayous,  the  population  of 
the  coast-marsh  region  is  sparse,  and  consists  mostly  of  hunters 
and  fishermen.  West  of  Bayou  Teche  and  south  of  Bayou  Co- 
codne  are  the  prairie  lands,  broken  up  by  numerous  bayous, 
creeks  and  forests.  In  the  middle  and  northern  tier  of  counties,  the 
State  is  very  heavily  timbered  and  thickly  intersected  by  bayous, 
many  of  them  navigable  and  all  affected  in  volume  by  the  rise  and 
fall  of  the  Mississippi,  into  which  all  their  waters  eventually  empty. 
The  cutting  of  the  levees  by  Grant  at  Lake  Providence  near 
Vicksburg,  overflows  all  the  low  lands  of  that  section  every  spring, 
the  water  usually  rising  in  March  and  falling  in  April.  These 
annual  overflows  drive  the  deer  from  their  swamp  coverts  to  the 
uplands  which  are  not  subject  to  overflow,  and  at  that  time  the 
shooting  is  better  than  at  any  other,  as,  the  deer  being  confined  in  a 
limited  area,  there  is  no  trouble  in  starting  them,  and  once  started, 
if  one  knows  the  land,  and  has  a  good  horse,  he  need  seldom  fail 


I 


62  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

of  a  shot.     Mallards  are  found  here  in  countless  numbers  in  the 
bayous  and  swamps,  and  quail  and  woodcock  are  plenty. 

Carroll  J'arish— 

This  is  an  excellent  shooting  pround  for  bears,  deer,  wild  turkeys,  rabbits, 
quail,  ducks,  geese  and  many  other  varieties  o(  game.  For  description  of  coun- 
try see  above,  and  East  Uaton  Rouge  Parish.  Providence,  on  the  Mississippi 
River,  is  a  good  centre. 

Catahoula  Parish — 

Catahoula  Lake  is  a  fine  ground  for  ducks  and  geese.  Deer  and  quail  are 
I'lenty  in  the  vicinity. 

Xlaftt  Uaton  Jtouge  J'ariah — 

Baton  Kougv,  Take  the  steam  ferry  to  Allen  Station,  a  mile  above  the  town,  and 
go  out  on  the  railroad  which  runs  west  fiom  the  Mississippi  River,  in  the  parish 
of  West  Baton  Rouge,  to  I.ivonia,  in  the  parish  of  Point  ("oupee,  twenty-eight 
miles,  and  from  thence  is  gradeil  twelve  miles  to  the  Atchafataya  River.  The 
country  is  level,  and  where  not  reclaimed,  is  swamp  and  dense  canebrake, 
abounding  in  deer,  bear,  wild  turkey,  etc.  It  is  subject  to  overflow  from  the 
Mississippi,  in  case  ot  breaks  in  the  levees.  Hayous  Grosse  Tete,  Koxdoche.and 
smaller  streams  run  through  the  country,  and  at  low  water  afford  good  fishing  for 
trout,  pefch,  white  cat,  etc.  The  trains  run  twice  a  week  from  Allen  notation. 
The  accommodations  on  the  line  of  the  road  arc  poor. 

The  country  on  the  easi  side  of  the  Mississijijii  is  high  and  rolling  ;  the  streams, 
of  which  the  principal  are  tiie  .Vmite  and  Comite  Rivers,  are  clear,  and  afford  ex- 
cellent sport,  fishing  for  trout,  various  kinds  of  perch,  white  cat,  etc.  The  woods 
abound  m  squirrels,  wild  turkeys,  rabbits  and  deer  ;  the  Helds  with  quail,  doves, 
larks,  etc.,  and  in  winter,  sniiie,  ducks,  woodcock,  robins,  wild  pigeons,  etc. 
Transportation  is  abundant  and  very  cheap.  Parties  who  go  with  the  intention 
of  camping,  generally  send  the  conveyances  back,  to  return  for  them  at  a  specified 
time.  A  carryall  with  seats  for  fifteen  persons,  four  horses  and  driver,  can  be  had 
for  $12  per  day.     Uoard  $t.5o  to  $2  per  day  ;  by  the  month,  $30  and  $25. 

Grant  l*nrl»h — 

In  the  Flagon,  Clear,  Big  and  Trout  Creeks,  are  found  bass,  pike,  perch,  cat- 
fish, bar-fish  anil  buffalo-fish  ;  in  the  vicinity  are  quail,  ducks  and  geese— abun- 
dant in  Catahoula  Lake— wild  turkeys,  deer,  bears,  panthers  and  wilil  cats.  Take 
Red  River  steamers  to  Colfax.  The  bottom  lands  are  heavily  timbered  with  Cot- 
tonwood, ash,  willow^  holly,  cypress,  and  the  grand  magnolia,  and  a  dense 
undergrowth.  There  is  generally  an  open,  clear  space  of  from  ten  to  fifty  feet 
along  the  margin  of  the  stream,  thus  giving  ample  room  to  cast  the  line. 

Iberia  Parish- 
New  Iberia.    The  sea  marshes  abound  in  deer.    Geese,  ducks,  brant,  wood- 
cock, snipe,  rice  birds  and  pinnated  grouse,  are  found  on  the  marshes  and 
prairies. 

Madison  Parish—     '      '  *" 

In  the  streams  of  this  county  is  excellent  fishing.  The  swamp  and  dense  cane- 
brakes  are  full  of  bears,  deer,  wild  turkeys  and  other  game  ;  the  woods  afford 
good  shooting  for  many  kinds  of  birds  and  animals ;  the  fields  are  tilled  with  quail, 
doves,  etc.  Take  Mississippi  River  steamer  to  Delta,  thence  stop  at  any  of  the 
stations  on  the  line  of  the  Vicksljuig,  Shreveport  and  Texas  Railway. 

Morehotise  Parish — 

In  the  dense  canebrakes  are  bears,  deer,  wild  turkeys,  etc.,  with  wild  fowl  of 
many  varieties,  and  good  fishing  in  all  the  streams  and  bayous.  (See  description 
of  the  northern  counties,  above.)  Take  rail  to  Raysville,  via  the  VicksDurg, 
Shreveport  and  Texas  Railroad,  and  thence  drive  to  Bastrop. 

Orleans  Parish — 

New  Orleans.  The  best  points  most  accessible  from  New  Orleans  are  Miller's 
Bayou,  Chef  Menteur,  Bayou  des  Allemandes,  and  Bayou  Labranche.  The  first 
two  named  arc  situatud  upon  the  Mobile  Railroad,  the  latter,  respectively,  upon 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  Ci}, 

Morgan's  Railroad  and  Jackson  Railroad.  At  Miller's,  the  hunter  or  fisherman. 
BK  tlie  case  niiiy  i)c,  linds  a  camp,  so  to  speal<,  o»  three  or  four  houses  siluuted 
upon  u  shell  isiuntl  of  the  iiniirio  near  the  shore  of  Lake  Catherine,  and  directly 
ujion  tlie  bnvoii,  ulicre  iun|)le  provision  is  furnished— such  as  piropue,  decoys,  a 
clcun  l)unk,  and  plenty  of  iluck,and  Hsh.  and  coflee,  and  other  consolation  fo  •  rho 
Inner  man,  all  for  a  moderute  sum  j  and  at  an  equally  modest  sum  can  be  procurecl 
guides.  These  guides  are  experienced  in  manecuvering  the  pirogue  across  tlie 
betimes  angry  waves  of  Lake  Catherine,  or  through  the  intricate  maze  of  a 
,  crooked,  narrow  bayou.  Woe  to  him  who,  under  "  Tom's  "  care,  fails  to  kill 
ducks  at  Seven  Fonds,  Hayous  Hob,  I'ccan,  or  Cassenay,  at  Grand  Point,  or  tiie 
Corridors,  or  snijie  on  Frederic  Hum,  or  W  ccn's  IslaiKl !  IJlack,  grey,  mallard, 
canvas-back,  teal, '*  fan-fan,"  " /vc  itr,"  '"'' dos  t^res,"  and  many  varieties  of 
duck,  with  names  peculiar  to  the  Creole  vocabulary,  are  found  here  in  great  num- 
bers, from  November  ist  to  March  ist.  Prior  thereto  and  after,  large  bags  are  not 
fre(picnt.  Miller's  Hayoii  offers  red  tish,  shcepshead,  green  trout,  and  striped 
bass.  The  fare  from  New  Orleans  to  Miller's  Bayou  is  Ji.so.  Other  favorite 
spots  near  the  city  for  teal,  canvas-back  and  red  head  shooting  arc  along  the  upper 
line  of  Canal  Street,  at  the  Lake  Swamp,  and  Little  Lake.  Twin  Lakes,  two 
miles  from  Miller's  Hayou,  is  a  famous  place  fur  ducks. 

I'laqui'tnine  J'arlah —  •    ' 

The  vicinity  of  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi  is  a  resort  for  great  numbers  of 
ducks.    Hunters  there  kill  sometimes  one  thousand  in  a  day. 

8t.  tFohn  liajttlHt  I'nrlHh — 

Bayou  De  Sait\  on  the  west  shore  of  Lake  Pontchartrain  is  noted  for  Us  fine 
fishing.    In  the  adjoining  cypress  swamp  is  good  deer  and  bear  hunting. 

Bt.  Maro'H  I'artsh — 

Bayou  Teche^  Irish  Bend.  Jack  snipe,  wood  duck,  quail,  woodcock 
shooting. 

Bt.  Tainrnany  Parish — 

Mandville  is  a  pretty  summer  bathing,  and  winter  hunting  and  fishing  resort 
for  New  Orleans  people,  situated  thirty  milos  from  the  city,  on  the  north  shore  of 
Lake  Pontchartrain,  which  is  crossed  every  day  by  an  elegant  passenger  steamer. 

The  game  consists,  along  the  coast,  of  what  the  French  Creole  citizens  call  the 
e-russee,  a  very  small  bird  ;  two  varieties  of  the  eye,  somewhat  larger;  magnolia 
Dirds,  robins,  snipe,  woodcock,  cedar  birds,  French  and  English  riuck,  teal  in 
abundance,  wild  geese.  Ponies  d^eau  and  Peppcboi,  rail,  snipe,  with  half  a  dozen 
other  less  important  varieties. 

The  northern  part  of  this  parish,  near  Pearl  River,  is  thinly  inhabited,  and 
abounds  in  wild  pine,  live  oak,  and  magnolia  forests  and  swamps.  Here  large 
numbers  of  deer,  wild  turkeys,  quails,  and  squirrels,  and  occasionally  a  few  bears 
and  wild  cats  are  killed. 

Lake  Pontchartrain  is  generally  brackish,  sometimes  quite  fresh  from  the  Mis- 
sissippi crevasses,  and  sometimes  again  quite  salty.  The  fresh  water  streams 
that  flow  into  it  from  the  pine  hills,  abound  in  yellow  and  red  perch,  with  some 
pickerel,  and  not  a  few  "  green  trout"  the  local  name  for  the  black  bass.  It  is 
the  favorite  fresh  water  game  fish.  The  Tangipahoa  River,  twenty  miles  from 
here,  contains  a  species  of  fresh  water  speckled  trout,  and  many  large  rock  fish, 
which,  like  the  green  trout,  are  caught  with  a  "  bob." 

Lake  Pontchartrain  is  a  glorious  fishing  ground.  With  a  crab  and  cast  net,  the 
angler  can  catch  all  the  red  crawfish,  crabs,  shrimps,  and  mullets  he  wants  for 
bait  (or  food)  in  a  few  moments.  With  these  he  can,  from  a  bath  house,  wharf  or 
boat,  catch  striped  bass,  the  famous  sheepshead,  redfish,  sea  perch,  sea  trout  and 
croakers,  not  to  mention  a  superior  quality  of  speckled  catfish.  The  fishing  is 
good  all  the  year  round,  but  best  in  the  winter.  Striped  bass  are  most  plentiful 
almost  all  winter.  Sheepshead  abound  at  this  season,  but  are  difficult  to  catch 
with  a  hook,  from  lack  of  proper  bait. 

The  redfish  is  quite  plentiful.  And  he  is  the  gamest  fish  in  the  lake.  With 
mullet  for  bait  and  a  reel,  the  sport  of  playing  him  is  magi  ifirent.  He  is  the  staple 
good  salt  water  fish  of  the  South,  and  bites  well  on  the  Gulf  coast  all  the  year 
round. 

The  speckled  sea  trout  are  found  a  couple  of  months  in  the  autumn,  and  bite 
voraciously  at  any  kind  of  bait,  "  bob  "  or  fly.    The  croaker  is  a  beautiful  sil- 


64  OAAJE  AND   FISH  KEHORTS. 

very  symmetrical  fish,  and  derives  its  nnmc  from  the  cronklnp  noise  it  malces 
when  caufjht.  As  ii  tiihic  tish,  it  may  be  said  to  l)c  iiiiitc  as  popular  us  the  shcups- 
head,  and  is  in  (jrcat  demand.  It  is  caught  from  nuats,  out  a  milu  or  so  in  tliu 
lake,  and  vviih  hand  line,  with  sott  sliull  crabs  or  mullets  lor  bait.  It  goes  in 
Hcliiools  and  Idtes  eagerly. 

TenftaH  Variith — 

In  this  county  arc  many  cancbrakes,  which  are  filled  with  large  pfamc,  such  as 
bear,  deer,  etc.  Wild  turkeys,  (piail,  rat>bits,  simirrois,  ducks,  ueese,  and  other 
Uame  are  al)undant  tlirouj^hout  tlie  county.  Take  Mississippi  River  steamer  to 
St.  Joseph  or  Water  Proot,  which  will  be  tound  good  centres  lor  sport. 


MAINE. 

Maine,  the  largest  of  the  New  England  States,  has  an  area  of 
31,766  square  miles,  with  a  population  of  626,915.  Upon  the 
coast  are'  many  bays  and  inlets,  with  numerous  peninsulas  and 
many  beautiful  islands,  making  the  whole  coast  line  2,500  miles. 
The  rivers  of  the  State  are  numerous  and  several  of  them  of  large 
size.  The  State  is  everywhere  dotted  with  a  great  number  of 
lakes  of  all  sizes,  which  with  the  rivers  constitute  one-tenth  of  the 
whole  area  of  the  surface.  An  irregular  continuation  of  the  White 
Mountains  of  New  Hampshire  extends  along  part  of  the  western 
side  of  Maine,  thence  crossing  the  State  in  a  north-eastern  direc- 
tion, forms  the  scattered  hills,  which  terminate  in  Mars  Hill,  on  the 
eastern  boundary.  There  are  other  ranges  of  high  lands,  and  the 
surface  is  generally  hilly  and  broken.  Three-fourths  of  the  whole 
area  are  still  covered  by  the  primeval  wilderness,  in  whose  forests 
lurk  great  quantities  of  the  wilder  varieties  of  game.  Bears,  deer, 
moose,  etc.,  are  abundant,  and  foxes,  beavers,  otters,  minks  and 
various  other  fur  l)earing  animals  furnish  a  support  to  numbers  of 
trappers.  The  lakes  and  rivers  are  noted  throughout  the  country 
for  their  fine  fishing,  and  these  waters  are  also  excellent  shooting 
grounds  for  all  kinds  of  wild  fowl.  The  means  of  communication 
are  generally  good  in  the  settled  portions  of  Maine,  but  in  the  wil- 
derness guides  are  necessary;  the  favorite  method  pursued  by 
sportsmen  is  to  strike  into  the  wilderness,  where  guides  are  neces- 
sary, and  may  alwi^ys  be  secured. 

Aroostook  County — 

The  best  of  fishing  is  found  in  the  chain  of  lakes  above  Grand  Lake.  The 
number  of  lakes  there  is  legion,  and  the  fishing  magnificent  and  easy  of  access. 
Go  to  Bangor,  thence  via  the  E.  and  N.  A.  Railroad  to  Wina,  then  team  to 
Springfield,  twenty  miles  (good  road)  to  Duck  Lake,  canal  across  Duck  Lake 
to  Junior  Lake,  across  Pocumpus  to  Syssylladobsis.  This  route  can  be  made 
from  Bangor  in  one  day.  There  are  some  fifteen  or  twenty  large  lakes  that 
are  accessible  with  a  canoe,  with  short  thoroughfares  between  and  good  fish- 
ing in  them  all.  But  few  fishermen  go  there,  and  a  party  could  have  it  all  to 
themselves.  Plenty  of  landlocked  salmon.  Also  some  brook  trout  (small,  two 
pounds  is  large)  and  any  number  of  togue,  pickerel,  and  white  perch.   The  best 


GAArr.  .i.vn  rrsn  resorts.  65 

time  fnrrntchinpf  the  salmon  is  from  the  lust  of  May  to  the  first  of  July.  The  close 
time  commences  here  the  i  sth  of  Sej)tenil)cr,  so  there  is  no  hshin^  in  tlie  fall.  The 
salmon  do  not  commenic  runnin;^  till  the  last  of  September. 

Sherman  Mills.  Troiit,  to^iic,  rullfd  urouse  ;  »lucks,  moose,  caribou,  bears. 
A  K""*'  Kuide  can  be  ot)taincd  at  a  luir  |iiii.('.  Write  tur  intoruiatiuii  tu  Ed.  A. 
Cushmaii. 

Cumhvrland  Cottntf/— 

Si-fiiti,'it  /.ai-f,  fourteen  miles  lonp  by  eleven  miles  wide,  contains  fine  salmon 
trout  ot  a  peculiar  variety.  They  are  very  larjje,  averaKiuK  iloul)le  the  si/e  tliey 
do  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  They  vary  from  six  to  seventeen  pounds,  ar\(l 
are  ol  a  bri^jht  silver  color,  with  very  few  lari<e  black  spots  on  tlie  sides  near  the 
back,  so  nearly  resembling  the  jjrilsc  that  the  difference  can  hardly  be  perceived. 
They  beRin  to  run  up  the  streams  the  hrst  ot  September  and  contiinic  to  do  so 
till  tliey  spawn,  which  is  in  October.  They  also  run  up  in  May,  about  the  hf- 
teenlh,  and  stay  uj)  about  two  or  three  weeks.  Seba^o  Lake  is  situated  hfteen 
miles  from  Portland.    The  ()j{deiisburj{  Railroad  runs  past  it. 

rortland.  The  pame  includes  the  prey  coot,  with  other  varieties,  black  dui;k, 
teal,  loon,  red  diver,  sheldrake,  old  squaw,  grebe,  yellow  lejjs,  snipe,  woodcock, 
ruffed  grouse,  s<iuirrels  ;  trout. 

Frnnhlln  and  Oxford  Conntlra— 

The  Raiit^i-lfy  Lakes.  This  chain  of  lakes  consists  of  Ranpcley,  or  Oquossoc, 
nine  miles  long,  ("upsuotic,  seven  miles,  Mooselucmaguntic,  or  (ircat  Lake,  four- 
teen miles,  Molechunkamunk,  or  Ui)pcr  Richardson,  twelve  miles,  Welokcnne- 
bacook  or  Lower  Richardson,  and  Llmbagog,  twelve  miles.  The  last  lies  i)arlly 
in  Coos  County,  New  Hampshire.  All  these  lakes  arc  connected  by  thorough- 
fares ;  the  distance  between  them  is  from  one  to  six  miles.  The  surrounding 
country  with  tiie  exception  of  the  northern  shore  of  Rangeley  and  the  southern 
shore  of  Umbagog,  is  an  unbroken  wilderness.  The  lakes  are  far  famed  for  tlieir 
rare  hshing  ;  the  trout  taken  from  them  are  among  the  largest  found  in  the  coun- 
try. The  game  of  the  region  comprises  moose,  cleer,  caribou,  black  ducks,  shel- 
drakes, pigeons,  jiartridges. 

La/ce  lIiiilHt^og.  The  hotels  at  Upton  are  the  Lake  House,  H.  R.  Godwin,  and 
Umbagog  House.  W.  J.  Abbott.  Terms  at  each  $2  per  day,  $7  to  $10  per  week. 
Good  fishing  is  found  near  the  hotels. 

r. Diver  Kichanlaon  Lake.  The  Middle  Dam  Camp,  or  Angler';^  Retreat,  H. 
R.  (iodwin,  $2  per  day.  The  b<'St  ^loiiits  for  fishing  arc  ;  the  I)arr,,  the  I'ond  in 
(he  river,  Smooth  Le<lge,  the  Hop  \  ard,  and  other  places  to  which  guides  can 
direct. 

.hidoTer.  The  Andover  House,  A.  W.  Thomas,  $3  per  day,  $7  to  .$10  per 
week.  In  the  vicinity  of  Andover  are  several  good  tronting  streams,  to  which 
Mr.  Thomas  will  direct  the  angler.  The  best  known  are  HIack  llrook,  Sawyer's 
Mrook,  Old  Maid  Brook,  Krye's  Rrook  and  Hurrough's  Brook,  all  of  which  arc 
within  convenient  distance  from  the  hotel.  The  fish  in  these  streams  average 
from  one-fourth  to  two  pounds  in  weight. 

At  the  approach  to  (Jpper  Richardson  Lake,  from  below,  off  Mctallc  Pointy  is 
fine  fishing.  Three  i;ii'es  from  here  is  Metalic  Pond.,  where  ducks  of  several 
kinds,  deer,  caribou,  and  an  occasional  moose  are  seen.  Metalic  Brook,  which 
Hows  into  the  pond,  affords  fine  trout  fishing. 

U/>/>er  Kichardson  Lake.  The  Upper  Dam  Camp,  H.  R.  Godwin,  $2  per  day. 
At  the  piers  ami  apron  of  the  dam,  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  Trout  Cove,  good 
fishing  will  be  found.  A  sail  of  three  mdes,  and  a  walk  of  three  miles,  brings  the 
angler  to  Richardson  I'ond,  whose  shores  are  heavily  wooded  and  frequented  by 
deer,  caribou  and  other  game. 

Phillips.  The  Barden  House,  Samuel  Farmer,  and  the  Elmwood  House, 
K.  I).  Prescott.  Terms  of  each  §2  per  day,  $7  to  §10  per  week.  There  is  excel- 
lent brook  trouting  in  the  vicinity,  to  which  the  anglers  will  be  directed  from  the 
hotels.  The  Sandy  River  Ponds,  and  other  waters  on  the  road  between  Phillips 
and  (ireenvale,  contain  fine  trout. 

Kan^eley  Lake.  The  hotels  are  at  Greenvale,  the  head  of  the  lake,  the  Kim- 
ball H()tel,  H.  T.  Kimball,  and  at  the  outlet,  the  Mountain  View  House,  H.  T. 
Kimball.  Terms  of  each  $2  per  day,  $7  to  $10  per  week.  At  Rangeley  is  the 
Rangeley  Lake  House.  Rangeley  affords  the  finest  fishing  of  the  chain  ;  the  favor- 
ite points  being  near  Kimball's,  at  the  he.-id  of  the  lake,  and  at  the  South  Bog,  the 
dam,  and  the  outlet.    From  Greenvale,  Kcnnebago  Lake  is  eleven  miles  distant. 


66  GAME  AND  FISH  Kh SORTS. 

Fine  riHlilngf  m«y  be  found  there.  The  new  hotel  iit  RanRclev  City  is  now  rend^ 
tor  tlio  i)ul>Tii'.  'i'lic  torniur  luiullord  ot  tliu  old  Kun^flcy  l.iikir  House,  Mr.  Kl)cn 
Ilinldey,  is  to  >)c  loiinil  In  the  new  house,  two  stories  in  liei^ht,  nil  tinished  and 
furnished  in  the  best  nmnner.  l<'iNheriTien,  und  those  who  <lesire  ii  i|uiet,  home- 
like house  in  the  midst  ol  the  best  trout  hshinK  in  New  Knulund,  would  do  will 
to  correspond  with  Mr.  MInkley  for  terms,  etc.,  which  will  ne  reasonable.  The 
arrimKementsare  ccmplcted  lor  a  throuKh  stuKe,  <lirect  Ironi  l'hilli|>s  to  this  place, 
arriving;  here  in  season  lor  dinner,  the  second  day  from  lioston,  via  Kastern  or 
lioston  and  Maine  Railroad.  The  Hue  little  steamer  Molly  ('hunkumunk,  takes 
parties  I'rom  here  to  nil  parts  of  the  lakes. 

Indian  Koik  is  lit  tlie  junction  of  the  KenncbaKoand  Kan^eley  strcamn.  Camp 
Kennebai^r),  O.  T.  Richardson,  $•»  per  day. 

There  are  several  routes  to  this  chain,  i,  Fnmi  lioston  via  Easfcrn,  or  Bos- 
ton and  Maine  Railroad,  fare  j^j,  or  via  steamer,  tare  $i,  to  Portland  :  thence 
via  IJrand  Trunk  Railroad  to  Uethel,  whence  stages  run  to  UmIoii.  on  Lake  Um- 
biiKOK,  fare  %i.  From  Upton,  steamers  to  the  inlet,  twelve  miles,  fare  #1.^0, 
whence  a  team  conveys  banKnKe  four  and  one-hall  miles  to  the  Miildle  liam 
C/ani|).  Round  trip  ticket  from  lioston  to  Mcthel  and  r(  turn,  $7,  Upton  and  return, 
#ij.  2.  From  Portland  as  above  to  Hryant's  I'ond.  thence  sta^e  to  Anclover, 
twenty-one  miles,  fare  $1.50,  where  teams,  boats  ami  nuidescan  be  procured  of^ 
Mr.  Tliomas  for  the  Arm  of  the  Lake,  twelve  miles,  mid  the  Middle  Dam  (ami), 
lour  miles  beyond.  Thence  via  boat  to  the  Upper  Dam,  and  across  the  carry  to 
the  lake^t.  C/liarne  for  transportiiifi;  boat  across  the  carry,  f  i.  Round  trip  tick- 
ets, via  this  route  from  Boston  to  Bryant's  Pond  und  reiurii  %.^  ;  to  Andover  and 
return  ^9  ;  to  Richardson  Lakes  and  return  $n  ;  to  Middle  Dam  and  return  .fis  ; 
to  Upper  Dam  and  return  $i6.  3.  I'rom  Portland  as  beft>re  to  North  Stratford, 
thence  stiuje  via  ("olebrook  and  Dixville  Notch  to  Errol  Dam,  fare  $4,  thence 
siciimer  across  Umbanojj  to  the  Inlet,  fare  $1,  thence  boat  up  the  river  to  Five 
Mile  Ranids,  and  a  carry  live  miles  to  Midille  Dam.  I'are  from  Boston  ^13. 
^..  From  Boston  to  ('olebrook,  via  Boston,  ('oncord  and  Montreal  Railroad,  fare 
^10,70;  to  Errol  Dam  and  return  via  (^olebrook,  $17.  5,  From  Portland  via 
Klaine  C-entral  Railroad  to  Farminijton,  ninety  miles,  thence  stape  to  Phillips, 
eighteen  miles,  fare  Ji.s",  thence  stap;e  to  (ireenvale  on  Ranjieley  I.ake,  eighteen 
miles,  fare  $j.  From  Greenvalc  via  steamer,  fare  *i,  across  the  lake  to  (amp 
Henry  at  the  Outlet,  thence  a  carry  of  two  miles,  brinps  the  tourist  to  ('ami) 
KennebaRo.  Round  trip  Mckeis,  Boston  to  Farminpton  and  return  $9  ;  to  Phil- 
lips and  return  $11:  (ireenvale  and  return  $14;  Uiiper  Dam  and  return  $17. 
6.  l'>oin  ('anada  and  the  west,  take  (Jraiid  Trunk  Railway  to  North  Stratford, 
Bethel  or  Bryant's  Pond,  thence  as  above.  7.  From  the  White  Mountains,  jco 
via  (lorhain  or  other  points  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railroad,  to  Bethel,  etc.,  as 
above. 

The  Afe^alloway  Rii'vr  and  I.ake  Parmachene.  Take  the  Grand  Trunk 
Railway  to  Bethel  or  Upton,  stapc  to  Errol  Dam,  steamer  to  Durkee's  Landing, 
thence  uj)  the  river  in  boat.  There  are  several  carries,  an<l  the  river  is  subject  to 
sudden  freshets  at  all  times  of  the  year.  Excellent  trouting,  the  fish  averap;inp^ 
two  pounds,  ducks,  partridges,  deer  and  moose,  and  other  game  will  be  found  in 
the  route. 

llancoch  County — 

Sullivan.  Trout,  lake  trout,  ducks,  geese,  coots,  and  loons,  etc.,  in  Tunk 
Pond.    Reached  via  steamer  from  Boston  via  Rockland. 

Jillsworth.  Reed's  Pond,  near  this  town,  contains  landlocked  salmon.  The 
route  is  via  stage  or  hired  conveyance  from  Bucksport. 

Mount  Desert y  a  favorite  seaside  resort,  combines  more  trotit  and  salt  water 
fishing  within  a  smaller  radius  than  any  other  resort  that  we  know  of.  We  have 
taken  pound  trout  from  Eagle  Lake,  only  about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  Bar 
Harbor,  on  the  ocean.  It  is  beautifully  situated  up  among  the  Mount  Desert 
hills,  and  is  well  worthy  a  visit.  Jordan's  Pond  affords  good  trout  fishing.  It  is 
reached  by  wagon  road  from  Bar  Marbor.  Long,  and  Denning's  Lakes  near 
Southwest  Harbor  are  well  stocked  with  ttsh.  Lome's  Sound  has  excellent  boat- 
iuc  and  fishing.  Make  headquarters  at  Lime's  Tavern,  Somervilk,  at  the  head 
of^ the  Sound.  From  this  point  the  central  lakes  are  easily  reached.  There  are 
several  hotels  or  large  boarding  houses  on  the  Island,  where  accommodations  can 
be  obtained  for  about  $10  per  week.  The  principal  ones  are  the  Island,  Ocean, 
and  Freeman  Houses  at  Southwest  Harbor,  and  fourteen  houses  or  more  at  Bar 
Harbor.    Steamers  leave  Portland  daily  lor  Mt.  Desert,  fare  $5. 


GAME  AND  FISIf  RESOKTS.  67 

nutks/>,>ri.  DciT  nnti  criiusc  HhoDtlnpf,  with  excellent  liRhing  In  the  vicinity. 
Kciii  lied  troin  liuiiKor,  ur  lloHlun  via  buat. 

Kfunfhi'e  doiiHlff— 

lliillouuli.  Wodilcock,  grnunc  nml  purtridKes.  Reached  via  the  Maine  Cen- 
tral Railroad,  two  miles  frnm  AukhhIh. 

Auj^Hita.     Miiick  buNS  tisiiiuK  in  tliu  ncighburinK  laken. 

i)jn/'ord  (Jountff— 

Ctix/toH.  (iood  partridKc  shooting  in  this  section.  The  country  la  rouKh  and 
bir<lM  plenty,  and  there  is  a  tirst  ratu  hotel. 

</;///  l'oH</  itn</  Doiff^i'  l\>Hii.  On  ihc  lutli  o(  ()ctol>er  — or  within  tliree  days  of 
that  (late— th->  outlets  of  (rull  I'ond  and  Dod^re  l'<ind,  both  cniptyinK  into  Kan^e- 
ley  I.«l<e  at  pc.ints  six  miles  apart,  and  the  outlet  of  Ran^eley  Lake,  six  miles  from 
Dodtje  I'ond,  are  thronged  by  myriads  of  tish  known  as  blue  backe«l  tront.  The 
waters  ot  the  stream  are  actually  tilled  with  this  crowding  multitude,  KatheriuK  tu 
deposit  their  spawn.  They  do  not  make  a  "  spawning  bed,"  like  the  salmon  and 
trout,  but  deposit  their  ckus  in  all  |mrts  of  the  stream,  remainiuK  about  ten  days, 
when  they  return  to  the  lake,  ami  arc  never  seen  until  the  loth  of  October  the  loU 
lowinK  year. 

The  variation  between  the  blue  back  and  the  brook  trout  is  plainly  noticed. 
The  (ormer  are  more  slemler.  have  no  bright  vermilion  spots;  the  ventral,  anal, 
and  pectoral  tins  are  a  bright  scarlet,  witlnxit  tl>e  black  und  white  lines  so  con- 
spicuous in  the  otiier.  Tlie  tail  is  more  (orkod.  As  their  popular  name  indicates, 
they  are  very  dark.  The  most  singular  (act  ol  all  is  tlie  uniformity  of  si/.e.  They 
are  never  less  ttian  seven  nor  more  than  nine  inches  in  length,  weiKliiiiK  from 
three  to  tour  ounces.  They  never  take  lly  or  bait.  They  are  captured  in  nets  by 
the  bushel  ;  are  not  considered  as  (^ood  eating  as  the  common  brook  trout. 

Kor  KanfTcley  Lakes  see  Franklin  County. 

J'vnobHcot  C'ouuti/— 

liaiij^vr.  Tlicre  are  pickerel,  ncrch,  bass,  and  lake  trout  in  I'nshaw  Pond,  six 
miles  from  town,  and  landlocketl  salmon  in  Reed's  I'ond,  within  twelve  miles, 
and  trout  in  tlio  tributaries  ol  tlie  Penobscot,  (iood  iroulin(i(  in  the  Ken- 
dnskeoR,  and  otiier  streams  in  the  vicinity.  The  tishin^i;  is  very  good  within  a 
dozen  points  easily  accessil)le,  and  hunting  also  in  its  season,  lucre  is  a  good 
hotel  at  the  lake.    Stajies  connect  M.iiiKor  with  Moosehead  Lake. 

North  Mil/ord.  Cirouse  and  other  game  in  the  vicinity,  though  the  dense 
Woods  and  swuinps  remier  win;;  sltooting  difficult.  Koi  deer  tlie  best  locality  is 
hrandy  I'ond,  about  twenty  miles  distant,  and  along  the  Hig  Muflulo,  which 
empties  into  the  Hratuly  Stream,  the  outlet  of  tl\e  lake,  and  a  tributary  of  the 
Union  River.  Take  tiie  Eastern  und  North  American  Railroad  to  Milforii,  thence 
via  stage  or  hired  conveyance.  James  KothergiU,  Jr.  will  entertain  sportsmen 
and  act  as  guide. 

J'ltirataf/iilH  County — 

In  Se/'fc  Lake  are  landlocked  salmon,  and  pickerel  ;  ducks,  grouse,  and  rab- 
bits in  abundance.  Go  via  European  and  North  American  Railroad  to  South 
Scbec,  thence  by  stage  to  the  lake.  The  line  of  country  o()ene(l  by  this  road 
from  Uangor  to  the  St.  John  River  is  teeming  with  glorious  trout  brooks  and 
lakes.  The  sportsman  can  not  go  amiss  liere.  Every  man  on  the  railroad  is  a 
sportsman  and  a  gentleman,  from  tht;  president  and  superintemlent  to  the  brakes- 
man. The  postal  clerks  are  all  anglers,  and  \\'\\\  take  pleasure  in  imparting  infor- 
mation to  visitors  in  search  of  a  few  days'  recreation. 

J'hillifi's  Pondy  one  mile  from  Sebec  Lake,  is  noted  for  its  fine  togue  or  lake 
trout.    Take  the  route  as  given  to  Sebec. 

Monson  is  an  excellent  centre  for  fout  iishing.  Within  a  radius  of  seventeen 
miles  there  are  thirty-two  ponds,  all  of  which  afford  magnificent  sport.  These 
waters  are  known  as  Hebron,  Monson,  Spectacle,  Doughty  (2),  Hunker  (2),  Bog 
Stream,  Hell  (2),  McLan.  North  Moors,  Hear,  South  Senior,  South  Junior,  Meadow, 
Meadow  Stream,  No.  18,  Grindstone,  Buttermilk,  Benson,  Ship,  Greenwood  (3). 
Long,  Hedgehog,  Big  Indian,  Little  Indian,  Herring  and  Greenleaf.  Ship  Pond 
also  contains  landlo'jked  salmon.  These  lakes  are  situated  in  a  rugged,  moun- 
tainous country,  full  of  romantic  scenery.  They  are  easily  accessible  by  the 
Bangor  and  Piscataquis  Railroad  to  Guilford,  thence  via  stage  tifteen  miles  to  Mon- 
son, where  a  good  liotcl  will  be  found.  Sportsmen  from  abroad  should  call  on 
Mr.  E.  R.  Haynes,  the  postmaster,  who  will  give  them  all  possible  attention,  and 
direct  to  the  best  iishing  grounds. 


68 


GAME   AMD  FISH  RESORTS. 


Moosehend  Lake.  Tlie  shooting  to  be  found  at  and  about  Moosehead  Lako 
and  Its  adjacent  waters,  embraces  deer,  caribou,  bears,  wolves,  an  occasional 
moose,  S(iiiirrels,  hares,  ruffed  grouse,  ducl<s,  geese,  sand -pipers,  loons  and 
herons.  Spencer  Pond,  at  the  head  ot  Moosehead  Lake,  is  a  breeding  place  lor 
blacit  clucks,  anil  Lucky  Pond  is  a  favorite  rcstjrt  lor  them.  These  are  tilicen 
miles  from  Kineo,  and  twentv  from  Greenville.  Ruffed  grouse  are  abundant 
most  everywhere,  and  deer  also  on  Spencer  Mountain,  a  mile  from  Moosehead 
Lake.  A  great  variety  of  game  is  found  at  Hrassua  Lake,  near  the  Canadian  line, 
at  the  head  of  Misery  River.     The  Wilson  Ponds  are  full  of  trout.     The  nearest 

Eond  is  three  miles  irwn  the  lake,  and  readied  by  a  good  roail ;  boats  can  there 
e  i^rocured.  Three  miles  beyond  is  the  Upper  Wilson ;  camping  is  necessary 
for  much  sport. 

Eagle  .Stream.  This  is  a  short  distance  from  the  Lake  House  at  Greenville, 
and  affords  good  trout  fishing.  The  stream  flows  through  a  meadow,  and  there 
are  no  bushes  to  obstruct  the  casting.  P'or  larger  trout  go  to  the  outlet,  twelve 
miles  from  Greenville,  where  trout  averaging  two  pounds  arc  caught  in  abun- 
dance. 

Table  Rock  at  Mt.  Kineo,  is  a  favorite  spot  for  fly  fishing,  and  a  short  distance 
from  the  hotel,  a  well  known  spot  furnishes  trout  averaging  five  pounds,  and  white 
fish  averaging  one  and  a  half  pounds.  Misery  Stream,  flowing  into  Lake  Hrassua 
near  its  outlet,  Socateau  River,  Spencer  Ponii,  Roach  River  and  Lucky  Pond, are 
all  fine  fishing  grounds.  Lily  Hoy  furnishes  excellent  trouting,  with  duck  and 
partridge  shooting. 

The  routes  trom  Koston  are  :  ist.  Via  Eastern  Railroad  to  Dexter,  two  hundred 
and  thirty  miles ;  stage  thirty-five  miles  to  Greenville,  thence  steamer  twenty 
miles  to  Mt.  Kineo.  Time  twenty-four  hours,  l^'are  for  round  trip  $15  ;  single 
ticket  $8.50.  2d.  Eastern  Railroad  to  Guilford,  three  hundred  and  seven  miles. 
Stage  to  Greenville  twenty-tive  miles,  thence  steamer  as  before.  Time  twenty- 
four  hours.  Fare  same  as  above  ;  and  3d.  Steamer  (International  Sandforcl's 
Lines)  to  Hangor,  two  hundred  and  hfty  miles,  thence  European  Railway  to 
Greenville,  sixty-one  miles,  thence  same  as  above.  Time  forty-nine  hours. 
Fare  $7. 

The  hotels  and  boarding  houses  are  the  Eveleth,  and  the  Lake  House,  at 
Greenville;  the  Wilson  House  at  the  Outlet;  the  Mt.  Kineo  House,  $2.50  per 
day,  at  the  base  of  the  mountain  ;  the  Carry  Hotel,  on  the  northeast  carry,  at  the 
head  of  the  lake  •  the  Morris  Farm,  west  branch. :  guides  can  be  procured  either 
at  Greenville  or  Mount  Kineo.  Captain  Samuel  Cole  at  the  Lake  House,  is  ever 
ready  to  guide  to  the  best  fisheries.  There  are  also  K.  H.  V'aughan,  Pete  Ronco, 
Levi  Ronco,  A.  B.  Farrar,  Ivory  Littletield,  D.  T.  Saunders,  and  other  well 
known  guides.  They  furnish  generally  their  services,  a  canoe  and  cooking 
utensils,  for  $3  per  day.  Hoats  can  be  procured  of  all  sizes  and  styles,  from  birch 
canoes  at  twenty-five  cents  per  day,  to  a  steam  pleasure  yacht  at  $10  per  day. 
There  are  good  liveries  at  the  hotels.  The  best  months  for  siwrt,  are  August  and 
September.  The  trip  from  Hoston  including  traveling  expenses  and  a  stay  of  two 
weeks,  can  be  made  for  about  fifty  dollars.  Excursion  tickets  are  sold  from  New 
York  for  {^24,  from  Hoston  for  $15.  At  Greenville,  D.  T.  Saunders  will  furnish 
canoes,  guides,  and  provisions  for  a  canoe  trip  down  the  Allegash.  The  route  is 
up  the  lake  via  steamer,  across  the  carry  to  the  Penobscot,  down  this  river  twenty 
niles  to  Chesuncook  Lake,  thence  up  the  Umbazookskus  River,  across  the  Mud 
Pond  Carry,  thence  via  Mud  Pond,  Chamberlain  Lake,  the  Locks,  Eagle  Lake, 
Pleasant  Hrook  and  Churchill  Lake,  into  the  Allegash.  Moose,  bear,  caribou, 
wild  ducks,  partridges,  trout,  and  other  game  are  found  on  the  route. 

Somerset  County — 

Bhigham  is  a  good  point  from  which  to  start  into  the  Maine  wilderness. 
Leave  Hoston  by  Eastern  Railroad  via  Portland  and  Kennebec  to  Skowhegan, 
thence  by  stage  fifteen  miles  to  Solon,  then  eight  miles  to  Bingham.  Provide  for 
roughing  it.  Ruffed  grouse,  ducks,  trout,  caribou,  and  other  game  will  be  found. 
Caribou  about  the  forks  of  the  Kennebec. 

Washii.  jton  C'otinty —  ' 

Grand  Lake  and  Stream.  Grand  Lake  Stream,  is  an  outlet  of  the  Grand 
Lake,  one  of  the  chain  of  Schoodic  Lakes,  famous  for  its  landlocked  salmon.  In 
the  lakes  themselves,  pike  and  lake  trout  abound,  and  brook  trout  in  the  streams 
that  empty  into  them.  Reached  by  steamboat  from  Portland  and  St.  John,  to 
Eastport,  and  thence  rail  to  Princeton,  or  bv  European  and  North  American 
Railroad  to  McAdam,  St.  Stephens  and  I'rinceton.    A  steamer  leaves  the  Stream 


GAME  AND  FISH  HE  SORTS.  O9 

every  tnorniriK,  connecting  with  the  first  train  to  Calais,  and  returning  in  the 
afternoon  on  tlie  arrival  ot  the  train  at  Princeton.  Canoes,  hotels,  and  (.Miides  at 
Princeton.  Hoard  $1  to  $1.50  jK-nlay.  Ouides'  wanes,  white  or  Indians, ifj  to  $3.50 
per  day.  Camping  is  generally  preferred.  David  Dresser,  at  Princeton,  will 
secure  reliable  guides  and  lull  intormation.  (.ountry  hilly.  The  Dobsis  club 
has  a  camp  here. 

Afai/i/as.  (irouse,  woodcock,  bears  and  deer, salmon,  black  fish,  brook  trout. 
Reached  by  boat  from  Eastport  or  Rockland,  or  by  yacht ;  also  by  wagon. 
Indians,  canoes  and  provisions,  can  here  be  secured  for  a  trip  up  the  Upper 
Machias  River,  where  tlicre  is  goo<i  hunting  for  deer,  bear,  and  other  game. 

Caiais.  Mlack  meganders,  ducks,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  pickerel.  Salmon 
and  trout  fishing  in  Grand  Lake,  on  northern  border  of  Washington  County. 
Calais  is  on  the  St.  Croix  and  Penobscot  Railroad,  or  reached  by  steamer  from 
Eastjwrt,  or  by  stage  from  Huckspurl^  there  connecting  with  Boston  steamers. 

Denny sviltc.  There  is  excellent  troi.ting,  with  good  woodcock  shooting  in  the 
Denny's  River,  sixteen  miles  from  Eas'port.     Reached  by  boat  or  wagon. 

VanceboroHgk.  Trout  fishing  in  the  St.  Croix  River.  The  route  is  via  the 
European  and  North  American  Railway. 

Princeton.  Hear,  deer,  rufied  grouse,  ducks,  geese,  plover ;  brook  and  sal- 
mon trout.     F"or  route  see  Grand  Lake.     Hotels. 

Grand  Manan.  The  Island  of  Grand  Manan  is  situated  in  the  Hay  of  Fundy, 
about  thirty  miles  southeast  of  Eastport,  Maine.  It  is  thirty  miles  long  and  about 
nine  miles  wide,  and  lies  in  nearly  a  north  and  south  direction.  There  are  two 
small  villages  on  the  island  and  habitations  are  scattered  over  its  greater  part. 

There  are  several  small  streams  on  Grand  Manan  which  contain  trout.  The 
south,  west  and  north  coasts  of  tlie  island  are  rocky  and  abrupt. 

The  southern  end  of  the  island  is  a  favorite  breeding  ground  of  the  herring 
gulls,  (Larus  arf^entatus)^  and  their  eggs  are  sought  and  used  as  food.  The  Pas- 
sama(|uoddy  and  Micmac  Indians  live  near  South  Head  and  hunt  the  porpoise 
and  seal  for  their  oil.  The  eastern  coast  is  low  comjiared  with  its  other  shores, 
and  it  is  that  side  of  the  island  that  is  mostly  inhabited.  It  is  covered  principally 
with  spruce  and  birch  timber,  and  it  has  the  peculiar  mossy  spruce  swamps  which 
are  common  to  northern  Maine.  Several  years  ago  deer  were  common  on  the 
island,  but  the  Indians  and  whites  combined,  have  nearly  exterminated  them. 
There  are  a  few  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  thrushes,  (hermit,  olive  backed  and 
golden  crowned),  robins,  swallows,  (barn,  white-bellied,  and  bank  swallows), 
warblers,  flycatchers,  etc.,  etc.,  that  are  found  on  tlie  island,  also  the  hare,  grey 
rabbit  and  red  squirrel.  To  the  southeast,  and  east  of  Grand  Manan  aie  many 
beautiful  islands  which  are  full  of  interest  to  the  na»r  1  alist.  They  are  as  follows  : 
Two  Islands,  Three  Islands,  White  Head,  Eastern  and  Western  Green  Islands, 
Sheep,  Pumpkin,  Low  Duck,  Little  Duck,  Big  Duck,  Long,  Ross,  Cheney's 
Head,  and  Nantucket  Islands.  To  the  southeast  are  the  Hlack  Ox,  Seal,  Eastern, 
Western  and  Yellow  Merle  ledges,  which  are  favorite  breeding  grounds  of  the 
seals.  There  is  also  one  small  island  called  the  White  Horse,  which  is  a  general 
"  headquarters  "  and  breeding  ground  of  the  Leach's  Petrels.  They  burrow  into 
the  rich  loam  and  deposit  one  egg  in  each  hole.  When  caught  in  the  hand  they 
disgorge  a  brownish  oil  which  is  not  very  sweet  scented.  The  eider  duck  and 
black  guillemot  breed  on  the  rocky  shores  of  the  numerous  islands,  and  an  occa- 
sional pair  of  arctic  puffins,  (parrot  bill  murre,)  are  found  breeding  in  the  same 
localities.  The  razor-billed  auk  breeds  in  considerable  numbers  on  the  Yellow 
Merle  ledges,  and  twelve  years  ago  it  was  common  to  nearly  all  the  islands  of  the 
15ay  of  Fundy.  The  island  of  Grand  Manan  is  a  good  collecting  ground  for  the 
naturalist  at  any  season.  In  the  autumn  the  ornithologist  can  collect  the  follow- 
ing birds  in  the  Hay  of  Fundy  :— Loons,  red-throated  diver,  foolish  guillemot,  lit- 
tle auk,  eider  duck,  pomarinc  skua,  (gull  chaser),  herring  gull,  Wilson's  tern, 
black  guillemot,  puffin,  great  black-backed  gull,  purple  sandpipers,  red  phala- 
rope,  etc.  etc. 

Those  who  enjoy  fishing  can  gaff  lobsters,  spear  flounders,  catch  cod,  hake. 
])oU()(k,  and  an  occasional  .lalibut.  Grand  Manan  can  be  reachea  (rom  Hoston, 
ny  rail,  by  the  Boston  and  V  'ie  Railroad,  to  Milltown,  Me.,  and  from  there  by 
boat  to  Eastport,  thcnrc  by  some  tisliorman's  boat  or  the  British  mail  packet  to 
Grand  Manan.  The  boats  of  the  International  Steamship  Company  ply  between 
Boston,  Portland  and  Eastport,  and  any  person  can  go  by  boat  the  entire  distance 
from  New  York,  if  they  wish  to,  by  connecting  with  the  Boston  steamers  for 
St.  John. 

The  house  of  Simeon  P".  Cheney,  Nantucket  Island,  affords  best  of  accommo- 
dations, boats,  eic. 


JO  ^    GAME  AND  FISfl  RESOKTS. 


MARYLAND. 

Maryland  has  an  area  of  11,124  square  miles,  excluding  the 
waters  and  islands  of  Chesapeake  Bay.  The  State  is  divided  by 
the  Chesapeake  into  two  divisions,  the  Eastern  Shore  or  that  por- 
tion lying  between  the  Chesapeake  and  Delaware  Bays  and  the 
Atlantic,  and  the  V/estern  Shore,  or  that  part  between  the  Chesa- 
peake Bay  and  Susquehanna  River,  and  the  Potomac.  The  East- 
ern Shore  is  level  and  in  some  places  swampy,  the  Western  Shore 
is  in  the  north-western  part,  decidedly  mountainous,  the  moun- 
tains growing  less  towards  the  south  to  the  Great  Falls  of  the  Po- 
tomac, where  the  foothills  are  merged  in  the  plain  which  makes 
up  the  lower  portion  of  the  State.  Maryland  has  an  extensive  sea 
and  bay  coast,  the  latter  indented  by  many  bays,  all  of  which  are 
famous  grounds  for  gunners.  The  game  comprises  a  great  variety 
of  wild  fowl.  The  waters  afford  excellent  tishing,  and  railroad 
and  extensive  water  communications  of  the  State  render  these  re- 
sorts easy  of  access. 

Alleghany  County — 

Cumberland.  Deer  ?rc  found  on  the  neighboring  hills.  The  game  birds  are 
the  wild  turkey,  pheasant,  partridge,  woodcock,  jack-snipe,  and  several  varieties 
of  the  duck  family.  Cumberland  is  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio,  the  Cumberland 
and  Piedmont,  and  the  Pittsburgh,  Washington  and  Baltimore  Railroads.  The 
Queen  City  Hotel  is  well  kept ;  tne  St.  Nicholas  is  the  resort  for  sportsmen. 

lialHmore  County — 

Baltimore.  Miller's  Island  is  a  great  resort  for  ducks.  The  best  shooting 
spots  are  leased  so  that  sportsmen  have  but  moderately  fair  shooting.  Reached 
by  boat  from  Baltimore. 

Cecil  County — 

At  Turkey  Point  on  the  Eastern  Shore,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Susquehanna, 
there  are  two  points  about  one  hundred  yards  apart  and  excellent  ground  to  reach 
before  the  birds  come.  The  game  includes  red  heads,  black  ducks,  and  canvas- 
backs.    Reached  from  Perrymansville. 

Charles  County — 

In  this  county  are  some  fine  partridge  and  wild  turkey  shooting  grounds. 
Dorchester  County — 

East  New  Market.  Rabbits,  opossums,  squirrels,  red  and  grey  foxes,  geese, 
ducks,  canvas-backs,  quail,  woodcock,  snipe,  water-rail  ;  shad,  rock  pickerel, 
jiurch,  herring.  Reached  via  the  Delaware  and  Dorchester  Railroad.  Hotel 
accommodations  at  Bramble's  house,  where  horses  and  dogs  will  be  cared  for. 
The  country  is  very  level. 

Cambridge.  Snipe  shooting  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Dorchester  and 
Delaware  Railroad. 

Oarrett  County- 
Deer  Park.    Bear,  deer,  foxes,  rabbits,  turkeys,  ducks,  snipe,  partridges, 

ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  quail,  and  wild  pigeons  are  found  in  all  the  surrounding 

country  in  such  numbers  as  to  make  Deer  Park  a  noted  resort  for  sportsmen. 
There  are  no  fish  except  trout  in  the  Blackwater  at  this  place,  and  they  are,  as 

a  rule,  small,  but  are  very  strong  and  fight  well.    There  are  immense  numbers  of 

them.    Near  the  Falls  the  fish  are  much  larger. 

The  fare  from  New  York  to  Deer  Park  is  about  fifteen  dollars ;  it  is  the  same 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  7 1 

from  New  York  to  Wheeling,  W.  Va.,  so  if  ticket  be  bought  to  the  latter  place 
it  can  be  disposed  of  at  Deer  Park  or  Oakland  for  a  couple  of  dollars. 

All  trains  of  the  Haltimore  and  Ohio  Railway  stop  here  in  the  summer.  Most 
of  the  sportsmen  who  have  been  over  this  route  to  the  Hlackwater  have  starteil 
from  Oakland,  but  the  "  Glades  Hotel,"  (famous  for  its  table  and  general  excel- 
lency), has  been  destroyed  by  fire.  The  distance  from  Deer  Park  to  Oakland  is 
but  six  miles,  and  those  who  prefer  to  go  on  the  old  road  can  go  from  here. 

There  is  a  large  hotel  here  owned  and  operated  by  the  IJaltimore  and  Ohio 
Railroad.     It  is  a  first-class  house  ;  the  charges  are  from  1^3  to  $3.50  per  day. 

The  sportsman  need  not  burden  himself  with  much  luggage  ;  let  him  take  his 
rod  and  gun,  and  if  the  latter  be  a  breech  loader,  his  cartridges  also,  for  he  can- 
not get  them  here.  Other  kinds  of  ammunition,  Ditmar's  wood  powder  and 
others,  ail  kinds  of  shot,  wads,  etc.,  he  can  procure  ;  also  good  lines  and  Hies.  A 
blanket  will  not  be  amiss.  Coffee  pots,  frying-pan,  etc.,  can  also  be  had.  It 
will  not  be  necessary  to  take  much  food  for  camping  ex])editions,  and  a  couple  of 
hams,  some  bacon,  coffee,  sugar,  etc.,  will  be  supinied  at  very  reasonable  rates, 
(jood  guides  can  be  had  for  $1.50  to  $i.7s  per  day  ;  they  will  ilo  the  cooking,  etc. 
Horses  will  cost  somewhere  in  the  neighborhood  of  $1.50.  Trout  are  found  in 
Deej)  Creek. 

There  is  a  tract  of  land  called  the  "  Dobbin  Estate,"  where  parties  generally 
stay.  It  has  upon  it  a  good  frame  house,  which  is  partially  furnished  and  a  lot  of 
about  twelve  acres  of  pasture  land  for  the  horses.  Nothing  is  charged  for  the  use 
of  house  or  lot  and  as  it  is  but  three  miles  from  the  North  V  ork,  and  on  the  banks 
of  the  South,  and  four  miles  from  the  famous  "  Falls  of  the  Hlackwater,"  it  is  the 
best  plan  to  make  this  headquarters.  The  distance  to  this  house  from  Deer  Park 
is  thirty-six  miles,  from  Oakland  thirty.    See  West  V'irginia. 

Harford  County- 
Havre  de  Grace.  Good  duck  shooting,  including  caijvas  backs,  broad-bills, 
black  ducks.  Reached  via  the  Philadelphia,  Wilmington  and  Haltimore  Railroad, 
eighty-two  miles  from  Philadelphia,  twenty-six  miles  from  Haltimore.  Duckers, 
boats,  decoys,  etc.,  can  be  obtained  for  about  ^25  per  day.  Write  to  James 
Nixon. 

The  shooting  at  Havre  de  Grace  is  monopolized  by  fifteen  or  twenty  parties, 
who  shoot  altogether  for  market. 

The  "  Narrows,"  which  begin  about  six  miles  south  of  Havre  de  Grace,  some- 
times afford  good  shooting  from  the  shore,  either  side  ;  but  not  until  after  a  severe 
storm,  do  the  ducks  leave  the  flats  and  resort  to  these  contracted  waters,  to  afford 
sport  enough  to  pay  to  leave  New  York,  and  then  the  stranger  would  find 
trouble  in  shooting,  unless  accompanied  by  some  one  known  to  the  land  owners. 

Magnolia  County — 

There  is  excellent  duck  gunning  at  the  railroad  bridge  crossing  Gunpowder 
River. 

Perry mansville  is  in  the  midst  of  many  excellent  wild-fowl  shooting  localities. 
Bush  River,  with  Abbey  Island  at  its  mouth.  Gunpowder  River  witn  Carroll's 
Island  at  its  mouth.  Maxwell's  Point,  three  miles  from  the  Gunpowder  Hridge, 
the  level  shores  near  Harewood  and  Stemmer's  Run,  and  many  other  well-known 
localities,  are  annually  visited  by  sportsmen. 

The  shooting  on  Hush  River  is  from  point  only.  The  shore  owned  by  Mr.  S. 
Sutton,  P.  O.  address,  Perrymansville,  is  a  good  one ;  the  shooting  is  red-head 
principally.  This  shore  is  opposite  the  celebrated  Lcggoes'  Point,  the  extension 
of  Gunpowder  Neck,  and  is  one  of  the  finest  rough  weather  points  on  the  Gun- 
powder. Carroll's  Island,  and  in  fact  all  the  points  on  the  Gunpowder,  are  rented 
lor  fabulous  prices. 

K«;nt  County— 

The  White  Perch  Fishing  at  Betterton.  Hetterton  is  on  the  extreme  upper 
end  of  Chesapeake  Bay,  within  sight  of  the  mouths  of  the  Susqtieiianna,  klk, 
Northeast  and  Sassafras  Rivers.  It  is  about  eighty  miles  by  water  from  Phila- 
delphia, and  forty  from  Baltimore.  It  is  reached  by  the  Ericsson  steamers  wliich 
leave  both  cities  at  4  f.  m.,  requiring  for  the  trip  about  eleven  hours  from  the  for- 
mer, and  four  hours  from  the  latter  city.  The  fare  from  Philadelphia  is  $1.50, 
which  includes  berth.  Meals  are  fift  cents  extra.  Philadelphiansmay  leave  the 
wharf  on  the  upper  side  of  Chestnut  Street  any  day  by  the  boats,  which,  though 
not  large,  furnish  excellent  accommodations,  arrive  at  Betterton  by  sunrise,  spend 


72 


GAME  AND  FISH  RE  SORTS. 


a  (lay  on  the  fishing  ground,  and  return  by  the  evcninp  boat,  reaching  home  by 
six  or  r.even  o'clock  next  morning,  being  absent  only  an  afternoon  and  a  day. 

Tlic  Delaware  branch  of  the  Philadelphia,  Wilmington  and  Maltiinore  Kail- 
road  also  runs  to  Still  Pond,  a  station  lour  miles  from  Betterton.  The  train 
leaves  Philadelphia  at  8  a.  m.,  anil  makes  the  trip  in  four  hours.  Still  Pond  is  also 
the  Post  Office,  Hetterton  having  only  a  few  scattering  dwellings,  and  no  Post 
Oflice.  Thomas  Crew  keeps  the  house  (not  a  hotel  and  without  a  bar,)  and  can 
probalaly  accommodate  twenty  guests,  for  whom  he  provides  bountifully.  Mis 
rate  is  $1.50  per  day,  and  boats  with  captain  and  bait  $3  per  day.  The  favorite 
fishing  ground  is  about  two  miles  from  the  house,  and  the  water  there  is  about 
thirty  to  forty  feet  deep.  The  ebb  current  runs  about  two  and  a  half  miles  an 
hour,  and  the  flood  current  about  two  miles  an  hour,  or  with  about  one  half  the 
force  of  the  current  in  the  Delaware,  hence  a  ten  or  twelve  ounce  dipsey  is  heavy 
enough  for  a  bow  or  hand  line,  and  two  ounces  for  a  rod  line.  A  bass  rod  nine 
feet  long,  with  multiplying  reel,  is  the  proper  rod.  The  perch  bite  better  at  the 
turn  of  the  tide— an  hour  before  and  after  each,  the  low  water  and  young  flood 
being  the  best. 

The  tide  tables  of  the  Chesapeake  are  published  in  the  Nautical  A  If nanac. 
High  water  at  Betterton,  would  be  about  half  an  hour  earlier  than  at  Turkey 
Pomt. 

It  is  not  amiss  to  take  some  bait  along— worm,  clam,  or  shrimp,  or  a  good  dip 
minnow  net.  If  a  hand  line  is  used,  glove  lingers  are  necessary,  else  any  but  the 
toughest  hand  will  give  out  before  a  day's  fishing  is  over.  Spesutia  Island  fur- 
nishes excellent  duck  shooting. 

Montgomery  County — 

liarnesvillc.  Black  bass  fishing  in  the  Potomac,  with  excellent  shooting. 
Reached  via  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad. 

Tke  Great  Falls  0/  the  Potomac  are  located  fourteen  miles  above  Washing- 
ton, and  seven  miles  from  Rockville,  on  the  Metropolitan  branch  of  the  Baltimore 
and  Ohio  Railroad.  The  route  is  from  Washington  to  Georgetown,  thence  via 
canal  :  fare  fifty  cents,  or  via  stage,  seventy-five  cents,  to  the  fishing  grounds. 
The  Potomac  has  here  three  falls,  aggregating  a  descent  of  eighty  feet,  within  a 
distance  of  a  few  rods.  Big  bass,  little  bass,  rock,  and  striped  bass  abound,  and 
afford  excellent  sport.  At  the  Cornelia  Hotel,  Messrs.  Garrett  and  Mans,  proprie- 
tors, board  may  be  obtained,  $2  per  day. 

Prince  George  County — 

Upper  Marlboro.  Fine  shooting  on  the  swamp  and  marshes  adjacent  to  the 
Patuxent  River.  Ortolans,  reed  birds,  partridges,  ducks,  etc.,  and  other  game 
birds.  Reached  via  the  Baltimore  and  Potomac  Railroad,  or  by  drive  from 
Washington.  Skiffs  and  pushers  are  readily  obtained,  and  the  sport  is  always 
good.    The  grounds  are  within  three  miles  ot  Marlboro. 

Miiirkirk  Furnace.  Snipe  and  quail  shooting  good  in  the  vicinity.  Reached 
via  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad. 

Nottingham.  On  the  marshes  of  the  Patuxent  River,  excellent  shooting  is  to 
be  had  (See  Upper  Marlboro).  Mr.  John  Maccubbin,  keeps  the  very  comfortable 
and  home-like  inn  in  the  village. 

Stc.  Mary's  County — 

Of  the  best  known  resorts  on  the  Potomac  may  be  mentioned  Colton's,  Leon- 
ardtown,  Blackstone's  Island,  Piney  Point,  Marshall's,  and  Point  Lookout,  the 
latter  a  point  of  land  at  the  mouth  of  the  Potomac,  with  a  splendid  beach  fronting 
on  Chesapeake  Bay.  The  attractions  at  all  these  j^laces  are  boating,  fishing,  bath- 
ing, crabbinp,  and  a  fare  composed  almost  exclusively  of  fish  and  oysters.  Save 
at  Piney  Point,  the  terms  are  very  moderate — $2  per  day,  $10  per  week,  and  $30 
to  $35  per  month. 

Leonardtoivn.  Duck  shooting  and  good  fishing.  Reached  by  boat  on  the 
Potomac  River.     Hotel  $2  per  day,  $10  per  week,  $30  per  month. 

Point  Lookout.  Fair  fishing  may  be  found  liere,  including  sheepshead. 
Reached  via  steamer  on  the  Potomac,  one  hundred  and  thirteen  miles  from 
Washington.     Board  same  as  at  Loonardtown. 

Marshall's^  two  miles  below  Piney  Point,  is  a  favorite  summer  resort  for 
pleasure  seekers.  The  fishing  includes  sheepshead,  white  perch,  rock,  taylor, 
spot  and  croakers.  The  shooting  is  for  partridge,  duck  and  goose.  Marshall's 
is  one  hundred  miles  from  Washington,  reached  via  Potomac  steamers,  and  has 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  73 

n  good  boarding  house,  with  boats  and  other  conveniences.  Charges,  $30  per 
month  for  a  longer  time  than  one  month,  or  $35  for  single  month. 

I'iiuy  Point.  Vov  the  lishing  and  hunting  and  the  route  see  Marshall's.  The 
St.  George's  Hotel  is  coinfbi  tabic  and  well  kept,  with  moderate  prices. 

Chaptico.  Good  tisliing  in  liritain's  aud  Chapeto  Bays.  Take  stage  from 
Washington  to  Leonardtown.  .  •  . 

Somerset  County — 

Princess  Anne.  Quail,  snipe,  woodcock  and  wild  fowl.  Reached  via  Dela- 
ware Railroail.    Good  board  can  be  found  among  the  farmers  for  $5  per  week. 

Washington  County — 

IVilliainsport.  Black  bass  fishing  furnishes  fine  sport.  Williamsport  is  the 
terminus  of  the  Western  Maryland  Railroad,  and  can  be  reached  from  New  York 
by  rail  via  Philadelphia,  iu  about  eleven  hours,  either  by  vay  of  Harrisburg, 
Pa.,  or  I  'nnore.  Hotel  charges,  $1.25  per  day.  A  boat  and  boatman  costs 
$1.50  per  u.iy. 

Ilagerstown.  Turkey's,  pheasants,  quail,  and  woodcock.  Reached  via  Cum- 
berland Valley  Railroad. 

Wicomico  County — 

Tyaskin  District^  near  Salisbury,  is  a  favorite  resort  for  wood  duck  and  quail. 

Worcester  County — 

Berlin.  Ducks  and  geese,  plover,  snipe,  quail,  woodcock,  rabbits  ;  blue  fish, 
striped  bass,  weak  tish  and  perch.  Reached  by  rail  from  Wilmington  to  Herring- 
ton  Station  and  thence  by  either  of  two  railroads  via  Georgetown  or  Salisbury. 
Hotel  accommodations.  A  sneak  boat  or  skill,  ind  several  dozen  decoys  for 
geese,  ducks,  and  snipe,  are  indispensable. 

Ocean  City.  Ducks  and  geese,  plover,  snipe,  quail,  woodcock,  rabbits  ;  blue 
fish,  striped  bass,  weak  fish  and  perch.  Favorite  points  of  departure  for  the  field 
are  Canterbury,  Herrington,  Farmington,  Greenwood,  Seaford,  Georgetown, 
Salisbury,  Pittsville,  and  Berlin.  There  are  good  hotels,  and  Captain  Ayres 
keeps  a  hostelry  open  all  winter  to  accommodate  sportsmen.  As  a  rule,  the 
farms  are  all  posted,  as  a  protection  against  market  gunners,  but  gentlemen 
s))ortsmen  can  almost  invariably  obtain  permission  to  snoot  over  rrivale  terri- 
tory.   It  is  better,  in  all  cases,  to  obtain  letters  of  Introduction  to  laud  owners. 

Snow  Hill.  Good  snipe  shooting  on  the  marshes.  Rabbits,  squirrels,  par- 
tridges in  the  vicinity.     Reached  via  the  Wicomico  and  Pocomoke  Railroad. 

Chincoteague  Island,    For  game,  route,  etc.,  see  Accomack  County,  Virginia. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 

Massachusetts  comprises  an  area  of  7800  square  miles,  with  a 
population  of  1,457,351.  With  the  exception  of  the  eastern  and 
south-eastern  sections,  the  surface  of  the  State  may  be  described 
as  broken  and  rugged.  Several  inconsiderable  mountain  ranges  are 
found  in  the  State,  the  Hoosic,  Holyoke  and  other  ranges.  The  val- 
leys, especially  that  of  the  Connecticut,  are  noted  for  their  beauty 
of  scenery  and  fertility  of  soil.  Upon  the  coast  are  many  islands, 
bays  and  sounds,  all  of  which  furnish  excellent  fishing  and  bay 
l)ird  and  wild  fowl  shooting.  The  railroad  system  of  Massachu- 
setts is  very  complete,  this  State  containing,  in  proportion  to  her 
size,  more  miles  of  road  than  any  other  State  in  the  Union.  Hotel 
accommodations  at  all  the  shooting  resorts  are  generally  good,  or 


74  CAAJE  AND  FISH  RESO/iTS. 

where  these  do  not  exist  the  sportsmaji  will  readily  obtain  accom- 
modationF  at  the  farm  houses. 

JBarnatahle  County— 

There  are  a  tjrca*  I'lany  deer  in  this  county,  and  several  line  trout  streams,  as 
readily  accessible  from  the  town  ot  Sandwich,  as  any  other  place.  There  are  also 
plenty  ut  quail.  Take  Old  Colony  Railroad  to  Sandwich.  Good  accommodations 
at  the  Central  House. 

Wood's  Hole.  On  Huzzard's  Hay  there  is  excellent  shooting  for  ducks,  plover, 
and  other  varieties  of  water  lovvl.  Professor  Vinal  N.  Edwards,  of  Wood's  Hole, 
has  collected  here  the  following  tish,  consisting  of  seventy-five  different  varieties. 
Small  spotted  skat'3,  peaked  nose  skate,  sand  shark,  blue  shark,  leopard  shark, 
mackerel  shark,  trasher  shark,  hammer  head  shark,  sleeper  shark,  (never  before 
iound  in  these  waters;)  horned  dog  tish,  no-horned  dog  hsh,  conunon  mackerel, 
si)otlud  mackerel,  tallow  mackerel,  mackerel  scare,  white  mackerel,  (n"*-  before 
tound  here  ;)  sea  herring,  English  herring,  brown  sea  robin,  large  red  sea  lobin, 
long  tinned  sea  robin,  living  hsh,  tautog,  scup,  sea  bass,  menhaden,  shad,  hickory 
shad,  common  butter  tish,  scjuare  headed  butter  tish,  (or  silver  fish  ;)  common  eel, 
lamprey  eel,  striped  bass,  scjueteague,  squid,  king  tish,  tom  cod,  sea  perch,  sculpin, 
common  large  flounder,  four  spotted  flounder,  small  month  flat  tisn,  large  month 
tlat  tish,  (very  rare  ;)  talbot,  pollock,  smelt,  toad  tish,  swell  tish,  blue  tish,  naddock, 
hake,  sturgeon,  goose  tish,  boneta,  sucker,  cram])  tisii,  red  sculjiin,  (or  pork  in 
barrel ;)  large  black  stingray,  bill  tish,  (seven  feet  long;)  pilot  tish,  rudder  tish, 
horned  swell  tish,  or  (egg  tish  ;)  puffin  pig,  tile  tish,  moon  tish,  pompano,  cero, 
Spanish  mackerel,  cunner,  leather  jacket,  (never  before  caught  in  these  waters  ;) 
codtish,  whiting,  (or  frost  tish  ;)  mullet,  ling,  and  three  others. 

The  route  from  Boston  is  via  the  Old  Colony  Railroad  ;  from  New  York,  via  the 
New  Bedford  steamers,  which  leave  Pier  39,  North  River,  every  evening.  Good 
hotel  accommodations  will  be  found. 

Brewster  is  in  the  vicinity  of  good  smelt  fishing.  Reached  via  Old  Colony 
Railroad. 

At  the  elbow  of  Cape  Cod.  and  inside  the  sheltering  range  of  sand  cliffs  which 
forms  the  lower  extremity  of  Nanset  Beach,  is  a  wide  expanse  of  shoals  known  to 
the  hardy  fishermen  and  mariners  of  the  vicinity  as  "  The  Common  Flats." 
These  shoals,  when  bared  by  the  falling  tide,  disclose  miles  upon  miles  of 
mud  flats  covered  with  the  marine  mud  commonly  known  as  eel-grass,  the  favor- 
ite food  of  several  varieties  of  wild  fowl,  but  more  especially  of  the  brant. 
Landward  from  these  mud  flats,  and  also  protected  from  the  encroachments  of 
Old  Ocean  by  Nanset  Beach,  stretches  an  extensive  series  of  sand  flats.  This 
part  of  the  "  Cape  "  was  in  olden  time  a  favorite  hunting  resort,  and  still  affords 
good  sport. 

Monument.  Excellent  fishing  in  Buzzard's  Bay.  Reached  via  the  Old  Colony 
Rail|oad.    The  Stearns  House  offers  comfortable  accommodations. 

Chatham.  Dough  birds,  yellow  legs,  plover,  brant,  and  other  varieties  of 
birds.    Reached  via  Old  Colony  Railroad. 

Cohasset  Narrows.  Blue  fish,  squeteague.  Good  catches  of  striped  bass  are 
made  off'  the  railroad  bridge.  Sportsmen  will  find  good  accommodations,  with 
boats,  bait,  etc.,  at  A.  and  H.  Hatnavvay's.     Route  as  above. 

West  Barnstable.  I'ine  deer  hunting  in  the  neighboring  woods.  Route  as 
above. 

MarshJ>ee.  The  Marshpee  River  is  a  good  trout  stream.  There  is  also  excel- 
lent siiijie  shooting  on  the  marshes.     Reached  via  Old  Colony  Railroad. 

Queshnet.    Snipe  shooting  is  good  in  the  vicinity. 

Cotuit  Port  reached  by  stage,  seven  miles  from  West  Barnstable,  which  is  on 
the  Old  Colony  Road,  is  a  famous  place  for  shooting.  The  village  is  on  the  south 
shore  of  the  cape,  and  on  the  neighboring  highlands  are  many  fresh  ponds  among 
the  pir.e  forests.  Here  the  sportsman  will  find  a  variety  of  fresh  and  salt  water 
fishing,  and  excellent  wild  fowl  shooting.  The  Santuit  House  is  a  favorite  sum- 
mer hotel. 

Hyannis,  reached  by  a  branch  of  the  Old  Colony  Railroad,  affords  good 
shooting. 

Sandwich.  The  streams  in  the  vicinity  are  ^ood  trouting  streams,  but  much 
fished  j  deer  in  the  adjacent  forests.     Reached  via  the  Old  C/olony  Railroad. 

Abington.     White  hares.     Reached  as  above. 

Waquoit.    Good  trout  fishing  may  be  found  near  the  town. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  75 

JBerkHJih'o  County— 

FittsfieU.  The  Housntonic  River  is  a  fine  locality  for  trapping  muskrats  and 
otters.  Keacheil  via  tlie  Moston  and  Albany  Railroad.  Silver,  Sylvan  and  other 
lakes  in  the  neighborhood,  are  full  of  pickerel. 

Great  Barrineton.  Woodcock  and  ruffed  grouse  shooting  in  the  vicinity, 
with  fishing  in  the  streams  and  numerous  lakes  in  the  surrounding  country. 
Reached  by  rail  or  highway  from  Stockbridge.  There  are  comfortable  hotels 
here,  and  many  pleasant  drives  all  about  this  region. 

Ashley  Falls  are  three  miles  from  the  Twin  Lakes.  (See  Canaan,  Conn.) 
Reached  via  Harlem  Railroad,  four  hours  ride  from  New  York.  Cooper's 
'•  Locust  Hill  Farm  "  furnishes  every  accommodation  to  sportsmen. 

Otis.  Woodcock  and  grouse  shooting.  Reached  via  stage  or  hired  convey- 
ance from  some  station  on  the  Hoston  and  Albany  Railroad. 

Lee.  Laurel  Lake,  two  miles  north,  the  Yokum  Ponds,  a  few  miles  southeast. 
Lake  Mahkoenac,  lour  miles  distant,  and  other  waters  in  the  neighborhood,  arc 
favorite  picnic  and  fishmg  resorts.  Lee  is  a  pleasant  village,  much  visited  in 
summer.    The  route  is  via  the  Housatonic  Railroad. 

lirlstol  County — 

Ne7v  Bedford.  Quail,  partridge,  grouse,  woodcock,  snipe,  plover,  bay  birds, 
marsh  birds,  ducks,  blue  fish,  bass,  scup,  taulog,  bill  fish,  sword  fish,  trout  in  the 
neighboring  fresh  water  streams.  New  Hcdford  is  hcail(Hiart<-rs  for  sportsmen 
who  wish  to  enjoy  the  splendid  fishing  and  shooting  in  Huz/.ard's  Hay.  Captain 
J.  Iv.  Sisson,  whose  address  is  at  22  South  Water  Street,  owns  a  yacht,  live  decoys 
for  ducks,  and  wooden  ones  for  bay  birds  and  sheldrakes,  and  will  serve  parties 
of  sportsmen  faithfully.  Black  ducks  are  particularly  abundant  in  the  fall  months. 
De  I  osta's  Island  afFiirds  excellent  stands  for  shooting.  It  is  about  a  mile  from 
the  main  land.  The  easiest  and  cheapest  way  to  reach  New  Bedford  from  New 
York  is  by  steamer  that  leaves  New  York  in  the  alternoon  and  arrives  early  the 
following  morning.  Fare  $3.  From  Boston  go  via  Old  Colony  and  New  Bedford 
Railroads. 

Nonquit.  Fishing  directly  from  the  rocks  for  tautog,  scup  and  blue  fish. 
There  is  a  good  hotel  $3  to  $3  per  day,  with  boats,  boatmen,  etc.,  to  be  obtained 
at  Nonquit  or  New  Bedford,  at  prices  ranging  from  25  cts.  an  hour  to  $6  per  day. 
A  steamer  makes  three  trips  a  day  to  and  from  New  Bedford,  seven  miles  distant, 
making  a  delightful  sail  of  one  hour  down  Buzzard's  Bay. 

The  EUxahvtli  Lslnuds  — 

Cuttyhunk^  Nashawena^  Pasque  Island  and  Naushon.  Striped  bass,  blue  fish, 
squeteague,  sword  fish,  excellent  bay  bird  shooting.  There  is  a  private  club- 
house on  each  island.  Naushon  is  stocked  with  English  and  Scotch  game  birds 
and  animals,  American  deer,  and  prairie  fowl.  These  islands  are  accessible  by 
yacht  from  New  Bedford  or  Martha's  Vine^-ard. 

Fall  River.  Grouse,  quail,  woodcock,  and  broadbills  in  the  Westport  ponds, 
white  and  yellow  perch  and  pickerel  in  Lake  Watuppa.  Reached  via  rail  from 
Boston,  and  steamer  from  New  York  City. 

DuUes  County— 

Martha's  Vineyard.  A  famous  place  for  summer  excursionists  and  pleasure 
seekers.  Good  fishing  and  shooting  are  found  at  various  points  on  the  Island, 
some  of  the  best  known  being  in  the  vicinity  of  Gay  Head.  At  Gay  Head,  if  the 
wind  is  southeasterly,  so  that  it  blows  from  Cuttyhunk,  the  fishing  is  spoiled  by 
washing  off  the  white  clay  bottom  ;  but  there  are  one  or  two  points  along  shore 
known  to  old  fishermen  only,  where  good  sport  can  be  had  when  the  wind  is  from 
the  northward.  The  lighthouse  keei)er  at  Gay  Head  is  always  glad  to  entertain 
anglers.  There  are  several  fine  hotels  and  boarding  houses  open  in  summer. 
Boats,  boatmen,  etc.,  are  always  to  be  had.  Readied  from  Boston,  via  Old 
Colony  Railroad  to  Wood's  Hole,  thence  steamer.  From  New  York  take  steamer 
to  Fall  River,  thence  rail  to  New  Bedford,  thence  via  steamboat. 

No  Man's  Land.  Striped  bass,  blue  fish,  and  other  fishing,  with  good  shoot- 
ing for  wild  fowl  and  several  varieties  of  game.  Address  Captain  J.  L.  Sisson, 
22  South  Water  Street,  New  Bedford,  Mass.  He  has  every  facility  for  fishing 
and  shooting  at  No  Man's  Land.  The  route  is  by  pleasure  yacht  from  New  Bed- 
ford or  Martha's  Vineyard. 

Essex  County — 

Marblehead.    Smelts,  cod,  cunners,  and  other  varieties  of  tish,  with  snipe, 


76 


GAME  AND  FISH  JiE SORTS. 


plover,  cluck  and  other  shooting.  Reached  by  a  branch  of  the  Eastern  Railroad 
from  Salem. 

Gloucester.  Many  varieties  of  fish,  includinfi:  smelts.  The  shooting  in  the 
vicinity  is  for  bay  birds  and  water  fowl.  Reached  via  the  Eastern  Railroad. 
There  are  several  summer  hotels  besides  those  in  the  city.  There  are  a  good 
many  ruffed  grouse  and  woodcock  in  some  parts  of  Danvers,  Middletield,  and 
TopsviUe. 

Cape  Ann.  Cooting  at  Annisquam  and  other  points  on  the  Cape.  Take  the 
Eastern  Railroad  to  Rockport,  thence  stage  or  hired  conveyance. 

Andover  has  some  fishing  in  the  neighboring  lakes  and  streams. 

North  Andover.  Hlack  bass  in  Lake  Cochickewick.  Reached  via  the  Boston 
and  Maine  Railroad. 

Sivi%mJ>scott.  Smelts.  Reached  via  the  Eastern  Railroad,  thirteen  miles  from 
Boston. 

Lynnfield.  Lynnfield  Lake,  a  delightful  sheet  of  water,  within  ten  miles  of 
Boston,  has  been  stocked  with  Oswego  bass,  and  now  affords  capital  sport.  Take 
tlie  Danvers  and  Newburyport  branch  of  the  Boston  and  Maine  Railroad.  Good 
board  can  be  had  in  private  families  in  the  village,  dnd  boats,  etc.,  can  be  easily 
obtained. 

Beverly.    Peeps  and  ring  necks.     Reached  via  the  Eastern  Railroad. 

Ipswich  is  a  good  shooting  centre.  Snipe,  ducks,  etc.  Reached  via  the  East- 
ern Railroad. 

Nahanty  the  favorite  sea-side  resort  of  Bostonians,  affords  good  shooting 
and  fishing.  Ducks,  brant,  curlew,  coots,  etc.,  wich  a  variety  of  fishing,  offer 
abundant  employment  for  rod  and  gun.  Nahant  is  reached  by  steamer  from 
India  wharf,  Boston,  or  via  Eastern  Railroad  to  Ly.  ,  thence  omnibus,  or  by 
Narrow  Gauge  Railroad,  direct. 

Lynn.  Ducks  and  other  wild  fowl  in  the  harbor.  Excellent  fishing.  Rail 
from  Boston. 

IVenham.  Trout  are  caught  in  the  lake.  Wenham  is  on  the  Eastern  Railroad, 
twenty-three  miles  from  Boston. 

Salem.  All  about  Salem  and  the  neighboring  harbors,  good  gunning  may  be 
enjoyed.  All  kinds  of  wild  fowl  are  found  here,  ducks  of  many  varieties,  geese, 
coots,  plover,  snipe,  quail,  partridges,  etc.,  and  rabbits  on  the  hills.  The  fishing 
is  for  the  usual  varieties  found  on  the  coast.  There  are  many  boats  always  to  be 
had,  and  guides,  boatmen,  etc.,  at  reasonable  rates. 

franklin  County — 

Shutesbury.  Excellent  trouting  in  the  streams  in  this  vicinity.  Reached  by 
stage  from  Amherst. 

Hampden  County — 

Springfield.  Fly  fishing  for  shad  in  the  Connecticut ;  trouting  in  the  vicinity, 
and  woodcock  and  partridge  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Boston  and  Albany,  and 
other  railroads. 

Hampshire  County — 

Florence.  Grey  and  red  squirrels,  foxes,  coons,  rabbits,  pigeons,  partridges, 
etc.  Reached  via  the  New  Haven  and  Northampton  Railroad,  or  by  horse-cars 
from  Northampton. 

Amherst.  Fox,  rabbit  and  squirrel  shooting.  There  are  several  good  trout 
streams  in  the  vicinity.    On  the  New  London  Northern  Railroad. 

Middlesex  County- 
Good  black  bass  fishing  near  Lincoln.    Take  Fitchburg  Railroad  to  Weston. 
Framin^ham.    Some  quail,  and  in  the  meadows  a  lew  snipe,    Boston  and 
Albany  Railroad. 

Lexington.  Kuffed  grouse,  woodcock  and  quail  shooting  in  the  neighboring 
country.  Reached  by  the  Lexington  Branch  Railroad,  from  the  Boston  and 
Lowell  depot,  Boston.  The  Monument  House  furnishes  comfortable  accom- 
modation. 

Shirley.    Foxes.    Reached  via  Fitchburg  Railroad. 

Natick.  Good  trout  streams  in  the  vicinity.  Landlocked  salmon  have  been 
planted  in  Dry  Pond. 

yantueJcet  County — 

Nantucket.    Scup,  blue  fish,  and,  in  the  ponds  perch  ;  black  ducks,  plovers. 


GAME  AND   FISH  RESORTS.  7/ 

curlew,  and  almost  every  variety  of  shore  bird  on  the  commons,  and  in  the  llam- 
moclc  Pond.  Reached  via  Old  Colony  Railroad  to  Wood's  Hole,  tlicnce  by 
steamer. 

Norfolk  County— 

Cohasset  Ducks,  black  and  mallard,  teal,  brant,  coots,  plover,  curlew,  tattlers, 
grass  birds,  quail,  partridfifCH,  wild  pigeons.  The  fishing  is  (or  smelts,  blue  fish, 
etc.  Readied  via  the  Old  Colony  Railroad,  twenty-one  miles  from  Boston, 
Kimball's  Hotel  is  patronized  by  sportsmen. 

At  North  Cohasset,  smelts  are  caught  inside  of  the  Black  Rock,  and  also  at 
Milton.     Route  as  above. 

Randolf>h.  Ducks,  geese  and  other  wild  fowl  afford  fine  shooting.  Reached 
via  the  Old  Colony  Railroad. 

Weymouth.    Smelts.    Route;  via  Old  Colony  and  South  Shore  Railroads. 

Quincy.  Squantum  Point,  connected  with  Boston  in  summer  by  steamers, 
affords  good  fishing,  and  is  famous  for  its  chowders.  Reached  via  the  Old  Colony 
Railroad. 

Quincy  Point.    Smelts  here  afford  good  sport. 

Plymouth  County — 

M.xrshfield.  Yellow  legs,  snipe,  grass  birds,  peeps  and  ring  necks.  Reached 
via  Old  Colony  Railroad. 

Clark's  Island,  is  situated  two  miles  from  the  main  land,  ojiposite  the  towns 
of  Marshfield,  Duxbury,  and  Plymouth,  once  a  famous  gun.iing  ground,  and  still 
affording  good  sport  foi  wild  fowl  of  all  kinds.  Reached  by  boats  from  the  towns 
mentioned,  which  are  easily  accessible  by  rail. 

Cohasset  is  a  favorite  resort  for  gunners.  Ducks,  geese,  snipe,  rabbits,  etc. 
Reached  by  rail  from  Boston. 

Hingham  and  Hull.  Smelts,  and  other  varieties  of  fish.  The  shooting  is 
good  for  bay  birds.  Reached  via  steamers  from  Boston,  which  leave  Liverpool 
wharf  twice  daily  in  summer. 

Plymouth.  Snipe  and  quail  shooting.  Plymouth  Woods  is  the  only  locality 
in  Massachusetts  where  deer  are  now  found  ;  the  forests  are  dotted  with  beautiful 
lakes,  from  many  of  which  How  sparkling  brooks  tilled  with  speckled  trout.  The 
lakes  contain  pickerel,  percli,  black  bass,  etc.  Reached  by  Old  ('olony  Railroad 
from  Boston  or  New  York. 

Scituate  furnislies  good  wild  fowl  shooting.     Reached  as  above. 

Wareham.  Fine  s(iuetea>!;uf  (weak  fish)  fishing  in  season  Go  via  the  Old 
Colony  Railroad,  and  stop  at  the  Kendrick  House,  P.  S.  Hackett,  proprietor, 
and  previously  write  to  him  in  order  to  have  a  bt)at  and  boatman  engaged  to  take 
you  down  the  river  into  Buzzard's  Bay  to  the  fishing  grounds.  A  party  who  are 
fortunate  in  securing  the  services  of  that  renowned  and  jovial  colored  gentleman, 
Dempsey  tflill),  who  carries  parties  from  the  Kendrick  House,  and  his  fast  and 
well  found  yacht,  "  Dempsey  s  Dream,"  will  be  sure  of  a  pleasant  time,  even  if 
they  experience  "  fisherman's  luck."  Dempsey  is  au  /nit  \\\  everything  pertain- 
ing to  capturing  fishes  in  these  waters, 

Suffolk,  County — 

Boston.  Grey  squirrels,  partridges,  quail,  and  ducks  are  found  in  the  vicinity. 
At  Spectacle,  Thompson's  Island,  and  other  points  in  the  harbor,  good  fishing  is 
to  be  had.  Boston  lias  many  seaside  resorts  within  a  short  distance  by  rail  and 
irteamer  from  the  city,  at  all  of  which  fishing  and  shooting  is  to  be  had. 

Worcester  County— 

Charlton.  Quail,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  etc.  The  route  is  via  the  Boston 
and  Albany  Railroad. 

Ashburnham.  Wild  pigeons  are  found  on  the  heights  at  this  place.  Reached 
via  the  Fitchburg  Railroad,  ten  miles  from  Fitchburg. 

Lancaster.  Plover  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Worcester  arid  Nashua 
Railroad. 


}» 


GAM/i  AND  /<'/S//  JiESOHTS, 


MICHIGAN. 

Area  56,451  square  miles,  population  1,184,059.  The  State  is 
divided  into  two  peninsulas,  the  northern  peninsula  which  comprises 
one-third  of  the  State  is  for  the  most  part  rug^a-d  and  mountain- 
ous. The  Porcupine  Range  forms  the  watershed,  from  which  on 
either  side  an  elevated  table  land  slopes  to  the  lakes.  The  coun- 
try is  rocky,  much  of  it  sterile,  near  the  lake  shore  often  sandy 
plains,  and  the  remainder  coverd  by  dense  forests.  The  lower 
peninsula,  on  the  contrary,  is  level,  with  formerly  great  stretches  of 
marsh  lands  which  have  since  been  reclaimed  and  cultivated.  This 
region  is  now  the  garden  of  the  north-west.  The  surface  of  both 
peninsulas  is  diversified  by  great  numbers  of  lakes,  of  all  sizes,  and 
are  in  the  proper  season  the  resort  of  great  numbers  of  wild  fowl 
of  various  species.  The  forests  of  the  northern  section  of  the  State 
are  the  abode  ol  iuuch  large  game.  The  lakes  afford  good  fishing, 
and  the  streams  of  the  southern  peninsula  are  famous  for  their  trout 
and  grayling.  All  these  shooting  and  fishing  grounds  are  readily 
reached  by  the  railroads  of  the  State,  on  all  of  which  the  sports- 
man will  secure  every  attention,  and  from  whose  officers  and  em- 
ployees all  needed  information  may  be  obtained, 

Alpena  County— 

Alpena  City.  Good  duck  shootinjj  on  Thunder  Hay.  The  route  is  via  boat 
from  Detroit,  or  via  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad  to  Standish,  thence  stage. 

liar  a  it  a  Vonnty— 

l^Ancc.  On  I'all  River  and  L'Ance  Hay,  is  found  fine  brook  and  salmon 
trout,  and  wl.ite  fisii  fishinp.  Reached  via  the  Marquette,  Houghton  and  Onton- 
agon Railroad.    Good  hotel  accommodations  may  be  found. 

Jiay  County  - 

Bay  City.  Good  duck  shooting  all  along  Saginaw  Haj^.  Reached  via  tho 
Michigan  Central,  the  Flint  and  I'ere  Marquette,  or  the  Saginaw  Valley  and  St. 
Louis  Railroad,  or  via  boat  from  Detroit. 

Charlevoix  County — 

Boyne,  The  Hoyne  River  and  the  waters  in  the  vicinity  afibrd  excellent  trout 
fishing.  Reached  via  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  Railroiul.  The  Hoyiic  is 
navigable  for  small  boats,  a  short  distance  from  its  mouth,  but  its  x\\\\m\  current 
precludes  their  frequent  use.  Two  and  one-half  miles  from  Hoyne  Falls,  a  small 
Dody  of  water  called  Deer  Lake  affords  fine  fisliing,  and  five  miles  west  of  the 
station,  the  Hoyne  empties  into  Pine  Lake,  an  admirable  fisliing  ground. 

Daily  stages  run  between  Boyne  Falls  and  the  head  of  Pine  I.ake,  there  con- 
necting with  a  small  steamer,  making  daily  trips  to  ('harlevoix  and  intermedi.ite 
f)oints.  Charlevoix  can  also  be  reached  by  public  highways  passing  around  the 
ake.  or  by  steamer  sailing  from  Traverse  City.  Horton  ("reek,  a  very  fine  trout 
stream,  flows  into  Pine  Lake  three  miles  from  its  head.  Passing  ten  miles  west- 
ward on  the  south  highway,  or  taking  steamer  from  the  head  of  Pine  Lake,  the 
embouchure  of  the  south  arm  of  Pine  Lake  is  reached.  It  is  a  narrow  strip  of 
water  nine  miles  long,  varying  from  half  a  mile  to  a  mile  in  width.  Like  Pine 
Lake,  it  is  well  supplied  with  pike,  pickerel  and  bass,  thus  affording  very  choice 
fishing  with  the  spoon.  By  continuing  up  the  arm  in  boats,  or  by  following  the 
highway  one  and  one-half  miles  west,  and  then  going  south,  the  Jordan,  which 
flows  into  the  south  arm,  is  reached.  It  is  very  swift,  and  grows  swifter  as  the 
stream  is  ascended.    It  is  navigable  for  small  boats,  and  flows  in  a  northwesterly 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS,  79 

direction  from  its  source.  It  is  re^anicd  as  a  very  tine  trout  stream,  and  al)ounds 
in  KraylinK-  There  is  excellent  wudiiiff.  At  tliu  nioutit  ot  the  Jordan  tlierc  is  a 
jjood  liouse— Mr.  VVieltcl's.  Aiso,  at  J.Tj.  Webster's,  five  miles  from  the  mouth 
ot  the  Jordan,  and|halt  a  mile  bacic  trom  the  stream,  K'>'><I  (juarturs  may  be 
secured. 

C'hlppvwn  County— 

Siiuit  de  St.  Marie.  TroutinK  in  '.he  nei^hborinp  streams,  llowiriK  into  Lake 
Superior,  white  tisli  in  the  rapids.  The  route  is  via  the  I  al<e  Superior  line  of 
steamers,  whicli  start  from  Buffalo,  and  \(n  via  Krie,  ('leveland,  Detroit,  etc.  ;  or 
via  the  CollinKwood  line  of  steamers,  which  connect  at  (<ollinKwood  with  the 
Northern  Railway  of  C'/anada  ;  or  via  the  Chicago  and  Milwaukee  line  of  steam- 
ers. All  the  supplies  the  hsiierman  re<piires  can  be  had  on  the  ('anadian  or 
American  side  of  the  falls  of  St.  Marie  at  the  lowest  tariff,  including  seaworthy 
boats,  and  also  seamen  to  manage  them— men  who  are  nonpareil  as  camp  ser- 
vants, and  learned  in  the  geography  of  the  coast. 

Jtelta  County— 

F.scatKiltii.  This  is  one  of  the  plcasantcst  summer  resorts  in  the  west.  It  is 
situated  at  the  head  of  Little  Hay  Des  Nocjucs.  at  the  north  end  of  Green  Hay. 
Tlie  water  of  the  bay,  clear  as  crystal,  washes  the  streets  of  the  city  on  two  sides, 
wliilc  the  Kscanaba  River  forms  the  third,  and  the  aromatic;  "  piney  woods  "  close 
well  down  01.  'he  other  side.  Good  hotels  offer  <iuiet  and  comfortable  (juarters 
for  tourists  who  may  wish  to  spend  days  or  weeks  here  tisliinn,  boatinjj  or  bath- 
injf.  White  Kish  Hay  in  this  vicinity  offers  rare  sport  for  fishermen,  and  every  little 
stream  (and  they  are  numerous)  is  almost  alive  with  brook  trout.  i'"rom  Escahaba 
excursions  are  httcd  out  in  various  directions.  Those  not  caring  for  fishing,  can 
find  bear  and  deer  in  abundance,  with  ducks,  geese,  brants,  partridges  and 
smaller  feathered  game.  This  is  now  a  favorite  summer  resort  for  the  people  of 
(;iiicagi).    The  hotel  accommodations  ure  unsurpassed. 

The  country  beyond  Kscanaba  contains  many  line  brook  trout  streams,  and 
deer,  bear  and  other  game,  and  fur-bearing  animiils.  The  sportsman,  fisherman 
or  trapi)er,  will  find  ample  employment  and  sport  here.  There  is  a  good  winter 
hunting  spot,  eight  to  ten  mdes  north  of  Day's  River,  and  on  Red  Division 
(twelve  miles  north  of  lOscanaba)  on  the  Smith  River.  On  Hay  de  Nocjuet,  the 
ileer  congregate  in  a  section  of  heavy  tin'ber,  and  winter  there.  Splendid  hunt- 
ing maybe  had  in  the  months  of  October,  November  and  December.  Guides 
may  be  had  at  about  two  dollars  |)er  day.  Guicles  make  their  headijuarters  here, 
and  this,  without  doubt,  is  the  best  point  to  Ht  out  with  everything  necessary  for 
tlie  trip,  with  exception  of  arms  and  accoutrements.  The  deer  commence  cross- 
ing at  Little  Lake,  about  August  5th  :  Helena  Switch,  about  August  8th  to  loth  ; 
Mcl^'arland's  Hill  (half-way  between  lielena  and  Centreville),  lotli  to  12th;  Cen- 
tre ville,  about  15th  to  i8th,  and  so  on.  Escanaba  is  reached  via  the  Chicago  and 
Northwestern  Railroad. 

litnuu-tt  County — 

Pctoskeyy  the  northern  terminus  of  the  main  line  of  the  Grand  Rapids  and 
Indiana  Railroad,  is  situaf^d  on  the  south  side  of  Little  Traverse  Hay,  at  the  foot 
of  high  bluffs.  To  the  north,  just  across  the  bay,  is  Little  Traverse  village,  the 
headquarters  of  Indians  who  dwell  in  the  neighborhood.  A  steam  yacht  runs 
between  Petoskcy  and  Little  Traverse,  fare  twenty-five  cents.  In  the  Bear 
River,  emptying  nito  the  bay,  grayling  and  brook  trout  are  caught.  In  Round 
Lake,  four  miles,  and  in  Crooked  Lake,  seven  miles  northeast,  the  usual  varie- 
ties of  Hsh  are  found.  From  Petoskey,  upon  arrival  of  the  train  from  Cincinnati 
in  the  morning,  the  swift  and  beautifully  appointed  steamer,  Music,  leaves  for 
Mackinaw  Island.  An  admirable  breakfast  is  served  on  board  the  steamer,  and 
returning  in  the  evening,  an  equally  good  supper. 

Oeneaee  County — 

Flint.  Hear,  deer,  wild  turkey,  quail,  ruffed  grouse  and  wild  fowl  shooting. 
Reached  via  the  Flint  and  Pcre  Marquette  Railroad.  Gentlemen  sportsmen  will 
find  accommodations  at  most  of  the  farmhouses  in  the  vicinity. 

Grand  Traverse  County- 
Traverse  City.    Mascalonge,  lake  trout,  bass,  pike  and  pickerel  are  very 
abundant.    These  varieties,  except  lake  trout,  are  found  also  in  ('edar  Lake 
three  miles,  Bass  Lake  eight  miles,  Betsic  Lake  twelve  miles,  Long  Lake  six 


So  CAME  AND  FISH  RRSOKTS. 

miles,  ond  Traverse  Lake  ten  miles  from  Traverse  fity,  and  are  especially  fine. 
Perhaps  thu  l)cst  tishinK  witli  the  spoon,  uutHiilc  tlit-  liay,  is  found  la  Carp  Lalco 
eiffht  miles  northwest  of  Traverse  (  ity,  readied  by  hichway 

Hroolc  trotit  arc  very  abundant  in  this  vicinity.  Tno  water  of  all  streams  la 
this  locHlitv,  is  very  cold  iimj  oxtri-nu-ly  pure  and  ( Iciir.  The  Hourdinan,  its 
brunches,  an<l  allthcstrfiuns  in  llie  neinhborliood  ol  Triivcrse  City,  contain  brook 
trout.  No  stream  is  nnvi({al)lc  except  the  Konrdiniin,  and  that  only  for  small 
boats,     ("urrent  swift,  l)ut  not  loo  dee])  for  wading  ;  excellent  sandy  bottom. 

There  arc  a  lew  ^I'fyl'i^K  '"  the  iioardmun,  known  by  the  local  name  of 
"  Gaipin." 

He-sides  the  Moardinan  River,  the  various  trout  streams  and  ponds  are  Mitch- 
ell's I'onil,  distant  three  and  one-half  miles  from  Traverse  City  j  lloxie's,  seven 
miles  ;  Whitewater,  nine  miles  ;  Scoficlil,  twelve  miles;  Hannah  s  Mill  Pond  and 
("reek,  one  half  mile;  (Ireelick,  three  miles;  Ifitner's  I'ond  and  Creek,  seven 
miles  ;  also  the  Kacket,  Joyton  and  I'inc  Rivers,  as  well  as  many  smaller  streams 
emptyinK  into  the  lioardman. 

Tiaverse  ("ity  is  the  terminus  of  the  Tniverne  City  division  of  the  (Irand  Rap- 
ids and  Indiana  Railroad.  The  hotel  accomnuxlations  are  k'xxI-  Prices,  %i  per 
day  ;  $10  to  $14  per  week. 

Parties  jlesirinji;  can  find  >{»'<>d  campinjf  groumls  at  the  "  l'"orks  "  of  the  river, 
State  Road  llridj^e.  Railroad  Crossing  near  Mayfield  town  line,  and  .Smith's  l'"arm, 
all  on  the  Hoanlinan  River.  Stage  tare  to  Hoxie's,  .$  1  ;  to  Whitewater,  $1.25  ;  to 
Mitchell's,  50  cents.     All  other  |)oints  reached  by  private  conveyance. 

Guides  charge  $3  per  day  ;  with  boats,  $2.50  to  $»  per  day  ;  with  team,  ^4  to 
$6  per  day  ;  boats  only,  50  cents  to  %-i  per  day. 

Fife  Lake.  In  the  lake,  on  which  this  village  is  situated,  are  found  bass, 
pike  and  pickerel.  In  the  Manistee  River,  five  miles  southeast,  are  grayling,  and 
m  the  Hoardman  River,  six  miles  north,  is  excellent  tisliinur  for  cravling  and  l>rook 
trout.  Take  the  (irand  Rai)i(ls  anl  I  luliana  Railroad.  Motelcharges  are  from 
.$1.50  to  $2  per  day.  Teams,  with  driver,  can  be  procured  for  $5  per  day.  Moats 
for  fishing  on  the  lake  can  be  had  for  the  asking,  hut  lioats  for  thi-  Manistee  will 
have  lo  be  taken  there  by  team.  Koat -fishing  in  the  lioardman  at  this  point  is 
difficult,  owing  to  brush  and  untlergrowth  along  its  banks,  but  wading  is  good. 

floiiffhton  C'ounttf  — 

Hiifcock  and  lloiii^hton  are  on  the  Portage  Lake.  Tn  the  vicinity  of  each  are 
fine  trout  streams.  Reached  via  the  Marquette,  Houghton  and  Ontonagon  Rail- 
road, or  via  steamer. 

Inyham,  County— 

Lanstnt.-,  on  the  Mississippi  River,  is  in  the  vicinity  of  excellent  shooting  for 
bratit,  geese,  ducks,  mallard,  a  fe%v  canvas-backs,  quail  and  pheasants. 

Isnhi'lla   County— 

Crawford.  Mlack  and  rock  bass,  and  grayling  ;  deer,  wild  turkeys  and  bears. 
On  the  Mackinaw  Division  of  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad.  Camp,  or  hotel 
a  'commodations. 

tfacJison  County— 

Jackson.  In  the  vicinity  of  Silver  Lake,  six  miles  from  the  town,  are  ducks, 
plover,  pinnated  grouse,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  quail  and  wild  turkey.  Jack- 
son is  easily  accessible  by  the  Lake  Shore,  Michigan  Central,  and  other  rail- 
roads. Hotels  $2.50  per  day,  private  house  $4  per  week ;  boats  75  cents  per  day  ; 
teams  $4  per  dajr. 

Hanover.  Pine  quail  and  pinnated  grouse  shooting  on  the  many  dry  marshes 
in  the  vicinity.     Reached  via  the  Fort  Wayne,  Jackson  and  Saginaw  Railroad. 

Kalkaska  County — 

Kalkaska  is  on  the  North  Roardman  River,  which  is  full  of  trout.  Three  miles 
north  is  the  Rapid  River,  another  good  trout  stream,  and  in  the  vicinity  are  many 
lakes  well  stocked  with  fish.  The  route  is  via  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana 
Railroad.  Good  hotel  accommodations  cp,n  be  found  for  $1.50  to  $2  per  day. 
Teams  may  be  used,  if  visitors  so  desire,  or,  as  the  distances  are  short,  excursions 
may  be  made  on  foot.  A  good  plan  is  to  arrange  with  the  hotel-keeper  for  a  con- 
veyance, and  perhaps  a  lunch,  to  be  sent  at  a  specified  time  to  a  spot  previously 
agreed  upon  ;  the  hsher  working  his  way  through  the  day  to  the  rendezvous. 
Good  wagon  roads  lead  from  the  village  to  all  fishing  spots.    Camping  groundr. 


GAME  AMD  FISH  RESORTS.  8r 

are  numernun  and  Kne.  At  thi><  )iolnt  the  Hnanlman  flows  with  n  npecd  of  Tnur 
tnilcH  per  hour,  nml  Ih  n<it  imviKntilc,  )>ut  Hbk  a  i^ikmI  Ixiltoin  lor  wndiiiK.  'I'lii; 
Kupid  River  tlows  with  ii  i  iirrciit  of  vi|{h(  miles  per  hour,  mid  lurins  lUHiiy  dirp 
pool 4.  Krom  Kiilkaskii  the  siiortsiiiHii  I'lin  (;o  via  the  railroad  to  the  licad-waterH 
of  the  IiiterinediiUe,  (irass.  Jordan,  Deer  and  jtoyiic  Kivers,  all  most  cxci-llent 
trout  streams.  OwinR  to  the  unhioken  character  of  the  torest  in  this  vicinity,  no 
HlranKer  should  venture  in  without  a  Ruidu  who  is  thoroughly  accpiulnted  with 
the  grounds.  Parlies  nnist  coinc  prepared  to  camp.  In  tlie  hunlitiK  season, 
lar^e  nunihcrs  of  deer  are  fomHl  in  these  woods  ;  there  are  uumy  S(iuirrelH  In  the 
forest  llninu  the  bunks  ol  the  Jurtlan  and  adjucunl  streams,  and  their  tiesh  furmH 
most  excellent  bait  in  the  absence  uf  worms. 

KfilaiiniMoo  Vottnty^ 

K  Ilia  III  <ij()i>  and  /•  i./.v.  Kalamazoo  Countv  has  numerous  small  lakes.  There 
arc  thirty-three  wiihin  ten  miles  from  Kalamazoo,  all  well  stocked  with  black 
br  <s.  In  the  town  of  Texas  there  are  several  lakes  in  a  cluster,  the  principal  of 
which  ar<t  called  (rooked,  Ka^lc,  Pine  Inland,  and  Pretty, 

t.nlii'  Count fi   ■ 

Haldwin.  Hears,  deer  in  abundance  ;  black  bass,  graylin|r,  perch,  pickerel, 
and  other  varieties  in  the  adjacent  lakes.  Reached  via  the  Klint  and  I'ere  Mar- 
cj^uette  Railroad.  Hotel  and  i)rivate  board, $i  jier  day  ;  Ruides$i.5o;  teams|a,jo. 
Country  level  and  well  timbered,  with  excellent  camping  Kruunds. 

3/rt  vq  ut'ttv  Co  u  H  i  ff— 

l\t>himiiis;.  Hlack  bears,  deer,  rufTed  grouse  ;  black  bass,  speckled  trout, 
Mackinaw  trout.  Reached  via  the  Marcpictte,  Houghton  and  Ontonagon  Rail- 
road. Hotel  $1.75  to  $}  per  day.  The  country  is  hilly,  with  excellent  camping 
grounds  on  the  borders  of  the  lake, 

Mx""'"''-  Hears,  deer,  lynx,  oitcr,  beaver  ;  brook  and  lake  trout,  bass, 
sturgeon,  and  white  hsh.  There  are  several  rivers  and  lakes  in  the  vicinity,  all 
affording  fine  sport,  and  accessible  by  rail  or  wagon.  Reached  via  the  Chicago 
and  Northwestern  Railroad,  lioats  with  guides  $i,<;o  to  $a  per  day.  Good 
hotels. 

Marquette  is  on  the  southern  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  on  the  Hay  of  Marquette, 
which  afTijrds  une(jualed  facilities  for  boating,  and  whose  waters  are  filled  with 
white  tish  and  fine  salmon  trout,  ranging  from  five  to  twenty-five  pounds  in  wxight. 
Numerous  streams  in  the  vicinitv  furnish  excellent  brook  trout  fishing.  Dead, 
Chocolay,  Little,  (Jarlic,  Salmon.  Trout  and  Huron  Rivers,  are  all  filled  with  larj^c 
trout.  A  tent  is  a  necessary  adjunct  of  all  parties  to  these  streams.  Reached  via 
steamer,  or  the  Marcjuette,  Houghton,  and  Ontonagon  Railroad. 

I''rom  Marquette,  the  sportsman  can  take  the  steamer  for  Sault  St.  Marie,  for 
Isle  Royal,  St.  Ignace  Island,  Fort  William,  or  any  point  on  the  north  shore  of 
Lake  Superior.  The  rivers  Nipigon  and  Mn/ia/>acoton,  arc  the  best  known  (jf  the 
trout  streams  of  the  north  shore,  (luides  to  these  streams  can  be  easily  hired  at 
Marcpiettc,  and  fishing  parties  titled  out  with  little  expense  or  labor, 

I'resque  Isle  is  an  excellent  fishing  resort,  and  here  there  are  fishing  club 
houses.     Reached  via  boat  from  Martpiette. 

The  Michigaiiiniin  River  flows  from  Lake  Michigammin  to  the  Menominee 
River,  From  the  lake  to  the  mouth  of  the  Michigammin  River,  in  a  direct  line, 
may  be  not  over  fifty  miles,  but  by  the  current  it  is  esiimated  10  be  over  one  hun- 
dred miles  through  a  wild,  mountainous  region,  often  contracted  into  narrow, 
deep  canons,  presenting  a  scenery  wild  and  romantic  beyond  description.  It  has 
been  navigated  by  several  parties,  and  is  said  to  afford  most  excellent  trout  fish- 
inp,  deer  and  wild  fowl  shooting.  The  course  of  this  stream  is  through  an  inter- 
mmable  forest.  There  are  several  easy  carries,  which  are  readily  surmounted 
by  the  guides,  who  are  familiar  with 'the  route,  and  who  can  be  secured  at  $1.50 
per  day,  either  at  the  lake  or  at  Marquette,  on  Lake  Superior,  where  a  complete 
ntting  out  can  be  effected  on  short  notice.  Up  the  Hrule  twenty-five  miles,  are 
fine  trout.  There  are  two  routes,  one  by  rail  and  one  by  steamboat.  F'rom  Mil- 
waukee, take  rail  via  Marquette  to  Champion,  at  the  head  of  the  lake,  where  are 
birchen  canoes  for  the  trip  down  the  river.  From  Marquette  to  the  lake  is  about 
thirty-five  miles.  The  railroad  officials  are  very  polite  and  attentive,  and  will 
give  every  facility  to  promote  the  sportsman's  pleasure.  The  steamboat  route  is 
direct  from  Buffalo  through  the  Straits  of  Mackinaw,  and  is  probably  the  most 
convenient  to  the  Eastern  tourist,  as  he  can  have  a  fine  sail  through  the  whole 
length  of  Lake  Erie,  Detroit  River,  Lake  St.  Clair,  Lake  Huron,  and  across  a 

4^' 


I. 


82  GJAIIi  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

part  of  Lake  Superior  to  Marquette,  which  is  now  the  point  of  embari<atioii. 
There  is  no  trouble  in  securing  naif  breeds,  who  are  perfectly  reliable  fur  guides, 
and  who  understand  perfectly  the  proposed  route. 

JlaaoH  County— 

Ludittjiton.  Deer,  ducks,  ruffed  grouse ;  lake  trout,  gvavlinij,  pickerel. 
Reached  via  Flint  and  Pcro  Marquette  Rail'oad.  Hotels  |i  to  fa  per  day; 
guidos,  %i  jier  day  ;  boats  with  boatmen,  $3  per  day  ;  teams  $4  to  $6  per  day. 
Provide  camping  outtit.    Country  rolling. 

Midland  County — 

AvcrilTs  Station.  Six  miles  north  is  a  fine  shooting  ground  for  deer,  ruffed 
Pfrouse  and  quail.  On  the  I'lint  and  Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  one  hundred  and 
sixty-eight  miles  north  of  Detroit. 

Coleman.  Bears  and  deer.  Route  as  above.  Hotel  and  private  board  $t  per 
day,  $4.50  per  week  ;  teams  %s  pt^r  'l^y..  Camping  out  is  necessary  tor  good 
sport.    Country  generally  level  and  heavily  timbered. 

Monroe  County — 

Monroe.  Black  bass,  pike,  pickerel,  perch  ;  woodcock,  quail,  partridges, 
ruffed  grouse,  wild  turkeys,  ducks,  mail;!  1  (Is,  widgeons,  canvas-backs,  sprig-tails, 
teal,  snipe,  plover,  reed4)ir(i»»  Monroe  is  three  miles  from  Lake  Erie,  twenty-tivc 
miles  from  Toledo,  reached  via  the  t'an:;da  Southern,  and  Lake  :  hore  and  Michi- 
X,nn  Southern,  or  the  Flint  and  Pere  Maniuette  Railroad,  do  to  Joscj)h  Guyor's 
Island  House,  on  Raisin  River,  where  sportsmen  will  find  the  best  of^  accommo- 
dations, and  where  boats,  tackle  and  everything  needful  can  be  procured. 

Oakland  County — 

Pontiac.  Woodcock,  ruffed  grouse,  pigeons  ;  trout,  pike  and  bass.  Reached 
via  the  Detroit  and  Milwaukee  Railroad. 

Birmingham.     Woodcock,  partridges,  quail,  squirrels  and  rabbits. 

Osceola  County— 

Uerscy.  Deer,  ruffed  grouse;  trout  and  pickerel.  Reached  via  Flint  and 
Pere  Marquette  Railroad.     Board  f  1.50  per  day.     Provide  for  camping  out. 

Reed  City.  Ruffed  grouse  ;  grayling  in  Hersey  Creek.  Route  as  above. 
Hotel  $2  per  day  ;  teams  $3. 

Three  miles  from  Reed  City  is  Hersey  Creek,  wiiich  is  well  stocked  with 
grayling.    The  route  is  as  above,  or  via  the  Graml  Rapids  and  Indiana  Railroad. 

Otsego  County— 

Otsego  Lake.  Bears,  deer,  wild  turkeys  ;  black  bas?,  ..ckerel  and  grayling  in 
Otsego  Lake.  The  route  is  via  the  Michigan  Central  R  'ho  id.  Camping  equip- 
ments should  be  provided. 

Jiosconimon  County — 

Houghton  Lake  and  Higgins  Lake,  the  first  fifteen  miles  long,  and  from  two 
to  six  miles  wide,  and  the  second  six  miles  by  three,  are  reached  by  Jackson,  Lan- 
sing and  Saginaw  Railroad,  eighty  miles  from  Bay  City  ;  thence  wagon  five  miles. 
The  lakes  are  full  of  white  fisn,  and  the  vicinity  abounds  in  deer,  bears,  ducks, 
and  small  game.  Leave  the  railroad  at  Roscommon  Station.  There  are  a  few 
log  cabins  on  the  lakes,  built  for  the  accommodation  of  visitors  who  come  to  hunt 
and  fish. 

St.  iToscph  County — 

IVhite  Pigeon.  Wild  turkeys,  quail,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  in  a  lake  three 
miles  from  town,  black  bass  and  pickerel.  Reached  via  the  Lake  Shore  and 
Michigan  Southern  Railroad. 

Sallnae  County — 

Lexington.  Deer,  bear,  wild-cat  and  wild  turkeys.  Rail  to  Port  Huron, 
thence  via  boat,  thirty  miles  to  Lexington,  thence  live  miles  inland.  Board  and 
dogs  can  be  found  among  the  farmers. 

Schoolcraft  County— 

Vqv  sport  in  this  county  commence  at  a  point  about  thirty  miles  above  White 
l-'ish  Point,  the  entrance  to  Lake  Superior,  which  is  fifty  or  sixty  miles  from  Sault 
St.  Marie.    Gravel  River  has  large  trout,  and  a  great  many  of  them.    A  bcauti 


GAME  AND  FISH  KESOJ^TS.  83 

fill  lake,  one-half  mile  wide  ami  two  lonp,  lies  about  four  miles  from  drum' 
Marias  River,  and  is  tilled  with  black  bass  and  i^ickcrcl.  IMckercl  are  very  liii|;'j 
here  also — as  higli  as  twenty  puuiids  t>r  more.  This  lake  is  about  one  mile  south 
of  Lake  Superior,  and  boats  must  be  carried  across  an  immense  sand  blulT  to  get 
to  it.  It  is  a  great  resort  for  deer  all  lliroujj;h  the  season,  and  more  or  less  can  be 
shot  any  night  l)y  torchlight  by  whoever  w  ill  take  the  trouble.  Leaving  here,  we 
pass  the  Grand  Sauble,tlie  Pictured  Rocks, and  come  to  Miners  River.  Here  are 
many  tine  trout  and  deer.  Next  is  Grand  Island.  A  rine  hotel  here,  and  summer 
resort.  Trout  and  deer  are  plei\ty.  In  Anna  River,  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  are 
many  trout  of  three  and  four  pounds  in  weight.  They  are  also  caught  there  as  , 
large  off  the  dock  in  the  bay.  There  are  many  small  streams  and  lakes  in  the 
vieniity  full  of  trout.  Au-lrain  Lake  comes  next,  abounding  in  pickerel,  with 
plenty  of  deer  about.  Next  comes  Laughing  White  Kisli  I'oint,  and  then  the 
Chocoly  River.  In  this  river,  which  is  three  miles  from  Marquette,  are  taken 
trout  weighing  over  live  pounds.  This  river  and  its  branches  are  full  of  trout, 
with  deer  and  ducks  on  its  borders  and  in  its  waters.  Then  comes  Carp  River, 
full  of  fish,  and  then  Marquette. 

Tuscola  iJountj/— 

This  county  and  the  adjoining  counties  of  Huron  and  Salinac,  in  the  north- 
western part  of  the  State,  contain  some  elk,  as  well  as  deer,  ruffed  grouse,  squir- 
rels and  other  game.  Reached  by  Lake  steamer  or  rail  from  Bay  City,  Port 
Huron  or  Detroit. 

IVaahtenaw  County — 

Ann  Arbor.  Ducks,  plover,  woodcock,  ruffed  grouse,  squirrels,  and  other 
game    re  found  within  easy  access  from  the  city. 

Wat/ lie  County — 

Detroit.  The  St.  Clair  flats  are  favorite  resorts  for  gunners,  both  from  Can- 
ada and  the  United  States.  Ducks  of  nearly  all  varieties,  woodi  ick,  quad,  par- 
tridges, turkeys,  deer  ;  and  excellent  black  bass  fishing.  The  Indians  on  the  Can- 
ada side  have  leased  their  marsh  shootings  for  ten  years,  while  they  retain  for 
their  own  exclusive  use  the  animals  and  the  tish.  Trespassers  wdl  be  warned  off, 
and  if  they  persist,  will  be  prosecuted.  Any  respectable  person  will  find  little 
difficulty  in  securing  permission  at  reasonable  times  and  on  reasonable  terms. 
l'"our  hours  from  Detroit,  via  steamer.  There  are  two  club  houses.  Conner's 
Creek  near  Detroit  is  a  good  place  for  blue  bill,  poke,  and  red  head  duck  shoot- 
ing, snipe  and  plover. 

Trenton  is  in  tlie  vicinity  of  excellent  duck  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Can- 
ada Southern,  or  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Central  Railroad. 

Grosse  isle.  Fine  ducking  is  found  here.  Reached  via  the  Canada  Southern 
Railroad.  , 

Werford  County— 

ClajH  Lake.  The  lakes  here  afford  very  good  fishing.  Clam  T,ake  is  on  the 
Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  Railroad,  ninety-.seven  miles  from  Grand  Rapids. 
Boats-  varying  in  price,  and  accommodation  and  teams,  at  from  $3  to  I5  per  day, 
can  be  obtained  at  any  time. 

Walton.  The  Manistee  River  is  one  of  the  finest  grayling  streams  of  Michi-> 
gan.  Walton  is  on  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  Road.  Parties  intending  a 
long  stay  must  come  prepared  to  camp.  Teams  can  be  hired  at  from  $3  to  $5  per 
day,  to  transport  camping  ecjuipage  to  the  river  banks.  The  river  is  navigable, 
and  boats  must  be  used,  for  it  is  a  wide,  strong  stream.  The  current  runs  about 
four  miles  an  hour,  but  in  some  places  it  is  much  swifter. 


MINNESOTA. 


Area  83,531 ;  population  439,706.  The  State  is  without  moun- 
tains. Three-fourths  of  the  surface  is  rolling  prairie,  interspersed 
with  groves,  oak  openings  and  innumerable  lakes  and  small  streams. 


84 


GAME  AND  FISH  KESOKTS. 


The  remaining  fourth,  comprising  the  section  where  the  Missouri 
and  the  Red  River  of  the  North  have  their  sources,  is  hilly  and 
densely  wooded.  Minnesota  is  remarkable  for  the  great  number 
of  lakes,  of  all  shapes  and  sizes,  which  everywhere  dot  her  surface. 
It  has  been  estimated  that  these  lakes  make  up  one-thirty-tifth  of 
the  whole  area  of  the  State.  On  all  these  waters  are  found  great 
flights  of  wild  fowl,  while  the  prairies  abound  in  pinnated  grouse 
and  othergame,  and  the  forests  are  full  of  deer,  bears  and  elk.  The 
means  of  communication  are  good;  the  sportsman  may  strike  out 
from  any  of  the  railroa'l  iincs,  with  good  assurance  of  success  and 
will  find  either  hotel  accommodations,  or  courteous  entertainment 
among  the  farmers. 

Aitkin  County— 

Aitkin  is  twenty-eight  miles  east  of  Brainerd,  on  the  Northern  Pacific  Rail- 
road. A'  delightful  trip  is  to  launch  your  bark  canoe  on  Mud  River,  following 
that  crooked  stream  a  mile,  enter  the  Mississippi  River,  and  thence  down  stream 
a  hundred  miles  to  Hrainerd,  getting  hsh,  Uuclc,  grouse,  and  perhaps  a  shot  at  a 
deer  or  buar. 

JBecker  County— 

Detroit  City^  near  the  shores  of  Detroit  Lake,  a  fine  sheet  of  water,  and  on  the 
borders  of  the  *'  Park  Region,"  is  becoming  a  popular  place  of  resort  by  those 
who  admire  beautiful  scenery,  and  enjoy  the  sports  of  hunting  and  fishing. 
Reached  as  above. 

.Blue  Earth  County — 

Eagle  Lake  is  in  the  centre  of  the  Big  Woods.  Excellent  fishing  and  wild 
fowl  shooting  on  the  lake,  and  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  as  above.  Hotel  accom- 
modations will  be  found.  There  are  many  large  lakes  in  the  county,  in  all  of 
which  the  sportsman  will  find  fish  and  game. 

Mankato.  Fish  and  game  abound  in  the  vicinity,  offering  rare  sport  to  the 
hunter  and  fisherman.    Route  as  above. 

Jtrown  County — 

Sleepy  Eye.  Geese,  ducks,  pinnated  grouse,  and  other  game  abound  in  the 
vicinity  ;  piice,  pickerel,  and  other  varieties  of  fish  in  the  lakes.  Reached  via  the 
Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  Hotel  $1.50  per  day.  Country  rolling 
prairie. 

Carleton  County — 

Northern  Pacific  Junction^  on  the  Northern  Pacific  and  the  Lake  Superior  and 
Mississippi  Railroads,  one  hundred  and  thirty-one  miles  from  St.  Paul,  and 
twenty-four  miles  from  Duluth.  Island  Lake,  two  bodies  of  water,  are  full  of 
fish,  bass,  pike,  perch,  and  pickerel,  and  where  the  lakes  join  at  the  south  end,  is 
a  large  field  of  wild  rice,  a  splendid  place  to  shoot  ducks  as  they  fly  back  and 
forth. 

Moose  Lake.  Bears,  deer,  ruffed  grouse  ;  pike,  pickerel,  and  bass.  Reached 
via  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad.  The  sportsman  will  find  no  accommodations 
here  ;  should  provide  camping  outfit.  Indian  guides,  $2  to  $3  per  day,  birch  bark 
canoes  can  be  boue[ht  for  $5  to  $10.  The  country  is  rolling  and  densely  wooded, 
with  many  lakes  in  the  vicinity. 

Caaa  County — 

Leech  Lake  is  seventy-five  miles  north  from  Brainerd.  Among  the  animals 
are  deer  in  abundance,  and  occasionally  a  moose.  Otter,  mink,  muskra.,  bear, 
black  and  cinnamon  ;  foxes  of  all  kinds,  wolverines,  weasels  and  wild  cUs,  are 
the  principal  fur-bearing  animals,  of  which  the  muskrat  is  the  most  common. 
They  are  sometimes  of  enormous  size,  and  will  fight  savagely  when  wounded  or 
cornered.    The  swamp  wolf  and  the  prairie  wolf  are  also  very  numerous. 

Of  the  feathered  tribe,  there  are  wild  ducks  of  every  kind  in  abundance  ;  it  i,i 
■ot  uncommon  to  shoot  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  in  a  few  hours. 


GAME   AND  FISH  RESORTS.  8$ 

The  fish  are  very  similar  to  the  fresh  water  fish  of  New  York,  only  are  taken 
in  much  largej-  quantities.  One  species  in  Leech  Lake  worthy  of  mention,  is  the 
Lake  Superior  white  fish.  They  are  only  caught  late  in  the  fall  with  nets,  and  in 
the  winter  are  speared  through  openings  m  the  ice  ;  they  weigh  about  four  pounds 
each.  Mascalonge  weighing  as  high  as  thirty  pounds,  are  caught  with  a  hook  ; 
they  are  very  gamy,  and  make  exciting  work  when  caught.  They  resemble 
very  much  the  common  pike  except  in  size. 

The  fare  from  St.  Paul  to  Brainerd  is  $io,  thence  to  Leech  Lake  $6.  Leech 
Lake  is  an  Indian  Agency. 

Itasca  Lake.     For  game  of  vicinity,  see  Leech  Lake. 

Chtsftf/o  County —  • 

JCusA  City,  Deer,  ruffed  and  pinnated  grouse  ;  pickerel  and  pike.  Reached 
via  Northern  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  and  private  board  $5  to  $7  per  week  ; 
teams  $4  per  day.  Country  rolling  and  timbered,  with  many  lakes  in  the 
vicinity. 

North  Branch  Station.  Deer,  bears  ;  ruffeH  and  pinnated  grouse  :  brook  trout 
and  black  bass.  Reached  via  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  $4  to  $5  per 
week  ;  teams  $3  per  day.    The  country  is  oak  openings  and  swamp.  .,.. 

Cottonwood  County— 

From  Bingham  Lake,  on  the  St.  Paul  and  Sioux  City  Railroad,  excellent  sport- 
ing grounds  may  be  reached.  Ducks,  geese,  brant,  cranes  and  swans  abound 
in  the  lakes  and  sloughs,  and  pinnated  grouse  are  found  in  great  numbers  on 
the  prairie.  Beavers,  minks,  muskrats,  and  other  fur  bearing  animals  are 
plenty. 

Crow  Wing  County— 

Brainerd.  Moose,  elk,  deer,  bears,  wild  cats  in  the  dense  woods  east  of 
Brainerd.  Ducks  of  all  kinds  and  geese  in  great  abundance,  snipe,  plover,  rail, 
pin-tail,  pinnated,  and  ruffed  grouse,  partridges.  In  the  lakes  are  black  and  rock 
bass,  pickerel,  pike,  perch  pike,  mascalonge  ;  and  the  sa'.mo  fontinalis  in  Trout 
Lake,  thirty-five  miles  north  and  all  the  lakes,  reservoirs  for  the  Prairie  River. 
Gull  Lake,  twelve  miles  north,  Sullivan  Lake,  twelve  miles  west.  Round,  Long, 
and  Fish  Trap  Lakes  are  also  favorite  resorts. 

Brainerd,  on  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad,  has  a  good  hotel,  and  the  sports- 
man will  here  find  all  conveniences  for  camping  out,  cheap  outfits,  boats,  tackle, 
tents,  guides,  excellent  hotel  accommodations,  and  gentlemanly  and  obliging 
amateur  sportsmen.  Reuben  Gray  keeps  a  stopping  place  at  Gull  Lake,  a  good 
enough  place  for  a  hungry  fisherman.  West  from  Brainerd  to  the  Red  River 
along  the  line  of  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad,  the  country  grows  more  open  and 
streams,  lakes,  marshes  increase  until  you  reach  the  wonderful  Red  River  Flats. 
Here  it  is  entirely  within  bounds  to  say  ducks  can  be  found  by  the  million.  The 
shallow  ponds,  the  streams,  the  larger  lakes  are  alive  with  them.  It  is  no  un- 
common thing  to  see  a  thousand  at  once  from  the  car  window.  Passing  on  a 
hand-car,  between  stations,  with  a  good  dog,  one  could  make  a  big  bag  without 
leaving  the  track.     At  times  pinnated  grouse  are  almost  as  abundant. 

Withington  is  seventeen  miles  east  of  Brainerd  on  the  Northern  Pacific  Rail- 
road. In  Serpent  Lake  are  taken  black  and  rock  bass,  mascalonge,  j)ickerel 
croppies  and  perch.  Forty  rods  from  Serpent  is  Agate  Lake  where  the  fishing  is 
excellent.  On  both  these  lakes  boats  can  be  procured.  Half  a  mile  further  on  is 
Rabbit  Lake  (Crow  Wing  C^ounty)  a  large  body  of  water  full  offish.  Its  outlet,  a 
sluggish  stream  ten  miles  long  and  flowing  into  the  Mississippi,  affords  excellent 
duck  shooting. 

Dakota  County — 

Hastings.  Fine  duck  shooting  on  the  river  bottoms.  Reached  via  the  Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Radroad,  nineteen  miles  from  St.  Paul. 

Dodge  County — 

Rice  Lake.  Splendid  duck  arid  goose  shooting  on  Rice  Lake.  Reached  by 
wagon  from  Pillager  Station  on  the  Pacific  Railroad. 

Douglas  County — 

Millerville.    Fine  ruffed  grouse  shooting.    See  Wadena. 


L 


86 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESOKTS. 


FarlhauU  County— 

Winnelnigo  City.  Pinnated  grouse  abundant ;  black  bass,  pickerel.  Reached 
via  Soutiieni  Minnesota  Railroad.    Hotels  $3  ;  teams  $2.50  to  $5. 

Delavan  StotioH.  Tiiere  are  in  the  neighborhood  many  lakes,  sloughs,  ponds 
and  creeks,  where  the  sportsman  will  rind  excellent  shooting  and  h&hing.  Ducks, 
geese,  cranes,  snipe,  curlew,  and  on  the  prairie  great  numbers  ol  pinnated  grouse. 
The  lakes  contam  black  bass,  pickerel  and  other  varieties.  Reached  via  the 
Southern  Minnesota  Railroad, 

Eastott.    Kor  game  and  route  see  Delavan. 

WeiU,  For  game  and  route  see  Delavan.  Good  hotel ;  teams,  and  camping 
outfits  can  here  be  secured. 

JFreehorn  Comity — 

Albert  Lea.  In  Fountain  and  Lea  Lakes  are  found  pickerel  and  other  fish  ;  in 
the  vicinity,  ducks,  mallards,  teal  and  red  head,  geese,  brant,  pinnated  grouse, 
sandhill  cranes  in  great  abundance  on  the  prairie.  Reached  via  the  Southern 
Minnesota  Railroad.     Board  $3.50  to  $5  per  week. 

Hnywarii.  Pinnated  grouse,  and  ducks  of  many  varieties,  at  Lake  Albert 
Lea.     Reached  via  Southern  Minnesota  Railroad.     Boats  at  the  lake. 

Ahh-H.  •  Pinnated  grouse  and  duck  shooting  with  fishing  in  the  lakes.  Reached 
via  the  Southern  Minnesota  Railroad. 

iwoodhue  County— 

Frontenacy  located  near  the  head  of  Lake  Pepin,  is  an  excellent  resort  for  the 
tourist  and  sportsman.  Rush  River  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  lake,  is  a  good 
trouting  stream. 

Pine  Creek,  directly  opposite  this  point,  is  another  noted  stream  ;  also  Wells' 
Creek,  six  miles  below  on  this  side — there  are  many  other  streams  within  fifteen 
miles  of  Frontenac,  where  that  delicate  and  gamy  fish  can  be  found  enough  to 
satisfy  the  enthusiast. 

Game  is  excellent,  consisting  of  grouse,  snipe,  woodcock,  rail,  geese  and 
ducks.  In  the  great  forest  of  Wisconsin,  which  can  be  reached  immediately  after 
crossing  the  lake,  can  be  found  within  ten  or  fifteen  miles,  any  amount  of  deer. 
Good  lake  fishing  at  all  times  can  be  had.  There  are  other  points  on  the  lake 
where  good   accommodations  can   be   had,  with  ready  access   to  the  sporting 

f  rounds.  Six  miles  distant  is  Lake  City,  Wabasha  County  (which  see).  Lake 
lotel  $3  per  day,  $2.50  if  one  month  or  more  ;  yachts,  rowboats,  and  teams. 
Go  via  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad,  or  via  the  Mississippi 
River  steamer.    The  Lake  Side  Hotel  furnishes  every  accommodation. 

Jlennrpin  County— 

IVayzata^  twenty-eight  miles  from  St.  Paul,  is  at  the  head  of  Lake  Minnetonka, 
a  favorite  summer  resort.  The  lake  contains  black  and  rock  bass,  pickerel,  crop- 
pies, perch,  sunfish,  pike,  and  a  few  catfish.  Wood-duck,  mallard,  teal,  and 
ruH'ed  grouse  shooting. 

Many  Minneapolis  and  St.  Paul  people  run  up  for  a  day's  fishing,  as  the  traia 
arrives  at  the  lake  about  q.30  a.  m.,  and  leaves  Wayzata  on  its  return  about  5.30. 
There  is  also  a  train  leaving  the  city  about  half-past  four,  and  one  at  half-past  six 
in  the  evening,  during  the  summer,  by  which  the  sportsman  is  enabled  to  be  on 
hand  at  daybreak,  and  have  a  full  day's  sport.  Take  the  St.  Paul  and  Pacific 
Railroad.  Steamers  ply  on  the  lake  between  Wayzata  and  Excelsior.  There  are 
many  boats  to  be  procured,  of  all  sizes  and  styles.  Hotels  and  boarding  houses 
are  numerous  on  tne  shores  of  the  lake,  and  furnish  good  accommodation. 

Minneapolis.  Pinnated  grouse,  partridges  and  woodcock  :  along  the  Minne- 
sota River  bottom,  wild  pigeons,  plover,  ducks.  Excellent  fisning  and  wild  fowl 
shooting  on  the  chain  of  lakes  which  lie  three  miles  from  the  city.  These  are 
Lakes  Harriet  and  Cai/mun,  tkc  Lake  0/ the  /st'es,  and  Cedar  Lake,  (the  location 
of  the  Oak  Grove  House),  while  still  further  on,  some  fifteen  miles  distant.  Lake 
Minneto-nka,  approachable  by  railroad,  and  one  of  the  largest  and  most  beautiful 
sheets  of  water  m  the  State,  offers  its  charms  to  the  visitor  or  resident,  affording 
abundance  of  fish  and  wild  fowl,  and  sailing  and  boating.  To  the  east  a  few 
miles,  is  White  Bear  Lake.,  Ramsey  County  (which  see). 

Houston  County — 

Hokah.  There  are  several  fine  trout  streams  In  the  vicinity.  Hokah  is  on  the 
Southern  Minnesota  Railroad,  which  connects  at  La  Crosse,  with  the  Chicago, 
Dubuque  and  La  Crosse  road. 


GAME  AXD  FISH  RESORTS.  87 

Jtasea  County—  *.Vr!  ■     ^     :<•     i.i>.- 

In  the  rice  and  cedar  swamps,  with  which  this  county  abounds,  are  found 
numerous  deer,  moose,  bears,  tlucks,  geese,  etc.  This  county  is  reached  by  stage 
from  lirainerd.     Provide  camping  outfit. 

Kandiyohi  County — 

Green  Lake.  Deer,  ducks,  partridges,  pinnated  grouse.  Take  St.  Paul  and 
Pacific  Railroad  to  VV'illmar. 

Kanabec  County — 

Ihunsivick.  Hears,  deer,  ruffed  grouse,  ducks.  Take  Northern  Pacific  Rail- 
road to  Pine  C'ity,  (wliich  see),  thence  wagon  twenty  miles  west.  Good  camping 
grounds  on  the  shores  of  the  neighboring  Taices.    Boats  and  guides  are  to  be  bad. 

i«  Sueur  County — 

h'asota.  Around  the  village  are  many  little  lakes,  in  which  fish  may  be  taken 
in  any  season  of  the  year.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 
The  Kasota  House  is  the  best  hotel. 

McLeod  County — 

Glencoe^  the  terminus  of  the  Hastings  and  Dakota  branch  of  the  Chicago, 
Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad,  is  a  good  starting  point  from  which  to  reach 
the  Yellow  Medicine  and  Lac-yui-Parle  country.  Pinnated  grouse,  sandhill 
cranes,  ducks,  geese,  mallards,  yellow  shanks,  etc.,  are  found  in  the  vicinity. 

Macon  County — 

Macon.  Good  bags  of  ducks  are  made  on  the  Chariton  bottoms.  Quail  shoot- 
ing in  the  neighborhood.  Macon  is  on  the  Hannibal  and  St.  Joseph,  and  the  St. 
Louis,  Kansas  City  and  Northern  Railroad. 

Martin  County— 

Starting  from  Fairmont  and  other  places  the  sportsman  will  find  the  game  of 
the  county  similar  to  that  of  Noble  County,  which  see.  Take  the  St.  Paul  and 
Sioux  City  Railroad  to  Madelia,  thence  wagon  road. 

Meelivr  County — 

Litchjtfhl.  Fine  duck  and  goose  shooting  can  be  found  within  four  hours 
drive  of  Litchfield.  Take  the  St.  Paul  and  Pacific  Railroad.  A  good  hotel.  The 
pass  between  Lake  Koronis  and  Mud  Lake  is  a  famous  place  for  ducks  and  geese, 
with  pickerel  in  the  lakes  and  grouse  and  pheasants  in  the  vicinity.  Take  the  St. 
Paul  and  Pacific  Railroad  and  learn  from  the  conductor  where  to  leave  the  road. 
Provide  camping  equipments. 

Mower  County — 

Grand  Meadow.  Pinnated  grouse,  wild  geese,  ducks,  sandhill  cranes,  etc., 
afford  fine  sport.    Reached  via  the  Southern  Minnesota  Railroad. 

Nicollet  County— 

St.  Peter.  Ducks,  geese,  brant,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  snipe,  ring-necks, 
golden  plover  ;  black  and  rock  bass,  wall-eyed  i)ike,  pickerel,  California  salmon 
in  Lake  Emily  ;  deer  in  the  woods  near  the  city.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and 
Northwestern  Railroad.  Hotels  $2  per  day  ;  teams  $3  :  boats  at  moderate  charges. 
Excellent  camping  grounds.     Praine  and  heavily  timoered  country. 

A  ustin  and  Lyle.    See  Greene,  Butler  County,  Iowa. 

Nobles  County— 

IVortkington.  Starting  from  this  place  the  sportsman  will  find  on  the  prairies 
great  numbers  of  pinnated  grouse,  on  the  lakes,  ponds  and  sloughs,  ducks,  mal- 
lards and  other  varieties,  geese,  brant,  cranes,  swan,  plover,  and  other  varieties 
of  wild  fowl.  Beaver,  mink,  muskrats  innumerable,  and  other  fur  bearing  ani- 
mals are  to  be  found.  Take  the  St.  Paul  and  Sioux  City  Railroad.  The  county 
abounds  in  lakes  which  are  filled  with  black  bass  and  pickerel. 

Olmsted  County — 

Rocftester.  Game  is  abundant  on  the  surrounding  prairies.  Reached  via  the 
Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 


88  GAME   AND  FISH  KE SORTS. 

Otter  Tall  County— 

Pi'lican  Lake.  Good  deer  shootine.  Reached  via  Northern  Pacific  Railroad 
to  Detroit,  thence  wagon.  At  the  hotel,  guides,  dogs,  etc.,  will  be  found;  address 
Warfield  Bro's.,  Proprietors. 

Nc7u  y'ork  Mills.  Hears,  deer,  ducks,  geese,  ruffed  grouse,  beavers,  otters, 
min*ks,  foxes,  wolves.  Reached  via  Northern  Pacific  Railroad.  Private  bo.ird 
$5  per  week  ;  guides,  $1.50  per  day  ;  teams  $2  to  $3.  Country  rolling  prairie,  and 
heavily  timbered. 

Parker's  Prairie.  There  is  abundance  of  grouse  on  the  uplands,  ducks  and 
geese  on  the  ponds,  ruffed  grouse  in  the  thickets,  with  good  woodcock  shooting. 
There  is  only  one  objection  10  Parker's  Prairie  as  a  resort  for  sportsmen  ;  it  is  so 
far  from  the  railroad  that  one  cannot  dispose  of  the  game  he  kills,  neither  can  it 
be  given  away,  as  every  settler  can  kill  at  any  time  (almost  in  his  door  yard),  all 
Ihe  grouse  and  ducks  he  can  consume  ;  consequently  the  killing  of  game  there  as 
a  sport  degenerates  into  needless  butchery.  As  a  place  to  break  young  dogs  and 
spend  a  few  days  in  luxurious  idleness  among  the  hospitable  settlers  at  a  mod- 
erate cost,  we  know  not  its  equal  in  the  State.  Parker's  Prairie  is  reached  via 
wagon  road  from  Wadena  (which  see).  Fine  duck,  goose,  woodcock  and  other 
shooting  can  be  found  on  the  route. 

Otter  Tail  City.  On  the  road  from  Otter  Tail  to  Wadena  via  Deer  Creek  is 
excellent  sharp-tailed  grouse  shooting. 

I'etnbina  County — 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  Red  River  of  the  North  are  found  pinnated  grouse,  ptar- 
migan, wild  fowl,  rabbits  and  deer,  with  bass  fishing  in  the  lakes.  Reached  via 
Northern  Pacific  Railroad  to  Fargo,  thence  by  Red  River  line  of  steamers. 

Pine  County —  '  '^ 

Pine  City.  Bears,  deer,  ducks,  ruffed  grouse ;  black  and  white  bass,  wall- 
eyed pike  and  pickerel.  Reached  via  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad.  Good 
hotels  ;ti.so  per  day  ;  boats  $1  per  day  ;  teams  $5.  Rolling  and  heavily  timbered 
country. 

Hinckley.  Deer,  bear,  ruffed  grouse ;  pickerel  and  other  varieties  of  fish 
Reached  via  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  $3  per  day.  Good  camping 
grounds  near  Grindstone  Lake  and  River. 

Pope  County — 

Lakes  Johanna,  White  Bear,  and  Reno,  are  all  excellent  duck  shooting  grounds. 
Go  to  Lake  Johanna,  a  town  on  this  lake,  to  Winthrop,  on  White  Bear  Lake. 
Reached  by  highway  from  Randall,  on  the  St.  Paul  and  Pacific  Railroad. 

Matnsey  County — 

IVkite  Bear  Lake,  twelve  miles  from  St.  Paul,  is  an  excellent  shooting  centre. 
The  game  in  the  vicinity  comprises  pinnated  grouse,  ruffed  grouse,  pigeons, 
quail,  foxes  and  deer,  and  in  the  lake  are  pike,  pickerel,  salmon,  (wall-eyed  pike), 
bass,  croppies,  sunfish,  perch,  etc.  Bald  Eagle  is  a  meeting  place  for  trains  from 
four  different  directions,  viz.  ;  St.  Paul,  Duluth,  Minneapolis,  and  Stillwater. 
The  Lake  Superior  and  Mississippi  Railroad  runs  daily  seven  trains  from  St. 
Paul,  three  from  Stillwater,  and  four  from  Duluth,  and  the  Minneapolis  and  St. 
Louis  Road  three  from  Minneapolis.  There  are  three  large  hotels,  and  a  number 
of  private  boarding  houses  ;  cost  of  board  from  $1.50  to  $3.50  per  day.  Boats  and 
boatmen  at  reasonable  rates. 

St.  Paul.  Fine  duck  shooting  at  the  rice  lakes,  within  fifteen  miles  of  the  city. 
The  game  includes  teal,  blue  bills,  mallard,  wood  ducks,  canvas-backs,  with  wild 
geese  at  times,  grouse,  snipe,  plieasants,  pinnated  grouse.  Go  to  Ellsberg's 
where  good  accommodations  can  be  secured.  The  pass,  a  favorite  locality,  is 
near  his  house. 

Rock  County — 

For  the  game  of  the  county,  see  Noble  County.  Take  the  St.  Paul  and  Sioux 
City  Railroad  to  Bigelow,  Noble  County,  thence  stage  or  hired  conveyance. 

St.  IjOuIs  County — 

Duluth.  Deer  are  abundant.  In  the  St.  Louis  and  Chester  Rivers,  black 
bass  are  caught  in  great  numbers.  In  King's,  Kingstons,  and  Buffalo  Creeks  is 
excellent  brook  trout  fishing.     Reached  by  T-ake  Superior  steamers,  and  via  the 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  89 

Illinois  Central  and  Northern  Pacific  Railroa(fc.     Hotel  and  private  board  $3  per 
day  :  boats  $1  per  day. 

f-ond  du  Lac  Deer,  ruffed  grouse,  ducks  ;  broolt  trout,  pickerel,  wall-eyed 
pike  ;  with  other  varieties  of  jjanie  and  fish.  Many  lakes  ann  several  rivers,  all 
affdniins  fine  s]iort,  are  within  ten  miles.  Readied  via  tlie  Cliicaco  and  North- 
western, and  the  Sheboygan  and  Fond  du  Lac  Railroads.  Hotels  $a  per  day. 
Guides  $1.50  to  $a  per  day. 

Scott  County— 

Shakofiee.  Pickerel  and  bass  in  Long  Lake.  Deer  in  the  neighborhood. 
Shakopee  is  on  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul,  and  the  St.  Paul  and  Sioux 
City  Railroads. 

Todd  County—  ■' ■■  -■'"'   ■  "  ■  ■  ^-•- ■'■  '        ♦',.■■■■     ;.-.'i'- 

Lo/ii;  Prairie.  Deer,  ruffed  and  pinnated  grouse  shooting,  an.d  black  bass  and 
pickerel  fishing.  This  is  a  difficult  country  to  still-hunt  in,  as  the  bushes  are 
thick,  and  the  dry  leaves  lie  thickly  on  the  ground,  and  make  a  great  rustling 
when  trod  on.  Moccasins  and  leggins  are  necessary  to  hunt  in  here,  in  the  fall. 
The  bucks  commence  running  about  October  T4th.  The  deer  are  found  mostly  in 
oak  timber,  where  they  feed  on  acorns.  They  hide  in  the  tamarack  swamps 
during  the  day,  and  feed  and  travel  during  the  night.  Take  the  St.  Paul  and 
Pacific  Railroad  to  Sauk  Rapids,  thence  wagon. 

Sherburne  County— 

Rig  Lake  Station  is  fifty  miles  from  St.  Paul,  on  the  St.  Paul  and  Pacific  Rail- 
road. Wack  bass  are  caught  in  the  lake,  a  variety  of  shooting  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. 

Wabasha  County — 

IVabasha.  Fine  pickerel  fishing  in  the  Zumbro,  three  miles  from  here.  For 
route  see  F"rontenac,  above. 

Lake  City,  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Pepin,  is  headquarters  for  the  fishing  and 
hunting  of  this  vicinity.  The  lake  and  its  tributary  streams  abound  in  a  variety 
of  game  fish,  including  black  and  striped  bass,  pike,  perch,  pickerel,  mascalonge, 
sheepshead,  herring,  catfish,  croppie,  moon  eye,  eel,  sturgeon  and  buffalo  fish. 
Mascalonge  here  are  of  large  size,  usually  ranging  from  ten  to  forty  pounds  in 
weight.  They  are  best  caught  by  rod  and  line  from  the  shore,  or  by  wading  out 
upon  the  bars.  The  black  bass  are  caught  in  the  same  manner,  or  by  trolling. 
I'he  bass  are  many  of  them  very  large,  some  having  been  caught,  weighing  more 
than  seven  pounds,  few  less  than  three  noinids.  All  the  fish  here  are  taken  near 
the  sliore,  or  in  the  shallow  >vater  on  the  bars,  except  the  wall-eyed  jiike.  Tlie 
jirivate  pond  known  as  Kyle's,  or  Pine  Creek  Pond,  six  miles  from  Lake  City, 
and  directly  opposite  Frontenac,  is  a  famous  trout  pond,  where  good  fishing  may 
be  enjoyed  by  paying  a  fee  of  thirty  cents  per  pound  for  fish  caught.  The  ground 
is  reached  by  steamer  or  small  boats.  Comfortable  farm-house  accommodation 
can  be  secured  here,  and  hotels  will  be  found  at  Maiden  Rock.  Wis,  a  village 
one  and  a  half  miles  distant.  There  are  several  other  streams  affording  fair  trout 
fishing.  Plumb  Creek  and  Rush  River  are  well-known.  The  latter  enters  Lake 
Pepin  eight  miles  above  Lake  City,  and  may  be  reached  by  boat  or  team. 
Plumb  Creek,  the  same  distance,  is  reached  by  team.  The  gentleman  sportsman 
will  find  entertainment  at  any  of  the  farmhouses  in  the  vicinity  of  these  waters. 
In  the  neisjhborhood  of  Lake  City,  a  variety  of  sport  for  the  gunner  will  always  be 
found.  Pinnated  grouse  are  here  in  great  aoundance  ;  ducks  and  geese  are 
abundant;  a  few  snipe  and  woodcock,  and  many  svild  pigeons  furnish  excellent 
shooting.  Of  larger  game  there  are  deer  and  bears  abundant  within  ten  and  fif- 
teen miles.  Lake  City  has  excellent  accommodations,  and  in  the  vicinity  are 
many  good  camping  grounds.  Boats,  teams,  fishing  tackle,  decoys,  and  all  neces- 
sary outfit  may  iiere  be  found.     For  route,  sec  Frontenac,  above. 

Reed's  Landing.  Excellent  salmon  fishing  in  the  Chippewa  River,  opposite 
the  town,  in  Wisconsin.    Route  as  above. 

Wadena  County — 

Wadena,  on  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad,  forty-five  miles  beyond  Brainerd, 
is  an  excellent  centre  from  which  to  reach  the  finest  shooting  grounds  the  State 
affords.  There  is  a  hotel,  and  teams  can  be  readily  procured.  See  Parker's 
Prairie.  From  Wadena  a  pleasant  trip  may  be  made  by  taking  hired  conveyance 
to  Parker's  Prairie  Millerville,  and  thence  return  via  Otter  Tail  iiul  Deer  Creek. 


90  GAME  AXD   FISH  RESORTS. 

The  pame  includes  pinnated  grouse,  partridges,  ducks,  geese,  plover,  etc.,  in 
great  quantities. 

Wuavca  Voanty— 

Jones-'illc  is  on  the  outlet  of  Lake  Elyrian^  a  beautiful  body  of  water  well 
stocked  with  many  varieties  offish.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern 
Railroad.    There  are  two  hotels.    Stages  run  to  Okaman,  at  the  head  of  the  lake. 

Wniihlngton  County — 

Stillwater.  Steamers  can  here  be  chartered  for  trips  down  the  St.  Croix 
Lake,  for  duck  and  goose  shooting.  Deer  and  ether  game  are  found  in  the  adja- 
cent country.  Stillwater  is  twenty-four  miles  from  St.  raul,on  the  Lake  Superior 
and  Mississippi  Railroad.    There  are  good  hotels. 

Winonn  County— 

Minnrsota  City  is  on  the  Rolling  Stone  River,  at  the  headwaters  of  which 
many  trout  are  caught.     Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 

Winona.  Ducks,  geese,  pinnated  grouse  and  quail.  Lake  Winona  adjoins 
the  city  Limits,  and  in  an  early  day  was  so  noted  for  its  game,  that  its  surround- 
ings were  named  "  Prairie  of  Winged  Fowl."  The  county  is  quite  famous  for  its 
trout  streams.    Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 


MISSISSIPPI.     • 

Area  47, 1 56  square  miles  ;  population  827,922.  From  the  north- 
east the  surface  of  the  State  slopes  with  many  undulations,  west  to 
the  Mississippi  River  and  south  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Extending 
through  the  centre  of  the  Slate  is  a  broad  low  ridge,  on  which  are 
cultivated  farms  and  extensive  dense  forests.  The  larger  portion 
of  the  surface  may  be  described  as  rolling  prairie,  in  places  broken 
and  undulating.  From  the  line  of  the  Vicksburg  and  Meridian 
Railroad  between  Jackson  and  Meridian,  an  extensive  pine  forest 
stretches  to  the  Gulf  of  Mejcico.  The  forests  of  the  State  all 
abound  in  large  game.  Much  of  the  State  is  still  wild  and  unset- 
tled, and  there  the  hunter  will  find  a  variety  and  abundance  of  the 
game  common  to  this  latitude.  The  best  hunting  grounds  are 
reached  via  the  numerous  steamboat  lines  which  penetrate  the 
State,  or  may  be  easily  reached  from  the  different  railroad  lines. 
Accommodations,  as  a  rule,  are  poor.  When  practicable,  the  best 
plan  is  to  camp  in  the  vicinity  of  some  farmhouse  where  neces- 
sary supplies  may  be  obtained. 

A.datns  County — 

The  district  between  Woodville  and  Natchez  abounds  in  deer  and  other  game. 
There  is  a  good  tract  between  the  two  places,  with  occasional  plantations  where 
the  sportsman  may  find  entertainment.  Some  of  the  planters  have  packs  of  fine 
hounds. 

Kingston  is  the  centre  of  a  fine  deer  country.  Beavers  and  otters  abound  in 
such  numbers  as  to  he  a  great  nuisance.  Black  bass,  perch,  gaspereau,  etc.,  are 
taken  in  the  rivers. 

^llcorn  County— 

Corinth.  Woodcock,  quail,  turkeys,  ducks,  pigeons,  deer,  squirrels,  black 
bass,  perch.    The  old  fields  around  Farmington,  a  dozen  miles  from  Corinth,  are 


GAAfE  AND   FISH  RESORTS.  9 1 

much  resorted  to  by  gunners  in  pursuit  of  quail,  turkeys,  deer,  and  the  like. 
Corinth  is  ri'iiched  via  tlic  Moi)ilc  and  Oiiio,  and  the  Memphis  and  ('harleston 
Railroad  ;  or  by  Mississijipi  River  steamers. 

liollvar  County— 

This  county  abounds  in  deer,  bears,  wild  turkeys,  ducks,  peesc,  quail,  squir- 
rels and  other  kinds  of  large  and  small  game.  Take  Mississippi  River  steamer  to 
Bolivar,  Victoria,  or  ("oncordia,  tlience  strike  inland.  Guides  and  all  necessary 
information  will  be  found  at  any  of  these  places.  The  eastern  part  ot  the  county 
may  be  readied  via  the  Sunflower  River.  1 

Ccrroll  County— 

Deer  are  found  throughout  the  county,  bears,  wild  turkeys,  water  fowl,  with 
many  varieties  of  small  game.  The  fishing  is  good.  The  county  is  bounded  on 
the  west  by  the  Yazoo  River  on  wliicii  steamboats  ply.  The  eastern  portion  is 
accessible  by  the  Mississi|)])i  C/entral  Railroad.  Good  starting  points  are  Green- 
wood on  the  river,  and  Duck  Hill,  Winona  and  Shongola  on  the  railroad. 

J)e  Soto  County— 

This  county  is  full  of  game  of  many  kinds  and  great  abundance.  By  taking 
the  Mississippi  and  Tennessee  Railroad  from  Memphis,  and  stopping  at  Cold- 
water,  or  Sinatoby,  the  sportsman  may  easily  reach  s[)lendid  huntmg  grounds. 

Jllnds  County — 

Jackson.  Partridges,  woodcock,  snipe,  ducks,  turkeys  and  deer.  Reached 
via  the  New  Orleans,  St.  Louis  and  Chicago,  or  the  vicksburg  and  Meridian 
Railroad. 

Wachson  County — 

Grand  Bay.  Deer,  bear,  etc.,  with  good  fishing.  Reached  via  New  Orleans, 
Mobile  and  Texas  Railroad, 

Ijauilevdalp  County — 

Meridian.  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  quail,  and  small  game:  jack  fish,  trout  and 
perch.  At  the  junction  of  tlie  .Vlabaina  and  Chattanooga,  Mobile  and  Ohio  and 
Vicksburg  and  Meridian  Railroads.  Hotel  $1.50  to  $2.50  ;  boats;  teams  $2  to  $5, 
Mountnin(.us  an.'  rolling  country. 

Mat'ahall  County — 

Many  kinds  of  game  are  found  in  abundance  throughout  the  county.  The 
Mississippi  Central  Railroad  traverses  the  county,  and  Irom  any  of  the  stations 
on  this  line  the  sportsman  may  easily  reach  good  game  grounds.  Go  to  IloUy 
Springs  or  Waterford. 

Monroe  County— 

Svtithvillc.  There  is  excellent  shooting  in  all  the  surrounding  country,  and 
fair  fishing  in  the  Tombigbee  and  its  tributary  streams.  Take  the  Mobile  and 
Ohio  Railroad. 

Vanolo  County — 

There  is  no  section  of  the  State  which  affords  more  game  than  that  lying  be- 
tween the  Tallahatchie,  Coldwater  and  Mississippi  Rivers.  Take  steamboat  to 
Austin,  thence  inland,  or  go  via  the  Mississippi  and  Tennessee  Railroad  from 
Memphis,  or  the  New  Orleans,  Jackson  and  Great  Northern  from  New  Orleans. 
Robinia,  Panolo,  or  Como  will  be  found  good  centres  for  starting  out  from  the 
railroad.  ,      ,  . 

Sunflower  County— 

For  game  and  route  see  Washington  County. 
Tallahatchie  County —  ,  :       ,; 

This  region  is  a  magnificent  game  country.  Deer,  bears,  ducks,  geese,  quail, 
and  many  otlier  varieties  of  game  afford  excellent  shooting.  The  county  may  be 
reached  from  the  Mississippi  and  Tennessee  Railroad,  or  by  boats  from  Vicks- 
burg via  the  Tallahatchie  River  which  traverses  the  county.  Much  of  the  county 
is  swamp  land  full  of  game.  The  steamboat  officers  are  all  sportsmen  and  can 
give  every  direction  to  sportsmen.     Provide  camping  outfit. 


92 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Tun  lea  County — 

Hudson's  Ferry^  on  the  Coldwater  River.  A  fine  trapping  region.  Otters, 
beavers,  coons,  niinlis  and  muslcrats  are  found.  Duilcs,  geese  and  brant  are  also 
plenty  in  season. 

Hudson.  Tills  section  ol  the  State,  near  tlie  Mississippi  River,  is  an  excellent 
region  lor  bears,  deer,  pantiiers,  wild  cats,  wild  turkeys,  geese,  swan,  ducks,  part- 
ridges and  squirrels,  fiuard  can  be  had  among  thv  farmers,  for  $8  and  $io  per 
week. 

Austin  is  a  convenient  centre  for  sport  in  tlie  Mississippi  Hottom.  Decrs,  tur- 
keys, ducks,  and  other  game  are  Hl)uiidant,  with  occuslonally  a  bear.  The  route 
is  via  tlie  river  steamers.  Immediately  behind  the  levee,  there  is  generally  a 
cypress  swamj),  a  belt  of  cottonwood  trees  or  a  dense  canebrakc.  Hehind  these 
swamjis  antl  canebrakes,  lie  the  cultivated  fields,  and  the  deadening  or  burnt 
tracts.  In  these  tields  of  deadening,  the  deer  lie  ruminating,  and  dogs  give  tongue 
before  they  have  been  in  their  covers  many  minutes.  Deer  are  to  be  had  eitticr 
by  still-hunting  them,  or  by  runninjf  them  before  the  ilogs ;  but  as  the  former 
method  requires  not  only  great  experience,  but  also  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the 
country,  a  stranger  will  find  the  other  the  more  nroductive  anil  satisfactory  of  the 
two.  Although  some  of  the  jilanters  in  the  Bottom  keen  their  own  jiacks  of 
hounds,  yet  it  will  be  as  well  for  the  sportsman,  if  he  go  south  with  the  intention  of 
running  deer,  to  take  along  a  couple  of  dojjs.  The  people  are  generally  very  reatly 
to  point  out  the  deer  passes,  or  stamls.  Still  farther  back  from  the  river  stretches 
the  great  forest,  encroached  upon  at  intervals  by  patches  of  cleared  land,  and  in- 
tersected by  lengthy  bayous  and  broad  lagoons.  Here  the  sportsman  may  bag 
ducks  and  geese  innumerable,  and  swans  also,  if  lie  can  stalk  tliem.  All  kinds  of 
water  fowl  are  very  abundant,  and  may  be  shot  in  many  places  where  they  are 
easily  recovered  at  the  cost  of  a  wetting  ;  but  when  one  has  to  thread  his  way 
among  the  lagoons  and  bayous,  a  good  retriever  is  an  almost  indispensable 
assistant.  Some  of  the  lagoons  are  of  great  extent,  and  are  almost  invariably  pro- 
vided with  a  skiff,  a  dug  out,  or  a  floating  machine  of  some  sort,  the  use  of  wtiich 
is  generally  to  be  had  without  aiiy  trouine  by  an  application  to  the  neighboring 
planter,  whose  property  it  is.  The  winter  months  are  the  best  for  sport.  The 
country  at  other  seasons  is  unhealthy. 

JVnahinffton  County — 

This  county  and  those  adjoining,  through  which  the  Sunflower  River  flows, 
afford  excellent  duck,  wild  goose,  sipiirrcl,  coon,  deer,  bear  and  panther  hunting  ; 
and  striped  bass,  black  bass,  and  white  and  bachelor  ])errh  fishing.  To  reach 
this  county  take  steamer  from  Vickslmrg,  uj)  the  Big  Sunflower  River.  Provide 
camping  equijiments.  Information  as  to  the  best  localities  can  be  obtained  from 
the  officers  of^the  steamers. 

Gri-em'illf.  The  Deer  Creek  country,  running  parallel  with  the  Mississippi 
for  one  hundred  miles,  has  its  principal  outlet  liere.  Bear,  deer,  and  small  game 
abundant.  Excellent  fishing  in  Washington  and  Lee  Lakes.  Reached  from  New 
Orleans,  St  Louis,  or  Louisville  via  steamer. 

Yttzoo  County — 

The  county  offers  abundant  employment  for  both  rod  and  gun.  Bears,  deer, 
wild  turkeys,  quail,  etc.,  ducks,  geese,  and  many  other  varieties  of  game  are  here 
in  great  numbers.  The  county  is  traversed  by  the  Yazoo  River,  by  which  access 
is  had  to  the  game  grounds.  The  New  Or'-ans,  Jackson  and  Great  Northern 
Railroad  touches  the  eastern  border  of  the  c       ty. 

Wilkinson  County — 

Woodville.  Between  this  town  and  Natchez  will  be  found  a  good  game 
country.    (See  Adams  County.) 


MISSOURI. 


Area  65,350  square  miles  ;  population  1,721,295.  The  north- 
ern and  north-western  portions  of  the  surface  are  for  the  most  part 
rolling  prairie,  interspersed  with  hills  of  timber.     South  of  the  Mis- 


GAME  AND  FISH  /iESOA'TS.  93 

souri  River  are  the  highland  bluffs,  and  below  these  in  the  south- 
western pari  are  low  and  swampy  lands  subject  to  overflow  from 
the  river.  In  the  south-west  are  the  Ozark  Mountains;  north  of 
these  the  valley  of  the  Osage  River  is  principally  rolling  prairie. 
The  Missouri  and  its  tributaries  are  all  lined  with  belts  of  dense 
forest.  A  large  part  of  the  State  abounds  in  game  of  various  kinds. 
The  prairies  are  full  of  wild  fowl  and  grouse  and  the  forests  with 
the  larger  species  of  animals.  The  facilities  of  travel  are  gen- 
erally good. 

Carroll  County— 

Lima  Lake.    Gcesc,  brant  and  ducks  afford  fine  sport  on  the  lake.    Go  to 

Lima. 

CaHH  County — 

llarrisonvillc.  Rabbits,  Sijuirrcls,  |)iiinatc(l  grouse,  quail,  ducks,  peese,  brant, 
snipe  and  otiicr  varieties  of  water  fowl  ;  bass,  LT()|>pies,  etc.  I'aync  s  ant!  Hates* 
Lakes,  distant  seven  and  seventeen  miles,  are  liie  best  sliootinjj  grounds. 
Readied  via  the  Missouri,  Kansas  anil  Texas  Railroad,  Hotels  fi  to  $1.50  per 
day  ;  teams  $3  per  day.  At  Bates'  Lake,  in  the  town  of  Everett^  the  sportsman 
will  hnd  accommodations  at  the  house  ol  J.  Hodenhammer.  For  further  particu- 
lars address,  at  Ilarrisonville,  Mr.  R.  A.  Hrown. 

Charlton  County— 

Mendon.  Duck  shooting  on  the  lakes  about  the  Chariton.  Grouse  and  quail 
in  the  neighborhood.  The  county  is  traversed  by  the  St.  Louis,  Kansas  City, 
and  Northern  Railroad,  from  any  of  the  stations  on  which  line  good  shooting 
grounds  may  be  reached. 

Cole  County- 
Jefferson  City.    Good  quail,  turkey,  wild  goose,  duck  ;  and  deer  shooting 
on  the  Osage  River,  eight  miles  from  the  city.    Reached  via  the  Missouri  Pacific 
Railway. 

Crawford  County — 

The  game  of  this  region  is  very  abundant,  embracing  quail,  squirrels,  wild 
turkeys  and  deer.  The  fishing  is  for  perch,  bass  and  cat  fisn.  Reached  via  the 
St.  Louis  and  San  Francisco  Railroad  to  Leesburg  and  adjacent  points. 

Daviess  County — 

Gallatin.  Deer,  turkeys,  quail,  ducks  and  snipe.  Reached  via  the  Omaha 
Branch  of  the  St.  Louis,  Kansas  City  and  Northern  Railroad. 

Franklin  County— 

Along  the  Maramec  River  is  good  wild  fowl  shooting  and  in  the  more  unsettled 
portions  of  the  county  a^e  deer  and  wild  turkeys.  This  country  is  reached  from 
Calvy,  Stanton,  Sullivan  and  other  points  on  the  St.  Louis  and  San  Francisco 
Railroad. 

Oasconade  County — 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  Gasconade  River  quail  are  very  plentiful  along  the  entire 
valley  ;  pinnateci  grouse  are  of  rare  occurrence.  The  duck  shooting  is  fair.  Squir- 
rels are,  along  the  valleys  where  it  is  wide  enough  for  farms,  surprisingly  numer- 
ous. The  great  game  attraction,  however,  of  the  beautiful  Ozark  range,  and 
especially  of  the  Gasconade  region,  is  deer  :  these,  with  wild  turkeys,  are  easily 
found  in  great  numbers  by  even  inexperienced  hunters. 

The  Gasconade  takes  its  rise  in  llie  heart  of  the  Ozark  Mountains,  which  ex- 
tend from  the  Missouri  River,  near  its  mouth,  in  a  southwesterly  direction  across 
this  State  and  part  ot  Arkansas.  l'"cd  by  innumerable  boldly  flowing  springs  of 
almost  icy  coldness,  and  reinforced  by  numerous  afiluents,  the  chief  of  whic-h  are 
the  Big  and  Little  Piney  and  the  Bourbeuse,  it  pursues  a  tortuous  course,  mainly 
in  a  northeasterly  direction,  and  enters  the  Missouri  near  Hermann,  in  Gasconade 
county.    The  river  with  its  tributaries  teems  with  pike,  perch,  (locally  known  as 


94  GAAfJi  AND  FlS'l  RESORTS. 

jack  snlmon),  bass,  and  InrRO  channel  cattish.  Those  whose  nciiiiuintnnre  with 
the  cattish  (nmliy  is  conlincU  to  its  lat.  slunKinh,  re|)iil«tlvo  representative  iil  stajf- 
nnnt  ponds  uiul  nunlily  creeks,  can  have  no  conception  of  tlie  'iport  afTonled  l)v 
its  slender,  sha(>elv  and  powerlul  cousin  ot  the  sprin^-ied  streams  Howinfj  into 
the  Missouri  tron>  the  O/arks.  With  the  forked  tail  and  adipose  dorsal  ol  llio 
salmon,  lonj;,  fjrateliil,  muscular  body,  hardened  by  conflict  with  tierce  rapids, 
and  invigorated  by  pure  cold  water,  ilH  capture,  if  of  Ur^e  size,  is  an  event  lonj? 
to  be  rcmendjcrcd. 

Provide  boats  and  camp  e(pdpa>i;e,  and  ro  via  tlie  Atlantic  and  I'acihc  Rail- 
way, to  Arlington,  a  town  situated  at  tlie  point  where  the  railroad  ciosses  the 
river,  ninety  miles  above  its  mouth,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  Irom  St. 
Louis.  Thence  take  wagon  to  Smith's.  Then  lish  down  the  river,  back  to  Ar- 
linjiton,  sendinff  your  bajjuiKO  via  wa^ron  to  the  diflerent  campinjj  stations  alon^ 
the  bank.  Kisllin^{  is  done  with  tly  anil  spoon.  Ot  the  latter  the  single  OO  hook 
No.  6,  Muell  spoon  attached  to  a  line  with  a  single  gull  sncll  is  the  best  tackle. 

Ifownrit  Count f/-~ 

luiyettf.  A  lew  turkeys  ;  wild  fowl,  partridRcs  and  ouails  abundant,  rabbits, 
sipiirrels ;  cattish,  trout,  bass.  Reached  via  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Rail- 
roail.     Hotel,  Howard  House,  $a  per  day  ;  teams  with  driver  fs  per  day. 

tlnaper  (Jonntff— 

i'ari/iaf,'!',  on  the  Memphis,  Carthage  and  Northwestern  Railroad,  is  a  good 
centre  from  which  to  go,  via  hired  conveyance,  to  the  pinnated  grouse  grounds 
near  at  hand. 

Laclrde  County— 

Lebanon.  Ten  miles  from  the  St.  Louis  and  Pacific  Railroad  at  this  point, 
excellent  wild  turkey  shooting  may  be  found. 

Jjt>wi»  County- 
La  Grange  and  Vicinity.  The  Mississippi  River,  at  this  point,  contains  many 
islands,  densely  wooded  and  full  of  lakes,  ponds  and  sloughs.  The  bottom  lands 
on  each  side  of  the  river  are  of  the  same  general  character,  witli  now  and  then 
extensive  prairies.  In  this  region  on  either  side  of  the  ri  ,'er,  are  great  numbers 
of  mallar(ls,  blue  and  green-winged  teal,  widgeons,  pintails,  redheads,  wood 
ducks,  and  other  varieties  ;  geese,  swans,  cranes,  pelicans,  wild  turkeys,  wood- 
cock, snipe,  rutted  and  pinnated  grouse,  quail,  and  a  few  deer.  The  lish  include 
the  bass,  pickerel,  perch,  wall-eyed  pike,  cattish  of  several  varieties,  croppie,  etc. 
Reached  via  the  St.  Louis,  Keokuk  and  Northwestern  Railroad,  or  by  Mississippi 
steamer.  Hotel  and  farmhouse  board  can  be  obtained  at  any  of  the  towns  along 
the  river.    See  Lima,  Illinois. 

Ziivingaton  County — 

Shoal  Creek.  Deer,  turkeys,  pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  quail.  The  Hanni- 
bal and  St.  Joseph,  and  other  railroads,  traverse  the  county,  and  on  the  lines  of 
these  roads  good  snooting  will  be  found.    The  country  is  wild  and  rugged. 

Marlon  County— 

Hannibal.  Excellent  teal  and  wood  duck  shooting.  Quail  aie  abundant,  and 
wild  turkeys  plenty  on  the  Salt  River  bottoms. 

Monroe  County — 

Monroe  City.  Duck,  quail,  snipe,  pigeons,  pheasants,  pinnated  grouse,  a  few 
wild  turkeys,  and  an  occasional  deer.  Cattish,  perch,  anci  bufl'alo  fish  are  abun- 
dant. Reached  via  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Railroad,  or  Hannibal  and  St. 
Joseph  Railroad.     Hotels  $2  per  day  ;  team  with  driver  $3  to  $4. 

Morgan  County— 

Maradosia.    Duck  shooting  may  be  fotind  near  the  town. 
Pettia  County— 

Sedalia.  Pinnated  grouse,  plover,  quail,  woodcock,  snipe,  ducks,  mallards, 
on  the  flat  creek  bottom  lands  ;  foxes,  squirrels,  rabbits.  Reached  via  the  Mis- 
souri, Kansas  and  Texas  Railway.  Hotels  $2  to  %-x  per  day  :  board  in  private 
family,  $30  to  $40  per  month.  Good  liveries.  At  Flat  and  Big  Muddy  Creeks, 
three  miles  from  the  town,  are  excellent  camping  grounds. 


CAAfE  AND  FlStt  RESORTS,  9| 

BfitmaH,  %  dtation  five  mileii  north,  is  k  favorite  resort  for  iiliootinR  small 
Rame. 

t*lke  Cnuntff— 

Clarksi<ill>'.    Snipe  stiootiiiK  is  excellent  on  the  tnarhhcs  back  of  the  town. 

HI.  LnnlM  County— 

S/.  /.mil's.  In  the  vicinity  sportsmen  may  find  severnl  resorts  whore  duck, 
goose,  und  other  wild  fowl  slioolintf  nmy  be  ciijnyed-  The  iirulrics  u  tew  miles 
northwest,  are  excellent  (grounds  (or  mallards  iUKl  brant.  Murdo(  k  Lake,  thirty 
miles  south,  reached  by  steamer,  or  hired  conveyance,  Is  the  most  lre(|iierited 
shoolinc  und  tisliinK  ground.  Ducks  are  here  in  ^reut  ninnbers.  The  tish  are 
the  black  buss,  diiK  tisli,  cittlish,  croppies,  and  others.  The  Murdock  t.uke  Club 
have  a  club  house  hero.  The  best  ((■'ounds  are  obstructed  by  lous  and  tree  tops, 
hence  it  is  not  feasible  to  use  fancy  tackle,  reels,  etc.  (See  Monroe  County, 
Illinois.)  Six  miles  east  of  the  city,  in  Illinois,  liruese  Luke  uHords  excellent  duck 
shootinp:. 

The  St.  Louis  and  Kinp's  Luke  Fish  Hreedinp  Association  hold  their  grounds 
seventy  miles  up  the  river,  und  lour  miles  back  ot  SlL-rlinfj's  LandiuK.  'Inis  lake 
is  twenty-hve  miles  loiijj,  by  an  average  of  a  halt  a  mile  wiile.  It  is  ted  by  springs 
and  river,  anil  altounds  with  croppies  and  Idack  bass.  .Adioiniti};  are  extensive 
prairie  hunting  or  shooting  ((rounrls.  This  is  said  to  attord  tlie  best  hshini;  waters 
within  oue  hundred  miles ol  the  city.  Theilub  has  an  extensive  l)oat  i  lub  house, 
with  all  the  appliances  for  hsliinv^  and  k"o<1  cheer.  It  numbers  about  eighty 
menibers.  The  railroads  radiatinn  trom  St.  Louis  render  easy  of  access  many 
tine  hunting  (grounds  in  Illinois  and  Iowa. 

Vernon  County— 

Schi'll  City.  .Mallards,  teal,  spike-tails,  wood  ducks,  Reese,  snipe,  plover, 
crooked  bill  curlew,  (ptail,  pinnated  grouse— one  of  the  best  localities  lu  the  State 
— rabbits,  wiUl  turkey  an(i  small  game:  fish  iil>undant  in  Osage  River;  deer 
thirty  miles  east  on  the  Sac  River.  Reacned  via  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas 
Railroad.  ICxcellent  hotel,  teams,  etc.  Schell  (>ity  is  situatetl  on  a  high  upland 
prairie,  looking  down  toward  marshes,  valleys  and  meailows. 

Wayne  County— 

IVilliamsvillf.  Ducks,  brant,  geese  and  cranes  in  Hig  Lake,  about  thirty 
miles  distant.  Reached  via  the  Iron  Mountain  Railroad,  from  St.  Louis,  distance 
one  hundred  and  forty-five  miles.    Joe  Deine  is  an  excellent  guide. 


MONTANA. 


Area  153,300  square  miles.  The  surface  of  the  country  is  gene- 
rally mountainous.  The  Rocky  Mountains  extend  through  this  terri- 
tory, entering  at  the  northern  boundary,  stretching  south  and  south- 
east for  two  hundred  miles,  antl  then  curving  toward  the  west  to 
Idaho,  In  the  west  are  also  the  Bitter  Root  Mountains  with  mi- 
nor chains  through  the  country.  The  rest  of  the  surface  is  made  up 
of  rolling  prairie  lands,  interspersed  with  islands  of  forests.  The 
country  is  thinly  settled,  travel  is  confined  for  the  most  part  to  wag- 
on trails,  and  these  trails  are  often  infested  by  hostile  Indians.  The 
Northern  Pacific  Railroad  forms  the  best  means  of  access,  and  at 
the  stations  on  this  road,  the  sportsman  may  find  guides  and  all 
outfit  for  camping. 

Chateau  County — 

J'ort  Benton.    lu  Montana  among  the  easteru  foot-hills  of  the  main  divide  are 


96 


CAME  A!^D  FISH  RESORTS. 


to  be  found  elk,  black  and  vvtiitc-tailed  deer,  buffalo,  bears,  moose,  niountaia 
sheep,  and  antelope  in  large  numbers.  All  the  streams  are  lull  ot  pike,  perch, 
catfish,  sturgeon  perch,  suckers,  trout,  grayling  and  salmon  trout.  I'ort  iienton 
is  a  good  nlacc  to  start  from,  traveling  north  along  the  base  ot  the  mountains. 
Take  the  Northern  Pacitic  Railway  to  ilismark,  thence  steamer  up  the  Missouri 
River.  There  is  plenty  of  game  all  along  the  river  region  between  Uismark  and 
Fort  Henton,  and  the  river  and  its  tributaries  are  full  ot  fish. 

Fort  lidknaf  is  situated  above  the  two  forks  on  the  Milk  River,  two  hundred 
and  fifty  miles  from  Fort  Huford,Qne  hundred  and  seventy  miles  from  I'Ort  Peck, 
two  hundred  and  forty  miles  from  the  city  of  Helena,  one  hundred  miles  from 
Fort  Henton  at  the  head  of  navigation  on  the  Missouri  River,  twenty-five  miles 
from  the  boundary  line.  The  outlying  country  is  filled  with  game,  buffalo, 
white  and  black  tailed  deer,  antelope,  elk,  and  at  the  Little  K'  cky  Mountains, 
thirty  miles  southeast,  are  quantities  of  bears,  big  horns,  mountam  sheep,  and 
smaller  game  in  abundance.  To  reach  this  county  start  from  Siou.v  City,  early  in 
the  season,  say  in  April,  in  time  to  take  the  first  boat  for  Fort  Henton,  a  trip 
occupying  nearly  a  month  ;  thence  a  day's  ride  into  a  country  not  a'.tiii';tive  from 
surroundnigs,  on  the  contrary  desolate  from  the  mcrotony  of  the  prairie,  but 
full  of  the  game  mentioned. 

X>eer  lAtdye  County- 
Deer  Lodge  City.    Foxes  and  hares,  of  the  latter  two  varieties.    Reached  via 
the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  to  Kelton,  thence  via  stage. 

Lewis  and  Clarke  County — 

Helena.  Grizzly  bear,  elk,  antelope,  moose,  deer,  jack-rabbits,  pinnated 
grouse,  snipe,  curlew,  ducks  and  geese  ;  trout  and  salmon  trout.  Take  the  Utah 
Northern  Railroad  from  Ogden  to  FranKlin,  Idaho,  thence  stage  four  hundred  and 
twenty  miles.     Mountainous  country. 

Dead-wood  City  is  in  the  heart  of  a  game  country,  most  easily  reached  by  the 
following  routes : 

No.  I,  beginning  at  Hismark,  Dakota.  No.  2,  beginning  at  a  point  on  the  right 
bank  of  the  Missouri,  known  as  Fort  Pierre,  or  some  point  n(jt  over  eighteen 
miles  north  of  that  place.  No.  3,  beginning  at  the  Yankton  crossmg  of  the  Mis- 
souri river,  and  thence  up  the  south  bank  of  the  Niobrara  to  its  crossing  opposite 
the  mouth  of  the  Keya  Paha  river,  then(  e  up  the  latter  stream  to  or  near  the 
sources  of  the  Porcupme  Creek.  All  are  to  cross  the  to3d  meridian  on  the  shortest 
and  most  practicable  route,  the  first  two  to  Deadwood,  the  third  to  Custer  City. 
There  is  a  tri-weekly  mail  ser-ice  between  Kearney,  Neb.,  and  Deadwood,  in 
the  Black  Hills  region,  three  hundred  and  thirty-nine  miles,  and  a  daily  service 
between  Hat  ("reek  and  Deadwood,  one  hundred  ancl  twenty-one  miles.  There 
is  daily  mail  communication  with  Hat  Creek  and  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  at 
Cheyenne.  The  distance  from  Deadwood  from  the  railroad  is  two  hundred  and 
thirty-five  miles. 

Deadwood  City  is  a  good  starting  point  for  a  camnaigjn  in  the  Black  Hills. 
Elk  or  V  apiti  are  very  numerous  on  Rapid  Creek,  Elk  Creek,  and  Red  Water. 
Black-tailed  deer,  white-tail  deer,  antelope,  on  the  prairie  and  foot-hills,  moun- 
tain sheep  along  the  foot-hills,  iack-rabbits,  common  hares,  red  squirrels,  ground 
squirrels,  wild  geese  and  ducks  in  the  spring  and  fall,  pinnated  grouse  in  the 
foot-hillr.,  sage  hens  in  the  timber  near  the  prairies,  ruffed  grouse  and  quail  in  the 
hills,  all  are  very  numerous,  and  afford  attractions  to  the  sportsman  not  often 
found  in  one  locality.  Cinnamon  and  black  bears,  mountain  lions,  grey  wolves, 
prairie  wolves,  beavers  and  otters  are  common. 

'J he  Sweet  Grass  Hills  are  in  Northern  Montana  near  the  boundary  line  of 
the  United  States.  These  hills  are  sejiarated  into  two  ranges  by  a  belt  of  prairie 
about  ten  miles  wide.  The  well  known  landmarks  the  Three  Buttes  are  in  this 
neighborhood.  This  locality  is  a  splendid  game  country.  Elk,  mule  deer,  buf- 
falo, bears,  mountain  sheep  and  antelope  abound.  These  hills  are  visited  by 
many  tribes  of  Indians  in  the  hunting  season. 

Tlie  Yellowstone   Valley— 

The  Vellowstone  Valley  abounds  in  game  of  great  variety  and  abundance. 
The  varieties  comprise  'v,he  bulJalo.  elk,  mountain  sheep,  gri/./ly  bear,  antelope 
California  lion,  hare,  squirrel,  several  species,  swans,  pelicans,  Canada  geese, 
brant,  many  varieties  ot  ducks  and  dippers,  herons,  sandhill  cranes,  grouse  ana 
pinnated  grouse.  The  streams  are  fillecl  with  large  salmon  trout  of  great  weight 
and  fine  navor.    Gvayling  also  abound.    Entrance  to  this  valley  is  through  tlie 


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CEICAeO  i  NORTIf  ESTERN  BAILWIY, 


*         — ^'""toiw-^     Consolidated  Road  and  Branches, 1,059.30  miles. 

.X; i     Chicago  and  Milwaukee  Line, 85.00      " 


\ililiitneNi      Iowa  Leased  Roads,  (perpetual  lease,)  358.60      " 

Total  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railway, 1,500.90      •• 


PROPRIETARY     LINES. 


Winona  and  St.  Peter  R.  R 327.00  miles. 

Mankato  Branch, 3.75      " 

\j      La  Crosse,  Trempeleau,  and  Prescott  R.  R 29.00      " 

Northwestern  Union  Railway, 62.63      " 

Iowa  Midland  Railway, 88.80      " 

Total,  Proprietary  Roads, 49L18      " 

ToUl  miles  of  railroad, 1,992.08      " 


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GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  ^f 

carton  of  the  Yellowstone,  and  this  can  be  pained  only  during  the  months  of  June, 
July,  August,  and  SuiUcmber.  There  is  also  a  tiail  over  tlie  mountains,  touching 
the  upper  end  of  tlie  valley  leading  from  the  great  Shoshone  Falls  and  head  ot 
the  Snake  River,  via  the  liead  waters  of  the  Madison  and  (rallatin  rivers— both  of 
which  have  valleys  similar  to,  but  much  smaller  than  the  Vellowstone — to  the 
great  butfalo  range  between  this  district  and  the  Missouri.  This  is  known  as  the 
Hannock  Trail. 

The  sportsman  will  go  by  the  Pacitic  Railroad  to  Evanston  or  Cheyenne,  and 
thence  to  Fort  Ellis,  six  davs  from  the  (ireat  Masin,  witli  tine  hunting  and  Hshing 
all  the  way.  fie  will  rociuire  heavy  clothing,  and  all  the  re>iuisites  for  camping 
out.  The  travel  will  not  be  found  especially  difticult,  nor  will  the  danger  be  great, 
as  the  Indians,  having  a  superstitious  reverence  for  the  valley,  believing  it  to  be 
the  abode  of  the  Great  Spirit,  never  enter  it.  One  very  tine  caiion  of  the  Yellow- 
stone can  be  reached  from  Kort  Ellis  in  a  very  few  hours,  being  about  twenty 
miles  from  that  place  and  ten  or  eleven  above  the  Crow  Indian  Agency. 


.    NEBRASKA. 

Area  75,995  square  miles;  population  116,196.  The  surface 
of  the  State  is  a  rolling  prairie,  rising  gradually  towards  the  west 
into  the  foothills  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  There  is  very  little  for- 
est or  timber  land  in  the  State.  The  country  is  still,  in  a  great 
measure,  unsettled  and  abounds  in  all  the  game  common  to  the 
plains  of  the  West.  The  means  of  communication  are  imperfect, 
but  from  the  line  of  the  Union  Pacific  and  other  railroads,  hunting 
parties  may  start  out  to  the  game  regions,  wliich  will  be  found  of 
easy  acce.ss.  The  sportsman  must,  in  a  large  measure,  depend 
upon  the  results  of  the  chase. 

A.dam8  County — 

Juniata.  Adams  county  is  situated  in  the  southern  part  of  Nebraska,  forty- 
tive  miles  from  State  line,  and  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles  west  of  Missouri 
River.  It  is  one  of  the  best  parts  of  the  State.  Game  is  plenty.  IJufFalo,  elk, 
antelope,  pinnated  grouse,  geese,  and  most  all  other  kinds  of  game.  There  is  no 
fish  to  speak  of,  except  in  the  Platte  River,  twelve  miles  north  of  Juniata.  Juniata 
is  on  the  Hurlington  and  Missouri  River  Railroad  in  Nebraska,  one  hundred  and 
f'iC3'-eight  miles  from  Omaha. 

Antelope  County/— 

Antelope.  Antelope,  black-tailed  and  white-tailed  deer,  grouse,  jack  and 
brush  rabbits.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacitic  Railroad.  Guides  $2  ;  teams  $4. 
The  country  is  rolling  prairie  and  limestone  bluffs,  covered  with  short  buffalo 
grass. 

Boone  County— 

Deer  and  elk  are  plenty  in  the  county ^and  farther  west.  Take  Union  Pacific 
Railroad  to  Silver  Creek.    (See  Jackson,  Dakota  County.) 

Buffalo  "County— 

Gibbon.  Deer,  antelope,  grouse,  pinnated  grouse,  geese,  ducks,  jack  and  brush 
rabbits  •  with  good  lishing  in  the  Wood  and  Platte  Rivers.  Reached  via  the 
Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  $5  per  week  ;  team  with  driver  ,$3.  Country  level 
and  rolling. 

Shelton.  Fome  antelope  and  deer ;  geese,  ducks  and  pinnated  grouse  in 
abundance,  and  risli  of  several  varieties.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacitic  Rail- 
road. Hotel  $4  per  week  ;  teams  $3.  Provide  camping  outfit.  The  country  is 
prairie  and  high  table  lands. 


98 


GAME   AND   FISH   RESORTS. 


Elm  Creek.  Buffalo,  deer,  antelope,  fyeese,  ducks  and  grouse  ;  a  variety  of 
iishin}(  in  the  Elm  and  UuiTulu  creeks,  atul  tiie  I'lalte  River.  Reached  via  the 
Union  I'uciiic  Railroad.     Hoard  $i  ;  teams  $3.     I'rairics  ami  l)lulls, 

Kearney  Junction.  Elk,  deer,  antelope,  a  few  buffalo,  pinnated  grouse,  ij'iail, 
snipe,  woodcock,  plover,  geese,  ducks,  jack  rabbits,  beavers,  otters,  minks  ;  a 
variety  of  fishin;.;.  Reached  via  IJiiioti  I'acific  Railroad.  Hotel  $2,  jirivaie  board 
^Sjier  week;  teams  I3.  Provide  camuiug  e(iuipments.  Rolling  prairie.  Filty 
miles  to  the  southward  Hows  the  Republican  River  ;  the  banks  of  which  are  still 
the  feeding  ground  of  countless  numbers  of  buffalo,  and  the  hunting  jjround  of 
the  brave  Pawnee,  the  treacherous  Sioux,  and  many  other  smaller  tribes  of  In- 
dians. Fifty  miles  to  the  northward  lies  the  Loup  Fork,  once  the  undisputed 
home  of  the  Pawnee,  and  now  a  sort  of  debatable  ground  between  their  Reserva- 
tion and  that  of  their  deadly  enemies,  the  Sioux.  On  the  banks  of  this  river  are 
grand  elk  grounds.  A  little  further  to  the  west  among  the  sand-hills,  feed  the 
watchful  antelope  ;  beaver  and  otter  are  in  every  stream.  The  open  prairie  fur- 
nishes chickens,  sharp  tailed  grouse,  and  upland  plover,  while  the  river  bottoms 
teem  with  quail,  and  occasionally  we  find  a  drove  of  wild  turkeys.  Deer,  both 
black-tail  and  Virginia,  abound  both  in  the  rivers  and  along  the  creeks.  In  short, 
whether  the  sportsman  carry  his  rifle  or  shot-gun,  or  both,  he  will  find  work 
enough. 

Ttui  Loup  River  country  abounds  in  elk  (or  wapiti),  the  black-tail  or  mule 
deer,  the  white-tail,  or  red  deer,  the  pronghorn  antelope,  and  occasionally  a  stray 
butlalo.  Musquash,  beaver  and  otter  are  found  in  nearly  all  the  shallow,  swiftly- 
running  streams.  Of  game  birds,  there  are  the  sharp-tailed  grouse,  common  pin- 
nated grouse,  and  in  their  season,  all  the  water  fowl  common  to  the  west.  The 
Loup  River  is  a  miniature  Platte,  fof  which  it  is  a  tributary),  in  many  respects, 
and  drains  with  its  branches  much  of  northwestern  Nebraska.  The  Upper  Mid- 
dle Loup,  where  the  best  hunting  is,  has  the  same  broad  channel,  and  uinumera- 
ble  sand  bars.  Its  low  banks  and  many  islands,  are  densely  covered  with  a 
thick,  tall  growth  of  coarse  grass,  weeds,  and  willow  brush.  The  country  lying 
adjacent  to  this  river,  and  its  main  branch,  the  Dismal,  is,  to  say  the  least,  very 
hilly,  being  composed  of  ranges  of  bluffs  lying  parallel  to  the  river,  and  succeed- 
ing each  other  at  intervals  of  one  or  more  miles,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach.  The 
intervening  valleys  are  made  up  of  short,  sharp  ridges  and  steep-sided  knolls, 
usually  but  a  few  yards  apart.  Deep  canons  from  the  river,  wind  out  into  the 
various  ranges,  furnishing  timber  of  several  kinds, including  cedar,  elm,  ash,  box- 
elder,  and  many  brush  thickets.  The  first  grows  in  thick  <lark  clumps  along  the 
steep  sides,  and  is  intermixed  with  the  latter  varieties,  along  the  level,  floor-like 
bottoms  of  the  cations.  Such  grasses  as  are  indigenous  to  the  soil,  grow  sparsely 
on  the  up-lands,  among  which  is  the  famous  bunalo  or  gramme  grass.  The  low- 
lands furnish  a  rank  growth  of  "  blue-stem,"  or  "  blue-joint,"  everywhere  com- 
mon in  the  West. 

The  elk,  and  black-tail  deer  range  among  the  highest  points  of  the  bluffs  ;  the 
former  in  bedding  choose  some  elevated  spur  or  ridge,  while  the  mule-deer  bed 
in  "blow-outs"  (excavations  made  by  the  elements  in  the  loose  soil)  along  the 
higher  ranges,  both  varieties  going  some  distance  for  water.  The  Virginia  deer 
prefer  the  willow-covered  islands,  the  reedy  patches,  and  the  many  plum  thickets 
m  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  river. 

To  reach  the  best  hunting  grounds,  take  Pacific  Railroad  to  Kearney  Junction, 
and  thence  to  Mack's  ranche,  where  mule  teams  can  be  obtamed. 

Cheyenne  County — 

Bi^'  Spring.  Antelope,  buffalo,  black-tailed  and  white-tailed  deer,  very  abun- 
dant ten  miles  north,  with  plenty  of  mountain  grouse.  Reached  via  Union  Paci- 
fic Railroad.     Private  board  $1.50  to  %,i ;  guides  $2  to  $3,  teams  $3  to  $5. 

Sidney.  Hulfalo,  antelope,  deer,  some  mountain  sheep,  jack  rabbits,  ducks, 
and  geese.  Reached  via  Union  Pacific  Railway.  Hotel  $1.50  to  $3.;  teams  and 
guides  $5.  For  antelope,  must  camp  out.  The  buffalo  grounds  are  m  the  vicinity 
of  the  South  Platte  River.    Rolling  prairie  and  hills. 

Colfax  County — 

Schuyler.  Antelope  in  fair  numbers,  with  immense  numbers  of  pinnated 
grouse  and  quail,  geese,  ducks  and  brant.  The  Platte  River  with  its  tributary 
creeks,  and  tne  sloughs  on  the  river  bottom,  are  alive  with  all  varieties  of  wild 
fowl.  Pickerel  are  caught  of  fair  size,  and  in  considerable  numbers.  Seventy-six 
miles  from  Omaha,  on  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  $2,  teams  with  driver 
$2  to  $4.    Level  and  rolling  prairie,  with  little  timber. 


GAME  A. YD  FISH  KESOKTS.  •'■.  fj 

Cuming  Count)/— 

li'isHtf  iH  situated  in  the  Elkhorn  Valley,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  the 
world.  Horsc-slioe,  Deer,  Swan,  Goose,  I'itlterel,  Heaver  and  Uull-head  Lakes 
are  Irom  one  to  tour  miles  from  VV'isner,  and  are  lull  of  tish.  Wild  game  is  also 
very  plentiful,  anionjj  which  are  the  antel()|)e.  deer,  tcese,  ducks,  pinnated  grouse 
and  qmiil.  The  hotels  are  The  Elkhorn  Valley  and  the  VVisncr.  On  the  Sioux 
City  and  Pacilic  Railroad. 

liaknta  County— 

Jitikson.  Wolves,  antelope,  deer,  jack-rabbits,  geese,  ducks,  swans,  cranes, 
quail  and  pinnated  grouse.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad,  one  nundrea 
miles  west  of  Omaha.  Hotel  and[)rivate  board  $i  to  $1.50  ;  teams  with  driver  $2.. 1,0 
to  $4.  R.  G.  Coreter,  the  ticket  agent  at  the  railroad  station,  will  give  full  infor- 
mation, and  act  as  guidt.  The  antelope  and  deer  are  found  on  the  hills,  half  a 
mile  north  from  the  station. 

JtmvHon  County — 

Willow  Island.  Elk,  deer,  antelope  and  a  few  grouse.  Reached  via  the 
Union  Facitic  Railroad.     Private  board  ^fs  ner  week.     Rolling  prairie. 

Oijerton.  Antelope,  and  a  few  deer.  Ihe  latter  are  found  in  abundance  on 
the  Loup  River,  thirty  miles  north.  On  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Private 
board,  $1.25  ;  teams  $5. 

Plum  Creek.  Elk,  buffalo,  deer,  antelope,  rabbits,  hares,  pinnated  grouse, 
geese,  ducks,  sandhill  cranes,  snipe  and  jilover.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific 
Railroad.  Hotel  :Ji. 50,  private  board  $5  per  week  ;  guides  $3  ;  teams  $3.  Timber 
land  and  rolling  prairie.     Excellent  camping  grounds. 

Cozad.  Huffalo,  elk,  antelope,  deer,  wild  turkeys,  geese,  swans,  ducks,  and 
other  wild  fowl  in  great  abundance.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad. 
Hotel  and  private  board,  $^  to  $6  per  week  ;  guides  with  double  team,  $4  to  $5. 
For  successful  sport  cainpmg  is  necessary.  The  game  grounds  are  the  wooded 
ravines  of  the  table  lands.  _        ,. 

Dodge  County — 

North  Bend.  Pinnated  grour.e,  ducks  and  geese,  with  fair  deer  shooting. 
On  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad,  sixty-two  miles  from  Omaha.  Hotel  fi.soj  team 
and  driver  $3.     Prairie  country. 

Douglas  County — 

Valley,  on  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad,  thirty-five  miles  from  Omaha,  is  an 
excellent  point  for  the  sportsman.    There  is  an  abundance  of  deer,  ducks,  geese, 

Einnated  grouse,  quail  and  snipe  in  the  surrounding  country.  In  the  streams  are 
ass,  pickerel,  anil  other  varieties  of  fish.  Hotel  $1  ])er  day  ;  teams  $3  to  $,$. 
The  country  to  the  north  of  the  Platte  River  is  prairie,  to  the  south  rolling 
prairie. 

Omaha.  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  pinnated  grouse,  quail  and  other  varieties  of 
game  are  very  abundant  in  the  vicinity. 

Waterloo.  Pinnated  and  ruffed  {jrouse,  quail,  snipe,  geese,  brant,  ducks, 
swans,  cranes,  a  few  deer  ;  salmon,  pickerel,  bass,  white  perch,  various  kinds  of 
catfish,  sturgeons,  and  others.  Thirty-one  miles  from  Omaha,  on  ttie  Union 
Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  and  private  accommodations  $1.50  to  $2;  guides  $3  to 
$4  ;  boats  50  cents  ;  teams  $2.50  to  $.}.  Prairie  country,  rolling,  with  strips  of  tim- 
ber along  the  Elkhorn  and  Platte  Rivers. 

On  Elkhorn  River  and  Horse  Shoe  Lake  are  black  bass.  Take  Pacific  Rail- 
road to  Elkhorn  City.  V  ,; 

Hnll  County — 

Grand  Island.  For  game  and  route  see  Chapman,  Merrick  County.  Good 
hotels  and  boarding  houses  $2.50  to  $4  per  week. 

Wood  Rhicr.  Elk  arc  found  about  the  Loup  River,  fifteen  miles  north  ;  ante- 
lope and  deer  in  limited  numbers,  rabbits,  geese,  ducks  and  pinnated  grouse. 
Reached  via  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Hoard  in  private  family  $4  per  week  ; 
teams  $3  to  $4.     The  country  is  rolling  prairie  and  bluffs. 

Keith  County—  „ 

Ogaldlla.  Deer,  anteloiic  and  grouse,  with  a  few  butfalo.  Reached  via  the 
Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel,  $1.50  per  day  ;  teams  with  driver  $5.  Country, 
prairie  with  hills,  and  rocky  bluffs. 


100  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Alkali.  Buffalo,  deer,  antelope,  jack  and  brush  rabbits,  prouse  and  mai 
varieties  of  witer  fowl  ;  excellent  and  varied  fishing.  Reached  via  tiie  Uni' 
Pacific   Railroad.      Private  board  $i ;  teams  and  ponies  at  reasonable  rat( 


many 
"'  lion 

, .,„ ,    .  .  _   rates. 

Hills  and  river  bottom  lands. 

Kountze  County— 

New  Helena,  on  the  Middle  Loup  River,  one  hundred  miles  from  Pacino 
Railway.    Antelope  and  other  game. 

Lancaater  County- 
Lincoln.    Excellent  pinnated  grouse  shooting.    Reached  via  the  Atchison 
and  Nebraska,  and  other  railroads. 

Jjincoln  Cotmty— 

O' Fallon's.  Antelope  and  jack-rabbits.  Reached  via  Union  Pacific  Railroad. 
Hoard  $5  per  week  ;  teams  $3  per  day.    Provide  for  camping.     Prairie  and  hills. 

lirandy  Island.  Elk,  mountain  and  red  deer,  antelope,  jack  and  urey  rabbits, 
pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  geese,  ducks,  swan,  snipe,  plover  ;  buffalo  fish,  wall- 
eyed pike.  Reached  via  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Private  board  $1  ;  guides  $a  ; 
teams  $4.    Camping  necessary.     Rolling  prairie. 

Mcpherson.  Deer,  ducks,  geese,  and  pinnated  grouse  shooting.  Reached 
via  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad,  two  hundred  and  seventy  eight  miles  from 
Omaha.  Guides  $3  per  day.  The  town  is  located  in  the  Platte  Valley,  with  roll- 
ing prairie  north  ancl  south. 

Merrick  County — 

Cliapman.  Pinnated  grouse,  ciuail,  geese,  ducks,  iack-rabbits  ;  fish  of  different 
varieties.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Private  board  $3.50  to  $4 
per  week.    Country,  rolling  prairie. 

Lone  Tree.  Antelope,  deer,  and  to  the  northwest  large  herds  of  elk.  For 
other  game,  and  route  see  Chapman.  Boarding  houses  and  hotels  $2.50  to  $4  ; 
teams,  guides,  etc. 

Otoe  County — 

Cooler's  Lake.  Deer  and  elk  are  occasionally  shot  in  the  vicinity,  and  are 
abundant  in  the  mountains  thirty  miles  south.  Ducks  and  rabbits  in  jjreat  quan- 
tities. Trout  and  red-horse  fishing  excellent.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacifi- 
Kailroad.  Private  board  $5.50  per  week  ;  boats,  teams,  etc.  For  successful 
hunting  camp  out.  A.  B.  Hildretli,  an  old  mountaineer,  will  act  as  guide.  Roll- 
ing prairie. 

Jflatte  County — 

Colupnbus.  Deer,  antelope,  wild  turkey,  pinnated  grouse,  quail,  geese,  brant, 
ducks  and  snipe.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotels  $1.50  ;  teams 
$4.     Level  and  rolling  prairie. 

Jiichardaon  County — 

Falls  City  is  a  favorite  summer  resort  in  this  part  of  the  country.  The  river 
affords  excellent  fishing  and  the  surrounding  country  fine  shooting.  The  route 
is  via  the  Sioux  City  and  Pembina  Railroad  from  Davis  Junction,  a  few  miles 
west  of  Sioux  City.  The  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad  issues  through 
tickets  from  Chicago. 

Ashland.  Quail,  grouse,  geese  and  ducks  are  found  in  all  this  section  in 
abundance.  Reached  via  the  Burlington  and  Missouri  River  in  Nebraska 
Railroad. 


NEVADA. 


Area  104,125  square  miles  ;  population  42,291.  The  surface 
of  the  country  is  rugged  and  very  mountainous.  The  ranges  ex- 
tend north  and  south  with  intervening  valleys  and  streams,  all  rich 


CAME  AND   FISH  h'ESOKTS. 


lOI 


in  mineral  wealth.  The  population  is  made  up  for  the  most  part  of 
miners  and  those  engaged  in  kindred  pursuits.  The  Central  Pa- 
cific Railroad  intersects  the  State  from  the  north-east,  west  to  the 
centre  of  the  western  boundary.  The  game  is  that  of  the  Pacific 
slope ;  the  fish,  especially  in  th^  large  lakes,  are  abundant  and 
gamy.       ,^       , 

miko  Coiinty — 

IVells.  Antelope,  deer,  sage  hens,  grouse,  ducks,  geese;  trout.  Take  the 
Central  Pacific  Railroad.     Hotel  and  private  board  |i  to  $1.50  ;  teams  $5  to  $8. 

Carlin.  Deer,  geese,  ducks  and  trout.  Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific  Rail- 
road. Private  board  |i.5o  to  $2.  Hunting  parties  usually  camp,  Hilly  and 
mountainous. 

Eiko.  Pinnated  grouse,  sage  hens,  ducks,  geese,  trout ;  deer  and  antelope 
within  ten  or  fifteen  miles.  Reached  via  the  Central  Pacihc  Railroad.  Hotels 
f  10  per  week  ;  teams  $7  to  $10.  Camping  is  necessary  for  good  sport.  Country 
hilly  and  mountainous. 

Tecoma.  Deer,  antelope,  mountain  sheen,  bear,  rabbits,  sage  hens,  ducks, 
pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse.  Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  ^i  ; 
guides  %i  to  $4.    Camping  is  necessary.    Mountainous  country. 

Eureka  Count)/— 

Palisade.  Ducks,  pinnated  grouse,  sage  hens  ;  excellent  trout  fishing  in  the 
Humboldt  River.  Reached  via  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Private  board  $1; 
teams  at  reasonable  rates.    Mountainous  country. 

.Humboldt  County — 

Oreana.  Antelope,  mountain  sheep,  sage  hens,  ducks,  geese.  Reached  via 
Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  $3,  $8  to  $10  per  week  ;  saddle  horses  $3  ;  teams 
$10.  Rolling  prairie  and  mountains.  The  sloughs  known  as  the  Big  Meadows, 
are  good  shooting  gro>inds. 

Rye  Patch.  Antelope,  mountain  sheep,  deer,  sage  hens  ;  trout.  The  fur-bear- 
ing animals  are  beavers,  otters,  minks,  etc.  Readied  via  the  Central  Pacific 
Railroad.  Hotels  $2,  private  board  $1.50;  guides  $2  to  I3.  Provide  camping 
outfit.     Valley  and  mountain. 

IVinnemucca.  Ducks,  geese,  sage  hens  and  grouse  ;  mountain  trout.  Reached 
via  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  $1 ;  saddle  horses  $2.  Country  moun- 
tainous and  rolling. 

Golconda.  Many  varieties  of  ducks,  geese,  sandhill  cranes,  jack-rabbits,  cot- 
ton tails ;  trout.  Reached  via  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  $1  ;  teams  $7. 
Golconda  is  situated  in  a  valley  among  the  mountains. 

Brown's.,  forty-six  miles  east  of  Wadsvvorth,  on  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad. 
Ducks,  geese,  swan,  snipe,  with  other  varieties  of  water  fowl.  There  are  no  ac- 
commodations of  any  kind. 

Jjonder  County — 

Battle  Moiiniain.  Antelope,  mountain  sheep,  deer,  grouse,  sage  hens,  rab- 
bits. Reached  via  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Private  board  may  be  found,  $2,  but 
it  is  better  to  camp  out.    The  country  is  mountainous. 

OrnxHby  County — 

Carson  City.  Ducks,  geese,  sage  hens,  mountain  quail,  rabbits,  and  two 
varieties  of  hare ;  trout,  salmon  trout,  whitcfish.  Reached  via  Central  Pacific 
Railroad  to  Reno,  tlience  via  Virginia  and  Truckee  Railroad.  Board  $1  to  $2. 
Parties  fit  out  at  Carson  and  Virginia  City  for  expeditions  to  Hope  Valley,  the 
best  shooting  ground  in  the  State. 

Stony  County — 

Virginia  City, 


See  Carson,  Ormsby  County. 


Washoe  County— 

Reno.    Stages  run  daily  from  Reno,  and  from  Truckee,  Cal.,  into  the  Sierra 
Valley,  a  popular  resort  for  sportsmen.    Here  may  be  found  quail,  grouse,  deer, 


102  GAME  AND  FISH  KESOh'TS. 

ducks,  rabbits,  nnd  l)rook  trout  in  all  tlie  small  strcamn  in  abundance.    Next  to 
Hope  Valley,  this  alfords  the  best  shooting  to  be  loueul  in  this  State. 

The  best  tishinu  is  lound  in  the  Truckee  River,  tlie  lake  ot  the  same  name,  and 
Pyramid  I^ake.  'File  waters  of  tlie  Truckee  River  extend  from  Lake  Tahoe  ithc 
head  oi  the  Truckee),  to  I'yraniid  Lake,  the  sink  tliereol.  It  is  a  great  usurt  lor 
tourists,  situated  on  the  line  between  Nevada  and  ( California,  in  the  Sierras.  The 
Truckee  River  tlows  from  its  north  end,4ind  is  its  only  outlet  of  importance,  but 
the  river  is  led,  all  along  its  course,  by  nxiuiitain  streams  nl  melting  snow,  till  it 
debouches  in  a  basin,  wliere  is  built  keno.  The  river  leaves  the  basin,  alter  an 
easterly  course  through  it  by  a  canon,  and  passing  a  little  northerly,  empties 
into  Pyramid  Lake,  u  large  body  of  water  within  the  confines  of  the  mountains, 
b>it  not  (juite  so  picturesque  as  Tahoe  or  Dt)niier  Lakes.  The  coinitry  arouiul  it 
aflords  excellent  grazing  ranges.  Pyramid  Lake  abounds  with  featliircd  game, 
swan,  geese,  ilucks,  etc.,  the  latter  of  several  sjiecies,  and  is  the  winter  iiuar- 
ters  of  tlie  trout.  As  soon  as  the  river  begins  to  rise  in  the  spring,  they  start  lor 
Tahoe  in  such  vast  schools  that  it  is  no  trouble  to  get  as  many  as  one  wishes  by 
simply  going  to  the  river.  I'^ish  are  taken  any  vvhere,along  the  river,  but  usually 
where  it  runs  deepest  and  smoothest,  whereas  the  bro  jk  trout  of  the  east  is  taken 
from  foam  of  cascade  and  rapids,  antl  by  concealed  anglers.  (!onccaIment  is  not 
necessary  here.  The  bait  is  thrown  out  as  far  as  pole  and  line  will  cast  it  and  let 
lloat  down  with  the  current,  i)roperly  leaded  to  cause  it  to  sink  near  the  bottom, 
just  to  escape  the  rocks  and  sunken  logs,  and  when  all  the  line  is  out,  is  pulle<l  up 
and  thrown  again  out  and  uj)  stream.  The  trout  takes  it  freely,  and  is  easily 
landed,  not  by  jerking  the  fish  out  of  the  wet.  Init  by  playing  him  ashore.  Some 
Hy  hooks  are  used,  but  they  do  not  suem  to  be  a  favorite  bait.  Spawn  or  min- 
nows are  preferred.  Hooks  are  used  from  number  four  to  larger.  The  grab 
hooks  are  much  larger.  The  Kirby  hook  is  preferred  to  the  Limerick.  The  lines 
used  arc  the  ordinary  'inen  lines  or  grass  lines,  ('ane  poles,  or  any  that  are 
strong  enough,  and  the  longer  the  better,  to  get  the  bait  cast  out  to  the  iniddle  of 
the  stream,  or  as  near  as  (lossible  in  the  deeiiest  channel  of  the  river.  Those  who 
po  to  the  Truckee  River  trout-tishing  will  do  well  to  be  careful  about  their  bait, 
if  they  wish  to  have  any  success.  The  only  bait  with  which  they  can  succeed  at 
certain  seasons  of  the  year,  is  a  worm  that  is  found  in  the  greasewood.  This  worm 
cuts  a  ring  around  the  main  stalk  of  the  greasewood,  and  is  easily  found  by  ob- 
serving that  the  tops  of  the  greasewood  bushes  are  dead.  The  trout  will  bite  at 
these  worms  when  they  will  touch  no  other  kind  of  bait.  Tlie  Piutes  and  a  few 
old  settlers  know  how  to  find  this  peculiar  bait,  and  are  successful  fishermen 
when  all  others  fail.  The  dead  leaves  on  the  tojis  of  the  greasewood  bushes 
show  where  the  worms  are,  and  all  that  is  necessary  to  be  done  is  to  kick  over 
the  bushes  to  find  the  bait,  as  the  shrubs  break  off  at  the  point  where  the  worms 
have  ringed  them. 

ll'atisiuort/t.  Trout  fishing  in  the  Truckee  River  and  in  I'yramid  Lake,  eigh- 
teen miles.  Humboldt  Lake,  forty  miles,  near  llie  line  of  the  railroad,  is  a  good 
shooting  ground  for  ducks,  geese,  swans,  curlew,  sniiie.  etc.,  though  owing  to  the 
absence  of  cover,  the  approach  to  the  game  is  difficult.  Mountain  (juail,  sage 
hens  and  grouse  are  found  in  the  mountains.  Eight  miles  west  of  M  adsworih, 
with  a  few  mountain  shee^i  and  black-tailed  deer.iack  rabbits  abound  in  every 
direction.  Good  trout  fishing  in  Independence  Lake.  Reached  via  the  Central 
Pacific  Railroad. 

Washoe  City.  Deer,  bears,  grouse,  sage  hens,  mountain  (juail  ;  excellent  fish- 
ing in  Ophir  Creek,  and  Washoe  and  Marlette  Lakes.  Reached  via  Virginia  and 
Truckee  Railway.  Board  $^  per  week.  Country  very  mountainous  and  rocky  ; 
the  foot-hills  covered  with  sage  brush. 

Franktown.  Geese,  ducks,  grouse,  quail,  snipe,  rabbits,  hares,  a  few  deer. 
Reached  via  the  Virginia  and  Truckee  Railroad.  Hotel  $i.  Mountainous 
country. 

Verdi.  Deer,  rabbit,  grouse,  quail ;  trout  in  the  Truckee  River.  Reached 
via  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Private  accommodations  $i  ;  guides  $3.  A 
mountain  country. 

White  Jfine  County — 

Hamilton.  Deer,  wild  geese,  ducks,  pinnated  grouse,  snipe.  Good  trout 
tishing.    Board  I3.    Mountainous  country. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  IO3 


NEW    HAMPSHIRE. 

Area  9,280  square  miles  ;  population  318,300.  The  Stale  is  rug- 
ged and  includes  among  its  mountain  systems,  the  White  Mountains, 
the  highest  of  the  Eastern  and  North-eastern  States.  The  sea 
coast  region,  embracing  a  strip  extending  twenty  or  thirty  miles  in- 
land, forms  an  exception  to  the  general  description  of  the  State,  this 
section  being  low  and  marshy.  The  north-eastern  part  of  the;  State 
is  covered  with  extensive  and  dense  forests,  interspersed  with  nu- 
itjerous  lakes  and  partakes  of  the  wilderness  character  of  the  neigh- 
boring State  of  Maine.  All  this  region  is  a  grand  hunting  ground 
for  the  larger  and  wilder  kinds  of  New  P^ngland  game,  while  the 
lakes  are  well  stocked  with  tish.  Aside  from  this  region,  the  facil- 
ities of  travel  are  excellent,  and  the  hotel  and  other  accommoda- 
tions generally  good. 

Jielknap  County— 

Centre  Harbor.  Pickerel  nre  caupht  in  that  part  of  Lake  Winnipisiopee 
wliicli  is  known  as  the  Hasin.  Readied  via  Hoston,  Concord  and  Montreal  Kail- 
road  to  Forks  or  Hederness,  tliencc  stajje.     Motel,  boats,  etc. 

Meredith.  Wakeman  Lake  contains  black  bass.  Reached  via  the  Boston, 
Concord  and  Montreal  Railroad. 

Liiconia.  Woodcock,  rufled  prouse  and  nlover,  ducks,  and  other  game. 
Reached  via  the  Hoston,  Concord  ami  Montreal  Railroad. 

Lake  VVinnipisioeee.  The  waters  of  this  lake  are  fine  fishinp  prounds  for 
different  kinds  of  tisTi,  with  game  birds  on  the  shores  and  upland  plover  on  the 
islands.  Reached  via  Boston  and  Concord  Railroad  to  H  ei'r't^  whence  other 
parts  of  the  lake  are  accessible  by  steamer  ;  or  via  Hoston  and  Maine  Railroad  to 
Alton  Bay. 

Carroll  County— 

Jackson.  In  the  Wild  River,  with  the  tributary  streams,  is  tine  troutinp. 
Secure  "  Jock  "  Davis  as  your  guide.     Reached  Irom  tiie  Eastern  Railroad. 

The  Hip  Intervale,  near  the  town  of  Albany,  is  a  good  deer  country.  Take 
Eastern  Railroad  to  Ossipee. 

Madison.  Hear  hunting  on  Mt.  Chocorua,  five  miles  from  Madison,  and  part- 
ridge shooting  in  the  vicinity.  Take  the  Eastern  Railroad.  Piper  is  an  old  hunter 
who  lives  at  tne  foot  of  the  mountain  and  will  act  as  guide. 

Sandwich.  Bears  are  found  on  the  mountains.  Take  the  Eastern  Railroad  to 
West  Ossipee  and  from  there  drive  over.  • 

West  Ossipee.  There  are  trout  in  Drake's  Brook,  which  runs  near  the  base  of 
the  Ossipee  Mountain.     Reached  via  the  Eastern  Railroad. 

Moultonborough.     Long,  and  Red  Hill  Ponds  contain  black  bass. 

Wol/l<orough.  Rufled  grouse  shooting.  Lake  Winnipisiogee  offers  many 
inducements  to  the  camper  out  on  the  many  beautiful  islands  which  dot  its  sur- 
face. Wolf  borough  is  a  good  point  d'a/>/>ui,  possessing  fine  hotels  and  boarding 
houses.    The  lake  abounds  in  fash.    Talce  the  Eastern  Railroad. 

South  Tamworth.  Ruffed  grouse.  Bears  numerous  on  Chocorua  Mount. 
Foxes  numerous.    Good  duck  shooting  on  Ossipee  Lake. 

North  Conway.    Good  fishing  in  the  streams  and  lakes  in  the  vicinity. 

Cheshire  County — 

Munsonville.     A  pond  in  the  vicinity  has  been  stocked  with  black  bass. 

Keene.  The  lakes  and  ponds  in  the  vicinity  abound  in  pickerel  and  perch ; 
but  few  have  trout,  which,  however,  are  found  m  nearly  every  creek.  Wilson's 
Pond  has  black  bass.  Two  favorite  lakes  are  Monadnock,  at  the  foot  of  Mt. 
Monadnock,  twelve  miles  east,  and  SpoRord  ten  miles  west.  The  former  contains 
trout,  the  latter  very  fine  pickerel.  The  game  of  the  surrounding  country  includes 
ruffed  grouse,  ducks,  plover,  foxes,  minks,  rabbits,  raccoons  and  grey  squirrels. 


104 


GAME  AND  FISH  KESOKTS. 


For  these  the  sportsiium  must  tukc  liis  own  (I<>k,  as  no  ^ood  ones  are  to  be  found 
here.     Keenc  Is  on  the  ("ht'shirc  Railroad.     A  suimner  resort. 

Iliitp-isville.     A  pond  near  the  town  contains  liluik  liass. 

Stoiidiitd.  In  I.onu  I'ond  arc  found  pickerel  and  i)crcli.  Reached  via  the 
Chesliire  Railroad  to  VValpole,  thence  by  drive ;  or  via  ("oncord  and  Claremont 
Railroud  (o  liiilsboro,  tiiuncc  staue. 

FitzwilliaiH.    W'liitc  liarcs  and  loxcH.    Cheshire  Kuilruad  from  BoRtoo* 

C/'oo«  CnuHty— 

Gor/tam.  The  mountain  stream )  and  brooks  in  the  vicinity  afford  excellent 
trout  fishing.     Reached  via  the  (>rand  Trunk  Railroad. 

'/'//('  Afcfral/iiway  KiTer.  (Jood  trout  tishin;;  in  this  stream,  in  its  source. 
Lake  I'armacheno,  and  in  the  sninll  tributary  streams.  Take  (irand  Trunk  road 
to  Stratford,  sta^fc  to  (.'okbrook,  thence  waj^on  to  Krroll's  Kails  on  the  river. 

The  lakes  on  the  Upjier  Androscoggin,  which  are  reached  only  by  canoe,  are 
the  centres  of  tine  trout  tishinn  and  rutlcd  Krouse,«deer,and  bear  shooting.  Take 
stage  to  Erroll's  Kails,  and  canoe  from  there. 

The  ConHictiiut  f.akcs  and  adjacent  waters,  at  the  source  of  the  C'onnci  ticut 
River..  Game  of  various  kinds  is  abundant  in  this  region.  Moose  are  numerous 
in  some  localities,  and  deer  without  number  range  the  >tilIsidcK.  Some  of  tlieir 
runs  are  beaten  hard.  The  streams  are  lull  of  trout.  /  so  ottgr,  mink  and  sable 
are  in  such  numbers  that  the  trapper  ^ets  well  paid  for  .ns  timQ  and  labor  The 
lumbering  business  has  not  been  tarriecl  on  in  this  locality,  consc<iueutly  it  is  the 
paradise  of  hunters  and  trappers. 

To  reach  the  lakes  leave  Grand  Trunk  Railroad  at  Island  Pond,  Vermont,  and 
take  the  wilderness  road  to  First  Lake,  Second  Lake,  and  so  on:  or  leave  the 
Grand  Trunk  Railroad  at  Stratford,  stage  t(j  ("/olebrook,  wagon  to  krroll's  Falls, 
boat  up  river  to  Duckee's  Landing  on  the  Megalloway  River,  and  thence  up 
stream  to  I'armachene  Lake.  l''r(jni  thence  a  portage  over  the  ("onnecticut  lakes. 
Second  Lake  is  the  largest,  being  about  three  miles  long  by  a  mile  wide.  It  lies 
four  miles  from  h'irst  Lake.  There  is  a  good  bark  shanty  there.  Third  Lake  is 
Still  two  or  three  miles  further.  Uesides  the  Connecticut  Lakes,  there  is  the 
Unknown  I'ond,  near  Stewartstown,  at  the  head  of  Diamond  River,  which  emp- 
ties into  the  Megalloway,  reached  by  wagon  from  Colebrook.  These  waters  are 
tilled  with  trout. 

fjrafton  Count}/-- 

Plymouth.  Good  trout  streams,  but  fish  of  inferior  size.  Reached  via  the 
Bost<jn,  Concord  and  Montreal  Railroad. 

Franco niii.    There  arc  black  bass  in  Kcho  Lake. 

Littleton.  Hlack  bass  in  I'artridge  I'ond.  Reached  via  the  Boston,  Concord 
and  Montreal  Railroad. 

Rumney.    Stinson's  Pond  contains  black  bass.    Route  as  above. 

JHUtihnrou(/h  ^outtty — 

Ifilhborough.     Loon  I'ond  contains  black  bass. 

Manchester.  Good  black  bass  fishing  in  the  Massabesie.  Dorr's,  Nutt's  and 
other  neighboring  ponds.  Reachcil  via  the  Concord,  the  Concord  and  Ports- 
mouth and  other  railroads. 

Antrim.     Black  bass  in  Gregg's  Pond. 

Amherst.  Black  bass  in  Baboosie  Lake.  Reached  via  the  Boston,  Lowell 
and  Nashua  Railroad. 

Merrltnack  County — 

Warner.     Black  bass  I're  caught  in  Pleasant  Pond.     Route  as  below. 

Bradford.  Good  bear  Hshing  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Concord  and 
Claremont  Railroad. 

East  Andover.  Black  bass  in  Highland  Lake.  Reached  via  the  Northern 
New  Hampshire  Railroad. 

Sutton.     Suuirrels,  partridges.     Good  black  bass  fishing  in  the  Blaisdcll  Pond. 

London.     Black  bass  arc  caught  in  Hat  Hole  Pond, 

Webster.     Long  Pond  was  stocked  in  '71  with  black  bass. 

Canterbury .     Black  bass  in  (lough's  Pond. 

Franklin.  Black  bass  and  pickerel  in  Webster  Lake.  Reached  via  Northern 
New  Hampshire  Railroad. 

Concord,    Black  bass  iu  Pumacook  Lake,    Reached  by  rail. 


CAME  AND  FJSH  KEHuKt'S.  \0% 

Jtorktni/hain  Cnunfff  — 

//.i/n/>/i<n.  Kuliiii,  stupe,  (uricw,  and  other  Khontinn;.  Reached  via  the  Kastcrn 
MusMicliiisctls  Uiiilrtiiitl,  tuitv-Nvvcii  iiiilcH  Iron)  lioMtoii. 

Siiu-lts  till-  tiikcii  ill  ^r<.'.lt  i)uinl)crH  at  the  |ir(>(iur  HcaNoii  in  Great  Day.  Tuko 
the  i'lusiirii  KailiiMid. 

/>'(«•.  WnodLiM  k,  iiiirtridKcH,  snipe,  yellow  IcRS,  plover,  loon,  cooti.  Reached 
by  drive  or  rail  Innii  I'ortsinoiith. 

Deny.  Heuvir  I'iuhI  hirtiislicH  excellent  black  bass  tiuhinK.  Kvacheil  via  tlio 
Manchester  and  {.iiwrcnce  Kuilroad. 

Dtirjiild.     iMeusant  Pond  lius  been  stocked  with  black  bau. 

Nofthivood.    Siincouk  I'und  aliurda  black  baHS  tibhinK- 

Stafford  Connti/  — 

l.oMK  i'onii,  in  Stafford,  1h  well  Htockcd  with  perch  and  picker«K 

Sullivan  ('ountf/-- 

Sn)i<i/>t-i-.  Sunapcc  I.ukc  and  Sinjiir  River,  from  Suniipce  to  Newport,  are 
well  stocked  witli  t)lack  bass.  Tliurc  is  tine  s(iuirrel  and  oilier  hunting  in  tho 
vicinity.  Reachcil  via  the  Concord  and  Clareiuont  Railroad  to  Newbury  or 
Newport. 


NEW    JERSEY. 

Area  8,320  square  miles ;  population  906,096.  The  northern 
half  of"  the  State  is  traversed  by  three  mountain  rang(;s,  the  south- 
ern portion  is  made  up  of  a  plain  e.xtcndinjr  through  the  centre  and 
gently  sloping  on  either  side  to  the  Atlantic  and  the  Delaware  Bay. 
There  are  now  and  then  in  this  section  of  the  State,  a  few  hills,  but 
they  are  all  of  inconsiderable  si/e.  The  coast  line  of  New  Jersey 
is  indented  by  numerous  bays,  and  lined  with  a  great  number  of 
islands.  These  inlets  are  all  famous  tor  the  variety  and  numbers 
of  their  fish  and  wild  l(  wl.  The  species  of  fish  are  numbered  by 
hundreds,  and  includv.'  many  of  the  salt  water  kind  most  sought  by 
sj)ortsmen.  The  fishing  and  shooting  grounds  are  well  provided 
with  numerous  means  of  access,  and  at  all  the  better  known  resorts 
are  comfortable  hotels  with  every  convenience  for  the  sportsman. 
The  Southern  counties  of  the  State  are  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  West  Jersey  Game  Protecting  Society,  and  under  its  auspicies 
have  been  well  stocked  with  game  and  fish  during  the  past  few 
years.     Black  bass,  quail,  pinnated  grouse,  etc. 

Atlantic  Connty — 

Somers'  Point  ami  its  Harbor  are  lavorite  localities  for  duck  and  snipe  shoot- 
ing, and  for  shore  sliooting  of  every  kind,  as  well  as  for  tishing.  Ruffed  grouse, 
and  an  occasional  dticr  and  ht-ar  in  the  adjacent  wilds.  A  strip  of  beach,  seven 
miles  in  length  called  Peck's  Island,  separates  the  bay  from  the  sea  and  form.s 
cai)ital  feeding  grountls  for  curlew,  uiarlin,  willet,  robin,  snipe,  etc.  The  months 
of  August  and  September  are  the  best  for  snipe  shooting.  In  the  fall  and  winter 
months  wild  ducks  and  geese  visit  the  harbor  in  large  numbers.  Good  hotel  ac- 
commodations. Captian  Jaiih<?th  'I'ownsend  keeps  a  first  rate  country  inn  for 
sportsmen,  lie  has  a  good  yacht  and  plenty  of  boats.  Charges  $io  a  week.  His 
house  is  five  miles  from  Absecon,  on  the  Camden  and  Atl.'<ntic  Railroad.  Deer 
are  abundant  in  this  county  in  certain  districts.     Take  the  Camden  and  Atlantic 


I06  GAME   AND   FISH  RESORTS. 

Railroad.     Eplinps,six  miles  from  Ejftr  Harbor,  is  good  ground  for  jack  or  Wil- 
son's snipe.     Rough  accommodations  at  (arm  house. 

Atlantic  City.  Robin  snipe,  l)ull-hea<l  plover,  ducks  and  drum  fish,  floun- 
ders, sheopshead,  and  weaktish.  Reached  via  the  New  Jersey  Southern  Railroad. 
Bagmen  can  be  procured.     Shauffler's  Hotel  is  the  headiiuarters  for  sportsmen. 

Jtcrgen  t'ountf/— 

Hackensack.  On  the  meadows,  rail  and  snipe  shooting  is  good.  For  striped 
bass,  fish  off  the  bridges  with  bamboo  trolling  rod,  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  line 
at  least,  float,  shrimp,  shedder,  or  minnow  bait,  small  sinker  to  kecj)  hook  under 
the  tide  ;  reel,  of  course.  The  bridge  at  "  Knglish  Neighborhood,"  Northern 
Railroad  of  N.  J.,  is  a  favorite  stanci.  Rabbits  and  quail  abound  there.  Reached 
via  the  Erie,  or  the  New  Jersey  Midland  Railroad,  thirteen  miles  from  Jersey 
City. 

Tena/ly.  Good  squirrel  shooting,  woodcock,  quail,  ruffed  grouse,  w<Jod  duck, 
jack  snipe,  rail  and  other  game  birds  furnish  excellent  sport.  Reached  via  the 
Northern  New  Jersey  Railroad,  sixteen  miles  from  Jersey  City. 

Englewood.  Good  snipe  shooting.  Reached  as  above,  fourteen  miles  from 
Jersey  ("tty.  • 

FasAack,  on  the  Hackensack  Branch  of  the  Erie  Railroad,  is  an  excellent  place 
for  New  Yorkers  to  visit,  when  but  one  day  can  be  spared  from  business.  Good 
squirrel  and  rabbit  shixtting,  with  other  sport,  is  to  be  found  here. 

Jturlinffton  Count y — 

Beverly.  Across  the  bar  are  skip  jacks,  blue  fish,  Spanish  mackerel  and 
other  varieties,  all  of  which  afford  good  sport.  Reached  via  the  Amboy  Division 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.     There  are  hotel  accommodations. 

Moorestown.  CJuail  and  woodcock.  Reached  as  above  to  Hartford,  thence 
stage  two  miles. 

Delanco.     Fine  rail  shooting.     Reached  via  tVie  Camden  and  Amboy  Railroad. 

TuckcrtoH.  on  Little  Egg  Harbor,  offers  many  attractions  to  the  sportsman  and 
angler.  Duck  and  brant  shooting  is  very  line  in  the  fall  and  spring,  and  also 
for  geese  in  the  spring  in  Tuckerton  Bay. 

The  ducks  include  the  black  head,  widgeon,  l)lack.  sprig-tail,  red  head,  broad 
bill.  This  is  a  famous  place  for  bluefishing.  Go  via  the  Tuckerton  Railroad. 
The  Everett  and  Carlton  Houses  are  good  hotels.  Terms  %%  per  day,  $io  per 
■week. 

Motmt  Holly.  Trout  in  Rancocas  Creek.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road.    Two  hotels. 

Camden  County- 
Gloucester  City.    White  and  yellow  perch  of  great  w^eight  are  abundant  in  the 
Rancoc'i,  Pensancon,  Newton  and  Timber  Creeks.    Take  the  West  Jersey  Rail- 
road.   Good  hotels  both  at  Gloucester  and  Bridesburg. 

Cajte  May  County— 

Townsend  Inlet.,  seventeen  miles  from  Cape  May.  Dovvitchers,  calico  backs, 
grey  backs,  black  breasts,  bull-headed  plover,  robin  snipe,  yellow  legs,  ducks. 
Reached  by  sail-boat  from  Cape  May,  or  by  wagon  from  North  Dennysville,  on 
the  West  Jersey  Railroad. 

Cnpe  May.  Woodcock,  curlew,  redhead  and  blackhead  ducks,  plover,  Canada 
geese,  sea  i)igeons ;  blue  fish,  "Cape  May  goody,"  spot,  blackfish,  drum,  and 
other  varieties  of  birds  and  fish.  Reached  via  the  West  Jersey  Railroad.  JJoats 
may  be  hired  at  Schellinger's  Landing. 

Seavillc.  Woodcock,  bay  birds,  willcts,  and  other  varieties  of  v.'ild  fowl,  fur- 
nish excellent  sport.  The  fishing  is  good.  Reached  via  liie  West  Jersey 
Railroad. 

Tuckahoe.  Quail,  woodcock,  snipe,  bay  birds,  pheasants,  sq  lirrels,  rabbits, 
etc.,  abound  on  the  borders  of  the  village.  Deer  are  quite  plenty  in  the  swamps 
and  thick  uplands.  Reached  via  the  West  Jersey  Railroad  to  Pol:^*  Elizabeth, 
thence  by  stage  or  hired  conveyance.     Busby's  Star  Tavern. 

'/he  Tuckahoe  River,  which  winds  its  crooked  course  between  Atlantic  and 
Cape  May  counties,  and  pours  its  muddy  waters  into  Great  Egg  Harbor  Bay, 
contains  not  a  single  spear  of  wild  rice,  from  its  source  to  its  mouth,  while  all  the 
tributary  streams  that  help  swell  the  volume  of  its  waters,  above  where  the  flood 
tides  are  salt,  are  tilled  with  this  reed.  Rail  birds,  as  every  gunner  knows, 
delight  in  the  seeds  and  tender  shoots  of  the  wild  rice,  and  where  it  is  plentiful. 


GAME  AND  F/SH  A'ESOA'TS.  I07 

congregate  in  vast  numbers,  and  grow  enormously  fat.  The  marshes  on  the 
margins  of  the  tributary  streams  of  theTuckahoe,  consctjuently  are  favorite  feed- 
ing grounds  of  the  rail, 

Cwmherlattd  (Jnunty— 

Cohans^y.  Fine  bags  of  jack  snipe  are  made  on  the  Cohansey  Creek  Mead- 
ows,   Take  the  West  Jersey  Railroad, 

JEasex  (Joxtnty  — 

Montdair.    The  Bip  Piece  and  the  Little  Piece  shootinpf  grounds  are  eight 
miles  distant.    Reached  via  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western,  or  the  Mont-  * 
clair  and  Greenwood  Lake  Railroad,    (See  Pine  Brook.) 

Newark.  Duck  and  goose  shooting  on  Newark  Bay,  with  Wilson  and  jack 
snipe.    Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad. 

Olouceatef  Countjf — 

MAlara.  Deer  in  the  vicinity  ;  quail  and  partridge  afford  fine  sport.  Reached 
via  the  West  Jersey  Railroad. 

H''esl7'i7h\  five  miles  from  Camden,  on  the  West  Jersey  Railroad,  is  at  the 
mouth  of  Timber  Creek,  a  good  trout  stream. 

Hunterdon  County — 

BuWi-  Island.  {Juail,  squirrels,  and  excellent  black  bass  fishing  in  the  Dela- 
ware River.  Reached  via  the  Belvidcre  Branch  of  the  Pennssylvania  Railroad. 
Board  at  reasonable  rates  •  teams  $3  to  $5  per  day. 

Lamhertvillc^  on  the  Delaware  River,  is  a  good  place  for  yellow  perch  fishing. 
Route  as  above, 

MidiUesex  County^ 

Perth  A  mhey^  Weakfish  and  other  fishing  affords  good  sport  here.  Take 
Staten  Island  boat  to  Third  Landing,  cars  to  Tottenville,  ferry'  to  Perth  Amboy  ; 
fare,  whole  distance,  twenty-five  cents.  Boats  and  bait  at  Tottenville  or  Perth 
Amboy. 

Cktese  Creek,  a  few  miles  from  Perth  Amboy,  is  an  excellent  place  for  sheeps- 
hcad,  bluefish,  striped  bass,  weajifish.  porgies  ;  bait  with  crabs  and  clams.  The 
shooting  here  is  for  mallards,  black  ducks,  sprig-tails,  bay  birds,  jack  snipe,  and 
otl»er  wild  fowl, 

Snutk  Amfioy.  Quail,  ruffed  grouse  and  a  few  woodcock.  Reached  via  the 
Amboy  Division  ofthe  Pennsylvania  Railroad. 

S/otsioaod  and  Old  Bridge.     Rabbit  and  quail  shooting.     Route  as  above. 

Ne7v  Brunsvuick.  Snipe  on  the  meadows,  and  some  quail.  Reached  via  the 
New  York  Division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Board  at  the  (icorge  Stret^ 
House,  at  about  $3  per  day. 

Monmouth  County — 

Marlborough.  Woodcock,  doves,  pigeons,  plover  and  snipe.  Reached  via 
drive  from  Freehold,  on  the  Freehold  and  Jamcsburg  Railroad. 

Shrewsbury.  Excellent  quail  shooting  in  the  vicinity.  The  route  is  via  the 
New  Jersey  Southern  Railroad.  } 

Red  Bank,  In  the  Shrewsbury  River  are  bluefish,  weakfish,  kingfish.  and' 
sheepshead.  In  the  vicinity,  snipe,  woodcock  and  quail.  Red  Bank,  on  the 
Shrewsbury  Rivf  r,  is  at  the  head  of  steamboat  navigation,  or  is  reached  via  the 
New  Jersey  Southern.  The  hotels  on  the  Shrewsbury  River  are  Thompson's 
Pavilion,  at  the  Highlands  ;  Jenkinson's,  at  the  same  place  ;  the  Fowler  House, 
at  Oceanic,  and  the  Tontine,  at  F'air  Haven.  The  hotel  of  Red  Bank,  is  the 
Globe. 

Matawan,    Good  rabbit  shooting.    Take  boat  to  Keyport,  theiice  by  wagon. 

Jfolmdel.  Rabbit  and  quail  shooting  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  by  drive  from 
Red  BanV  , 

Ocean  Beach.  Good  snipe  and  bay  bird  shooting.  Reached  via  New  Jersey 
Southern  Railroad.    Comfortable  hotel  accommodations. 

Squan  Beach  is  a  good  locality  for  beach  birds  and  wild  fowl.  Take  the 
Freehold  and  Jamcsburg  Railroad. 

■* 
Morris  County— 

1/a.wver.    Jack  snipe,  bLick  ducks,  teal,  canvas-backs,  wood  ducks,  wi4- 


lo8  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

peons,  woodcock,  quail,  pigeons,  rabbits,  muskrats  in  great  plenty.  Reached 
via  the  New  Jersey  Southern  Railroad. 

Hanover  Ni-clc.  Woodcock  iiiul  snipe  in  fpiantity.  Address  A.  T.  Tappa..  at 
that  place.     He  has  dogs. 

BuditsLnkt\  or  Lake  Senccaivana.  These  waters  are  the  abode  of  many  fish 
includinp;  pickerel  of  larpe  size.  Ruffed  prouse,  (piail  and  hares  in  the  vicinity. 
Reached  via  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  Railroad  toStanhope  whence 
stages  run  to  the  lake  two  and  one-half  miles  distant.  The  Forest  House,  $3  per 
day,  $15  to  $21  i)er  week. 

Pine  Brook.  The  Pine  Rrook  Hotel  is  a  convenient  headquarters  for  sports- 
men shooting  on  the  well  known  Big  Piece  and  Little  Piece  hunting  grounds. 
Wilson  snipe  afford  the  best  sport.     IMack  ducks,  and  woodcock  are  also  found. 

For  six  weeks  in  the  spring,  and  for  the  same  length  of  time  in  the  fall,  the 
meadows  are  covered  with  shooters,  and  oftentimes  a  hunter  to  a  bird.  In  the 
fall  flight  it  frcfpiently  happens  that  large  numbers  stop  to  feed  on  the  soft  and 
muddy  flats  and  remain  a  day  or  two.  Abundance  of  food  soon  renders  them  fat 
and  luscious,  and  although  the  birds  first  stop, only  to  rest,  they  find  so  good 
cover  and  so  tine  feecl.  they  hesitate  about  continuing  their  flight  and  remain  for 
weeks.  Not  easy  of  access  to  pot-hunters,  the  shooting  is  as  fine  now  as  it  was 
forty  years  ago,  and  the  fortunate  hunter  who  happens  to  reach  the  meadows 
while  the  flight  is  at  its  height,  finds  most  famous  sport.  It  is  no  uncommon  thing 
to  secure  a  bag  f)f  from  thlrtv  to  fifty  birds.  Lying  midway  between  Paterson 
and  Newark,  it  is  still  scclutied  ground,  for  both  the  Big  and  Little  Pieces  are  a 
dozen  miles  away  from  any  depot  house,  and  only  those  who  possess  or  can  com- 
mand a  horse  and  wagon  or  excellent  pedestrian  accommodation,  ever  reach 
these  meadows. 

The  Big  Piece  stretches  out,  a  broad  level  meadow  for  miles,  which  in  seasons 
of  heavy  rains  is  submerged. 

Lake  Hopatcong.  or  Brookland  Pond,  contains  large  sized  pickerel,  with  perch 
and  salmon  trout.  Reached  via  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  Railroad  to 
Drakesville,  thence  stage  four  miles.  There  are  several  good  hotels  at  the  lake, 
with  boats,  etc.  liyram's  Cove  is  a  favorite  fishing  ground,  and  Bishop's  Rock  an 
excellent  camping  jilace. 

Hopatconi:.  There  are  good  hotels  on  the  lake  shore  at  Hopatcong.  Take 
Morris  and  Essex  Railroad  to  Drakesville.  Hotel  rates  reasonable.  Fair  i)ickerel 
fishing  in  season.    They  are  taken  with  Buel  spinners,  trolling. 

Newfaiindtand.  Trout  are  abundant  in  the  streams  of  the  Bear  Foot  Moun- 
tains.   Reached  via  the  New  Jersey  Midland  Railroad. 

Ocean  County — 

Barncg-at  Inlet.  Weakfish,  kingfish,  striped  bass,  sea  bass,  blackfish,  sheeps- 
head,  bluefish,  flounders,  barb ;  geese,  brant,  black  ducks,  sniig-tail,  broad 
bills,  bay  snijie  and  other  fishing  and  shooting.  Kinsey's  Ashley  House  is  a 
favorite  resort  of  sportsmen. 

Barne^at  Bay.  Fine  duck  and  snipe  shooting  at  Chadwick's  gunning  house. 
Any  one  who  goes  between  the  25th  of  August  and  20th  of  September,  will  find 
the  shooting  all  that  can  be  desired.  Fare  by  Pennsylvania  Central  Railroad, 
excursion  ticket,  good  for  one  month,  from  New  York  to  Squan,  $3  ;  stage  to 
Moxon's,  dinner  and  boat  up  to  Cliadwick's,  $2.?o;  board,  $2  per  day. 

Forked  River.  Weakfish,  striped  bass,  sheepshead.  bluefish,  kingfish,  pick- 
erel in  the  river,  geese,  ducks,  brant,  woodcock,  quail,  partridges,  surf,  rock 
and  bay  snipe,  yellow  legs,  curlew,  dowitch,  jilover,  willets,  marlin,  robin. 
Reached  via  the  the  New  Jersey  Southern  Railroad.  The  Carmen  House,  E.  H. 
Frame  jiroprietor,  is  patronized  by  sportsmen,  and  there  boats,  guides,  etc.,  can 
be  found. 

Barnegat.  Ouail.  curlew,  yellow  legs,  bay  snipe,  willets,  etc..  in  abundance. 
Bluefish,  kingfish  or  barb,  sheepshead,  weakfish,  strijied  bass,  sea  bass,  black 
fish.  In  its  season,  Barnegat  Bay  is  one  of  the  best  ducking  points  known  on  the 
coast,  being  filled  with  ducks,  geese,  and  brant,  and  there  are  innumerable  good 
points  and  thoroughfares  where  they  can  be  stooled.  yuail,  jack  snipe,  cur- 
lew, yellow  legs,  bay  snipe,  willets.  Selection  can  be  made  of  a  dozen  expe- 
rienced gunners,  who  are  provided  with  yachts,  sneakboats,  and  decoys.  From 
its  accessibility  Barnegat  Bay  ought  to  be  a  i>referred  resort  of  sportsmen  from 
New  York  to  Philadelphia.  The  Bay  can  be  reached  by  Southern  Railroad  of 
New  Jersey,  or  Pennsylvania  Central  via  Trenton. 

Rumson.     Woodcock,  quail,  plover,  ducks,  snipe,  rabbits. 

Point  Pleasant.    Snipe,  willets,  sickle  bills,  curlew,  marlins,  kreikcrs  and  yel- 


GAME   AND  FJSII  KK SORTS.  IO9 

low  legs.  To  reach  this  place,  take  the  Long  Hranch  boat  to  Sandy  Hook,  cars 
to  KurniinKiiale,  where  a  branch  meets  the  trains  for  Srjnn.n  village,  and  Charier. 
Moxoii's  sia^;e  will  take  guests  direct  to  the  house  ;  or  lake  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road to  Monmouth  J\inction,  and  then  the  Squan  village  train.  Hy  the  former 
route  you  can  leave  Nuw  York  at  lV)ur  v.  m.  and  tlie  latter  at  two  i>.  m.  It  takes 
about  three  hours  and  a  half  to  get  to  John  E.  Lovcland's,  Point  Pleasant. 

H'csi  Creek.    Curlew  and  brown  backs.    Reached  via  tlic  Tuckerton  Railroad. 

IVaretown.  Curlew  and  brown  backs  on  the  meadows,  yellow  legs,  jack 
snipe,  meadow  larks.  Sheejishead,  rail,  quail,  ducks  ;  weaktish,  blackhsh,  bass, 
bluehsh.     Reached  as  above. 

Tom's  River.  Uay  snipe,  curlew,  yellow  legs,  ducks,  etc.,  are  found  in  the 
vicinity.  Take  the  New  Jersey  Southern  Railroad.  Hotels;  Ocean  an^  Mag- 
nolia Houses. 

Beach  Haven.  A  narrow  strip  of  sandy  and  meadow  land,  twenty  miles  long, 
and  from  a  halt  mile  to  a  mile  wide,  runs  from  Harncgat  Inlet  to  IJttle  Egg  Har- 
bor inlet.  Between  it  and  the  main  land  on  the  west,  is  Tuckerton  Hay,  in  some 
places  seven  miles  wide  ;  on  tlie  east  side  is  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  and  directly 
opposite  Tuckerton  a  part  of  this  land  is  called  Heach  Haven. 

The  shooting  and  hshing  are  excellent.  Ducks,  willet,  inarlin,  curlew,  large 
and  small  yellow  legs,  black  breasted  plovers,  dowitchers,  robins,  and  the  various 
kinds  of  wading  birds  are  to  be  found  at  the  proper  time  in  great  numbers  on  the 
bars,  meadows  and  islands  in  the  bay  ;  and  the  larger  rail  are  quite  numerous  on 
the  salt  marshes.  Rabbits  are  found  on  the  islands  and  <iuail  on  the  mainland. 
Sheeushead  are  found  in  large  numbers. 

Weaktish  are  also  plenty  ;  and  sea  bass  and  striped  bass  fishing  is  equally 
good.  Good  yachts  for  sailing  with  competent  seamen  and  fishermen  and  gun- 
ners are  always  to  be  had  at  reasonable  charges. 

There  are  several  good  hotels.  The  Parry  House,  the  Bay  View  House  and 
others,  the  prices  ranging  from  $3  per  day  to  $10  and  fii4  pei  week. 

The  most  direct  route  is  by  the  New  Jersey  Southern  Railroad  from  pier  8, 
North  River,  by  way  of  Sandy  Hook  and  Long  Branch.  At  Whitings  >ou  con- 
nect with  the  Tiickerton  Railroad.  At  Tuckerton  you  take  the  steamboat  across 
the  bay  to  Heach  Haven,  affording  a  most  delightful  sail  of  seven  miles. 

The  surf  bathing  is  very  fine,  and  the  still  water  bathing  equally  good.  The 
facilities  Beach  Haven  has  for  yachting  are  excellent,  there  being  a  stretch  from 
inlet  to  inlet  of  twenty  miles,  and  across  from  shore  to  shore  of  from  six  to  seven 
miles.  For  those  who  prefer  the  ocean  to  sail  on,  it  is  easily  reached  by  going 
out  through  Little  Egg  Harbor  Inlet,  which  is  a  short  sail  ;  also  by  a  continuous 
stretch  ot  eighteen  miles.    Atlantic  City  can  be  visited  without  going  outside. 

Passaic  Count]/ — 

/ic/io  Lake  is  a  line  locality  for  pickerel  fishing.  Take  the  Midland  Railroad 
to  Charlottesburg,  thence  six  miles  by  stage.  A  good  hotel  is  kept  by  Mr. 
Wickham. 

Salem  County — 

Salem.  The  extensive  meadows  here  afford  fine  jack  snipe  shooting.  Reached 
via  the  West  Jersey  Railroad. 

Pcnnsville,  on  the  Delaware  River,  midway  between  Wilmington  and  New 
Castle,  Delaware,  is  a  famous  place  for  all  varieties  of  marsh  ducks.  Captain  Read 
and  Captain  Kidd  keep  good  hotels.  Reached  via  Philadelphia  and  Reading 
Railroad  to  Catawissa  Junction,  thence  via  Muncy  Creek  Railway. 

Sussex  County — 

DcckertowH.  In  the  vicinity  are  found  pheasants,  quail,  woodcock  and  rab- 
bits.    Reached  via  the  New  Jersey  Midland  Railway. 

Neiuto/i  furnishes  good  ruffed  grouse  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Sussex 
Railroad. 

Keene  Flats.     Good  trout  fishintj:. 

VeruoH.  In  Lake  Wawayanda  are  fine  lake  bass.  Go  via  the  Sussex  Railroad 
to  Newton,  thence  wagon  to  Vernon,  where  there  is  a  fine  hotel.  Permission  to 
fish  in  the  lake  must  be  obtained  of  Mr.  Hunt,  who  lives  near  the  lake. 

Union  County — 

Summit  Lake  contains  black   bass,  perch,  pickerel,   etc.     Reached  via  the 


ItO  GAME   AiVD  FJSII  KESOKTS. 

Central  Railroad,  twenty  one  and  three-fourths  miles  from  New  York  City.    A 
good  house  <:alled  tlie  .Summit  House. 

riainfiehh  (Jood  (juail  shooting  in  the  neighborhood.  Reached  via  the  New 
Jersey  Central  Railroad. 

Warren.  County — 

In  the  Delaware  River  at  the  first  island  below  the  mouth  of  the  Pohatconsr, 
near  the  Helvidere  Kailrfvad,  shad  can  be  taken  with  a  bait  made  of  Irish  moss, 
jjluten  of  wheat  tiour,  oyster  juice,  fibrine  of  bullock's  blood,  and  powdered  sul- 
phate of  barytes.  Makt;  into  a  paste,  dry  with  gentle  heat,  and  grind  uj)  into 
iragments  as  coarse  as  Dupont's  ducking'  powder.  Cover  the  hooks  with  this 
preparation  in  its  moist  state,  and  let  it  dry  on,  so  that  in  dissolving,  it  may  ad- 
here for  a  long  time.  Use  a  rod,  three  hooks  on  snoods  dyed  a  browi.ish  green 
color,  and  a  float.  The  night  before  you  intend  to  fish,  sift  a  pint  of  the  prepara- 
tion into  the  water  at  the  head  of  the  eddy.  The  barytes  will  cause  it  to  sink  to 
the  bottom. 

Shad  will  not  take  the  fly  here.  ' 

Dehiidere.  Quail,  woodcock,  ruflfed  grouse,  jack  snijw,  black  bass,  rock 
fish,  j>erch,  trout  and  pick«-'rei.  The  fishing  waters  are  the  Delaware  River, 
Pcquest  Creek  and  Green's  pond,  four  miles  distant.  Reached  via  the  New  York 
and  lielvidere  Division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotel  $3  i>er  day  ;  boats 
50  cents  per  day. 

BridgevillK.  Some  excellent  trouting  streams.  Reached  via  the  Delaware, 
Lackawanna  and  VYcstern  Railroad. 


NEW    MEXICO. 

New  Mexico  comprises  an  area  of  121,201  square  miles,  and  is 
the  second  most  populous  Territory  in  the  Union.  The  surface  of 
the  country  consists,  for  the  most  part,  of  elevated  and  level  pla- 
teaus, which  are  traversed  by  several  lofty  and  densely  wooded 
mountain  ranges,  and  occasionally  interspersed  with  fertile  valleys. 
The  greater  portions  of  the  entire  territory,  more  noticeably  the 
Llano  Estacado,  or  Staked  Plains  of  the  south-east,  are  occupied 
by  vast  sterile  plains,  devoid  of  trees  and  all  other  vegetation.  The 
population  is  principally  of  Mexican  descent,  speaking  the  Spanish 
language  and  preserving  the  characteristics  of  that  race.  Many 
portions  of  the  territory  also  are  subject  to  the  incursions  of  the 
Apaches  and  other  tribes  of  hostile  Indians,  From  these  facts  it 
will  be  seen  that,  for  the  sportsman,  New  Mexico  has  few  attrac- 
tions. Although  the  larger  western  game,  such  as  deer,  antelope, 
sheep,  elk,  bears,  cougars,  etc.,  and  ducks,  geese,  sage  hens  and 
pinnated  grouse  abound  in  sufficient  quantities  to  afford  fair  shoot- 
ing, yet  the  difficulty  and  danger  of  travel  here,  and  the  proxim- 
ity of  other  and  more  inviting  fields,  will  deter  the  pleasure-seeker 
from  penetrating  far  beyond  its  borders. 


CAME   AND  FISH  RESORTS,  III 


NEW    YORK. 

New  York  embraces  an  area  of  47,000  square  miles  and  has  a 
population  of  4,705,208. 

The  eastern  and  north-eastern  sections  are  mountainous,  the  cen- 
tral portion  rolline^,  and  the  western  part  consists  of  broad  plains 
and  fertile  river  valleys.  The  surface  of  the  State  is  further  diver- 
sified by  a  noble  river  system  and  by  many  picturesque  lakes,  most 
of  them  navif^able  for  steamers.  The  steamboat,  ..  ilroad  and 
highway  communication  is,  as  a  rule,  very  perfect,  anJ.  the  hotel 
system  generally  complete.  Though  early  settled,  the  State  still 
affords,  especially  in  its  wilder  portions,  abundant  sport  for  the 
hunter  and  angler.  The  mountains  are  the  haunts  of  large  game  ; 
the  Atlantic  coast,  and  the  inland  lakes  are  excellent  wild  fowl  shoot- 
ing grounds,  and  the  salt  water  and  fresh  water  fishing  comprises 
great  variety.  The  north-eastern  counties,  known  as  the  Adiron- 
dack region,  have  acquired  a  national  celebrity  for  their  wild  beauty 
of  scenery  and  their  many  inducements  to  the  seeker  of  recreation 
and  sport. 

T/ie  Adirondack  Region  of  Northern  New  York,  comprising 
an  area  of  seventy-five  miles  square,  is  usually  divided  into  nine 
sections  :  John  Brown's  Tract,  extending  across  Herkimer  and  into 
Hamilton  County  on  the  east,  and  Lewis  County  on  the  west ;  the 
Oswegatchie  and  Grass  River  Regions,  which  are  included  in  the 
south-eastern  portion  of  St.  Lawrence  County  ;  the  Chateaugay 
Woods,  occupying  the  central  part  of  Franklin  County  and  the 
south-western  portion  of  Clinton  County  ;  the  St.  Regis  Woods, 
lying  in  Franklin  County;  the  Saranac  Region,  embracing  the 
southern  portion  of  Franklin  County,  the  southern  corner  of  St.  Law- 
rence County,  and  the  northern  borders  of  Hamilton  County ;  the 
Adirondack  and  Hudson  River  Regions,  comprising  nearly  the 
whole  of  Essex  County  with  the  northern  portion  of  Warren  County ; 
the  Racquette  and  Long  Lake  Regions  make  up  the  northern  half 
of  Hamilton  County;  the  Garoga  Lake  Region,  included  in  the' 
northern  part  of  Fulton  County  ;  the  Lakes  Pleasant  and  Piseco 
Region,';  included  in  the  southern  half  of  Hamilton  County. 

For  camping  in  the  Adirondacks,  full  outfits  may  generally  be 
secured  at  the  principal  points  of  entry  into  the  Wilderness.  Guides 
are  necessary,  and  reliable  men  are  always  to  be  procured  ($2.50 
to  $3  per  day).  They  furnish  boat,  axe,  etc.  Boats  may  be  hired 
for  50  cts,  per  day.  The  expenses  of  living  in  the  woods  need  not 
exceed  $2  per  man  each  day 

There  are  eight  routes  which  may  be  designated  as  the  prin- 
cipal entries  into  the  different  sections  of  the  Wilderness  :  Ft'rst — 
From  the  south-west,  via  Boonville,  on  the  Utica  and  Black  River 
Railroad,  a  wagon  road  leads  into  the  John  Brown  Tract  to  Arnold's 


112  GAME  AND   FISH  RESORTS. 

old  sporting  house,  thence  a  navij,'able  watercourse  to  Racquette, 
whence  a  continuous  net-work  of  lakes  and  streams  renders  access- 
ible the  north-western  limits  (jf  the  Adirondacks.  This  route  tra- 
verses a  country  lull  of  game,  in  which,  by  going  a  little  aside  from 
the  more  beaten  line  of  travel,  the  sportsman  wid  tlnd  successful 
hunting  and  fishing. 

Second.—  Lowville  and  Carthage,  each  on  the  Utica  and  Black 
River  Railroad,  are  points  of  entry  from  the  West.  Wagon  roads 
from  these  villages  converge  at  Lake  Francis,  and  thence  by  land 
and  water  there  is  a  route  to  Beach's  Lake,  twenty-two  miles,  and 
Racquette  Lake,  nine  miles  farther. 

"Third. — From  the  North  via  Potsdain  there  is  a  route  via  Col- 
ton,  McEvven's  on  the  Racquette  River,  Haw's,  the  Moosehead  still 
water,  and  Racquette  Lake,  to  Grave's  Lodge,  on  Big  Tupper  Lake, 
whehce  all  parts  of  the  Wilderness  are  accessible  by  boat.  Excel- 
lent hunting  and  fishing  are  to  be  had. 

Fourth. — Malone  is  a  starting  point  for  entering  the  Wilderness 
from  the  North.  It  is  reached  via  the  Central  Vermont  Railroad. 
The  route  is  by  regular  stage  via  Chazy  and  Chateaugay  Lakes, 
both  worthy  of  the  sportsman's  attention,  and  the  east  branch  of 
the  St.  Regis  River  to  Meacham  Fond,  and  thence  via  Osgood's 
Fond  to  Paul  Smith's,  on  the  lower  St.  Regis  Lake.  This  is  the  best 
starling  point  for  all  parts  of  the  interior  Wilderness.  A  good 
wagon  road  leads  from  Malone  to  Martin's,  a  well  known  hotel  on 
the  Lower  Saranac. 

Fifth. — Plattsburg,  on  Lake  Champlain  and  on  the  Delaware 
and  Hudson  Canal  Company's  Railroad,  is  a  point  of  entry  from  the 
North-east.  The  route  is  via  rail  to  Ausable  Station,  thence  cov- 
ered coaches  to  Paul  Smith's  and  Martin's,  From  Port  Kent  a 
stage  .  -lC  runs  to  Keeseville,  thence  to  Ausable  Station,  and  thence 
as  before. 

Martin's,  on  the  Lower  Saranac  Lake,  the  pioneer  hotel  of  the 
Wilderness,  has  grown  from  a  small  log  cabin,  to  be  the  largest  and 
most  commodious  hotel  in  the  woods,  complete  with  every  con- 
venience, and  with  a  table  of  the  best.  Many  ladies  board  here, 
preferring  to  do  so,  to  going  off  to  camp  with  their  husbands. 
Board  is  fourteen  dollars  per  week,  two-fifty  per  day.  Martin  fur- 
nishes supplies  for  the  camp,  every  thing  necessary  and  complete. 
The  guides  are  all  independent,  and  command  three  dollars  per 
day  and  found.  They  furnish  a  boat  and  hound,  and  carry  a 
ritle.  The  expense  of  a  guide,  and  the  average  expense  of  cost  of 
living  while  in  camp,  will  amount  to  four  dollars  per  day,  (tiiree 
dollars  for  guide,  and  fifty  cents  a  piece  for  self  and  guide,) 
so  a  couple  of  weeks  will  cost  about  fifty-six  dollars,  while  in 
camp. 

Sixth. —Yxom.  the  East,  the  heart  of  the  Wilderness  may  be 
reached  by  routes  starting  from  Westport,  or  Crown  Point  on  Lake 


GAME  AND   FISH  RESORTS.  II3 

Champlain.     The  route  from  Wcstport  via  Klizabetlitown  is  the 
shortest  from  Lake  Champlain  to  the  Saranac  Res^'^ion. 

Sciu'uth. — FroiTi  Little  Falls  aiul  Herkimer,  stations  on  the  New 
York  Central  Railroad,  j^ood  wag^on  roads  to  Round,  Pleasant  and 
Piseco  Lakes,  the  distance  to  the  latter  being  fifty  miles. 

Eighth. — Via  the  Adirondack  Railroad  to  Riverside  or  North 
Creek,  whence  stage  and  boat  communication  extends  to  I>lue 
Mountain  Lake,  Schroon  Lake  and  other  points. 

Trenton  Falls  nnd  Prospect,  stations  on  the  Black  River  Rail- 
road, with  good  hotels,  are  excellent  initial  points  for  those  who 
do  not  wish  to  penetrate  far  into  the  wilds.  Within  short  distances 
and  accessible  by  good  roads,  or  well  known  routes,  are  Giles 
Beecraft's  and  Ed.  Wilkinson's  sporting  houses,  which  are  head- 
qup^'ers  for  the  shooting  and  tisliing  of  the  region.  Boardmg 
accommodations,  with  guides,  etc.,  are  to  be  had  there.  The  prin- 
cipal deer  hunting  and  trout  fishing  resorts  reached  from  Trenton 
.Falls  and  Prospect  are  Canada  and  Metcalf  Creeks,  Snag,  Little 
Rock,  Little  Bear,  Twin  Rock,  Big  Rock,  Pine,  G.,  Morehouse, 
Joe's,  and  North  Reservoir  and  South  Reservoir  Lakes. 

Alder  Creek  Station,  on  the  Black  River  Railroad,  is  a  start- 
ing point  for  White  Lake,  the  Wood  hull  Chain,  Chub,  and  Bisby 
Lakes,  Moose  River  and  the  Old  Forge,  all  of  which  are  localities 
more  or  less  famed  for  their  sporting  resources. 

Boonville  (see  above)  has  good  hotels,  the  Hurlburt  House  being 
famous  among  Adirondack  visitors  for  its  comfortable  accommo- 
dations and  excellent  fare.  At  the  village  stores  all  needed  outfit 
for  a  life  in  the  woods  may  be  procured.  Nick's  Lake,  the  Indian 
Spring  Hole  and  numerous  other  resorts  in  the  vicinity  of  Arnold's, 
well  known  to  the  guides,  furnish  abundant  reward  for  the  sports- 
man and  angler.  The  Old  Forge  has  a  well  kept  hostelry,  with 
all  facilities  for  sportsmen. 

By  going  aside  from  the  main  route  from  Boonville  to  Racquette 
Lake,  excursions  may  be  made  via  First  Lake  to  Little  Moose  Lake, 
famous  for  the  abundance  and  flavor  of  its  trout,  and  to  the  South 
Branch  of  Moose  River  ;  via  Fourth  Lake  to  Big  Moose  Lake,  where 
can  be  found  the  best  June  fronting  in  the  woods,  with  excellent 
deer  shooting,  and  to  Moose  and  Cascade  Lakes,  noted  for  their 
fishing.  At  Fifth  and  Sixth  Lakes  deer  are  to  be  found.  From 
Eighth  Lake,  water  communication  is  had  with  Eagle  Lakes  and 
innumerable  smaller  lakes  lying  in  the  surrounding  forest,  all  of 
which  afford  the  best  of  shooting  and  angling. 

Loimnlle  (see  above)  has  hotels  where  sportsmen  will  find  com- 
fortable quarters.  Number  Four  may  be  reached  by  two  routes  from 
this  point.  The  Fenton  House  at  No.  4,  is  much  resorted  to  by 
Adirondack  visitors.  This  angler's  home  accommodates  fifty  peo- 
ple. It  is  pleasantly  situated  on  a  plateau  surrounded  at  first  by 
valleys,  and  beyond  by  long  ranges  of  mountains,  which  are  seen 


114  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS 

stretching  their  outlines  In  the  distance,  at  from  twelve  to  twenty 
miles  to  the  north,  east  and  south.  Half  a  mile  to  the  north  is  Hea- 
ver Lake,  which  is  a  mile  and  a  quarter  lonjr,  about  one-third  of  a 
mile  wide  and  forty  feet  deep  in  its  deepest  part  ;  and  throuj^h 
whicn  the  Beaver  River  flows.  This  lake  has  been  slockerl  with 
salmon  trout.  Sunday  Creek,  Slough  Brook  and  Alder  Creek,  all 
good  trout  streams,  empty  their  pure  waters  into  the  lake  or  river 
near  by.  Up  the  river  to  the  Stillwater,  twelve  miles  by  the  wind- 
injfs  of  the  stream,  there  are  nineteen  distinct  falls  and  rapids  ; 
some  of  the  larj^er  falls  being  from  thirty  to  forty  feet  in  height  with 
good  fishing  all  along  the  stream.  This  part  of  the  river  can  be 
descended  in  a  boat,  with  a  skilful  guide,  by  carrying  around  the 
heavy  falls  and  lower  rapids  about  a  mile.  One  and  a  half  miles 
to  the  south  of  Fenton's  by  road  and  trail  is  Francis'  Lake,  a 
pleasant  sheet  of  water  one  and  a  half  miles  long,  more  noted  for 
deer  than  for  trout.  There  are  any  number  of  streams,  ponds,  and 
lakes  in  the  neighborhood,  where  speckled  trout  can  be  caught  by 
starting  froin  the  house  in  the  morning  and  returning  the  same 
night,  but  if  one  prefers  to  stay  longer,  new  trips  can  be  enjoyed 
without  number.  A  short  day's  trip  down  the  Beaver  River  will 
take  one  over  a  succession  of  rapids  and  falls  to  the  noted  Eagle 
Falls— a  delightful  trip,  which  can  hardly  be  excelled. 

Although  the  wilderness  bordering  the  Beaver  River  is  not 
marked  by  that  variety  of  scenery  which  is  characteristic  of  the 
more  northerly  portions  of  the  forest,  the  game  is  more  abundant 
and  the  fishing  l)etter.  The  Beaver  drains  a  large  extent  of  terri- 
tory, including  thirty  or  forty  ponds  and  lakes,  some  of  the  latter 
of  which  are  of  considerable  size.  Smith's  Lake,  too,  near  its  head 
waters,  is  one  of  the  most  charming  lakes  to  be  found  in  the  wil- 
derness, and  its  clear  waters  swarm  with  speckled  and  salmon  trout. 
Ten  years  ago  few  parties  penetrated  to  its  shores,  but  now  few  go 
vin  who  fail  to  reach  them.  From  Smith's  Lake  to  the  Racquette,  the 
distance  is  about  twenty  miles.  Beaver  Lake  and  Clear  Pond  afford 
good  deer  shooting,  and  Crooked  and  Gull  Lakes  have  excellent 
trout  fishing.  From  Fenton's  deer  hunters  and  trout  anglers  go 
to  Francis  Lake,  the  Mashier  Ponds,  and  by  longer  journeys  to 
Loon  Lake. 

Loon  Lake,  one  of  the  head  waters  of  the  west  branch  of  the 
Saranac  River,  and  reached  also  by  the  main  road  from  Malone, 
is  three  miles  long,  and  has  two  small  inlets.  By  addressing  L. 
L.  Smith,  of  Hunter's  Home,  Merrillville  P.  O.,  Franklin  County, 
all  needed  information  can  be  obtained.  The  surroundings  are 
necessarily  wild,  but  Rock  Shanty,  a  well  known  shelter,  is  within 
twenty  rods  of  its  shores.  Best  time  in  June.  At  Woods  Lake, 
ducks  are  abundant.  Twitchell's  Lake  is  little  visited,  and  is  con- 
sequently a  good  game  ground,  the  Red  Horse  Chain,  Crooked  and 
Smith's  Lakes,  and  many  others,  all  reached  from  No.  4,  furnish 


CAME  AXD   Fisn  K/C SORTS.  II5 

the  best  of  sport.  From  Smith's  Lake  there  are  three  routes  to 
the  Tupper  Lakes  pnssinji^  throut^h  some  of  the  best  huntinjj  and 
fishiiifj  districts  of  the  Hrovvn  Tract.  The  Oswe^atchie  tishing 
grounds  are  reached  from  Lowville  by  good  roads,  traversing  a 
region  in  which  deer  and  trout  are  plenty. 

Carthage,  lirandreth's  Lake  and  Schroon  River  are  reached 
from  here. 

De  Kalb  Junction  is  within  easy  access  of  numerous  i)oints  for 
trout  fishing  and  deer  sliooting,  and  is  connected  by  stage  with 
Cranberry  Lake,  a  noted  place  for  trout.  There  are  in  the  vicinity 
many  other  lakes  with  a  great  many  streams,  in  all  of  which  the 
angler  will  always  find  good  sport. 

Potsdam  is  within  twenty  miles  of  excellent  hunting  and  fish- 
ing, and  is  a  starting  point  for  many  famous  game  regions. 

Massena  Springs,  reached  by  the  St.  Lawrence  River  and 
stage,  is  an  initial  point  for  bass,  pickerel,  mascalonge  and  white 
fishing.  These  fish  are  found  here  in  great  abundance.  The  hotels 
are  fine,  and  the  expenses  moderate. 

Moira,  on  the  Central  Vermont  Railroad,  has  connections  with 
the  St.  Regis  River  and  other  localities  affording  excellent  sport. 

Ma/one.  Among  the  numerous  resorts  of  sportsmen  there  are 
few  more  easily  accessible,  or  which  afford  better  sport  than  the 
Salmon  River,  above  what  is  known  as  the  "  State  Uam."  Here 
within  thirteen  miles  of  Malone,  is  a  stream  which,  notwithstanding 
its  frequent  visitors,  affords  an  inexhaustible  quantity  of  trout.  The 
pond,  raised  by  the  dam,  varies  greatly  in  size.  Generally  it  is  only 
about  a  quarter  of  a  jnile  in  length,  and  above  that  the  river  winds 
a  tortuous  course  for  several  miles  among  grassy  flats,  and  for  a 
still  further  distance  a  still  more  de^rious  way,  if  possible,  among 
a  thick  margin  of  alders.  The  water  is  swift  and  cold,  and  tiiere 
is  a  trout  hole  in  the  curve  of  each  bend,  which  is  well  populated. 
When  the  water  is  uj),  a  boat  can  go  all  ov(?r  the  meadows,  the 
trout  running  farther  up,  the  distance  to  the  lishinj,'  grounds  being 
thereby  reduced  about  seventy-tive  per  cent.  Several  lakes  and 
jionds  empty  into  this  river,  which  furnish  homes  for  the  trout  in 
winter. 

Many  deer  come  into  Round  Pond,  Wolf  Pond,  and  the  other 
sheets  of  water  in  the  neighborhood,  and  traces  of  bear  are  also 
visible.  Many  partridges  are  to  be  found  in  the  woods.  There  is 
a  good,  although  unpretentious,  hotel  at  the  dam,  kept  by  R.  J. 
Cunningham  (better  known  as  "  Rus  "),  where  guides  and  boats 
can  be  obtained.  Tobey  and  Chisholm  run  a  line  of  Concord 
coaches  to  Duane,  fifteen  miles  south,  connecting  with  Paul  Smith's 
stages  for  all  interior  resorts  of  any  note. 

At  Meacham  Lake  (see  route  four,  above)  there  is  a  well  known 
hostelry,  where  boats,  guides,  etc.,  may  be  found.  This  is  a  fa- 
mous place  for  deer  shooting.     The  surrounding  country  is  full  of 


Il6  GAME  AXn   I'iSlf  RESORTS. 

game  and  the  waters  of  the  lake  al)oun(l  in  fish.  A  pood  road  leads 
from  Malone,  thirty-one  miles,  to  the  Hunter's  Home,  which  is 
headquarters  for  the  shooting  and  fishing  of  Loon  and  Rainbow 
Lakes,  and  Elbow,  Round,  Mud,  Buck  and  Oregon  Ponds, 

Chatcaui^ay,  oi\  the  Central  Vermont  Railroad,  has  excellent 
hotels,  with  boats  and  other  conveniences  for  the  fishing  and  shoot- 
ing of  the  Chateaugay  Lakes. 

Plaitsburg.  Stage  or  hired  conveyance  takes  the  sportsman 
from  here  to  Chazy  Lake,  renowned  as  a  game  ground  anil  pos- 
sessing comfortable  hotels,  with  all  s|)orting  facilities.  Rainljow 
Lake,  and  Round,  Buck,  Jones,  Lily  I'ad,  Elbow  antl  I'lumadore 
Ponds,-  the  North  Branch  of  the  Saranac,  and  Nigger  and  Cold 
Brooks  are  all  noted  for  their  speckled  trout,  and  most  of  them  are 
fine  points  for  shooting  deer. 

Cr<nv7i  Point  is  the  starting  point  for  Root's,  a  favorite  head- 
quarters for  sportsmen  where  all  needed  supplies  may  be  secured. 
West  Sturtevant  Branch  and  Schroon  River  afford  excellent  fishing. 
Fenton's  Tavern,  in  the  vicinity  of  Mud  and  Clear  Ponds,  and  the 
Lakeside  House  at  Clear  Pond,  also  furnish  comfortable  accom- 
modations. Lake  Andrew,  the  noted  Preston  Ponds,  and  Lakes 
Sanford  and  Henderson  are  all  full  of  trout, 

Ticonderoga.  Routes  extend  to  Long  Pond,  Paradox  Lake, 
Schroon  Lake,  and  other  waters  where  bass,  pickerel,  large  trout, 
etc.,  are  caught  in  great  numbers.  Crane  Pond  has  pickerel,  and 
Bartlett's,  Regis,  and  Gull  I'onds  are  noted  for  trout  and  deer. 

Deer  and  ruffed  grouse  are  found  at  Schroon  Lake,  which  lies  on 
the  very  borders  of  the  great  forest,  and  within  a  few  hours  drive 
and  tramp  of  some  of  the  wildest  and  most  sublime  scenery  of  the 
Adirondacks.  No  better  accommodations  could  be  desired  than 
those  furnished  by  the  Leland  and  the  Ondavva  Hotels,  both  situ- 
ated in  the  pleasant  village  at  the  head  of  the  lake.  No  more  effi- 
cient guides  can  be  secured  anywhere  than  Sam.  Saunders,  Ben. 
Wickham,  Geo.  M.  Sawyer,  N.  B.  Knox,  and  Ed.  Jenks.  The 
route  to  Schroon  Lake  from  the  south  is  via  rail  from  Saratoga 
Springs  to  Riverside,  tifty  miles  (Adirondack  Railroad,  fare  $2  ;) 
stage  to  Pottersville,  six  miles,  good  road  and  fine  scenery,  fare  $1  ; 
steamer  through  the  entire  length  of  Schroon  Lake,  nine  miles,  fare 
seventy-five  cents. 

Ciild-vell,  at  the  head  of  Lake  Champlain,  possesses  excellent 
hotels  and  is  near  fine  hunting  and  fishing  grounds. 

Amsierdcun,  on  the  New  York  Central  Railroad,  is  connected 
by  stage  route  with  Lake  Pleasant  and  the  adjacent  waters.  Fish 
and  game  are  abundant  all  through  this  region. 

Fonda,  on  the  same  road,  is  a  starting  point  for  Garoga,  Pine 
and  Stink  Lakes,  all  abounding  in  fish. 

Blue  Mountain  Lake  is  one  of  the  best  points  of  interest  in  the 
Adirondacks.     From  it  one  can  go  by  water  to  almost  any  desir- 


GAME  AND  FISIJ  KE SORTS.  II/ 

able  point.  It  opens  into  Eagle  Lake,  which  is  two  miles  long', 
and  which,  in  turn,  opens  into  Utawana  Lake,  a  favorite  haunt  of 
the  (leer.  IJciow  this  lake  is  Mari.in  River  and  tlien  Rac(iuctte  Lake. 
From  Blue  Mountain  Lake  to  Long  Lake  there  is  a  more  direct 
route  with  four  miles  of  carry,  but  even  the  guides  when  travelling 
light,  will  take  the  longer  and  all-water  route.  The  trout  in  these 
lakes  are  very  abundant  and  large.  A  little  north  of  Blue  Moun- 
tain Lake  is  a  little  pond  literally  filled  with  brook  trout,  and  they 
respond  most  quickly  to  the  tly.  In  the  fall  there  is  no  spot  in  the 
Adirondacks  where  deer  and  partridges  are  more  plenty.  Chauncey 
Hathorne  keeps  an  excellent  house  here.  The  route  is  via  Nortn 
Creek,  the  terminus  of  the  Adirondack  Railroad,  sixty  miles  from 
Saratoga;  thence  stage  five  miles  to  J.  Eldridge's  hotel  at  North 
River  ;  thence  stage,  good  road,  fifteen  miles  to  R.  15.  Jackson's  on 
Cedar  River  ;  thence  team  ten  miles  to  Hku'  Mountain  Lake. 

The  Osivci^atchic  Rn'c'r  and  F/shfiii^^  Grounds.  The  east,  or 
main  branch,  of  the  Oswegatchie  River  rises  in  Crooked  Lake. 
From  Crooked  Lake  it  runs  in  a  north-easterly  direction  some  six 
or  eight  miles,  to  where  it  forms  the  branch  from  Deer  Pond  (Col- 
Vin's  Lost  Lake)  country.  It  is  known  above  this  point  as  the 
Robinson  River.  Below  the  junction,  some  two  miles,  it  tumbles 
over  a  ledge  of  rocks  some  twenty  feet  in  height.  Here,  at  the 
foot  of  these  falls,  known  as  the  "  High  Falls,"  on  the  inlet,  are 
found  speckled  trout  of  three  to  four  pounds  weight.  Above  the 
falls  are  plenty  of  trout  weighing  from  a  quarter  to  a  half  pound 
Half  a  mile  further  down  are  "  The  Plains,"  a  tract  of  country  tljat 
has  been  cleared  of  timber  by  wind  and  fire,  some  three  mileo  long, 
and  varying  in  width  from  a  quarter  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and 
nearly  surrounded  by  hills  of  from  three  to  five  hundred  feet  high. 
Near  the  upper  part  of  these  plains  is  a  good  "  trout  hole"  when 
the  water  is  not  too  high.  In  the  brook  are  also  small  trout.  All 
along  here,  and  for  some  miles  further  down,  the  fishing  is  good, 
and  for  a  stretch  of  ten  miles  the  chances  for  a  shot  at  a  deer  by 
day  or  jack  light  are  very  good.  On  the  west  side  of  the  river,  near 
the  foot  of  the  plains,  and  distant  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  miles, 
are  the  "  Five  Ponds,"  taking  their  name  from  their  number.  These, 
or  a  part  of  them,  are  good  ponds  for  deer.  About  this  section 
there  is  now  and  then  a  wolf  and  panther.  At  the  foot  of  this  still 
water  are  some  three  miles  of  rapids,  on  which,  about  the  first  of 
June,  is  some  good  fishing.  Below  this  we  come  to  the  "  Drowned 
Land,"  a  large  swamp  overflowed  by  the  draining  of  Cranberry 
Lake,  where,  in  September,  fishing  and  hunting  are  both  good. 
A  dozen  or  more  ponds  empty  into  the  lake  on  the  south  and  south- 
east side,  among  which  are  Bossout,  Cat  Mountain,  Cow  Horn, 
Olmstead,  Darnneedle,  Fish  Pole,  or  Little  Grass,  as  it  is  sometimes 
called,  Little  Gufl,  Curtis,  and  other  small  ones.  Nearly  all  of  these 
are  good  for  trout  or  deer,  and  some  of  them  for  both. 


Il8  GAME  AX/)   FISH  KESO/^TS. 

To  rc.'ich  this  hunlinjj  jjround,  tho  sportsman  has  a  choice  of 
two  routes.  First — leave  the  Koine,  Walertown  and  Oj^dcnshiirjif 
Railroad  at  (iouvencur,  jfoinjj  throuj^di  Mdwards  to  Fine,  twenty-tive 
miles  by  staf,^',  three  limes  a  week,  or  hy  private  conveyances. 
At  Fine,  one  can  put  up  at  a  j^ood  hotel,  or  j^o  on  five  miles  to 
Clriflin's,  where  he  will  fmd  as  ^'ood  fare  and  acC(jmniodati()r)s  as 
can  be  had  at  a  first  class  farndiouse.  Here,  or  at  the  hotel,  jjood 
guides  with  light  boats  for  three  dollars  a  day,  and  board  can  be 
had,  also  team,  usually  oxen  and  sled,  to  convey  boats  and  baij};.i,i;t: 
to  the  foot  of  still  water  on  the  outlet  or  inlet,  as  the  river  is  fre- 
(juenlly  called  alxn'e  and  below  the  lake.  Second — he  can  leave 
railroad  at  Canton  and  go  direct  to  tlie  foot  of  Cranberry  Lake  by 
team.  The  distance  Is  about  forty  miles,  and  is  accomplished  in 
a  day.  Good  light  bo.its  weighing  thirty  to  forty  jjounds  can  be 
purchased  at  Canton,  or  rather  pocjronis  maybe  hired  at  the  hotel 
at  the  lake.     One  can  gel  there  with  or  without  guides. 

/'/>/<-  Pond,  in  the  southern  edge  of  the  township  of  lilandford 
and  Blenheim,  is  a  favorite  fishing  place  for  large  black  bass  and 
pike.  Reached  by  rail  to  Chatham,  thence  stage  or  hired  convey- 
ance. 

Boreas  River  affords  good  trouting,  the  fish  averaging  nearly 
a  pound  apiece.  The  best  lishing  spots  are  at  Lester  Dam  and 
Leach  Eddy.  The  route  is  via  Adirondack  Railroad  to  Riverside, 
fifty  miles  from  Saratoga,  thence  stage  to  I'ottersville  on  Schroon 
Lake,  steamer  thence  to  Schroon  Village,  and  from  that  point, 
twenty-live  miles  by  buck  board.     Stop  at  Powell  Smith's. 

Jtroonie  County — 

Deposit.  Rutfed  grouse,  woodcock,  grey  and  black  squirrels  and  some  wild 
pigeons.  Reached  via  tlie  Erie  Road,  one  Itundred  and  seventy-six  miles  from 
New  York  City, 

Cai/iif/a  County — 

()wasco  Lake  contains  black  bass,  lake  trout,  pickerel,  and  yellow  perch.  The 
latter  are  often  taken  with  gay  flies.     Reached  i)y  rail  via  Auburn. 

Auburn.  Woodcock,  i)artridges,  ducks,  plover  and  snipe.  On  the  New  York 
Central  Railroad. 

Montezuma.  In  the  marshes  is  good  snipe  shooting.  Go  via  New  York  Cen- 
tral to  Port  Byron,  or  to  Cayuga. 

Cayuga  Lake.  Speckled  trout,  Oswego  b.iss,  silver  bass,  strawberry  bass, 
black,  and  rock  bass.  Cayuga  on  the  Now  York  Central  Railroad,  Union  Springs, 
Aurora,  Ithaca,  and  other  ponits  reached  from  Cayuga  via  rail  or  boat,  are  all  pro- 
vided with  boats  and  there  the  angler  will  find  good  accommodations. 

Chniitauqua  County — 

Fiudley's  Lake.  Eight  miles  from  North-East  on  Lake  Shore  Railroad,  and 
seven  miles  from  Sherman  or  Buffalo,  Corry  and  Pittsburg  Railroad,  reached  by 
omnibus  from  each  place.  Three  miles  long  by  one-ijuarter  mile  wide.  .Salmon 
trout,  i)ike,  black  bass,  Oswego  bas«,  perch,  snipe,  woodcock,  plover,  grouse,  and 
S(iuirrcls.  Findley's  Lake  House,  R.  A.  Corbett,  Proprietor.  Croquet  grounds, 
bath-house,  stables,  steam  yacht,  etc. 

Chenanyo  County — 

Oxford.    The  game  found  in  the  vicinity  includes  foxes,  raccoons,  wood- 


GAME  AND  F/S/f  RKSOKrS.  II9 

chucks,  raliblts,  black,  ^rcy  and  red  nquirrclsi  chipmunks,  hawkn,  partrid^^cn, 
piKt'uiiii,  wuudcuck,  wild  duckH,  and  cranes. 

Cthttnn  i'ntinty— 

Chiinif^liiin.  (rood  hunting,  and  salmon  and  brook  trout  tishinK.  Kcuchcd 
via  the  \'ciini)nt  ('cntral  Railroad  to  Rouse's  I'oint,  Ihcncc  via  Ondcnsbiii^;  mul 
Luke  (luiiiiplaiii  Railiuad. 

Jiiilawnre  (Jo  a  lit  y— 

CoUhtster  allords  good  rufTcd  (i^rouse  and  woodcock  shooting,  and  there  arc 
many  trout  streams  in  the  vicinity.  It  is  situated  in  the  vallcv  of  tlie  east  l)run<  li 
ol  llie  Delaware,  and  is  reached  by  the  Oswego  Midlaml  Railroad.  Stage  thir- 
teen nules  from  east  branch  station.  Good  larnihouse  acconiniodalion.  (.'ountry 
hilly. 

Dean's  Corners.  Take  steamboat  or  railroad  to  Kingston,  thence  rail  to 
Dean's  Corners,  on  Ulster  and  Delaware  Railroad.  Good  trout  tishing,  small 
game,  and  an  occasional  de':r. 

Long  roiui.  Wajfon  ten  miles  from  Wcstticld,  on  the  Oswego  Midlaiid  Kad- 
road.  Large  trout  very  abunilant  in  the  poiuls  and  adjacent  streanis.  (ountry 
nearly  all  forest,  and  hilly.  .\n  occasional  deer  ;  ruffetl  grouse,  woodcock,  wood 
duck,  and  sniix;.     Must  camp  out. 

iiriff'in's  Lorni'rs.  Hears,  foxes,  rabbits,  rufl'ed  grouse  and  trout.  (In  via 
Steam  or  rail  to  Rondout,  thence  Ulster  and  Delaware  Railroad,  tlotels  and  pri- 
vate board  $1  to  $:<  ;  teams  $3  to  $6.  .  .     v 

DutehenH  C'ount/f— 

New  Uainbur);.  Ducks  and  wild  geese.  Un  the  Hudson  River,  sixty-four 
miles  above  New  York  ;  reached  via  rail  or  boat. 

JUrii',  C'ountff— 

Bujjfalo.  On  the  lake  shore,  in  the  vicinity,  the  residents  of  the  city  take  many 
bass. 

Sardinia.  Trout  in  the  neighboring  streams.  Grey  s(^uirrels  and  ruffed 
grouse  are  found  at  Hemlock  Lake,  six  mdestrom  Livonia  station,  on  the  Roches- 
ter branch  of  the  Erie  Railroad. 

Essex  County — 

Fort  Ticomferoga.  Fine  fishing  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Central 
Vermont  Railroad. 

Klizabctlttoivn.  Deer,  bears,  etc..  here  afford  fine  sport.  Eli/abcthtown  is 
delightfully  situated  eight  miles  west  of  Lake  (.^hauuilain.  Few  localities  have 
surroundings  more  charmingly  romantic.  Twelve  miles  lurlher  west  is  that  gem 
of  all  the  Adirondack  valleys— the  famous  Keene  Klats.  They  are  both  favorite 
resorts  of  artists  and  people  of  reHnement,  generally  in  the  summer  months. 
Reached  via  Lake  Champlain  steamers  to  Westport,  thence  wagon  or  stage. 

Tahawus  or  Mt.  Marcy.  Panthers,  Canada  lynxes,  rabbits,  sables,  hares, 
squirrels,  etc. 

Port  Kent.  At  the  mouth  of  the  Ausal)le,  and  extending  along  Champlain 
for  about  three  miles,  is  a  large  marsh,  allonling  numerous  lurking  places  for 
wild  fowl,  and,  in  years  when  the  water  is  high  and  the  marsh  covered  during 
October  and  November,  the  different  varieties  of  ducks  and  Canada  geese  visit 
it  in  great  numbers.  Reached  via  the  Delaware  and  Hudson  Canal  Company 
Railroad,  or  via  the  Luke  Champlain  steamers. 

Westport.  The  waters  abound  with  pickerel,  perch,  black  bass,  trout  and  other 
varieties  of  fish.  Reached  from  New  York  via  Albany  and  Saratoga  to  White- 
hall, thence  via  steamer  to  Westport.  Time,  fourteen  hours ;  fare$8.  The  Nich- 
ols hotel  affords  goor"  accommodation. 

Greene  County — 

Cntskiil,  At  the  Embouchure  or  Rodgers'  Island,  there  is  duck  and  snipe 
shooting.     Hudson  River  Railroad,  and  steamboats. 

Tanner svi lie.,  among  the  mountainSj  fifteen  miles  from  Catskill,and  reached  by 
Stage  from  that  place.     Good  trouting  in  the  mountain  streams. 

Leeds.  Trout  and  pickerel  fishing,  with  some  woodcock  shooting  in  the 
vicinity.    Reached  by  carriage  road  from  Catskill. 


1 2D  G^IME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

Hunter.  Trnutinp:  in  the  mountain  streams,  and  bears  amonp  the  mountains. 
The  tavorilc  resorts  for  anplcrs  are  the  Cautersl<iil  and  Clove. 

Stony  CI07U-,  whose  streams  abound  in  trout  of  small  size.  Reached  via  stage 
from  Calskill,  or  via  Ulster  and  Delaware  Railroad  to  Phoenicia,  thence  stage  or 
hired  conveyance. 

Jjtvlngston  Count]/— 

Caledonia.  There  is  ..almon  fishing  in  Caledonia  Creek.  Take  the  Eric  or  the 
New  York  Central  Railroad. 

Jefferson  County— 

Theresa.  In  Jefferson  County,  which  lies  upon  the  outskirts  of  the  Adiron- 
dack region,  there  are  the  usual  varieties  of  mascalonge,  black  bass,  pike,  [)icke- 
rcl,  and  salmon  troul,  and  the  fishing  grounds  are  most  easily  reached  from  The- 
resa and  other  points  on  the  Utica  and  Mlack  River  Railroad.  Notable  among 
these  is  the  Indian  river  and  adjoining  lakes.  Comfortable  accommodation  is 
afforded  for  small  parties  .it  the  summer  houses  on  the  lakes.  Trolling  is  almost 
the  only  mode  of  hsliing  in  vogue,  and  VV.  D.  Chapman,  of  Theresa,  tl!-.  patentee 
and  manufacturer  of  various  kinds  of  spinning^ tackle,  does  a  large  business  in 
supplying  the  fish  with  "  spoon-victuals." 

.)e.vter.  Mascalonge,  pickerel,  black  bass,  rock  bass,  wall-eyed  pike,  yellow 
perch,  sunfish,  mullet,  eels,  bullheads  and  catfish.  Reached  via  the  Hudson 
River  and  Central  Railroacls  to  Rome,  thence  by  the  Rome,  Watcrtown  and 
Ogdensburg  Railroad  to  Limerick,  on  the  Cape  Vincent  branch  ;  thence  by  stage 
one  mile  and  a  half  to  Dexter.  There  are  two  hotels  where  the  accommodations 
are  good,  and  the  prices  reasonable.  Hoard  can  also  be  obtained  in  private 
families.     Boats  and  livery  at  rea'onable  prices. 

Cape  Vincent.  Mascalonge  ;  i>U)ver,  snipe  ano  other  varieties  of  game. 
Reached  via  the  Rome,  Watertown  and  Ogdensburg  Railroad.     Hotels. 

Henderson.  Good  bass  and  pickerel  fishing.  Leave  New  York  via  New 
York  Central  Railroad  so  as  to  arrive  at  Utica  at  noon  ;  make  immediate  con- 
nection with  lUack  River  Road  to  Watertown,  and  thence  to  Sackett's  Harbor  by 
railroad,  arriving  at  7  p.  m.  ;  thence  by  steamer  to  Henderson,  or  by  the  same 
train  go  on  to  Rome,  ccnnect  immediately  with  Rome  and  Watertown  Railroad, 
get  oil  at  Adams,  and  take  the  stage  over  to  Henderson,  eleven  miles  Hotel  ac- 
commodations. Frontier  House,  at  $5  per  week.  Good  boats,  fisb.ng  gear,  and 
good  oarsmen,  are  on  the  spot.  Mr.  Tyler  will  rent  or  sell  as  good  boats  as  can 
be  made,  completely  fitted  out  with  minnow  pail,  frying  pan,  etc.,  etc.,  and  will 
furnish  flies,  spoons,  etc. 

The  Islands  in  Lake  Ontario.  Some  of  the  finest  black  bass  fishing  within 
easy  access  of  New  York  city,  is  to  be  found  about  the  islands  that  lie  in  Lake 
Ontario,  a  scoie  or  less  of  miles  from  where  it  merges  into  the  St.  Lawrence 
River. 

The  fish  are  equally  plenty  at  the  head  and  fool  of  Stony  Island,  at  the  foot  of 
Little  Galloo,  at  the  head  ot  Fox  and  the  lower  side  of  the  Grenadier  Islands. 
The  Duck  Islands  are  a  much  better  i)l,ice  than  either  of  those  named,  but  con- 
siderably further  out  in  the  lake.  They  are  very  rarely  visited  and  their  shores 
are  lined  with  bass.  There  is,  however,  little  choice  of  water  ;  t  the  f  •  o.''  the 
lake.  VYherever  a  shoal  makes  out  from  the  islamls  the  bass  congregat  These 
grounds  are  rarely  visited,  save  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighboring  ...unlets, 
and  the  fish  scarcely  know  the  fear  of  the  hook.  Next  to  the  Duck  Islands,  the 
bass  are  thickest  at  the  foot  of  Galloo.  There  is  fine  pickerel  and  pike  fishing  in 
the  little  bays  that  indent  the  main  shore,  and  often  a  mascalonge  is  taken  there. 

The  black  bass  begin  to  bite  in  these  waters  about  the  first  of  June  ;  July  and 
August  are  the  best  months.    They  are  caught  with  the  fiy,  bait  or  spoon. 

The  island  above-named  may  be  reached  from  any  of  the  fishing  villages  along 
the  Jefferson  County  shore.  Tlie  distance  is  short  from  Cape  Vincent,  Sackett's 
Harbor,  Three-Mile  Bay,  Chaumont,  or  Henderson.  The  fishermen  at  the  latter 
place  charge  three,  four  or  five  dollars  a  day  for  their  services,  according  to  the 
Kind  and  number  of  boats  th^'^  furnish.  For  two  [lersons  in  a  sail-boat  that  is 
small  enough  to  be  towed,  the  \.  ice  is  three  dollars.  .Mden  Stevens  understands 
the  grounds  perfectly,  and  owns  a  comfortable  sharitv  on  Galloo.  His  address  is 
Henderson,  Nev,-  York.  The  expense  of  reaciiing  Henderson  Hay  from  New 
York  City,  is  $8.<jo.  There  are  no  mosquitoes  on  the  islands,  liie  cost  of  camp 
or  shatily  life  is  small,  and  a  party  of  live  might  spend  ten  days  at  the  foot  of  the 
lake  for  $40  each,  including  car  fares.  Five  dollars  a  duv  would  be  the  boatman's 
charge  for  the  yacht  and  two  skifls.     In  going  this  way  -.le  party  can  easily  do 


GAME  AND   riSII  RESORTS.  121 

the  Thoiisand  Islniuls,  also,  by  turninix  the  yacht  into  the  river  and  cruising  down 
and  back.    The  lisliinj;,  however,  is  tar  better  in  the  lalte. 

Taive  the  U^^densburH;  Railroad  to  Adams,  thence  stage  to  Henderson,  where 
outht  can  be  procured. 

Till'  Thousand  /xliimfs.  This  well  known  resort  of  pleasure  seekers  and  sum- 
mer tourists  oilers  many  attractions  to  the  sportsman.  The  waters  of  the  Bay 
teem  with  lish  and  wild  fowl.  Hlack  bass,  pic'cerel,  perch,  pike,  and  the  niasca- 
long^e  afford  niaf-niHccnt  sport  for  the  angler,  while  the  gunner  will  find  waterfowl 
in  ^reat  variety  ami  abundance,  ducks,  snipe,  with  woodc<j;;"-v  and  tpuiil. 

AUxaiiiiria  Buy  is  the  chief  resort  at  the  Thousand  Islands.  Mlack  bass, 
pickerel,  perch,  pike,  and  mascalonge  tishiiiff ;  woodcock,  snipe,  ijuail  and  duck 
shooting.  The  hotels  are  the  (Grossman  House  and  tlie  Thousaiwl  Island  House, 
each  large  and  well  appointeil  establishments  with  every  convenience  and  com- 
fort. Terms  $3  [ler  day.  Board  is  readily  obtained  at  the  farm-houses  in  the 
vicinity.  Boats  and  boatmen  $2  to  $3  per  day.  The  principal  routes  are  :  i.  Via 
New  York  Central  Railroad  to  Rome,  thence  via  the  Rome,  \\'atertown  and 
Ogdensburg  Railroad  to  Cai)e  Vincent,  thence  steamer,  thirty  miles.  2.  From 
Syracuse  via  Syracuse  Nortln;rn  Railroad  to  Sandy  Creek,  thence  via  the  Rome, 
Watertoun  and  Ogdensburg  Road.  3.  From  Uiica  via  Utica  and  Black  River 
Railroad  to  Clayton,  thence  steamer,  twelve  miles.  4.  As  before  via  Utica  and 
Black  Ri.-er  road  to  Morristown,  thence  stage  seven  miles.  This  route  includes 
Theresa  and  the  Indian  River  lakes.  5.  From  Ogdensburg  via  steamer.  6.  By 
St.  Lawrence  River  steamers. 

The  best  known  hunting  and  lishing  grounds  are:  Goose  Bay,  three  miles 
above  the  village  ;  llalstead  Bay  on  the  Canada  side  ;  Eel  Bay  at  the  head  of  Wells' 
Island,  the  Lake  of  the  Island,  and  Fiddler's  Elbow.  The  season  for  mascalonge 
is  from  the  middle  of  May  to  the  last  of  June,  for  bass  from  the  middle  ot  June  to 
September. 

Clayton.  The  fishing  is  excellent :  black  bass,  pike,  mascalonge.  The  Walton 
House  is  frequented  by  sportsmen.  Board  niay  also  be  fountl  at  the  farm-houses. 
Reached  via  Utica  and  Black  \'alley  Railroad,  or  steamer  from  Alexandria  Bay, 
also  via  Grand  Trunk  Railway  to  Gananoq^ue,  Ont.,  thence  ferry. 

Broc/cT'iiie,  on  the  Canada  side,  (Brockvdle  (bounty,  Ontari(j,)is  situated  at  the 
foot  of  the  group  of  islands.  It  is  easy  of  access  via  Grand  Trunk  Railway'  or  the 
St.  Lawrence  steamboats.  From  the  south  the  route  is  via  Utica  and  Black 
River  Railroad  to  Morristown,  thence  a  ferry  crosses  to  Brockville.  Excellent 
hotel  accommodafions  will  be  found  here  with  boats  and  every  facility  for  excel- 
lent sport. 

Kings  County:  Tjong  Island— 

Lo>ig  Island  2iV\.A  its  adjacent  waters,  especially  those  of  the  south  side,  abound 
in  game  and  fish  in  great  variety — deer,  rulfed  grouse,  (juail,  rabbits,  foxes,  ilucks, 
geese,  brook  trout,  and  all  varieties  of  sea  hsh  common  to  the  waters  of  its  lati- 
tude—the Great  South  Bay,  I'econic  Bay.  and  Shinuecock  Bav  being  the  favorite 
localities  for  wild  fowl  shooting  and  sea  fishing.  Deer  can  be  shot  only  from  the  ist 
to  the  isdr  of  November  in  each  year,  and  in  the  centre  of  the  island  are  tolerably 
abuniK'ut.  There  are  a  good  many  quail  and  grouse,  but  many  of  these  are  on 
private  grounds  and  not  available  to  the  public. 

The  whole  number  of  improved  trout  ponds  on  Long  Island  is  eighty-two. 
They  occur  on  both  sides  of  the  Island,  I'rom  Brooklyn  to  Riverhead.  Most  of 
these  are  private,  but  there  are  several  in  which  hshiug  privileges  are  sold  to 
transient  anglers  at  so  much  per  day,  or  $1.50  per  pound  caujjht.  The  principal 
ponds  are  at  Maspeth,  Little  Neck,  .Smithtown,  Northport,  Huntington,  Q,'  -t^re- 
port,  Cold  Spring,  Wading  River,  ^"lUithtown  River,  and  Roslyn,  on  the  h 

side,  and  at  Riverhead,  Seatuck,  Bedeport,  h'ireplace,  Islip,  Patchogue,  Cai.^  j, 
Seaford,  Amityville,  Babylon,  South  Oyster  Bs^/,  Freeport  and  Hemjjstead,  on 
the  South  side. 

There  are  some  waters  open  to  the  public,  but  they  yield  meagre  returns. 

Kings  and  yueens  County,  comprising  Brooklyn  and  many  large  towns, 
occupy  the  extn-me  western  end  of  Long  Island.  Suffolk  County  occupies  the 
remaining  four-lilths,  and  consequently  most  of  the  places  which  we  shall  enu- 
merate arc  touiul  within  its  limits. 

Canarsii-,  the  termii.us  of  the  East  New  York  Railway.  The  fishing  is  for 
striped  bass,  weakrish,  kingfish,  flo\uulers  and  sheepshead.  Marsh  hens,  bay 
snipe,  yellow  legs,  etc.,  furnish  good  s|)ort.  There  are  over  si.xty  boats  and  forty 
yachts  coiis'.antiy  on  hire.  Rocknwav  Beach  is  eight  miles  from  Canarsie,  and 
can  be  reached  by  a  steamboat  three  tunes  a  day-    -o  a.  m.  and  i  and  4  p.  m.     We 

6 


122  CAME  JXD   FISH  RESORTS. 

know  of  no  better  place  for  temnorary  sojourn  than  Canarsie.    The  Ray  View 
House  there  has  a  piazza  that  incloses  it  entirely  on  three  stories. 

JLivingaton  County — 

Conesus  Lake.  Bass,  pickerel,  perch  and  other  varieties  of  fish  here  furnish 
good  sport.     Reached  via  the  New  York  Central  Railroad. 

!Sew  J'orJfc  County — 

The  Fishing ahnut  New  York  City.  For  striped  bass,  the  favorite  localities 
are  :  in  the  East  River,  Hog's  Back,  Flood  Rock,  Big  and  Little  Mill  Rocks, 
Holmes'  Rock,  Nigger  Point,  the  Rope  Walk  and  Ward's  Island,  Woolsey's 
Point,  Lawrence's  Eddy,  and  along  the  Long  Island  shore  ;  the  kills  which  con- 
nect the  East  and  Harlem  Rivers  ;  in  the  Harlem  River,  at  the  floats  foot  of  3d 
Avenue,  McComb's  Dam  and  King's  Bridge.  For  fishing  at  these  points  boats 
may  be  obtained  at  Colonel  Brown's,  foot  of  Thirty-second  Street  and  Avenue 
A.,  E.  R.,  Jeroloman's,  foot  of  East  Eighty-fourth  Street,  E.  R.,at  Harlem  Bridge 
and  McComb's  Dam.  Westchester  Creek  generally  has  good  spring  fishin;j.  In 
the  Hudson  River,  the  fish  are  usually  fisst  taken  at  Newburgh,  Poughkcepsieand 
other  localities  where  they  begin  to  feed,  after  leaving  their  winter  quarters  at  the 
head  of  the  river.  A  little  later  in  tlie  season,  they  are  taken  in  great  numbers 
off  One  Hundred  and  Twentieth  Street.  The  English  Neighborhood,  above 
Hackensack,  on  the  river  of  the  ■  ame  name,  is  much  resorted  to  by  anglers  in  the 
proper  season.  Down  the  Bay.  a.  noted  place  is  the  Kill  Von  Kull,  which  sepa- 
rates Staten  Island  and  the  New  Jersey  shore,  all  along  the  Jersey  Flats,  good 
fishing  is  to  be  had  at  the  light-house,  on  the  south  end  of  Newark  Bay,  Bergen 
Point,  Robins  Reef,  and  oft  the  mouth  of  Caven  Channel,  below  Communipaw. 
Fort  Wadsworth  on  Staten  Island,  the  Narrows  and  Princess  Bay  are  also  visited. 
Captain  Al.  Foster's  steamboat  makes  regular  trips  to  the  Fishing  Banks. 

For  wcakfish,  the  most  noted  fishing  grounds  are  about  Fort  Richmond  and 
the  Narrows.  Rockaway  and  Canarsie  Bay  afford  good  sheepshead  fishing  in 
summer.  Kingfish  are  also  taken  off  Rockaway,  as  well  as  bluefish,  bonita  and 
Spanish  mackerel. 

Mndiaon  County — 

Oneida  Lake.  Pickerel  and  bass  fishing  good.  Go  to  Canastota  on  the  New 
York  Central  Railroad,  thence  drive  to  Bridgeport  or  to  the  lake  direct,  or  go  to 
Chittenango  Station,  thence  three  miles  to  Lakeport. 

South  Lake.  Woodcock  and  grouse.  Reached  via  Utica  and  Black  River 
Railroad  to  Prospect,  thence  by  highway. 

Monroe  County- 
Rochester.    Twenty-five  miles  from  Rochester  is  Hemlock  Lake,  a  fine  fishing 
ground  for  trout.    This  lake   is  reached   by   the  Rochester  Branch  of  the  Erie 
Railroad,  fiom  Livonia  Station.     Youman'.s  stage  line  connects  with  the  station. 
It  is  six  miles  to  the  lake. 

At  the  foot  of  the  lake  is  the  Jacques  House.  On  the  western  side  is  the 
Lake  Shore  House.  On  the  eastern  side  is  located  the  Lima  House,  and  Half- 
way House,  the  regular  stopping  place  lor  the  steamer  Seth  Green,  that  plies  its 
way  regularly  each  day  to  the  head  of  the  lake. 

On  Irondequoit  Bay  and  at  other  localities,  are  widgeons  and  redheads,  mal- 
lards and  black  ducks,  with  good  jack  snipe,  quail,  grouse  and  woodcock  shoot- 
ing. The  Brackett  Marshes  are  favorite  snipe  grounds.  Black  and  grey  squirrels 
are  found  in  the  vicinity. 

Greece.    Ducks,  brant,  woodcock.    Reached  by  drive  from  Rochester. 
Mendon  Ponds.     Pickerel,  black  bass,  perch  and  strawberry  bass  are  abundant. 
Take  the  New  York  Central  Railroad. 

^Niagara  County — 

Niagara  Falls.  The  Niagara  River,  both  above  and  below  the  Falls,  is  a 
favorite  resort  of  the  anglers  in  the  vicinity,  who  take  large  numbers  of  black  bass 
by  loading  their  line  with  a  bullet,  and  slinging  it  out  into  the  channel  of  the  river. 
Then  hauling  in,  the  current  gives  the  line  an  oblique  direction,  and  the  angler 
frequently  brings  a  fine  bass  to  hand. 

Bass  have  been  caught  off  the  Three  Sister  Islands  in  the  middle  of  the  rapids, 
and  almost  at  'he  foot  of  the  Falls  they  are  plenty.  There  is  also  fine  perch  fish- 
ing; in  the  spring  and  fall,  and  seven  miles  below,  at  Lewiston,  and  still  further 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  1 23 

down  on  the  Canada  side  at  Niagara  villaRC,  are  bass,  perch,  and  in  the  season 
plenty  of  herring,  with  now  and  tnen  a  pike  or  iniiscalonge. 

At  the  "  (31d  French  Landing,"  williin  ten  minutes  walk  above  the  Falls,  is 
a  favorite  spot  for  biaclt  bass  and  pilte.  Burnt  Ship  Bay,  above,  in  the  spring 
teems  with  percli,  and  all  around  the  bars  of  Navy  Island,  black  bass  are  abun- 
dant. The  piles,  standing  in  the  water  at  the  site  of  the  old  store-house,  above 
Ciill  Creek,  are  good  tisliing  grounds  for  rock  bass.  Still  further  up  the  river  at 
La  Salle,  bass,  perch  and  suntish  are  caught  in  great  abundance.  On  the  Canada 
side,  near  Chippewa,  excellent  perch  tishing  is  to  be  had.  The  shooting  is  for 
quail,  snipe,  woodcock  and  black  and  grey  squirrels.  The  latter  are  very  abun- 
dant along  the  line  of  the  Luke  Ontario  Shore  Railroad,  west  of  Kendall  station. 

Onrifln  County— 

The  Mohawk  and  Sauquoit  Rivers,  and  West  Canada'Creek,  Black  River,  and 
the  streams  about  Boonville  and  Trenton,  contain  trout,  and  were  stocked  '.n 
1876,  by  the  Central  New  Yoik  Sportsman's  Club  of  Utica.  Reached  by  New 
York  Central,  and  Utica  and  Black  River  Railroads. 

J'YsA  Creeks  whicli  empties  into  Oneida  Lake,  twenty-eight  miles  north  of 
Rome,  is  an  excellent  Irouting  stream.  Take  the  Rome,  Watertown  and  Ogdens- 
burg  Railroad. 

Oiiotidnga  Count y— 

Lk'crpool.  Ducks  and  goese  in  the  Seneca  River  near  Onondaga  Lake.  Reached 
via  the  Rome,  Watertown  and  Ogdensburg  Railroad. 

Brcivertott .     lilack  and  rock  bass  in  the  Oneida  River.     Reached  as  above. 

Skaneateles.  Fine  salmon  trouting  in  the  lake.  Reached  via  the  New  York 
Central  Railroad. 

Syracuse.  In  Onondaga  Lake  are  found  ducks,  and  there  is  good  snipe  and 
plover  shooting  in  the  vicinity. 

Baldwinsville.  Ducks,  wild  pigeons,  rabbits  and  other  game.  The  common 
varieties  of  fish.     Reached  via  the  Delaware  and  Lackawanna  Railroad. 

Ontario  County — 

Honcoye  Lake  affords  good  perch  and  bass  fishing.  Reached  via  the  Central 
Railroad  to  Honeoye  Falls.     Hotel,  etc. 

Canandaigua  on  Canandaigua  Lake.  Whitefish  and  trout  afford  fair  sport. 
Reached  via  the  New  York  Central,  or  the  Northern  Central  Railroad,  Hotel 
$1.50  to  $3;    teams  $4  to  $8. 

Oranf/e  County— 

Florida.  In  Mirror  Lake,  a  mile  from  Florida,  are  many  varieties  of  fish,  pick- 
erel l)i;ini:  ibundaTit.  and  of  large  size.  The  lands  and  extensive  w<jod  three  miles 
from  here  aflord  excellent  hunting  for  partridge,  woodcock,  snipe,  squirrels  and 
other  varieties  of  game.  Tlie  Dill  House  at  I'lorida,  a  famons  hotel,  and  the 
Glenmere  House  at  the  lake,  are  first  class  houses.  In  addition  to  these  are  sev- 
eral jirivate  boardnig  houses.     Reached  via  the  Erie  Railroad. 

Greenwood  Lake.  Bass  fishing,  rufl'ed  grouse,  quail  and  woodcock.  Take 
Montclair  and  Greenwood  Lake  Railroad,  a  ride  of  forty-two  miles  from  New 
York.     Hotel  accommodations,  boats,  guides,  etc.,  at  the  Brandon  House. 

Monroe.  Within  a  radius  of  three  miles  are  four  lakes  :  Round,  Long,  Mom- 
basha  and  Ilazzard's  or  Cromwell's,  all  of  them  well  stocked  with  fine  varieties 
of  fish  and  affording  excellent  sport.  Good  woodcock  shooting  is  found  in  the 
vicinity.  Readied  via  the  Erie  Railroad,  fifty  miles  from  New  York.  There 
are  several  hotels  and  boarding  houses,  and  accommoditions  may  also  be  ob- 
tained am<nig  the  farm  houses. 

IVarwuk.  On  the  drowned  lands  of  the  Wallkill,  covering  a  vast  extent  of 
territory,  the  most  noted  resort  lor  woodcock  in  tliis  section  of  the  country,  they 
are  generally  found  in  large  numbers  and  the  bags  correspondingly  large.  There 
is  an  excellent  tavern  at  Pine  Island,  kept  by  the  Carling  Bros.  Many  sports- 
men resort  there.     Reached  via  the  Erie  Railroa<l. 

Montgomery  is  in  the  vicinity  of  good  liunting  and  fishing.  Reached  via  the 
Erie  Railroad. 

Turner's.  Black  bass,  (juail,  groi'..se,  and  other  game.  Reached  via  the  Erie 
Railroad,  forty-seven  miles  from  jersey  City. 

IVest  Point.  The  only  fishing  near  West  Point  for  trout  is  in  two  or  three 
streams  that  rise  in  the  Fishkill  Mountains.    A  short  drive  from  Cold  Spring, 


124  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

about  five  or  six  miles  will  take  one  to  the  head  of  them.    There  is  a  stream  near 
Fort  Montfjomcry,  below  West  Point,  that  lias  trout  in  it. 

Newburf^h.  On  the  Shawangunk  Mountains,  twenty-four  miles  back  of  the 
city,  are  partridges,  woodcock,  quail  and  rabbits. 

Orange  Lake  House,  on  south  side  of  Orange  Lake,  six  miles  west  of  New- 
burgh,  has  facilities  for  boating  and  fishing  on  Orange  Lake,  one  of  the  most 
picturesque  sheets  of  inland  water  in  the  country,  and  skirteil  by  line  groves  and 
picnicking  grounds. 

Central  ValL-y  is  forty-eight  miles  from  New  York  City,  and  ten  miles  dis- 
tant from  West  Point  among  the  Hif^hlands.  About  two  miles  east  of  the  station 
is  Summit  Lake,  affording  good  tislinig  and  boating.  Summit  Lake  House  $6  to 
{^15  per  week,  also  private  accommodations  $7  to  :f  10  per  week.     Route  as  above. 

Guymard  l.akt\c\^\\iY  miles  from  New  York  City,  is  a  clear  mountain  lake, 
about  one  and  one-half  miles  in  circumference,  well  stocked  with  fish,  (.iuymard 
Spring  House,  board  $10  to  $iz  per  week,  boats,  etc.  Game  in  the  adjacent  woods 
and  tields.     Route  as  above. 

Fort  Jcrvis  is  eighty-eight  miles  from  New  York  City.  The  junction  of  the 
Delaware  and  Neversink  Rivers  is  near  this  place.  * 

Port  Jervis  is  the  centre  of  a  section  noted  for  its  fishing  and  hunting,  the  cele- 
brated t.rout  streams  of  Pennsylvania,  and  of  Sullivan  and  u|)per  Orange  Coun- 
ties, being  in  the  immediate  vicinity  and  easy  of  access.  \  sojourn  at  Port 
Jervis  is  always  attended  with  both  pleasure  and  profit  to  tiie  tourist,  whether 
sportsman  or  not.  In  Pike  County,  just  across  the  Delaware  River,  are  the 
grounds  of  the  Blooming  (irove  Park  Association,  wliere  game  of  every  kind 
abounds.  Thousands  of  the  finny  tribe  are  caught,  too,  in  the  adjacent  waters 
every  year.     Route  as  above. 

Middlctown.  Good  fishing  can  be  found  in  the  Wallkill.  forty  minutes  walk 
from  town,  and  duck  hunting  along  this  stream  and  others  in  the  vicinity.  Rab- 
bits and  small  game  abound  \\\  the  woods  near  at  hand,  and  an  hour's  ricfe  by  rail 
will  take  one  to  the  trout  streams  and  hunting  grounds  of  Sullivan  County. 
There  are  a  number  of  fine  hotels,  ($10  to  $15  per  week)  and  several  private  board- 
ing houses  $6  to  10  per  week.     Reached  via  tne  Erie  Railroad. 

Otisville.  There  are  many  streams  and  lakes  in  tlie  neighborhood,  abound- 
ing in  various  kinds  of  fish.  Route  as  above.  Several  good  hotels  and  private 
boarding  houses. 

Lake  Sterling.  Take  Erie  Railroad  to  Sterling  Junction,  or  in  case  the  train  does 
not  stop  there,  go  to  Sloatsburg,  walk  back  to  the  junction,  and  take  cars  per 
Sterling  Mountain  Railroad  to  Sterling  Mines,  the  terminus  of  the  road.  The 
train  makes  but  two  trips  daily.  Inquire  at  the  junction,  for  the  superintendent, 
John  C.  Missimar,  from  whom  it  is  necessary  to  obtain  an  order  for  the  boat. 
The  lake  is  but  five  hundred  yards  distant  from  the  mines.  There  are  two  boats, 
one  large  yawl,  capable  of  carrying  fifteen  persons,  and  one  small  boat,  which 
will  safely  carry  six  "  light  weights."  The  hsh  most  sought  for  are  pickerel  and 
perch,  and  the  former  are  taken  weighing  from  one-half  to  seven  pounds  each. 
There  are  two  ways  adopted  for  catching  them,  one  by  trolling  and  the  other  by 
"  still  "  fishing,  with  live  minnows  for  bait.  Occasionally  a  orook,  also  a  lake 
trout  (salmon)  is  caught. 

Goshen  is  within  two  hours'  ride  of  the  trout  brooks  of  Sullivan  County,  and 
the  game  covers  of  Cedar  Swamp,  the  Warwick  Woodlands,  and  the  Great  Wild 
Meadows,  all  abounding  in  woodcock,  plover,  (piail,  and  other  game.  The  route 
is  via  the  Erie  Railroad.  There  are  several  hotels  and  boarding  houses,  with 
prices  ranging  from  $12  to  $6  per  week. 

Ontvef/o  Count!/ — 

Minetto.  Hlack  bass,  pike,  pickerel,  trout,  ruffed  grouse,  guail,  snipe,  wood- 
cock, ducks.  Reached  via  tlie  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  \Vestern  Railroad  to 
Oswego,  thence  stage  or  wagon  five  miles.  Hotel  $2  ;  boats,  etc.,  to  be  hired. 
Rolling  country. 

Sandy  Creek.  Trucks,  red-heads,  brants,  blue-bills,  and  other  varieties  of  wild 
fowl  afford  tine  sport. 

Tlie  Osn'ixn  River.     Good  bass  fishing.     Take  rail  to  Oswego. 

Redjield.  Excellent  trouting  may  be  had  on  the  Salmon  River.  The  favorite 
spots  are  Seymour's  and  Covey's  Hridge,  the  Meadows,  North  Branch,  the  Brick 
Yard,  Petrie's  and  Stony  Brook. 

Ot.'>f{/o  (Umiitf/ — 

Some  woodcock  may  be  shot  in  tlie  vicinity  of  Richfield  Springs.    Canadarago 


GAME  AND   I-ISII  JUi SORTS.  12$ 

Lake  has  been  stocked  with  trout  and  whitetish,  and  affords  besides  a  variety  of 
fishing.  There  are  good  tiotels  here,  $3.50  per  day,  $15  to  $25  per  week.  Take 
the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  Railroad. 

'Pxitnam  County— 

Lake  Mahopac.  The  fishing  is  excellent,  and  with  other  attractions,  makes 
this  a  favorite  summer  resort.  Reached  via  llaiiem  River  Railroad,  by  a  branch 
line  from  Golden's  Hridge.  There  are  several  large  hotels  $18  to  $25  per  week, 
and  bearding  houses  ;^io  to  $15  per  week.  A  large  tlotilla  of  boats  and  yachts. 
The  surrounding  country  is  rugged. 

Carmel.  The  Patterson  swam])  is  a  famous  ground  for  sportsmen.  The  game 
includes  woodcock,  and  other  varieties. 

Lak'f  Oscawanii,  among  the  Highlands,  is  a  good  place  for  summer  camning, 
July  and  August  are  the  best  months  for  general  fishing.  Take  the  Harlem  Rail- 
road to  Golden's  Bridge,  thence  branch  road. 

Mensselaer  County — 

Troy.  The  fishing  at  Troy  is  confined  chiefly  to  perch  and  bass.  There  are 
many  trout  streams  in  the  vicniity,  but  there  are  about  two  fishermen  to  every  fish. 

Troy  sportsmen  go  to  Westerboro,  back  of  the  Helderburgh  Mountains. 
Woodcock  arc  here  found  in  large  numbers,  it  being  quite  a  favorite  breeding 
I)lace  for  them  and  the  hunt  there  invariably  results  in  large  bags. 

Queens  County — 

See  Kings  Count)'. 

South  Oyster  Bay  is  a  j)leasant  place  for  a  day's  fishing.  There  are  good 
hotels  here.    The  route  is  via  the  South  Side  Railroad. 

Frcfport.  (iood  nerch  fishing  between  this  point,  and  Baldwinsville.  Reached 
via  the  South  Side  Railroad. 

Hempstead,  yuail  shooting  is  good  in  the  vicinity.  Hewlett's  Hotel  is  a 
comfortable  house  where  the  sportsman  will  receive  every  attention.  Reached 
by  rail. 

Far  Rockaivay.  Good  blue-fishing.  Go  to  Bath,  Canarsie,  Penney  Bridge, 
Brooklyn  or  Jersey  C-ity  to  hire  yachts. 

Rockaivay  Beach  is  a  famous  pleasure  resort  for  New  York  and  Brooklyn  peo- 
ple. A  long,  narrow,  sandy  lununsula  encloses  a  broad  inlet  with  several  marshy 
islands.  Great  numbers  of  ^vild  towl  congregate  in  the  vicinity  and  there  is 
always  good  tishing  fiir  shcepshead,  blucfish,  bonita,  and  other  varieties  in  their 
season.  Reached  via  the  South  Side  Railroad.  There  are  good  hotels,  and  every 
facility  for  sjiort.  It  is  an  easy,  cheap,  and  delightful  trip  frojn  the  l'"ulton,  Soutii, 
and  VS'illiamsburgh  Ferries  by  horse  cars  to  East  New  York,  steam  cars  to  ("an 
arsie,  and  steamboat  to  Rockaway  Beach — fare  fifty-five  cents.  The  favorite 
skippers  know  the  intricacies  of  the  great  Jamaica  Bay  thoroughly,  this  including 
Canarsie  Bay. 

Seaman  s  Pond  in  Ridgewood,  thirty  miles  from  Brooklyn  via  the  South  Side 
Railroad,  affords  excellent  fishing.    The  terms  are  moderate. 

FarmiHgdalc  is  a  good  point  to  start  from  lor  scrub  quail  shooting.  Take  the 
Long  Island,  or  Flushing  Railroad. 

Itichnionfl  County — 

This  county  is  formed  by  Staten  Island,  which  is  reached  by  ferry  from  New 
York.  The  fishing  is  princijially  for  weakfish,  the  favorite  points  for  this  sport 
being  Rossville  and  Prince's  Bay.  The  latter  place  is  reached  by  cars  to  Rich- 
mond Valley  station,  thence  stage.     Go  to  Steele's  for  boats,  tackle,  bait,  etc. 

Neiu  Dorp.  About  here  will  be  found  good  shooting  for  woodcock,  quail, 
snipe,  yellow  legs  and  other  varieties  of  birds,  with  rabbits  abundant  in  the 
neighborhood. 

Moclilnnd  County — 

S/oatsiuri^.  Bass  anil  pickerel  in  Truxedo  Lake,  Potague  Lake  and  Cedar 
Pond,  all  wiUiin  three  miles,  woodcock,  snipe,  etc.,  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via 
the  Erie  Railroad.    There  is  a  hotel  besides  summer  boarding  houses. 

Piermofit  and  Suffern^  reached  via  the  Erie  Railroad  furnish  good  woodcock 
shooting. 

Ramapo,  on  the  Erie  Railroad,  contains  one  summer  boarding  house,  "  Ter~ 
race  Hall,"  a  few  hundred  yards  from  the  depot,  pleasantly  located  on  the  banks 
of  the  Ramapo  River,  and  capable  of  accommodating  forty  boarders. 


126  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


At  this  point  a  wide  and  beautiful  expanse  of  water,  formed  by  damming  the 
Kaiiiapo  River,  alTor<ls  tlie  visitor  a  rare  opiiortuiiity  for  boating  and  fistiin}^. 

Sloatsburg,  on  tlie  Eric  Raiboad,  Truxctio  Lake,  three  miles,  Potague  Lake, 
one  mile,  and  Cedar  Pond,  two  and  a  half  miles  diftant,  all  abound  with  bass  and 
pickerel.     Good  fianie  grounds  in  the  vicinity. 

Cedar  Pond.    There  is  excellent  woodcock  shooting  in  the  vicJnity. 

Sa  fa  toffii  Cou  ii  ty— 

J)i-an's  Corners.  Rears,  ruffed  grouse,  pigeons,  squirrels,  rabbits,  trout  in  the 
Beaverkill  and  other  streams.  Hoard  $2  at  hotel,  $1  to  $2  in  private  house ; 
guides  $2.    The  country  is  hilly  and  mountainous. 

Sclieiwctftfiy  County— 

The  Mohawk  River  affords  fine  bass  fishing,  at  several  points. 

Sclniyli-r  County — 

ll'atkins.  Ruffed  grouse,  wild  ducks,  rabbits,  squirrels  ;  black  bass,  pickerel 
in  Lake  Seneca,  and  trout  in  the  streains.  Reached  via  the  Northern  Central 
Railroad.     Hotels  $3  to  $3.50  ;  boats  25  cents  per  hour. 

St,  J^airrcncp  County — 

Offdensl'iir^.  In  Black  Lake,  six  miles  up  the  Oswegatchie,  is  pickerel,  pike 
and  bass  fishing.  Take  boat  and  camping  equipments  from  the  city.  In  the 
Oswegatchie  below  the  dam,  bass  and  perch  are  caught.  Mascalonge  in  the  St. 
Lawrence  below  the  city.  Duck  shooting  is  good  in  season,  with  partridges, 
woodcock  and  other  varieties  of  game.  Ogdensburg  is  reached  via  the  Central 
Vermont,  or  the  Rome,  Watertown  and  Ogdensburg  Railroad.  Opposite 
Ogdensburg  is  Prescott.  the  terminus  of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  Ottawa  Railroad, 
and  an  important  jioint  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railroad.  Two  ferries,  running  three 
bfiats  and  making  half-hourly  trips,  connect  I'rescott  and  Ogdensburg.  Alexan- 
dria Ray  and  the  Thousand  Islands,  tlie  famous  fishing  and  camping  grounds,  are 
about  thirty  miles  up  the  river,  the  islands  extending  from  Rrockville  to  Cape 
Vincent,  sixty  miles.  Tliis  great  jilcasurc  resort  is  reached  from  Ogdensburg,  by 
various  lines  of  steamers.  i)iiringthe  season,  boats  leave  at  8  and  9.30  a.  .m.,  and 
I  and  6  i'.  m.,  making  the  run  in  two  hours. 

Steuben  County— 

IJornellsville.  Ruffed  grouse,  (piail.  rabbits,  black  and  grey  squirrels,  of  the 
latter  very  good  shooting.  Hornellsville  is  on  the  Erie  road,  ninety-one  miles 
from  Ruffalo. 

Lake  Salubria.  Salmon  trout,  pickerel,  perch,  strawberry,  Otsego,  and  black 
bass. 

Crooked  L.ike.  Ihis  lake  is  about  twenty-two  miles  long,  and  abounds  in  sal- 
mon trout,  lickeri'l,  black  and  strawberry  bass,  perch,  whitefisli,  etc.  The  (irove 
Spring  IIou'x,  Stepl>":i  Moore,  proprietor,  is  on  the  east  shore  of  the  lake,  six 
miles  from  Hammondsport.  Route  :  ICrie  Railway  to  Elmira,  or  Penn  Van. 
Goodhue  and  Cranberry  Lakes  afford  fine  bas.^.  i)erch,  and  pickeiel  fishing. 

Suffolk  County- 
See  Kings  County. 

Babylon.  A  comfortable  village  with  several  hotels,  the  Amcrlcnn,  Lagrange, 
Sampwanis  and  other  houses.  The  fishing  here  is  I'amous.  Great  .^outh  l!av.  to 
which  stages  run,  is  one  half  mile  south.  A  steamboat  crosses  several  times  daily, 
to  Fire  Island.  The  peninsula  of  which  Fire  Island  is  the  western  extremity, 
extends  forty  miles  to  the  northeast,  and  shelters  Great  Soutli  I'ay,  Moriches 
Ray,  and  Stiinnecock  Ray,  The  fishing  ground  o(T  l'"ire  Island  is  about  thirty  to 
thirty-four  miles  offshore,  and  about  four  to  six  miles  long,  having  from  twelve 
to  sixteen  fathoms  on  the  bank  ;  the  bottom  is  hard  gravel,  with  small  stones. 
There  are  plenty  of  cod,  and  a  few  halibut.  The  ground  is  known  to  many  of  the 
Noank  fishermen.  It  is  the  path  of  the  European  packets,  and  land  is  just  in  sight 
from  the  ground.  The  course  is  south  by  west  from  Fire  Island,  and  it  is  found 
by  the  lead. 

Anglers  also  have  fine  sport  taking  bluefish  with  a  rod  in  the  vicinity  of  Fire 
Island,  both  inside  and  outside  of  the  Bay.  They  are  of  large  size,  running  from 
Icn  to  tliirteen  pounds.    An  ordinary  two-jointed  bamboo  bass-rod,  is  used  with 


GAME  AND   FIS'I  RESORTS.  12/ 

float  and  sinker,  and  shedder  crabs  for  bait.  A  wire  snell  is  requisite,  to  prevent 
the  fish  from  sniippinjij  off  the  line. 

('(!/{• /j/(j«rt^,  opposite  Hahyloii,  is  ft  favorite  resort  tor  pinners  ;  Rube  Ander- 
son is  a  Rood  guide  and  boatman.  15at)ylon  is  lliirty-six  miles  from  New  Vork, 
on  the  South  Side  Railroad. 

fielIs/>ort,  a  pleasant  village  on  Bellsporl  Bay,  is  a  good  point  for  bay  bird 
shooting.  (Juail  alford  good  sport  in  the  vicmity.  Fish  abound  in  the  b.iy. 
There  are  good  boarding  houses,  I7  to  $10  per  week.  Readied  by  Long  Islaiid 
Railroad  to  Bellsport  station,  tiience  stage  three  miles. 

East  Moriches,  jjuail  and  partridge  shooting  in  the  vicinity,  affords  excellent 
sport.  The  shooting  and  fishing  on  Moriches  Hay  is  pood.  The  East  Moriches 
Hotel  is  a  comfortable  house.  Dogs,  boats,  traps,  ami  decoys  are  furnished  l)y 
H.  L.  Rogers.     Reached  via  Long  Island  Railroad. 

Centre  Moriches  is  a  much  frequented  resort  for  anglers  and  gunners.  Great 
numbers  of  fish  and  wild  fowl  are  annually  sent  from  liere  to  Niew  Vork.  The 
Ocean,  Moriches,  Long  Island,  Baldwin,  and  other  houses  afford  good  accommo- 
dations. Yachts  regularly  sail  across  the  bay  to  the  outer  beach,  where  the 
Havens  House  is  much  visited  for  its  surf  bathing. 

Fisher's  Jsianii,  four  miles  from  New  London,  is  good  headquarters  for  fishing, 
and  snipe  and  duck  shooting.  There  is  a  hotel  there  with  boats  and  other  con- 
Nuniences  for  sjiort.  The  route  is  via  the  Shore  Line  Railroad,  and  steamboat 
from  New  London  or  Stonington. 

Hood  Ground  is  one  of  the  best  points  on  the  Island  for  shooting  ducks,  geese, 
brant,  yellow  legs,  dosvitchers,  ring-tailed  marlitis,  quail,  rabbits,  toxes,  and  other 
game.  Good  hotel  accommodati(jns  at  the  Hay  View  House,  guiiles,  boats, 
(lecoys  and  everything  necessary  furnished.  ^ViUiam  Lane  or  C)rville  M'ilcox 
will  give  the  sportsman  the  best  of  treatment  and  may  be  addressed  for  infor- 
mation. 

Great  Shinnecock  Bay.  Ducks  are  plenty  in  season,  such  as  black  ducks, 
broadbills,  grey  ducks,  pintails,  coots,  etc.  Most  ail  varieties  of  birds  are  to  be 
found  here  on  the  20th  Octol)er  cxcejit  geese  and  brant ;  their  time  to  make  their 
appearance  is  from  the  ist  to  the  lolli  of  November,  when  they  are  (piiie  abun- 
dant.    Experienced  gunners  at  this  place,  men  tiiat  have  followed  shooting  for 


thirty  years.    They  are  prepared  with  live  stools  for  geese  and  brant,  also  bat- 

'  2S  for  shore  andpc' 
grouse  shooting.    The  Bay  and  Ocean  View  House  is  situatett  within  two  iiun- 


teries  for  shore  and  point  sliooting.    There  is  also  good  quail,  and   rabbit,  and 


dred  feet  ot  the  Great  Shinnecock  Bay  and  overlooks  it.  All  birds  passing  over 
the  bay  can  be  seen  from  the  veranda  of  the  hotel,  'i'liis  is  large  and  afR)rds  the 
best  of  accommodations  for  sporting  men.  .\miiuinition  fuiiushed  at  the  house 
for  all  those  that  wish  to  save  tlie  labor  of  bringing  it  with  them.  Gentlemen  vis- 
iting the  Bay  View  House  will  buy  tickets  at  James  Slip  or  Thirty-tourtii  street 
ferry.  New  York,  for  Gooil  Ground  Station,  Sag  Harbor  Branch  Long  Island 
Railroad,  where  a  stage  will  convey  them  to  the  house. 

A  ilanticvilh\  situated  at  tlie  head  of  Shinnecock  Bay,  is  headquarters  for  goose, 
duck  and  bay  bird  shooting.  The  gunners.  Washington  Howell  and  John  antl 
'J'uttle  Carter,  have  a  capital  rig,  and  will  be  found  able  and  obliging  by  all 
sportsmen. 

Great  South  Bay.  Noted  for  its  fish  of  all  descriptions,  and  also  for  its  geese, 
(lucks,  and  snipe.  Take  South  Side  road  to  Babylon  or  Islip.  I'on  (Juogue  and 
Good  Ground  are  much  frequented  resorts,  re.iched  by  same  railroad.  Good 
board  and  all  necessary  outfit  of  boats,  stools,  etc.,  at  William  Lane's,  and  Orville 
\\'ilcox's.  Board  alone  $1.50  per  day  or  iJS  per  week.  Gunning  outfit,  including 
bayman,  boat,  board,  etc.,  $10  per  day.  There  is  good  cpiail  siiooting,  also  a  fevv 
nilled  grouse  and  deer  in  the  barrens  anywhere  within  ten  miles  east  or  west  of 
Isli|).     Deer  can  be  shot  only  during  the  first  fifteen  days  of  November. 

lsli/>.  Near  by  are  the  trouting  ponds  and  club-house  of  the  Sportsmen's 
("lub.  The  village  is  frequented  in  summer  for  its  fishing  and  shooting.  Good 
hotel  accommodations  will  be  found  here. 

iVorth  IsliJ)  is  a  good  starting  point  for  scrub  shooting  for  <iiiail. 

Merrick  Bay^  near  Smithville,  is  an  excellent  place  for  shooting  the  great 
head  duck,  geese,  and  brant,  Jim  Baldwin  is  an  excellent  guide.  Charges  for 
boat,  stools,  and  all  told,  $4  ])er  day.  A  tavern  called  the  Sportsman  House,  kept 
by  B.  K.  Sammis,  at  Smitliville,  is  a  clean,  small  house  ;  the  landlord  has  every 
appliance  for  quail,  snipe  and  duck  shooting,  such  as  boats,  stools,  etc.  In  this 
section  the  quail  shooting  is  fairly  middling,  with  good  cover,  easy  walking  and 
the  brush  not  above  the  middle  ot  the  body. 

Montaitk  Point.    Excellent  bay  bird  shooting  and  weak  fishing.    Ducks,  geese 


128  GAME  AMD   FfSlI  RESORTS. 

and  trcjiit  nrcnbtindnnt.  Rciuhcd  via  f.^npr  Islaml  Railroad  to  Sa(j  Harbor,  thcnrc 
8tup;e.  Tliurc  is  si  ^nod  hotel,  and  lioardiiiK-liousu.  A  tavoritc  place  tor  suiiiiucr 
tcntinp^  on  the  ix'acii. 

Novae.  Noyai:  and  its  hcaiitit'ul  bay  lie  about  tour  miles  to  the  northwest  of 
the  oI<l  town  ol  Saji  Harbor.  I'Or  wild  duck  shootin;;,  no  |ihue  on  the  inland 
alfonls  In'ttur  sport  or  nion-  ^'anu;.  Mr.  I'it  rson  has  a  cosy  boartliiiK  place  tor 
stnnnicr  visitors  and  sportsmen,  and  a  letter  to  iiiin,  tcUinij;  hiiii  what  <lay  yon 
exi)ec:l  to  arrive,  will  lind  liini  with  his  wauon  ready  at  eitiier  the  steamboat 
whart  at  seven  in  the  morning,  or  at  the  railroad  depot  at  two  or  ei^ht  in  the 
evening,  ucconlniti  to  the  way  you  propose  to  reach  the  Harbor:  the  boat — VV. 
W.  (Aiit— leavinj;  loot  ol  Wall  Street  Mondays  and  Thursdays  at  live  in  the  even- 
ing lor  Sa}?  Harbor  (tare,  ;^i. 50),  and  the  cars  from  Hunter's  Point  at  half  past 
seven  in  the  morniny;,  and  at  half  past  three  in  the  atternoon  dare,  $2.75.)  The 
tharpe  for  board  at  Mr.  Pierson's  is  a  dollar  a  day,  or  seven  dollars  a  week, 
with  use  of  a  boat.  The  motiiis  of>i'randi  for  N'oyac  May  shoolinjr  is  either  to  go 
on  the  lonfi  beach  on  Jessup's  Neck,  take  your  station  at  daylif^ht,  and  av\ait 
your  chances  for  shots  at  the  tlij^lus  of  ducks  wh^ch  rcj^'ularly  cross  the  neck  from 
Noyac  Hay  to  the  Little  I'econic  Hay,  or  by  takinf^  a  sail  boat  out  in  the  bay,  or 
a  small  boat,  j;et  in  amonff  thousamls  of  ducks  to  be  seen  eaply  in  the  day  lloatinjj 
on  the  surface  of  the  bay.  After  a  morninjj's  work  at  the  ducks,  you  can  take 
yournun  and  dojif  and  go  into  the  thick  woods  ol  the  back  country  and  get  par- 
tridges and  rabbits. 

There  is  f^ood  trout  fishing  in  Mr.  Barker's  preserve.  Mr.  Sampson's  farm 
adjoins  the  pond  on  the  southeasterly  side,  and  he  has  a  spare  room  for  a  couple 
of  boarders  during  tlie  summer  monllis.  There  is  good  perch  lishing  in  the  mill- 
pond,  and  occasionally  one  may  get  hold  of  a  trout,  but  they  are  scarce.  Permis- 
sion from  Mr.  M  irker  is  recjuired,  to  tish  in  the  pond,  which  he  readily  gives. 
Noyac  is  a  cultivated  strip  ot  land  running  along  the  southerly  shore  of  Little 
Peconic  Hay  from  Sag  Harbor  to  North  Sea.  Once  upon  a  time  the  waters  of  the 
shores  of  Noyac  were  lull  of  game  fish,  but  what  with  seines,  nets  and 
"  pounds  "  they  have  all  been  driven  away,  and  though  the  locality  used  to 
abound  in  biuss,  not  a  Hsh  is  now  to  be  caught  there.  Off  Jessup's  Neck— a  strip 
of  land  covereil  with  cedar  brush  and  full  of  nests  of  mos(iuitoes— there  is  excel- 
lent bluetishing  to  bo  had  in  season,  and  in  the  bay  scollops  abound,  as  also 
excellent  hard  and  sott  clams.  There  are  a  tew  jiorgies  to  be  had  in  the  bay  and 
kingtish  occasionally.  Hack  of  the  cultivated  stri(i  there  are  the  woods,  which 
extend  back  some  four  miles  toward  Hridgehamuton,  and  in  the  watered  [lortion 
woodcock  shooting  is  good  in  season.  In  the  fall  excellent  wild  lowl  shooting  is 
to  be  had  in  the  bay,  anil  for  purposes  of  a  family  sojourn  in  summer  to  parties  lik- 
ing a  very  retired  and  out-of-the-way  country  place,  Noyac  presents  an  attrac- 
tive locality. 

Pntcliogitc  is  a  good  objective  noint  for  sportsmen  on  the  Great  South  Hay. 
Ducks,  (juails  and  partridges  are  snot  in  the  vicinity,  and  in  the  ponds  are  perch 
and  trout.  Tiiere  are  several  boarding  houses  $8  to  $12  per  week.  Take  the 
South  Side  Railroad. 

Peconic.  Cireat  Peconic  Hay,  well  known  for  its  fishing  and  shooting,  is  ou 
the  Long  Island  Railroail,  eighty-eight  miles  from  New  York.  Good  hotels  with 
boats,  guides,  etc. 

Pon  Quonie.  Good  shooting  for  ducks,  geese,  snipe,  etc.  The  route  is  via 
the  Long  Island  Railroad  to  Good  Grounds,  where  a  wagon  may  be  procured  to 
convey  the  sportsman  to  the  shooting  grounds.  Go  to  William  Lane's  at  Good 
Ground,  who  will  furnish  all  necessary  outfit.  t 

Rivcrlicad  (several  hotels),  Smiihville  and  West  Hampton,  all  on  the  Long 
Island  Railroad,  are  good  points  for  ducks,  quail,  and  woodcock  shooting. 

Konki'iikoiiia  Lake,  near  Lakeland  and  Islip,  has  good  perch  lishing.  Heats 
are  to  be  obtained.    Take  the  Long  Island  Railroad. 

Sai^  Harbor  is  one  of  the  cheapest  (ilaces  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York,  for 
boating,  hshing,  gunning,  etc.  Reached  by  the  South  Siile  Railroad,  or  steamer 
\V.  W.  (>oit,  from  foot  of  Wall  Street,  New  York,  fare  $1.50.  Koard  at  several 
places,  $7  per  week.     Inquire  at  Tucker's  Fancy  store.  Sag  Harbor. 

Shelter  Island.  This  island  is  partly  owned  by  a  Company  who  have  a  fine 
hotel,  grounds  laid  out,  and  other  attractions  for  summer  visitors.  During 
December,  ducks  of  nearly  all  kinds,  except  canvas-backs,  can  be  shot  from  an^ 
of  the  lowlands,  by  using  <lecoys.  yuail  are  also  numerous  in  i>laces.  A  steam- 
boat leaves  pier  25  East  River,  N.  Y.  The  island  is  also  reached  by  Long 
Island  Railroad,  Irimi  Hunter's  Point  to  Cireenport  ;  fare  $3.70.  Hotel  accom- 
modations are  good  in  Greenport.    A  row  boat  will  land  the  hunter  oa  Shelter 


GAME  AND  FISH  KE SORTS.  1 29 

Islaml.  in  a  tow  iiiiniiles.  Diuks  swarm  here  to  feed.  Gardiner's  Islnnd  fishinjr 
(;r>)un(ls,  and  IMuni  (int  are  within  ten  hours  sail. 

Southolii^  iu;ir  the  Siinii<l.  is  nitich  visitcci  in  suininiT  lor  Its  tioafinp.  tisliin^;:  and 
gunnin^^.     On  tlie  I-unn  islnnd  Kuad.     The  Soiitiiold  llottd  is  a  nond  liduse. 

li^'i-st  /fiiiii/>toii,  scvcnt\-livi:  mik'S  t'roni  New  Vork,  hv  l-onji  Island  Kuilmad. 
Wild  Kcuse  and  ducks  cDnuiifnce  to  come  in  ()ct(d)cr,  and  remain  uniil  atiout  the 
first  hce/.e,  say  in  iJccx-mtjcr.  Ulack  ducks  come  in  Septcmlier,  snii>e  appi-'ar  tlie 
last  of  An^rust,  and  remain  until  the  ist  of  October.  Ahundance  <if  hluetish  can 
be  caught  either  t)v  trollin^i  or  thiirnini;,  and  all  other  varieties  ot  tish  to  becannht 
in  these  waters.  N'athan  Kavnim's  House,  two  miles  ride  from  depot,  can  accom- 
modate from  one  to  ei^bt  persons.  Hoanl  :fii.so.  Plenty  of  wooden  decoys  and 
tame  wild  jjeese  for  decoys.  The  surrounding  neifihixjrhood  good  (or  t;ame. 
Pond  for  sliooting  within  a  tew  minutes  walk  of  the  house.  The  Sound  in  Novem- 
ber is  otten  covered  with  millions  ut  sea  birils,  coots,  ulewifes,  etc. 

Sitlllran  dmnty — 

Sullivan  and  Ulster  counties  have  been  lonp  famous  for  their  trout  streams. 

I'irst  ainonir  the  streams  of  this  rej^ion,  is  the  far-tamed  Heaverkill.  Near  the 
licail  of  tin'  Meiiverkill  are  several  small  ponds,  some  ol  which  contain  trout,  as 
Malsam  Lake,  Thomas  ])onil,  and  others.  Some  ot  them  also  contain  suntisli  anil 
bullheads. 

l';asi  of  the  lU'avcrkill  and  parallel  with  it  is  the  Willewemoc,  near  its  head  is 
Lake  Willewemoc,  famous  tor  the  size  ol  its  trout  ;  this  pond,  with  Italsam  aiul 
Thomas  ponds,  belong  to  the  \Villewemoc  Club,  and  can  only  be  lislied  b>'  permis- 
sion, which  however,  can  easily  be  (d)tained.  This  stream,  like  the  Heaverkill, 
contains  small  sized  trout  in  lair  numbers.  ICast  of  these  rivers  is  the  Neversink, 
the  finest  river  of  the  whole  re)fion,  althonnh  it  is  also  the  most  persistently  fished. 
It  is  formed  by  two  branches  lliat  iniite  at  Clara ville,  just  on  the  line  between  the 
two  counties.  Kither  branch  is  a  good  sized  trout  brook,  or  river  rather,  about 
fifteen  miles  lon^,  and  they  formerly  contained  an  almost  inexhaustible  supply  of 
fish  ;  nt  present,  liowever.  it  rc(iuiresa  h)njj;  and  patieirt  day's  work,  to  till  even  a 
small  basket.  'I'he  west  branch  of  the  Neversink  has  two  tributary'  streams,  l'"all 
Hrook  and  IJiscuii  lirook,  both  of  these  contain  large  numbers  t)f  small  trout. 
Northeast  of  the  headwaters  of  the  Neversink  are  the  sources  of  the  Konduut. 
There  is  near  the  head  ol  the  Rondout,  a  hamlet  named  Sundown, 

The  Big  Indian,  a  tributary  of  the  Esopus,  rises  a  few  hundred  yards  from  the 
Neversink,  and  lluvving  eight  miles  through  Jiig  Indian  Hollow,  unites  with  th ; 
main  stream. 

North  and  west  of  the  Big  Indian  are  several  streams,  the  best  ar>d  most  cele- 
brated of  which  are  Mill  brook  and  Dry  brook  ;  with  many  smaller  streams,  to  all 
of  which  the  same  tiescription  will  ai)jily  :  they  arc  clear,  cold  mountain  brooks 
that  come  tumbling  over  boulders  aiui  ledges,  and  usmilly  contain  a  fair  supply 
of  small  trout.  Indeed,  all  the  trout  of  this  region,  even  in  the  larger  streams, 
are  small,  from  a  quarter  to  half  a  |)ound  is  a  good  weight,  anything  above  a  half 
is  large.  Take  the  New  York  and  Oswego  Midland  Railroad  from  New  York  to 
Kallsburgh,  thence  a  drive  to  Dewittville,  for  the  Neversink;  and  to  WestfieKl 
Flats,  and  thence  to  Heaverkill,  for  that  stream.  Or  drive  from  Shokan,  on  the 
Ulster  and  Delaware  Railroad,  eighteen  miles  from  Rondout.  The  i)lace  where 
anglers  will  find  the  most  hos|>itabTe  welccmie  is  with  Hailey  Heers,  of  Dewittville, 
known  and  beloved  of  many  anglers,  as  the  oddest  and  best  of  iiuikeepers. 

IVuftshorou^h.  Fine  sport  with  Idack  bass  can  be  had  in  Marston  Pond,  near 
this  place.  Take  the  New  York  and  Oswego  Miilland  Railroad.  Write  to 
George  Olcott  at  Wurtsboro,  who  will  pihjt  and  take  charge  of  visitors. 

White  Lake.  Pickerel,  black  bass  and  trout,  with  an  abundance  of  game,  are 
found  here.  Reached  by  stage  or  private  conveyance  from  Moiiticello.  There 
are  seven  good  hotels,  with  several  private  b(jarding  houses. 

Narrowshurg.  Deer,  ruffed  grouse  and  trout.  Reached  via  the  Erie  Rail- 
road.    There  is  a  hotel  here. 

Shin  Creek,  on  the  banks  of  the  Heaverkill,  eleven  miles  from  Morsston  Station, 
on  the  New  York  and  Oswego  .Midland  Railroad,  is  an  excellent  Iroutmg  centre. 

Eldred.  Good  deer,  and  rulfed  grouse  shooting  and  trout  fishing.  Isaac 
M.  Bradley,  an  old  hunter,  keeps  a  sportsman's  house,  and  guarantees  fine  sport 
in  season. 

Monticello.    Black  and  grey  squirrrel  shooting,  with  many  varieties  of  game 
and  excellent  lishing.    The  route  is  via  the  Erie  Railroad.    There  are  many  hotels  . 
and  boarding  houses  here.     The  country  about  Monticello  is  high,  yet  there  are 
no  grand  mountainous  elevations.    It  is  situated  on  vvhac  is  sometimes  called  "  a 

6* 


I30 


CAME  AND  hlSlI  RESORTS, 


rolling  plateau,"  a  reRion  presenting  many  scenes  which  have  been  highly  extolled 
by  the  |)f>ct  ami  artist. 

/'«//(/  I'.iidv.  Doer  w  ilhin  ten  mill's  of  liere  ;  tiin-c  miles  i)ack  in  the  mountains 
Irom  Pond  Kddy,  next  station  Iroiu  Port  Jervis.  boars.     On  tlio  I'lrie  Road. 

Blooomimilnti-^li  is  a  ^ood  point  lor  woodcoik  and  urousc,  with  a  lew  (|uail. 
It  is  reached  via  rtliddletown,  on  the  ()swc(>;o  Midland  Railroad.  (let  out  at  the 
Tunnel,  and  drive  halt  a  nnle  to  the  village.  Milo  H.  Scalar  entertains 
sportsmen. 

SuMqiu'haiinn   County— 

DuHi/aff.  Black  bass  and  pickerel  in  Crystal  Lake.  Good  accommodations 
can  be lound. 

Tntnjiliinn  Couiitff— 

Ithiiiii.  (irouse,  quail  and  duck.  Ithaca  is  reached  via  steamer  or  rail  from 
Cayuga,  or  via  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western,  and  the  Utica,  Ithaca 
and  Elmira  roads. 

UlHler  (Jountff — 

Rondout.  Black  bass  fishing.  On  the  Hudson  River,  reached  by  rail  or 
steamer  lr<jm  New  V'ork. 

Shokan.     In  the  Park  Swamp  fo,ves  and  vixen  are  shot. 

(Jne  of  tile  best  localities  within  a  fair  distance  of  New  York  for  ruffed  grouse 
shooting  is  called  tlie  (^.annape.  It  is  a  large  extent  of  wild  territory  situatcil 
on  the  northeast  corner  of  Ulster  County.  Take  Hudson  River  Railroad  tor 
Kingston,  whicli  connects  with  the  Ulster  and  Delaware  Railrnad  to  .'■hokan, 
which  is  seventeen  miles.  The  distance  from  Stiokan  to  VVatsoii  Holl<iw  is  seven 
miles.  Stop  overnight  at  ij.  Rockwell's,  who  will  give  every  information  and 
send  a  guide  or  go  himself.  This  coinitry  is  (luitc  unknown  to  the  sportsmen,  as 
we  Hrudv  believe.  There  has  never  been  a  breecli-loader  or  a  setter  within  its 
limits.  The  scenery  is  grand  in  the  extreme,  and  the  berries  which  tiie  ruffed 
grouse  feed  on,  are  very  abundant.  This  territory  is  also  noted  for  its  deep 
mountain  gorge,  at  tlie  head  of  whicli  is  a  beautilid  lake,  tlie  head  waters  of  the 
Bushkill  creek.  It  has  two  outlets,  one  cmi)tying  iiuo  tlie  Esopus  creek,  and 
the  other  in  a  directly  opposite  (piarter,  into  tlie  Sus([uelianna. 

Bears,  panthers  and  wild  cats  are  found  in  the  neighborhood.  Hotel  fa,  pri. 
vate  board  %^  per  week  ;  guides  .'Jj  ;  teams  $5. 

Lake  Mo/tonk  is  located  near  the  summit  of  Sky  Top  mountain,  five  and  one- 
half  miles  from  New  Paltz,  fourteen  and  one-half  miles  west  of  Poughkeepsie, 
cightv-eiglit  miles  from  New  York  City.  The  lake  is  verv  deep  and  abounds  in 
black  blass,  perch,  etc.  The  route  is  via  Erie  Railroad  and  VVallkill  Valley  Branch. 
There  is  a  hotel,  with  boats,  etc. 

Sliandaken.  Bears,  foxes,  ruffed  gr(iusc,  rabbits  ;  trout  in  the  Esopus  and 
other  streams.  Reached  via  the  Ulster  and  Delaware  Railroad.  Board  $1.^0; 
guid'.'S  $2  ;  teams  ^■^. 

Big  Indian.  Bears,  foxes,  rabbits,  squirrels,  woodcock,  ruffed  grouse. 
Reached  via  Ulster  and  Delaware  Railroad.     Board  $1  ;  teams  ;J6. 

Mount  Pleasant.  Bears,  rabbits,  squirrels,  ruffed  grouse  ;  trout  in  the  Esopus, 
Beaverkill  and  other  streams.  Reached  via  the  Ulster  and  Delaware  Railroad. 
Board  $6  to  $10  per  week. 

Kllcn-tdllc.  Excellent  trouting  in  the  vicinity.  Yankee  Pond  is  stocked  with 
trout.  Reached  via  the  New  York  and  Oswego  Midland  Railway.  Board  can 
be  found  in  private  houses,  $8  per  week. 

Warren  County — 

dens  Falls,  (iood  grotind  for  wild  ducks  and  geese  in  the  spring.  Go  via  the 
Delaware  and  Hudson  Canal  Company  Railroad  to  Eort  Edward,  thence  via 
Glens  Falls  Branch. 

Lake  George  has  always  been  famous  for  its  fishing.  Lake  trout,  speckled 
trout,  black  bass,  rock  bass.  Reached  by  rail,  steambofvt  and  stage,  from  all 
directions.     Hotels,  guides,  boats,  and  every  convenience   at  hand. 

Lakf  P/taroy  a  few  miles  west  of  Lake  George,  abounds  in  speckled  trout. 

Wayne  County — 

Savannah.  Two  and  one-half  miles  distant  is  the  Seneca  River.  In  tlie 
meadows  along  its  banks,  arc  snipe,  on  the  river  are  black  ducks,  coots. 
Savannah  is  on  the  New  York  Central  and  Hudson  River  Road. 


GAME  AND  FJS/J  RESOJiTS.  13I 

Soiiun  Hay.  I'ikc,  pic  kcrcl  iiiul  buss  arc  ciiukIU  lierc.  Take  the  Komc,  Water- 
town  and  OKtlensbur^  Kiiiiroiid. 

\'ai»'it  Count  If — 

/'<•««  )'an.  The  birds  are  the  ruffed  p;rouse,  woodcock,  quail, and  wild  ducks, 
and  of  liir-i)carinK  nnimuls,  the  mink,  inuskrnt,  red  tVjx,  grey  squirrel,  ami  j;rcy 
rubbii  are  t-nind.  Hotel  accommodations  ot  an  excellent  character  can  be  I'ound 
at  I'enn  Van.  The  sporlinjj  club  ol  the  county  is  called  the  l*'orrester  Club  of 
V'ates  ("our*  '.  I'enn  Yan  is  on  the  Northern  Central  Railway.  In  Keuka  Lake 
arc  salmon  vrout,  whitetish,  black  bass,  perch,  pickerel,  suckers,  rock  bass,  sun- 
fish  and  bullheads. 


NORTH    CAROLINA. 

Area  50,704  square  miles;  population  1,071,361.  The  State 
may  be  dividec!  into  the  coast  region,  the  middle  country  nnd  the 
mountain  district.  The  coast  line  is  much  broken  by  sounds,  num- 
erous islands  and  broad  bays  and  laj^oons.  The  coast  belt,  extend- 
ing across  from  the  northern  and  southern  boundaries,  and  inland 
eighty  or  one  hundred  miles,  is  a  level  expanse,  partly  sandy  and 
covered  with  pine  barrens,  and  jiartly  marshy  and  swampy  lands. 
The  Great  Dismal  .Swamj),  extending  into  the  State  from  Virginia 
on  the  North,  and  the  Little  Disn)al  lying  between  the  sounds,  are 
the  most  prominent  of  the  numerous  swamps,  which,  throughout 
the  State,  cover  three  million  acres.  Back  of  the  coast  region,  the 
middle  hill  country  gradually  rises  toward  the  west,  until  ii  merges 
into  the  mountains  of  the  Alleghany  Range.  Througliout  the  State 
from  the  marsh  to  the  mountain,  the  sportsman  will  fuid  game  of 
all  the  varieties  common  to  the  Southern  States.  Railroad  and 
steamboat  travel  are  supplemented  by  the  saddle  horse,  a  mode  of 
travel  much  more  in  vogue  among  the  people  of  the  South  than  in 
any  other  part  of  the  country.  Hotels  are  not  alw  ays  to  be  found, 
but  where  these  are  lacking  the  visitor  will  find  such  entertainment 
as  the  country  affords,  proffered  with  characteristic  hospitality. 

JtertUi  Count}/ — 

The  Chowan  and  Roanoke  Rivers,  with  Albemarle  Sound,  arc  excellent  shoot- 
ing grounds  for  geese,  swan,  brant  and  ducks.  The  shooting  grounds  are  acces- 
sible by  boat  or  yacht  from  Colesdam,  Ashland  or  Merry  Hill. 

liruttsivick  County — 

Smithville.    See  Wilmington. 

JiuiH'oiuhe  and  the  A<1jnin.in(i  Counties — 

Tiint  portion  of  the  Stale  lying  west  and  north  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  and  soutl^  of 
the  AUeghanies,  is  known  as  western  North  Carolina.  It  is  about  one  hundred 
and  seventy-five  miles  in  length,  with  an  average  breadth  ol  seventy-live  miles. 
It  embraces  sixteen  counties,  about  seven  thousand  scjuare  miles. 

Tlie  valleys  have  an  average  elevation  of  two  thousand  feet,  and  are  generally 
well  studded  with  farms  and  hamlets,  but  the  mountains  are,  and  for  centurieii  to 
come  will  remain,  wildernesses.  In  them  game  is  abundant,  but  in  the  settle- 
ments it  is  growing  scarce,  owing  to  the  indiflerence  of  the  people  and  law- 
uiakers,  ou  the  subject  of  game  laws. 


4^. 


S^ 


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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


U/ 


Y 


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y. 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


1^  li^ 

12.2 


Mi   lift 

2.0 


1   U^ 


11= 

U    III  1.6 


7 


/A 


^m 


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132  GAME  AiYD  FISH  RESORTS. 

The  valleys  have  each  their  principal  stream  takiiip  its  rise  in  the  northern 
slope  of  tlic  UUie  Ridge,  and  llowing  in  a  northerly  course  through  the  Alle- 
ghanies  into  the  Tennessee  Valley.  All  of  these  streams  are  pretty  well  supplied 
with  fish.  In  some  they  are  very  abundant,  the  pike  and  black  bass  of  the  south, 
both  very  gamy,  being  the  most  desirable.  But  it  is  the  headwaters  and  tribu- 
taries of  these  rivers,  where  the  joy  of  the  angler's  heart— the  speckled  trout— is 
to  be  fountl  in  untold  numbers.  They  are  not  large,  seldom  exceeding  eighteen 
inches  in  length,  and  averaging  not  more  than  nine  ;  but  their  great  number  com- 
pensates for  their  size. 

Asheville  is  well  situated  for  a  starting  point,  being,  geographically,  in  the 
centre  of  the  region.  From  New  York,  or  any  of  the  New  England  or  Eastern 
States,  the  best  route  is  via  Richmond,  Danville,  Salisbury  to  C)ld  Fort,  by  rail, 
thence  across  the  ridge  twenty-four  miles  by  stage,  a  daily  line  connecting  with 
railroad.  From  northwest  via  Louisville,  Nashville,  KnoxviJle  to  Wolf  Creek, 
thence  by  stage  forty-four  miles — a  daily  line.  From  the  south,  either  one  of  the 
routes  mentioned  will  be  lound  convenient. 

nurhi',  iJount\i~ 

Morganton.  Quail,  woodcock,  rabbits,  rail,  deer,  and  other  game  in  the 
vicinity,  with  ^ood  trout  fishing  in  nearly  all  the  mountain  streams  in  Hurke 
County  and  vicmity.  Reached  via  the  Piedmont  Air  Line  to  Salisburv,  thence 
via  the  Western  North  ("arolina  Railroad.  From  the  middle  of  May  till  the  last 
of  June  is  the  season.  For  information,  write  to  R.  L.  Patton,  Morganton. 
The  country  is  hilly  and  mountainous. 

Carteret  County— 

Beaufort  and  Vicinity.  Canada  geese,  brant,  canvas-backs,  redheads,  black, 
and  other  varieties  of  duck,  bay  birds,  curlew,  robin  snipe,  marlin,  gudwits, 
quail  ;  excellent  trolling  for  bluensh.  Reached  via  the  North  Carolina  Railroad 
from  New  Berne  to  Morehead  City,  thence  steamer,  or  via  steamer  from  New 
Vork  or  Baltimore.  See  New  Berne.  Carteret  County  is  level  swamp  lauds  and 
pine  forests. 

Chotvan  Count  if — 

Edenton.  The  Chowan  River  and  Albemarle  Sound  are  the  feeding  grounds 
of  great  numbers  of  swan,  geese,  brant  and  ducks,  and  are  splendid  fishing 
grounds  for  a  variety  of  valuable  and  gamy  fish.  Reached  by  steamers  which 
ply  on  the  sound  and  river.    The  surrounding  country  is  level. 

Clay  Count  If— 

Hayes7>iUc.  The  Hurricane  Branch,  and  the  Little  Hurricane  Branch,  are 
good  trout  streams. 

'■•'-'  .  .  ■ 

Columbua  County —  •     •  _ 

Flemington  is  seventeen  miles  from  Wilmington,  on  the  Wilminf.ton,  Colum- 
bia and  Augusta  Railroad.  There  is  excellent  fishing  and  shooting  on  Lake  Wac- 
camaw.    Good  accommodations  can  be  obtained. 

Craven  County — 

Ne-M  Berne  is  easily  reached  from  New  York  by  rail  or  by  water  direct,  or  by 
water  via  Baltimore  and  Norfolk  steamers.  To  go  to  the  lake  region,  take  the 
cars  at  New  Berne,  on  the  Atlantic  and  North  Carolina  Railroad,  for  Havelock 
Station,  sixteen  miles  distant.  In  the  vicinity  of  Havelock  Station  is  a  heavily 
wooded  country,  vast  pine  uplands,  and  swamps  where  gum,  maple,  and  other 
trees  grow  in  dense  profusion.  Five  miles  from  the  station  is  Lake  Ellis,  a  round 
lake  of  about  three  miles  in  diameter,  and  nearly  connected  witli  it  are  four  or  five 
other  sheets  of  water.  Some  of  these  lakes  are  open  water  ;  others  are  gro\vn  up, 
like  La!e  Ellis,  with  grass,  through  which  a  punt  can  be  easily  pushed.  These 
lakes  are  the  resort  of  thousands  of  wild  geese,  black  ducks,  ancf  mallards,  very 
few  of  any  other  kind  being  found  there.  The  dry  swamp  known  as  Long  Lake, 
to  the  south  and  west  of  the  above  chain  of  ponds,  is  an  excellent  place  to  hunt 
for  bears,  panthers  and  wild  cats.  The  pine  ridges  in  that  vicinity  offer  excellent 
deer  hunting.  As  but  few  persons  about  New  Berne  hunt  in  these  forests,  there 
are  but  few  guides  to  be  had.  Sailing  down  the  Neuse  River  from  New  Berne, 
the  yachtsman  will  pass  several  good  shooting  points,  one  of  which — Slocnm's 
Creek,  about  eighteen  miles  from  the  city— is  a  resort  for  various  species  of  ducks. 
la  those  woods  colored  guides  can  be  had  for  75  cents  to  $1  per  day,  fijading 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  1 33 

themselves  in  provisions.  Black  ducks  and  Canada  geese  are  found  in  large 
numbers. 

Proceeding  down  the  Neuse  River,  the  sportsman  can  have  the  choice  of 
shooting  in  Pamlico  and  f^ovu  Sounds,  at  Harbor  Island,  Hunting  Quarters,  and 
various  other  points,  twenty  miles  apart.  There  is  no  restriction  as  to  tire  hunt- 
ing. There  are  no  "  points  "  held  by  private  parties.  The  hunting  and  shooting 
grounds  ashore  and  on  the  water  are  free  to  any  one  who  may  choose  to  visit  this 
jmrt  of  North  Carolina. 

The  fishing  about  New  Berne  is  of  great  variety  and  excellence,  including 
trout,  drum,  bluetish  and  other  varieties. 

Currituck  Count}/—  '  '   '^     '  ' 

The  grounds  of  the  "  Currituck  Shootincand  Fishing  Club"  are  forty  miles 
south  of  Norfolk,  Virginia,  and  include  Deal's  Islands  and  adjacent  marshes. 
Steamers  run  regularly  from  Norfolk  to  Knott's  Island,  which  is  three  miles  dis- 
tant from  the  Club  grounds.  White  swans,  geese,  ducks,  etc.,  congregate  here 
in  great  numbers. 

The  club  property  runs  from  the  Virginia  line  southerly  about  three  and  a  l'r.;r 
miles,  and  from  the  Atlantic  Ocean  (not  including  the  sand  hills)  westerly  about 
one  and  a  half  miles,  being  separated  from  the  main  land  by  ime  or  two  marsh 
islands,  and  distant  ab^ut  one-quarter  of  a  mile. 

Those  desiring  to  shoot  quail  can  be  satisfied  to  their  hearts'  content,  by  going 
on  the  main  land.  A  couple  of  dollars  paid  to  the  owners  of  these  lands,  will 
afford  immunity  to  the  upland  gunner  for  an  indefinite  period.  In  addition  to 
the  wild-fowl  already  mentioned,  there  are  jack  snipe  and  coons  in  great  numbers 
among  the  marshes,  and  some  good  upland  shooting  on  the  two  hundred  acres  of 
high  grounds  belonging  to  the  club.  The  route  is  via  Norfolk,  rail  or  Ok'.  Do- 
minion Line  of  Steamers.  Sportsmen  can  go  to  the  club-house  where  decoys, 
boats,  gunners,  and  board  will  be  furnished  at  the  rate  of  $3.50  per  day. 

Poplar  Brandt  is  a  headquarters  for  sportsmen.  Ducks,  widgeons,  sprigtails, 
black  and  mallards,  geese,  snipe,  partridges  and  other  varieties  of  game  furnish 
abundant  sport,  while  coon  hunting  is  to  be  had  in  the  vicinity.  The  route  is  as 
above  to  Norfolk,  Va.,  thence  via  river  steamer.  Hoard  can  be  obtained  at  V'an 
Sleyck's  or  D.  W.  Linsey's,  $2  per  day  ;  gunners  $3  ;  boats,  etc.,  at  reasonable 
rates. 

Kttott^s  Island  and  Currituck  Sound.  Between  the  headwaters  of  Currituck 
Sound,  otherwise  known  as  the  Back  Hay,  and  the  outside  ocean  beach  is  a  des- 
olate sand  flat,  known  to  residents  and  to  sportsmen  as  "  The  Sand."  This 
almost  desert  extends  north  and  south  a  do/en  or  more  miles  in  length,  ranging 
in  width  from  half  a  mile  to  two  or  three,  and  its  inner  edge,  from  Chesapeake 
Bay  along  the  sounds  and  creeks  that  indent  the  coast  to  Currituck  inlet,  is  the 
great  resort  and  feeding  ground  of  various  species  of  ducks,  comprising  canvas- 
back,  black  duck,  widgeon,  sprig-tail,  teal,  red-head,  broad  bill,  etc.,  also  geese 
and  swans  in  profusion.  Route  as  above  via  Norfolk  steamers.  Time  from 
New  Vork,  thirty  hours  ;  fare  for  round  trip  $24.  Cost  per  day  for  man,  decoys, 
skiffs  and  marshes  $5.    Season  lasts  till  Feb.  15th.    Board  at  J.  White's  f  1.50. 

DatHilson  County— 

Thomasville.  Wild  turkeys  and  other  game  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via 
Richmond  and  Danville  Railroad.  The  surface  of  the  county  is  diversified  by  hills 
and  valleys. 

Oranvllle  County —  •  -  r.     .  . 

Kittrell.  Quail  in  abundance.  Reached  in  thirty  hours  from  New  York  via 
Baltimore  ;  steamer  to  Portsmouth  ;  Seaboard  and  Roanoke  Railroad  to  Weldon  : 
Raleigh  and  Gaston  Railroad  to  Kittrell.  Good  hotel  accommodations  at  Colonel 
Davis  s  house.  Horses  and  wagons  furnished  at  the  hotel.  The  surface  of  the 
county  is  undulating  and  hilly. 

Guilford  County — 

Greensborough.  Good  quail  shooting  with  a  variety  of  game  in  the  surround- 
ing country.  Reached  s'ia  the  Piedmont  Air  Line  Railroad,  one  hundred  and 
eighty  miles  from  Richmond.  The  sutlace  of  the  county  is  undulating  and  in 
many  portions  covered  by  aense  forests.    ...  ,;,,  ■      •    •     r  'Ta-^    -■. 

Halifax  County — 

Vyeldon  Is  a  good  centre  for  the  sportsman.    Deer,  wild  turkeys  and  quail  are 


134 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


abundant  in  the  vicinity.  The  game  is  so  near  one  can  start  in  the  morning  after 
breakfast  from  the  hotel  and  return  to  a  four  o'cloclc  dinner,  with  the  certainty  of 
seeing  at  least  one  deer,  and  generally  of  bringing  one  in.  Twenty  miles  down 
the  Roanoice  River  they  are  more  abundant  still,  bnt  one  has  no  need  to  go  so  far. 

For  wild  turkeys  the  ground  down  the  Roanoke,  or  on  the  other  side  opposite 
Weldon,  is  better.  The  surrounding  country  can  be  easily  reached  from  Weldon, 
either  by  rail  or  the  Roanoke  River.  On  the  latter  are  two  lines  of  boats  which 
make  trips  down  the  river  about  twice  a  week.  A  party  can  take  a  cook  and 
servants,  and  all  the  necessaries  from  the  Weldon  Hotel.  A  slay  of  a  week 
would  be  rewarded  by  many  deer,  and  wild  turkeys  in  abundance. 

A  boat  is  a  necessity  to  enable  sportsmen  to  hunt  either  side  of  the  river. 
There  are  several  small  places  on  the  Roanoke  where  one  can  be  accommodated, 
and  from  which  daily  excursions  can  be  made.  Weldon  is  easily  accessible  by 
rail.  Leaving  New  York  City,  via  the  Pennsylvania  road  at  3  p.  m.,  Weldon  is 
reached  in  tune  for  breakfast  the  next  day.  The  Weldon  Hotel  is  a  favorite 
house  with  sportsmen.  An  introduction  from  its  proprietors,  Messrs.  McLaurie 
and  Russell,  secures  in  the  neighborhood  every  attention  and  facility  for  hunting. 

Halifax.    Deer  and  small  game  are  abundant  within  a  short  distance  from  the 
town.    Reached  via  the  Wilmington  and  Weldon  Railroad,  and  by  river  steamer. 
Good  accommodations  can  be  secured  for  $1.50  and  $2  per  day  ;  teams  $2  ;  guides 
75  cents. 
Haywood  County— 

Mt.  Sterling.    The  Big,  Catalouche,  and  Jonathan's  Creeks,  tributaries  of  the 
Big  Pigeon  River,  are  excellent  trout  streams.    Reached  via  East  Tennessee,     • 
Virginia  and  Georgia  Railroad  to  Morristown,  thence  via  Cincinnati,  Cumber- 
land Gap  and  Charleston  Railroad  to  Clifton,  thence  by  good  turnpike  thirty-four 
miles  to  Mt.  Sterling.    Stop  with  B.  P.  Hopkins.    Country  mountainous. 

McDowell  Cotmty —  ' 

Marion  is  a  small  village  among  the  mountains  and  in  an  excellent  quail  coun- 
try, with  good  trout  fishing  in  the  streams.  The  route  is  via  the  Western  North 
Carolina  Railroad. 

Mitchell  County— 

Black  Mountain.  This  region  is  quite  famous  for  bears,  and  there  are  deer, 
ruffed  grouse,  wild  turkeys,  squirrels,  and  speckled  trout.  Go  to  Johnson's  City, 
Tenn.,  via  the  East  Tennessee  Virginia  and  Georgia  Railroad. 

Moore  County — 

Caledonia,  on  the  Roanoke,  ten  miles  from  Halifax,  is  an  excellent  centre  for 
deer  and  small  game.  Expenses  about  the  same  as  those  of  Halifax.  Excellent 
shooting  all  along  the  Roanoke  River  in  this  vicinity. 

Ifcw  Hanover  County — 

Wilmineton.  On  the  Cape  Fear  River  below  Wilmington,  and  in  the  vicinity 
of  SmithvilTe  is  good  swan,  goose,  brant,  duck  and  snipe  shooting.  Reached  via 
the  Carolina  Central,  the  Wilmington,  Columbia  and  Augusta,  or  the  M'^ilmington 
and  Weldon  Railroads,  also  by  boats  from  New  York.  The  surrounding  country 
is  level. 

Xorthatnpton  County — 

Gnrysburgh  is  a  good  place  for  the  sportsman  to  stop,  and  is  three  miles  from 
Weldon  on  the  railroad  to  Norfolk.  The  proprietor  of  the  hotel,  W.  P.  Kee, 
knows  all  the  best  stands  for  deer,  and  where  every  gang  of  turkeys  works 
around  him.  He  owns  the  hunting  privilege  on  about  ten  thousand  acres  of  land, 
and  makes  it  his  business  during  the  winter  months  to  hunt  with  sportsmen,  or 
alone.    See  Weldon. 

I'itt  County — 

The  Tar  River,  flowing  through  Pitt  and  Beaufort  Counties  and  emptying  into 
Pamlico  Sound,  is  the  resort  of  thousands  of  geese,  swan,  ducks,  brant,  etc. 
Reached  by  boat  trom  Pamlico  Sound,  or  via  Tarborough. 

Hichntond  County—  :' 

Lawrinburgh.  Deer,  wild  turkeys  and  other  game  in  abundance.  Reached 
via  the  Carolina  Central  Railroad.  No  good  hotel.  The  surface  of  the  country 
is  undulating.  *•  , 


GAME  AND  FISH  HESOHTS.  1 35 

Stokea  County—  ''  '       ' 

Bi^  Creek.  A  variety  of  fishing  and  hunting  in  the  surrounding  country. 
Stop  at  B.  P.  Hopkins'.  Reached  by  drive  from  Greensboro.  The  country  is 
hilly. 

Warren  County— 

Manson  is  an  excellent  quail  locality.  Go  via  the  Raleigh  and  Gaston  Railroad. 


OHIO. 

The  surface  of  Ohio,  extending  over  an  area  of  39,946  square 
miles,  is  a  plateau  which  reaches  its  greatest  elevation  in  Logan 
County.  There  is  a  ridge  of  highlands  north  of  the  middle  of  the 
State  which  forr" .  the  water  ridge,  which  with  a  second  ridge,  south 
of  this,  are  the  only  ones  worthy  of  mention.  The  surface  is  farther 
diversified  by  the  deeply  eroded  river  valleys,  with  their  high  bluffs, 
and  by  numerous  stretches  of  forest  land.  The  State  was  once  the 
range  of  much  large  game,  which  has  now,  however,  almost  en- 
tirely disappeared.  The  sport  is  therefore  confined  to  bird  shoot- 
ing, and  fishing.  .  , 

Aufflnize  County — 

Saint  Mary's.  The  Reservoir,  an  artificial  sheet  of  water,  containing  seven- 
teen thousand  acres,  built  as  a  feeder,  aflFords  as  fine  wild  fowl  shooting  as  can  be 
found  in  the  State.  Take  the  Dayton  and  Michigan  Railway  to  Wapakonetta, 
thence  wagon. 

Ashtabula  County — 

Jefferson.  In  this  vicinity  are  found  squirrels,  quail,  woodcock,  rabbits,  very 
plenty,  red  foxes,  wild  turkeys  and  deer.  Take  Franklin  Division  of  the  Lake 
Shore  and  Michigan  Southern. 

Ashtabula.  Snipe,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcof;k,  wild  ti-rkey.  Reached  via  the 
Lake  Shore  Railroad. 

Conneaut.  Excellent  fishing  in  Lake  Erie  and  in  the  Conneaut  River,  for 
bass,  pike,  perch,  whitefish,  and  mascalonge  in  the  river.  Good  shooting  for 
ducks,  squirrels,  and  partridges.  Conneaut  is  on  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan 
Southern  Railroad,  twenty-eight  miles  west  from  Erie,  Penn. 

Lenox.  Quail,  ruffed  grouse,  wild  pigeons,  wild  turkeys,  grey  and  black 
squirrels. 

Belmont  County— 

Bellaire.  Good  quail  shooting  in  the  Ohio  River  bottoms.  Reached  via  Bal- 
timore and  Ohio,  or  Cleveland  and  Pittsburg  Railroad. 

Columbiana  County — 

East  Liverpool.  Quail  and  ruffed  grouse  are  numerous.  Take  the  Cleveland 
and  Pittsburg  Railroad. 

New  Lisbon.  Black  bass,  qiiaii  and  grouse  abundant.  Take  the  Atlantic  and 
Circat  Western  Railway  from  Cleveland  to  Niles,  thence  Niles  and  New  Lisbon 
Branch.  ,.,;   ,  ;  ,    :  ...  ;    _        ,..  .;     /,  ^^   -    ■.•    •  ■ 

Cuyahoga  County — 

Cleveland.  The  Hones  Point  Club,  of  Cleveland,  has  one  of  the  finest  duck- 
ing grounds  on  Lake  Erie,  and  the  ducking  season  commences  on  the  ist  of  Sep- 
tember. The  rendezvous  is  only  a  hundred  miles  from  Cleveland,  and  ducks  are 
plentiful. 


136 


CAME  AND   F/S//  A'FSOA'/'S. 


Deflanee  County—  » 

Rabbits  are  abundant,  and  of  good  quality  throughout  the  county.  Stop  at 
any  ol  the  stations  on  the  line  of  the  Baltimore  and  Oiiiu,  or  the  Toledo,  Wabash 
and  Western  Railroads. 

Delaware  Count f/— 

Lewis  Center,  yuail  and  turkeys.  Reached  via  the  Cleveland,  Columbus, 
Cinciniiiiti  and  Indianapolis  Railroad,  sixteen  miles  from  Columbus.  No  hotels, 
though  board  can  be  obtained  in  the  village. 

.Erie  County— 

Sandusky.  (}ood  duck  shooting  on  the  marshes.  Reached  via  the  Lake  Shore 
and  Michigan  Southern,  the  Haltimore  and  Ohio,  or  the  Cincinnati,  Sandusky  and 
Cleveland  Railroad. 

KeUey's  Island,  in  Lake  Erie,  is  the  headquarters  for  black  bass  anglers,  from 
Cincinnati,  Covington,  I'ittsburg,  Columbus  and  {'leveland,  and  may  be  reached 
by  boat  from  Sandusky  or  Cleveland.  Hotel  accommodations  at  Jacob  Rash's 
house,  $2  ner  day. 

Put-in-Hay  and  Point  au  Pelee  Islands,  arc  also  favorite  resorts.  Point  au 
Pelee,  about  twenty-five  miles  from  Sandusky,  and  inst  across  Uncle  Sam's 
boundary,  is  a  locality  that  cannot  be  excelled  for  its  black  bass  tishing.  It  is 
accessible  easily  from  Buffalo,  Cleveland  and  Sandusky.  Hotel  accommoda- 
tion is  poor,  but  the  camping  ground  is  superb.  Minnows  are  used  for  bait,  and 
the  bass  are  not  known  to  take  the  fly  except  by  trolling.  If  desired,  splendid 
accommodations  can  be  had  at  Put-in-Hay,  fourteen  miles  distant,  and  a  steam 
tug  will  take  you  to  and  from  the  tishing  ground  each  day.  We  are  rather  in- 
clined to  recommend  this  place  to  the  luxurious  angler  who  does  not  care  to  rough 
it  in  the  bush,  for  superior  tishing  is  rarely  found  in  connection  with  the  comforts 
of  civilization.  Moreover,  si)lendid  duck  shooting  can  be  enjoyed  here  in  the  fall, 
as  there  are  about  live  thousand  acres  of  marsh  land  covered  with  wild  rice,  upon 
which  the  mallard  feed,  and  any  bungler  can  bag  from  ten  to  twenty  of  an  after- 
noon. There  is  also  fox  hunting,  if  the  sportsman  will  only  bring  hi'.v  hounds^ 
for  the  island  is  full  of  red  foxes.  The  best  time  for  an  excursion  is  the  middle 
of  the  months  of  May  and  September.  Taken  all  in  all,  the  Point  au  Pelee  is 
exceptionally  attractive.  The  South  Side  Dock  is  the  best  place  to  go  to  ;  better 
accommodations,  but  you  have  to  fish  in  boats.  The  best  point  to  obtain  men  is 
at  Putin-Bay.  West  Dock  is  the  best  part  for  ducking  and  hshing  combined,  as 
you  are  near  the  marsh.  For  information,  address  Robert  McCormick,  Kings- 
ville,  Ontario,  Canada,  the  nearest  post  office  for  South  Side  ;  Walter  Grubb,  or 
Dr.  McCormick,  Kelley's  Island,  Ohio. 

Huron  County— 

The  extensive  marshes  surrounding  the  Great  Pigeon  Roost  in  the  Western 
part  of  this  county,  accessible  from  Attica,  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad, 
IS  a  grand  shooting  place  for  ducks,  mallards,  shovelers,  pintails,  redheads  ami 
teal. 

tTackson  County — 

Byers  Siaiion.  Rabbits,  pheasants,  and  quail.  The  country  is  too  hilly  and 
the  brush  too  thick  and  high  for  b-iccessful  hunting. 

TLicking  County  — 

Newark.  Situated  about  ten  miles  from  this  city  is  the  Licking  Reservoir,  a 
noted  place  of  resort  for  sportsmen  in  this  vicinity,  as  well  as  abroad.  This  res- 
ervoir is  a  sheet  of  water  covering  about  five  to  six  thousand  acres,  abounding  m 
good  fishing  and  hunting.  Black  bass,  pickerel,  sunfish,  and  Lake  Erie  bass,  wild 
ducks  and  quail  are  found  in  this  locality.  There  are  three  hotels  ;  cost  of 
board  from  $1.50  to  $3  per  day.  Boats  at  all  of  these  places  for  50  cents  per  day  ; 
man  to  row  for  .52.  It  is  reached  from  Newark  by  rail  for  25  cents,  or  by  team  for 
%l  per  day.  Fishing  season,  April,  i»Iay  and  June— best  in  last  two  months. 
Hunting  from  October  1st  through  the  fall.  Rolling  country.  One  hotel  is 
located  on  the  line  of  the  Newark,  Somerset  and  Straitsville  Railroad  ;  other  ho- 
tels reached  by  teams  ;  they  a^e  kept  open  the  year  through.  Newark  is  on  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio,  and  the  Pittsburg,  Cincinnati  and  St  Louis  Railroads. 

IJogan  County — 

HuHtsviile.    Duck,  snipe  and  quail  shooting  excellent  at  the  Reservoir.    Take 


GAAfR  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  1 37 

the  Cincinnati.  Sandiisliy  and  (Mcveland  I'iailroad,  seventy-one  miles  frmn 
Cleveland,  or  liie  I'ittsburu,  l''()it  Wayne  and  ('hicajjo  Railroad,  (ioin^;  from 
Pittsburjr  take  the  latter  railroad  at  Forest,  and  thani!;e  cars  to  (riucinnati,  San- 
dusky and  Dayton  Railroad  to  Ihintsvillc  thence  a  ride  of  five  miles  to  the  Res- 
ervoir. ln(iuire  tor  William  Ilornberuer.  Hoard  $1  ;  bouts  and  guides  to  be 
had.  .  '  ^ 

Medina  County— 

Afeiihin.  Ruffed  grouse,  quail,  woodcock,  mallard,  teal  and  wood-ducks. 
Black  bass  are  abundant  in  a  lake  four  miles  from  town.  Reached  via  the  L.  S, 
and  T.  V.  Railroad. 

Chippewa  Lake.  Quail,  woodcock,  ducks  ;  black  and  spotted  bass  at  Chippe- 
wa Lake.  Reached  via  the  Cleveland,  Tuscarawas  Valley  and  Wheeling  Rail- 
road.    Private  board  |i  per  day  ;  teams  $5.    Country  rolling. 

I'erry  County — 

S)i>ierset.  Quail  and  ruffed  grouse  abundant.  Reached  via  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  Railroad.    Good  hotel  accommodations  at  moderate  prices. 

Seneca  County— 

Republic.  Squirrel  shooting  is  good  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Balti- 
more and  Ohio  Railroad. 

Tiffin.  Deer,  turkeys  and  ruffed  grouse  are  found  in  the  "  Big  Woods."  Quail 
are  plenty  in  the  vicinity.  Tiflin  is  reached  via  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio,  the  Cin- 
cinnati, !?>an(lusky  and  Cleveland,  or  the  Mansfield,  C3oldwater  and  Lake  Michi- 
gan Railroads. 

Stark  County— 

Alliance.  Foxes  are  numerous  in  winter,  quail,  ruffed  prouse  ;  black  bass, 
pike,  ranging  in  weifrht  from  one  to  five  pounds.  Reached  via  the  Cleveland  and 
Pittsburg,  and  the  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago  Railroads. 

Summit  County— 

Hudson.  Woodcock,  snipe,  sora,  Carolina  and  Virginia  rail,  pigeons  at  times 
in  great  quantities.  Reached  via  the  Cleveland  and  Pittsburg,  or  the  Cleveland, 
Mount  Vernon  and  Columbus  Railroad. 

Macedonia  Depot.  Ducks,  geese,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock,  snipe.  Shooting 
grounds,  Riley's  Lake  and  Cuyahoga  River.  Reached  via  Cleveland  and  Pitts- 
burg Railroad,  twenty  miles  Irom  Cleveland.  Hotel  and  private  board,  $1  per 
day  ;  boats  to  be  hired. 

Tuscnvawas  County— 

Nfu>  Philadelphia.  Quail,  woodcock,  etc.  ;  fishing  in  the  Tuscarawas  River. 
Reached  via  the  ("leveland,  Tuscarawas  and  Wheeling  Railroad. 

IVIlUnnis  County — 

Bryan.  The  "  big  woods,"  afford  good  deer  hunting.  Take  the  Lake  Shore 
and  Michigan  Southern  Railroad. 

Wood  County— 

Tonto^any.    In  the  rapids  of  the  Maumee  River,  two  miles  from  here,  excel- 
lent rock  and  black  bass  fishing.    Take  the  Dayton  and  Michigan  Railroad,  dis-     < 
tance  from  Toledo,  twenty-two  miles.    Boats  and  boatmen  on  hand.    Fly  fishing 
in  May  and  June,  after  that  time  minnows  for  bait. 


OREGON. 


The    State  of    Oregon    embraces  an   area  of  95,274   square 
miles,  and  is  the  least  populated  territory  in  the  United  States,  the 


138  GAME  AND   FISH  RESOKTS. 

population  being  confined  almost  exclusively  to  the  Willamette 
Valley,  The  Cascade  Mountains,  in  the  centre,  divide  the  State 
and  with  other  ranges  give  to  the  surface  distinctively  a  mountain- 
ous character.  Deep  canons,  snow-capped  mountains  and  rapid 
dashing  streams  arc  the  striking  physical  features  of  Oregon.  The 
game  of  the  Pacific  slope  is  tound  in  abundance  through  the 
State:  grizzly  and  black  bears,  panthers,  wild  cats,  grey  wolves, 
coyotes,  mountain  sheep,  elk,  black-tail  deer,  antelope,  swans, 
geese,  brant,  and  other  varieties  of  animals  and  birds.  The  rivers 
and  streams  abound  in  salmon,  cod,  halibut,  sturgeon,  herring, 
smelts,  etc..  and  these  fisheries  constitute  one  of  the  most  import- 
ant industries  of  the  State. 

Clntaop  County — 

Astoria.  Clatsop  Beach  is  a  favorite  summer  resort.  The  came  comprises 
deer,  elk,  black  bears,  grouse,  doves  and  quail.  Reached  via  the  Pacilic  Coast 
line  of  steamers  from  San  Francisco.  For  other  routes  see  Jacksonville,  Jackson 
County.     Board  at  the  hotel  f  15  per  week. 

Jackson  County— 

JacksflnviUe.  In  the  mountains  are  deer,  bears,  elk,  and  other  pame,  rabbits 
ill  the  hcUls,  and  fine  trouting  in  the  streams.  A  favorite  resort  for  Jacksonville 
people  is  Volcano  Lake  in  the  Cascade  Mountains. 

To  this  part  of  Oregon  there  are  three  routes.  The  first  is  to  leave  the  cars  at 
Kelton,  Utah,  and  take  the  stage  through  the  artemisia  plains  of  Idaho,  and  the 
bunch-grass  plateaus  of  Washington  'I  erritory  ;  the  next  is  to  go  by  rail  to  San 
Francisco,  thence  take  the  steamer  north  ;  and  the  third  is  to  puss  through  Cali- 
fornia overland  by  stage  and  rail,  and  enter  Oregon  from  the  south.  The  former 
is  the  most  tedious ;  the  next  the  most  comfortable,  and  the  third  the  most 
interesting. 

Josephine  County— 

Grove  Creek.  Bears,  deer  and  panthers  numerous  :  mountain  trout.  Fifly- 
four  miles  from  Roseburg,  the  southern  terminus  of  trie  Oregon  and  California 
Railroad.     Daily  stage  connection.     Board  $7  per  week.     Mountainous  country. 

Union  County — 

La  Grande.  Bears,  deer,  elk,  mountain  sheep,  jack  rabbits,  geese,  ducks,  sage 
hens ;  pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse  ;  salmon,  mountain  trout.  La  Grande  is  four 
hundred  miles  from  Kelton,  on  the  Central  Pacific  Railroad.  Board  75  cents  to 
$1.  A  valley  surrounded  by  undulating  prairies,  and  heavily  timbered  moun- 
tains. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 

This  State,  embracing  an  area  of  43,000  square  miles,  presents 
a  great  variety  of  surface.  The  eastern  and  central  parts  are  tra- 
versed by  parallel  ranges  of  the  Appalachian  Chain  which  here  at- 
tains a  width  of  two  hundred  miles.  The  western  sections  of  the 
State  are  broken  and  hilly.  The  mountain  regions  are  covered  by 
extensive  forest  lands  which  are  the  abode  of  much  large  game,  and 
where  are  to  be  found  some  of  the  most  picturesque  trouting  streams 
in  the  world.    The  natural  attractions  of  these  regions,  the  numerous 


CAME  AXD  /'J  SI/  HE  sours.  \y) 

and  well  appointed  railroads  and  highways,  rendering  them  easy 
of  access  troin  the  great  cities,  and  the  comfortable  accommoda- 
tions usually  found  in  summer,  all  conspire  to  place  the  mountain 
counties  of  Pennsylvania  among  the  most  popular  sportsmen's 
resorts  of  the  Middle  States. 
Alleffhenff  Countf/— 

Clinton.  At  the  junction  of  Conequcncssinu  Creek  and  Beaver  Creek  near 
Clinton,  is  a  good  iiutel  for  snortsnmn.  yu.iil,  jjrousc  and  squirrels  are  there 
found.  On  the  Erie  anil  Pittsuurg  and  tiic  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chicago 
Railroads. 

Artn.stronf/  County— 

Leechl'ur^h.     Ouail,  partridge,  scjuirrels  ;  bass,  pike.     Reached  via  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroair    Hoard  $i  |)er  day,  $5  per  week  ;  teams  %^  per  day. 
Oakland.     Good  trout  fishing.     Reached  same  as  HenryviUe,  above.* 

J{ent<t'r  Couuti/ — 

Ni"!u  Brighton.  Woodcock  and  rulTed  grouse.  Reached  via  the  Pittsburg, 
Fort  Wayne  and  ("hicago  Railroad. 

Baden.  Grey  squirrels,  hares  and  partridges,  especially  abundant  in  the 
vicinity  of  Raccoon  Creek.  Reached  via  the  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  and  Chi- 
cago Railroad. 

Jiedford  (Jounty— 

Bedford.  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  rulTed  grouse,  quail,  woodcock,  trout,  black 
bass.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania,  or  Huntingdon  and  Broad  Top  Railroads. 
Hotels.    Country  mountainous. 

It^oodlrury.    Good  snipe  shooting  on  the  meadows. 

Hopewell.  Cirouse  and  pheasants.  Take  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  to  Hunt- 
ingdon, thence  via  the  Huntingdon  and  Broad  Top  Road. 

JU't'ka  Coitntif— 

Hamhur;^.  Rabbits,  wild  pigeons,  turkevs,  pheasants,  partridges,  quail,  etc., 
afford  good  siiooting.     IIanib\irg  is  on  the  Philadelphia  and  Reading  Ilailroad. 

Reading.  Black  bass  fishing  in  the  Delaware  from  here  to  Manayunk,  espe- 
cially good  at  Flat  Rock  Dam. 

Albany.  Blue  Mountain  is  an  excellent  hunting  ground  for  wildcats,  deer, 
foxes  and  grouse. 

Jilatv  County — 

Altoona  is  at  the  base  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains.  Bears,  deer,  wild  turkeys, 
pigeons,  partridges,  s(piirrcls,  and  other  game  are  found  in  the  mountains,  while 
the  streams  abound  in  trout.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  There 
are  good  hotels  $2  to  .$3.50  ;  guides  $2  to  $j.  The  Bulls  (lap  Run,  and  Kittan- 
ning  Point  are  favorite  camping  grounds. 

\Villia)nsburgh.  Bear,  deer,  wild  turkey,  partridge,  woodcock,  squirrel; 
trout,  pike  and  blaqk  bass.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotel  $5 
per  week  ;  teams  $1.50  to  $2  per  day.     Mountainous  country. 

Hollidaysbnrgh.  Black  bass  arid  ducks  are  quite  plentiful  in  the  old  canal 
reservoir.  Deer,  rabbits  and  other  game  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad. 

Tyrone.  Deer,  ruffed  grouse,  (juail  and  woodcock.  Six  miles  out  on  the  Clear- 
tiold  Railroad  is  the  best  locality  tor  trout.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road. The  City  Hotel  $1.50  per  da>  ,  private  board  $5  per  week  ;  guides  $1.50  to 
$2  per  day.    The  country  mountainous  and  well  suited  to  camping  out. 

At  Munson's  Cove,  fifteen  miles  south  of  the  Martinsburg  branch  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad,  are  found  partridges,  pheasants  and  woodcock. 

liradford  County— 

To-wanda.  Good  quail  and  grouse  shooting.  Take  the  Lehigh  V^alley  Road. 
JinchH  County — 

Riegels7/ille,  Excellent  black  bass  fishing  in  the  Delaware.  Reached  by  the 
New  Jersey  Central  Railroad  to  Easton,  and  thence  eight  miles  down  the  Belvi- 


140  GAME  AXD   tlSll  KE SORTS. 

dcrc-Dclawnre  Railroad,  or  by  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  to  Trenton,  and  thence 
up  the  Uclvi<lure-l)i"la\vuru  Railroad. 

Quakittown.  Rabbits,  s(juirrels,  pheasants,  partridRes,  woodcock.  Reached 
via  the  North  I'etiiisylvnnia,  or  the  I'ittsliura;,  Fort  Wayne  and  C!hica|!;o  Railroad. 

Sellersvill,'.  yiiail,  riillcd  grouse,  vvooiUoik.  Tiic  country  is  direttiy  in  the 
line  ot  liic  mi^,'ral(»rv  .vnudcock.  Take  the  North  Pennsylvania,  a  ride  ot  '.liirty- 
one  miles  troin  Philadelphia. 

Mount  J'lcasiint.     See  Mount  Pleasant,  New  Jersey, 

New  Hope.     Hlack  bass  tishiiij{  in  the  Delaware  River. 

Butler  Count!/— 

Hutler.  Wild  ducks,  geese,  partridges,  quail,  squirrels  and  black  bass. 
Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  lioard  $i  to  %i  per  day,  $}  to  $io  per 
week.    Country  hilly  ami  rolling. 

Cambria   County— 

Con'emaugh.  Ducks  are  abundant  in  season.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad. 

Khensbur^h.  Panthers,  wildcats,  bars,  deer,  foxes  :  turkeys,  ruffed  grouse; 
trout.  Readied  via  the  Kbensburg  branch  of  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotels 
and  private  board,  50  cents  to  $3.     Mountainous  country. 


Cameron  County- 

Einporium.  Trout  in  Potter,  McKean,  Cameron  and  Clinton  Cotintics  art' 
Ibund  in  f  lir  (quantity  in  the  small  tributaries  ol  the  large  streams,  such  as  I'ine, 
Kettle  and  Drillwood  Creeks,  which  are  near  the  head  waters  of  the  Siiinamalio- 
ning  River.  Emporium  is  a  good  point  to  start  from  ;  the  route  is  by  the  Philadel- 
nhiii  and  Erie  Railroad.  These  counties  are  the  best  in  the  State  for  hunting  and 
fishing.  Hotel  board,  $2  ;  guides  $1.50,  and  tbund  ;  teams  $3  to  $5.  Provide 
camping  outHt.    The  country  is  hilly. 

Sinnamahonin^.  Deer,  bears,  foxes,  wolves,  grouse,  with  trout  fishing. 
Reached  via  the  Philadeli)hia  and  Erie  Railroad.  A  comfortable  hotel  is  kept  by 
J.  M.  Shafl'er,  $1.50.  A  line  pack  of  hounds,  with  guide,  teams  etc.,  can  here  be 
tbund,  $5  per  day.  The  country  is  broken  into  narrow  detiles  and  steep  ridges, 
and  the  prevailing  mode  of  deer  hunting  is  to  drive  with  dogs. 

Carbon  County — 

Pe>in  Haven.  Stony  Creek,  accessible  from  this  point,  is  a  famous  trouting 
stream.  Take  the  Lehigh  Valley  Railroad.  In  Carbon,  Luzerne  and  Sullivan 
Counties  are  extensive  forestsof  hemlock,  spruce  and  pine  in  which  deer,  bear, etc., 
are  still  found  in  large  numbers.  The  swamps  and  lakes,  of  which  there  are  many, 
afford  good  sport.    Rulfed  grouse,  quail,  etc.,  are  quite  plenty. 

Centre  County — 

Fhilipsbiirgh.,  among  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  is  a  good  centre  for  bear  and 
deer  hunting  and  trout  fishing.  Reaclied  via  the  Pennsylvania,  and  Allegheny 
Valley  Railroads.     Hotel,  $2  ;  guides  $3.     Provide  camping  outfit. 

Belle/ontc.  Deer,  ruffed  grouse  ;  trout.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road. Hoard  at  hotel  or  private  house,  $2.50  per  week.  The  Seven  Mountains 
and  other  well  known  hunting  and  fishing  resorts  are  easily  accessible. 

Chester  County— 

Phirnixviiie.    Good  black  bass  fishing.    Reached  via  the  Reading  Railroad. 

Doivningtou>n.  RulTed  grouse,  quail,  woodcock,  trout.  Reached  via  the 
Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotels  $2  ;  private  board  $1.50;  teams  $3  to  $4.  Hilly 
country. 

Clearfield  County— 

Curwinsville.  Black  bass  are  caught  in  the  river.  The  Susquehanna  River 
bottoms  are  good  grounds  for  deer. 

Clearfield.  Deer,  an  occasional  bear,  ruffed  grouse,  quail,  trout  in  the  moun- 
tain streams,  and  black  bass  in  Clearfield  Creek.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad.  Hoard  at  the  hotels  $3  to  $3,  guides  at  reasonable  rates, and  log  lodges 
lor  sportsmen  in  the  hunting  and  fishing  regions. 


CAME  AND  FISH  REHOKTS.  I4I 

Lock  Havi-H,  amdnur  tlic  Allep;henies,  is  a  summer  resort  much  freqiientefl  for 
its  scenery  iiiul  the  tine  lisliiiiK  utui  shooting  toiiiul  in  the  iieiKhl)orhw(i(l.  In  ull 
the  streams  to  the  nortliwest  trout  are  plenty.  Reached  via  the  Pliiladelphia  un<i 
Erie  Kuilroad.     (looil  summer  hotels. 

Hyner  atui  l\,-no',<o,  on  the  Philadelphia  and  Kric  Division  o(  the  I'ennsylvania 
Railroad,  are  in  the  midst  of  the  ^xmwV  pine  lorest  re^;ions  of  Northern  Pennsyl- 
vania. The  woods  all  about  at>otind  in  Kame,  the  streams  in  brook  trout  and 
other  varieties.  The  Susfjuehannft  alone  has  thirtv-one  varieties.  Near  Hyner 
is  Youiic  'Woman's  Town,  which  has  the  wildest,  crookedest  stream  of  the  same 
name.  Kettle  (reek  is  another  very  beautitui  and  romantic  stream.  'I'he  Short 
Hend  on  this  stream  is  a  lovely  spot,  not  far  trom  where  the  Sus()uehanna  turns 
around  the  corner  of  a  mountain.  If  you  follow  any  one  of  these  streams  into  the 
forest  you  will  have  ample  use  tor  both  rod  and  K""-  Vou  can  return  to  Reiiovo 
by  a  little  branch  of  Kettle  ("reek,  or,  you  may  follow  the  winding  of  this  favorite 
stream  up  {)ast  Heaver's  Dam,  Spicewood  kiver.  Trout  l'"ork,and  Ox  How  Mend, 
to  Cross  hork  P.  ().,  arxl  return  by  Paddys  Run  tlirounh  Tamarach  Swamp  in 
almost  a  direct  line  to  Renovo.  The  whole  surface  in  this  vicinity  is  deeply 
seamed  with  narrow  valleys  and  ravines  s|^)readin>;  in  every  direction,  and  mark- 
ing out  the  innumerable  water-courses.  Steep  walls  of  massive  rock  rise  up  to 
lofty  heights,  supporting  the  broad  table-land,  which  is  crowned  w  ith  mountains 
of  dense  forests,  and  stretches  far  out  towani  the  sea  into  five  noints,  called  the 
Finger  Mountains,  of  which  Mahoupany,  Toiuiwanda,  and  Hlossburg  are  the 
most  important. 

Renovo  is  much  visited  in  summer  by  sportsmen  and  pleasure  seekers.  There 
are  good  hotels  and  other  accommodations  here. 

'i'oun^  li'pwan's  'J'owh.  Excellent  trout  fishing  in  the  neighboring  creeks, 
with  game  in  the  woods.  Take  the  I'hiladelphia  and  Erie  Division  of  the  I'enn- 
sylvania Railroad.     Guides  are  necessary   and  can  be  obtained. 

ColtiinhSa  County — 

Bloomsburgh.  There  Is  a  good  locality  about  twenty  miles  from  Hloomsburgh, 
and  within  four  miles  of  Rickett's  Long  Pond  Hotel,  with  board  in  private  faindy 
at  !ji7  per  week.  Hloomsburgh  is  reached  by  Philadelphia  and  Reading  Rail- 
road or  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  Railroad.  Address  John  Gibbs, 
Bloomsburgh. 

Crawford  County — 

Evanshurek.  Conneaut  Lake  contains  fine  black  bass.  Reached  via  the 
Atlantic  ancf  (ireat  Western  Railroad,  or  via  the  Erie  and  Pittsburg  road  to 
Transfer  Junction,  thence  carriage  two  miles.  Accommodations  will  be  found  at 
the  Lake  House,  or  go  to  old  Phd  Miller's  ;  board  $3. 

Atlantic.  Grouse,  quail,  rabbits,  and  other  game.  Reached  via  the  Atlantic 
and  Great  Western  Railroad. 

Centreville.  The  Slip|)ery  Rock  waters,  are  famed  for  the  abundance  of  nike 
found  there.  The  stream  for  ten  miles  is  one  succession  of  dams,  all  of  tnem 
broad  and  deep.  There  are  many  ducks  and  geese,  and  in  the  woods  are  squir- 
rels, hares  and  all  varieties  of  small  jjame.  The  route  is  via  the  Atlantic  and 
Great  Western  Road  to  Shenango  Junction,  thence  via  the  Shcnango  and  Alle- 
phany  Road  to  Centerville  Station,  twenty-tive  miles.  Sportsmen  will  find  the 
best  of  accommodations  with  Mr.  John  Keuster,  whose  house  is  three  miles  from 
the  depot. 

Cumberland  County — 

Ncivville.  Excellent  trout  fishing  all  around  here.  Reached  via  the  Cumber- 
land Valley  Railroad.     Good  hotels.  * 

Shtp/>ensburgh.  Wild  turkeys  on  the  North  Mountain.  Reached  via  the 
Cumberland  Valley  Railroad,  forty-one  miles  from  Harrisburg. 

Dauphin  County— 

Dauphin.  E.\cellcnt  bass  fishing  in  the  Susquehanna  is  found  all  along  the 
river,  from  Dauphin  to  Clark's  Ferry.  Dauphin  is  on  the  Philadelphia  and 
Reading,  the  Northern  c;cntral,  and  the  Pennsylvania  Railroads. 

Middletoivn.  Ducks,  partridges,  quail,  squirrels  ;  black  bass.  Reached  via 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotels  $1.50  to  152;  boats  and  boatmen  $1.50. 
Country  hilly  and  mountainous.  Fine  |)la(i'  for  bass  is  Collin  s,  Station,  and  for 
small  game  Hillsdale,  Indiana  County,  and  Cortcwago,  Lancaster  County. 


142  GAME  AND  FISH  KESOKTS. 

Harrisburgh.  Deer  hutUinK  in  the  vicinity  of  Lyl<cns,  Willinmstown,  anrl 
Grotz,  Peters,  Herry,  and  Short  Mountains,  ann  tip  the  Juniata  in  the  lilacit  I.dh. 
Tuscarora  ami  Bald  lCa^lc  Mountains,  t^ux's  Islaml  in  the  Suscjuelianna,  lour 
miles,  is  a  famous  resort  lor  duck  slayers  during  the  lall  and  winter,  and  tor  shad- 
seinln^  in  the  siirin^.  Wild  turiccys  are  found  in  the  valley  sidrtin^  trie  Kittutniny, 
Roberts,  and  I'cters  mountains— in  Fishinj?  Creek,  Stony  Creek,  Clark's  an(l 
Powell's  Valley. 

^>uall  and  woodcock  are  found  within  a  few  miles  of  the  city.  The  farmers 
are  pretty  strict,  however,  and  forbid  their  killinp;,  except  for  a  nionsy 
e(iuivalcnt. 

York  Hills.  eiRht  miles  below  the  city,  is  a  fair  locality  for  rabbits,  (jrcy  squir- 
rels and  woodcock.  Up  the  river,  on  the  flats  opposite  McCoriniclt's  Island, 
plover  of  the  yellow-lcRj^cd  variety  arc  found  in  u;reat  numbers  alonjj  the  marshy 
grounils  on  the  Eastern  Shore  ot  Maryland  and  Northern  Vir}(iiiia. 

Jack-snipe  may  occasionally  be  shot  alonjj  the  river.  Their  fecd'nK  grounds 
beinjj  principally  uloii^j  the  marshy  creeks  and  rivulets  emptyinjj  into  tiic  river, 
and  on  tlie  edj^es  of  tlic  grassy  Hats  when  the  river  is  low.  Swans,  wild  necse, 
and  wild  ducks  are  shot  above  the  city.  Canvas-backs,  red-necks,  black,  mal- 
lards, etc. 

Hlack  bass  in  the  Sus<iuehanna  and  its  tributaries.  Ulue  Mc  untain  is  a  yreat 
resort  for  shootinj?  grey  and  red  suuirrels,  toxes,  minks  and  weasels.  A  lew 
partridges  are  found  tlierc.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania,  the  Philadelphia  and 
Reading,  and  other  railroads. 

lieUiwuvt^  Vounty — 

C/tesfef,  the  Lazaretto  and  Marcus  Hook,  are  much  visited  by  Philadelphia 
sportsmen,  for  thr-ir  excellent  rail  and  reed  biid  shooting.  These  places  are  on 
the  Philadelphia,  «Vilmington  and  Haltimorc  Railroad.  The  Lazaretto  is  eleven 
miles  from  Philailclphia.  Chester,  fourteen  miles  has  several  hotels,  and  at  Mar- 
cus Hook,  or  Linwood  Station,  as  it  is  now  called,  accommodations  may  be 
secured. 

In  order  to  have  the  best  show  for  a  shoot,  it  will  be  better  to  secure  a  pusher, 
which  can  always  be  done  by  application  at  the  gun  stores  of  Mr.  John  Krider, 
corner  of  Second  and  Walnut  streets,  or  Mr.  Abriiliam  Peterman,  in  Dock  Street 
above  Walnut,  Philadelphia.  As  this  kind  of  shooting  is  done  altogetner  from  a 
clean,  dry  boat,  the  shooter  requires  no  special  change  of  clothing. 

By  taking  the  through  Washington  train  in  the  afternoon  from  New  York, 
sportsmen  can  be  landed  at  Chester  before  midnight,  and  by  looking  at  anv 
Philadelphia  paper  can  learn  at  what  time  it  will  be  high  water  on  the  days  they 
wish  to  shoot,  always  rating  the  tide  forty  minutes  earlier  at  Lazaretto  than  at 
the  navy  yard  at  Philadelphia,  where  the  record  is  made. 

English  snipe  shooting  can  be  had  at  these  points,  and  one  can  alternate  his 
sport  by  taking  one  day  with  the  rail,  and  the  next  with  snipe.  At  Marcus  Hook, 
good  ducking  is  to  be  had  in  season. 

Elk  County — 

Ridgway.  Deer  are  very  abundant ;  one  of  the  best  shooting  grounds  in  the 
country  ;  bears,  wolves,  jianthers,  foxes ;  trout  in  Clarion  River  and  tributary 
streams.  Reached  via  the  Philadelphia  and  Erie  Division  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad.  Hotel  $5.50  per  week  ;  guides  ;f  3  per  day  ;  teams  $3.50.  Provide  camp- 
ing outfit.     Mountainous  country. 

Trout,  Straight's  and  Clarion  Creeks,  with  all  the  tributaries  of  the  Clarion 
'River,  in  this  county,  are  good  fishing  streams. 

]Vilcox.  Deer,  ruffed  grouse ;  trout  in  the  west  branch  of  the  Clarion  River. 
Reached  via  the  Philadelphia  and  Erie  Railroad.  Board  $1  to  $3;  teams  $5; 
guides  procured  at  moderate  rates.     Country  hilly. 

St.  Mary's.  Deer,  rulfed  grouse  ;  trout.  Reached  via  Philadelphia  and  Erie 
Railroad.     Hotels,  $3.50  per  day. 

Mrle  County —  -•  ,». 

Erie.  The  harbor  affords  excellent  fishinp  in  summer,  Presque  Island  which 
forms  it  being  full  of  small  lakes  and  ponds  in  which  the  fish  spawn.  The  sum- 
mer sport  comprises  the  mascalonge,  pike,  black  bass.  Perch  and  herring  are 
caught  in  winter.  In  Mav  and  June  a  fish  called  blue  pickerel  is  caught  in 
thousands  with  hand  lines  from  a  boat  anchored  over  what  are  called  the  Banks. 
They  run  from  fifteen  to  twenty  inches  in  length,  and  are  very  greedy,  taking  the 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  1 43 

bait  almost  an  noon  an  it  strHcoi  t>ie  water.    In  tiic  sprinK  and  lull  duclcs  arc 
plenty,  and  Hnipe,  plover,  rabbits,  etc.,  in  abundance, 

Fayette  County— 

lirownsvilU  is  reached  from  Connellsvilie,  and  the  R.-ime  is  essentially  the 
same.    There  is  a  hotel  wheie  snortsmen  will  tind  comlortubie  (juiirters. 

Unioutovin.  Good  (|iiiiil  and  ((■'"ukc  sliootinn.  Stt)p  al  l'"rt'y's  "  McClelland 
Mouse."  (fuidcsand  do^'scuu  beohtained.  Reached  via  I'itlsburK,  Wasiiin^ton 
and  Kaltimore  Kuilroad  to  Cunnellsville,  thence  by  the  Uniontowii  liramli  road. 

Conni-tUvilti-.  Chestnut  Rid^e  and  Indian  Creclt  Valley  and  Laurel  ilill, 
abound  in  bears,  <leer,  foxes,  s((uirrels,  wild  turl^eys,  pheasants  and  (|uail.  'I'lio 
rolliuK  country  west  of  tlie  towi\  is  fine  hunting  Kf<'"'"'  '"'  siniall  name.  Trout, 
uike,  salmon,  bass,  white  perch  and  sunhsh  are  caught  in  the  nciKldi(uhood. 
Trout  arc  found  in  all  the  streams  of  the  county  tril>utary  to  the  Monc>n(;aliela 
River.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  or  Philadelphia,  VVilminxton  and  Haiti - 
more  Railroad,  lintels  and  liveries.  Guides  unnecessary  ;  can  be  secured  lor 
$1  or  $1.50  per  day. 

Waterford  Lake,  near  W'atertord.  is  an  excellent  place  for  large  pike  fishing. 
The  tisli  here  are  of  ^reat  size  and  afford  rare  sport.  Take  the  I'ennsylvania 
Railroad. 

Albion.  Pickerel  iishiuR  in  the  Conncaut.  Reached  via  the  Eric  and  Pitts- 
burg Railroad. 

Forent  County— 

I ionesta.     In  neighboring  woods  deer  are  abundant,  and  there  is  excellent 

auail  shooting  in  the  vicinity.     Reached  via  the  Pittsburg,  Titusvillc  and  liuffalo 
ailroad. 

Franhlin  County — 

C/niM/>ers/>it>x.  Uass  fishing  in  the  Conococheague  ('rvek.  Reached  via  the 
Cumberland  Valley  Railroad.    There  are  good  hotels. 

Pulton  County— 

Bear  and  deer  hunting  are  food  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  private  convey- 
ance, or  tramp  from  Chamber  jurg,  on  the  Cumberland  Valley  Railroad. 

Greene  County — 

ll^aynesburg\^  an  excellent  ground  for  ruffed  grouse  and  Wilson  snipe.  A 
farming  town  on  the  Waynesburg  Branch  of  the  Pittsburg  ami  Reading  Kadroad. 

JIuntlnffdon  County— 

Mount  Union.  Bears,  deer,  wilil  turkeys ;  trout,  black  bass  an<l  pike. 
Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotels,  $z.  Country  nM)untainous, 
with  suitable  grounds  for  camping. 

Huntingdon.  Bears  and  deer,  neither  abundant  ;  plenty  of  turkeys,  par- 
tridges, squirrels  and  other  small  u[ame  ;  good  black  bass  fishing.  Reached  via 
the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.    Hoteflz,  private  board  $1.50, 

Indiana  County — 

BiairsTille.  Wild  turkeys,  geese,  ducks,  (juail,  partridges,  squirrels ;  pike, 
salmon,  white  and  black  bass.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Radroad.  Hotel 
$1.25  to  $2  ;  teams  $3  to  $4.     Hilly  country. 

Saltsbitrgh.  Quail,  partridges,  squirrels  ;  pike  and  perch.  Reached  via  the 
Pennsylvania  Radroad.     Hotel  $1.50  to  $2  ;  teams  $2.50  to  $3.50.     Hilly  country. 

t/eff'efson  County— 

Coohpring.  The  waters  here  have  been  stocked  with  trout,  and  will  in  time 
furnish  good  sport.     Reached  via  the  Shenandoah  and  Allegheny  Railroad. 

Juniata  County — 

Mifflintoivn.  Bear  hunting  on  Shade  Mountain  ;  deer,  partridge,  small  game, 
and  trout  afford  abundant  sport  in  the  vicinity.  MifHintown,  on  the  Juniata 
River,  is  opposite  Perrysville,  a  station  on  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotels  %i  \ 
teams  $3.  . .      ,  ,     - 

Jjancaater  County — 

Columbia.    Wild  ducks,  partridges ;  bass  and  salmon.    Reached  via  the  Penn- 


144  CAME   AND  FISH  KE SORTS. 

sylvania  Railroad.    The  0)ntinental  and  other  hotels,  with  boardiiiK  houses, 
$1.50.     Boats,  etc.,  at  reasonable  rates. 

Jjf'/ilffit   Count ff— 

Ai/f)ttown.  The  streams  in  the  vicinity  have  been  stocked  with  trout.  Allen- 
town  is  on  the  New  Jersey  Central,  Lehigh  Valley  and  Philadelphia  and  Reading 
Railroads. 

Jjuxerne  County  — 

ll'i/kesl>arrc  is  situoled  in  a  fine  hunting  and  fishing  region.  The  mountain 
streams  are  lull  of  1  .leckled  trout;  twelve  miles  nortnwest  is  Harvey's  Lake, 
abounding  in  black  bass.  Reached  via  the  New  Jersey  t'entral,  tiie  Lehigh  \'al- 
ley,  or  Delaware,  Lackawaima  and  Western  Railroads.  The  hotels  arc  the 
Wyoming  Valley,  $^.50  ;  $14  to  $ao  per  week,  Luzerne  House,  Exchange,  and  at 
the  lake,  the  Lake  Iiotise. 

Whitehaven.  Trout  fishing  good  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Lehigh 
Valley  Railroad.     The  Whitehaven  Hotel  furnishes  good  accommodations. 

Carlwndiile.  Six  miles  northwest  is  a  mountain  loch.  Crystal  Lake,  which 
contains  black  bass.  There  is  a  summer  hotel  on  the  shore  of  the  lake,  with  a 
pleasure  steamer  and  small  boats.  To  reach  Carbondale  take  the  Delaware  and 
Hudson,  or  the  Erie  Railroad. 

J^ycoininn  County— 

Ka/ston.  Bears,  deer,  squirrels,  .-'oodcock,  ruffed  grouse.  There  is  excellent 
trout  fishing  in  Roaring  Branch,  Pleasant  Streani.  and  the  Winslow,  tributaries 
of  the  Lycoming  Creek,  and  in  the  main  stream  itself  from  Ralston  to  F"icld's: 
the  fish  rmining  in  weight  from  one-fourth  of  a  pound  to  two  jioimds.  Reached 
via  the  Northern  (Central  Railroad.  Comfortable  accommodations  at  the  Ralston 
and  Meyer's  hotels,  where  teams  and  guides  may  be  procured. 

Lewis'  Lake,  a  growing  summer  resort,  is  twenty  miles  from  Muncy,  reached 
by  stage.  The  lake,  whic.i  covers  three  hundred  and  fifty  acres,  contains  brook 
and  lake  trout,  eels,  catfish  and  other  species.  All  the  streams  in  the  neighbor- 
hood furnish  excellent  brook  trout  fishing,  and  the  duck  shooting  is  always  good. 

Bodines7Jilley  on  the  Northern  C;entral  Railroad  is  an  excellent  centre  for  snoot- 
ing and  trout  fishing  in  the  Lycoming  ('reek  and  its  tributaries.  Tim  Gray's  Run, 
Rock  Run,  Pleasant  Stream  and  other  fishing  waters  are  easily  accessible.  Ac- 
commodations are  furnished  at  Budinesville,  in  jirivate  family,  $1.50  ;  teams,  etc. 
At  Kuck  Kun  is  a  large  hotel,  the  summer  resort  of  Baltimore,  W^ashington  and 
Philadelphia  pleasure  seekers.  The  fish  of  these  streams  are  brisk  and  gamy,  but 
a  special  knowledge  of  their  haunts,  and  a  jjeculiar  aptitude  for  alluring  them,  is 
essential  to  the  angler  who  purposes  a  visit  to  Lycoming  Creek,  and  even  then 
he  is  not  likely  to  get  a  large  basket. 

Muncy.  Deer,  Dears,  ruffed  grouse,  woodcock  ;  and  splendid  trout  fishing. 
Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania,  and  the  Philadeljjhia  and  Reading  Railroads. 
The  ponds  of  the  Muncy  Trout  Company  are  situated  in  the  Muncy  Valley,  in 
sight  of  Muncy  and  Hughesvdie,  and  filtcen  miles  from  the  city  of  W  illiamsport. 
There  are  fifteen  acres  of  forest  and  a  half  mile  of  stream  and  ponds.  As  to  lodg- 
ings, you  can  take  it  al  fresco  in  a  tent  or  at  the  hotel. 

Trout  Run.  (iood  trout  fishing  and  woodcoc:k  shooting.  Reached  via  the 
Northern  Central  Railroad,  fifteen  miles  from  Williamsport.  The  country  is  rug- 
ged and  densely  wooded. 

Pine  Creek.  There  are  good  trouting  streams  in  the  locality.  The  route  is 
via  the  Allegheny  Valley  Railroad. 

MeK.i'an  County — 

Kane.  Deer,  bears,  wildcats,  rabbits  ;  pheasants,  woodcock,  rufl'ed  grouse  ; 
trout.  Kane  is  among  the  Allegheny  Mountains  at  the  highest  point  of  the  Phil- 
adelphia and  Reading  Railroad.  The  Thomson  House,  $1.50  to  $a.  Guides 
easily  secured  at  reasonable  rates. 

Ludlow.  Good  trout  streams  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad. 

Mvvcvf  County- 
Trout  Island^  situated  in  the  Chenango  River,  about  six  miles  from  Sharon, 
and  ten  miles  from  ( jrtjenville,  is  a  favoritt!  resort  for  ducks,  woodcock,  snipe,  etc. 

It  is  owned  l>y  a  club;  but  there  is  ('(jually  good  si ting  in  the  vic:inity  that  is 

not  preserved,  as  well  as  good  trout  fishing.     Reached  by  the  Atlantic  and  Great 


CAME  AND  FISH  KE SORTS.  1 45 

Western,  and  the  Erie  and  Pittsburg  Railroad  to  Greenville.  Pike  and  black 
bass  fishing  is  good  in  the  neighborhuud  of  Greenville.  A  good  hotel  is  kept  here 
by  l'"rcd  (irubbi;. 

Mifflin  County — 

Leivistown.  From  Lewistown,  the  Kishacoquillas  Valley,  whose  streams 
abound  in  trout,  and  on  the  IMuc  Ridge  to  the  south,  is  a  great  unbroken  wildci- 
nt'ss,  haunted  by  deer,  beans,  and  wild  turkeys.  litack  bass  iishing  is  good  in  ttie 
neighborhood.  Reaclu-d  via  ti)e  I'ennsylvania  Railroad.  National  Hotel  and 
Coleman's,     lioard  $1.50  to  $a.     lioats  as  to  50  cents  ;  teams  $3  to  $3. 

Monroe  County — 

'I'obyhantta  Mil/s.  Good  trout  fishing.  Reached  via  the  Delaware,  Lacka- 
wanna and  Wcstt^rti  Railroad,  a  short  distance  beyond  the  Water  Gap.  Hotel 
accommodations  ai  Case's,  vviiere  teams,  etc.,  can  be  obtained.  'I'he  upper  part 
of  the  Tobyhanna  is  lull  of  trout,  but  ditlicult  to  wade;  further  down  more  even, 
and  affords  good  tiy  fishing. 

Ucnrysville.  Good  trout  fishing.  Reached  via  the  Lackawanna  and  Western 
Railroad. 

Dcliiivare  IVatfr  Gap.  In  the  vicinity  are  Hornbeck's,  I^ingman's,  and 
Adams'  Creeks,  all  trout  strttams,  while  Mill,  Tom's  and  Cole  Creeks,  all  full  of 
fish,  are  accessible.  VVoodi:ock  and  wild  fowl  shooting  on  the  Delaware.  Reached 
via  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  Railroad.  Krom  New  York,  via 
Morri?  and  Essex  Road;  three  and  one-half  hours  ;  fare  $3.55.  Several  hotels, 
$10  to  $20  per  week. 

Stroiidshurgh.  Good  trout  fishing  in  the  Broadhead  Creeks,  twenty-five  miles 
from  the  Delaware  Water  Gap.  Reached  via  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and 
Western  Railroad. 

Montgotnery  County— 

Norristoiun,  lilack  bass  fishing  in  the  Schuylkill.  The  best  localities  are  in 
the  swift  waters  below  Rawlings,  Catfish,  Norristown,  Conshohocken  and  Flat 
Rock  Dam.  The  principal  bail  used  is  the  live  minnow  (shiner),  although 
worms,  clams  and  cheese  are  successfully  used.  Norristown  is  on  the  Philadel- 
phia and  Reading  Railroad.     There  are  two  hotels. 

i'erkiomenvilU.  Good  black  bass  fishing  in  the  Schuylkill,  at  Paulin's  Bridge. 
Reached  as  above,  the  Reading  Railroad. 

On  Wissahickon  Creek  are  a  few  quail  and  ruffed  grouse  ;  in  the  vicinity  of 
Penllyn. 

Pottstown.     Good  black  bass  fishing.     Reached  via  the  Reading  Railroad. 

Eagleville.  Deer,  partridges,  scjuirrels  and  other  small  game  ;  trout  and  pike. 
Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotel  $1.50,  $5  per  week  ;  guides  $3; 
teams  $4.  Parties  hunting  will  find  convenient  stations  at  the  lumbermen's 
camps,  which  are  numerous  in  the  forests. 

Northampton  County— 

Easton.  (iood  bass  fishing  in  the  Delaware.  Woodcock,  ruffed  grouse,  quail, 
and  deer  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Central  Railroad  of  New  Jersey,  the  Dela- 
ware, Lackawanna  and  Western,  or  the  Lehigh  Valley  Railroads. 

Northumberland  County — 

y,unhury,  on  the  Susijuehanna  River.  Deer,  and  smaller  game,  bass,  salmon 
and  trout.  Reached  via  the  Northern  Central,  or  the  Philadelphia  and  Erie 
Division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.  Hotels  ;  Central  House,  City  Hotel,  and 
boarding  houses,  $1.50  to  $3.50.     Teams  $3.50  to  $6.     Boats,  etc. 

I'erry  County- 
Newport.,  on  the  Juniata,  forty  miles  above  Harrisburg,  is  a  favorite  resort  for 

bass  fishermen.     Wild  turkeys  are  found  in  the  vicinity.     Reached  via  the  Cen- 
Boa    "  " 


tral  of  New  Jersey  and  the  Lehigli  Valley  Railroads.     Board  $3  ;  teams  $3. 

Dtmcannon.     A  good  centre  tor  ijuail,  ruffed  grouse,  wild  turkeys  and  1 
Wolves  and  deer  are  seen  rarely.     Reached  via  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 


Philadelphia  County— 

Philadelphia.  In  the  marshes  both  above  and  below  the  city  is  good  rail  and 
reed  bird  shooting  in  season.  Grey  squirrels  are  found  in  the  woods  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  citv.  Rockfish,  catfish  and  perch  are  caught  in  the  Delaware  within  ten 
miles.  Gloucester  Point  and  Tacony  arc  good  points.  Shad  and  sturgeon  roe, 
and  clams  for  bait. 


146 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Bridesburg.  Fine  rail  and  reed  bird  shooting.  Reached  via  the  New  York 
Division  ol  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad. 

I'lke  County  — 

Dingman's  Fcrry^  on  the  Delaware  River.  Bears,  deer,  squirrels,  ruffed 
grouse,  quail,  woodcock  ;  trout,  i»iclferel  and  black  bass.  Reached  via  the  Erie 
Railroad  to  Port  Jervis,  thence  stage,  fare  $1.  Dr.  P.  F.  Fulmer's  High  Falls 
Hotel  ;  board  $3.50  ;  f  10  per  week  ;  guides  $3  •  boats  free  to  guests  ;  teams  $3  to 
$6  Adams  Creek  one  and  one-half  miles  distant.  Bushkill,  thirteen  miles, 
Water  Gap  twenty-five  miles.     .See  Milford. 

Lackawaxen.     In  the  vicinity  deer,  hares,  ducks,  snipe,  ruffed  grouse:  trout 
bass,  lake  trout  and  pickerel.     In  the  Lackawaxen  region  Lord's  Brook,  Panther 
Brook,  Taylor  Creek  and  other  streams  afford  fine  trouting.     Reached  via  the 
Erie  Railroad.     Williamson's  Hotel  is  a  good  central  station  for  the  sportsman. 
Board  $8  per  week.     Wagons  and  carriages  can  be  hired. 

JMasthope.  Deer  are  found  in  Cranberry  Marsh.  Grasse's  and  Panther 
Swamps,  and  other  haunts  known  to  the  guides. 

Mii/ord.  Woodcock,  ruffed  grouse,  partridges,  quail  and  squirrel  shootinjj  is 
excellent  in  the  vicinity.  Within  easy  reach  of  Milford-many  of  them  but  a  tew 
minutes'  walk — are  numerous  trout  streams  which  furnish  in.  season  abundant 
sport  to  the  angler.  These  streams  all  thread  the  most  picturesque  glens  and 
glades,  and  some  of  them  abound  in  scenery  unequalled  even  among  the  Adi- 
roiuiacks.  Notable  among  these  streams  is  the  Adams  Brook,  seven  miles  below 
Milford.  The  Sawkill  and  the  Vandermarck,  both  running  through  Milford  :  the 
Rayraondskill,  three  miles  below  the  village  ;  the  Coneshaugh,  four  miles  below  ; 
Ryder's  Brook,  three  miles  above,  on  the  Port  Jervis  road  ;  the  Capow,  two 
miles  west  of  Milford,  and  dozens  of  smaller  streams  are  all  within  easy  reach, 
and  all  afford  good  fishing.  Besides  the  trout  streams,  the  Delaware  kiver  con- 
tF.ins  black  bass,  and  many  other  varieties  of  the  finny  tribe  ;  in  every  direction 
lie  inland  lakes  for  which  Pike  and  adjoining  counties  are  noted,  all  stocked  with 
fine  game  fish,  and  all  easy  of  access.  Excursions  to  these  lakes,  which  are  from 
five  to  fifteen  miles  distant,  are  among  the  popular  recreations  of  the  summer 
visitors  to  Milford.  Guides  to  all  of  these  streams  and  lakes  are  readily  obtained 
in  the  village.  There  are  numerous  good  hotels,  all  furnishing  good  accommoda- 
tions, $10  to  $14  per  week,  with  boarding  and  lodging  liouses.  The  Wells'  hotel 
is  resorted  to  by  sportsmen  and  has  every  facility  for  shooting  and  fishing. 
Guides,  dogs,  etc.,  are  always  to  be  had.  The  route  is  via  the  Erie  Railroad  to 
Port  Jervis,  thence  seven  miles  of  staging. 

Blooming  Grove  Park  is  an  extensive  game  preserve  owned  by  the  Blooming 
Grove  Park  Association  who  have  a  club  house  on  the  premises.  To  hunt  and 
fish  here  permission  must  be  obtained  from  the  proper  authorities.  The  game 
includes  bears,  deer,  grey  squirrels,  rabbits,  etc.,  ducks,  woodcock,  (juail,  and 
other  birds.  The  fishing  is  for  black  bass,  perch,  pickerel  and  catfish.  The  route 
is  via  the  Erie  Railroail  to  Lackawaxen,  thence  stage  or  private  conveyance. 
Excursion  tickets  to  Lackawaxen  are  issued  from  the  Erie  office,  No.  401  Broad- 
way, New  York.  For  bear  hunting  go  to  Westbrook's Tavern,  where  old  hunters 
are  always  to  be  found  who  will  act  as  guides.  The  Westbrook  Meadows, 
which  are  just  on  the  confines  of  Blooming  Grove  Park,  are  widely  known  as 
a  capital  ground  for  July  woodcock. 

Skohola^  one  hundred  and  eight  miles  from  New  York,  is  beautifully  located 
among  the  mountains,  overlooking  the  Delaware.  It  is  in  the  heart  of  the  famous 
hunting  and  fishing  regions  of  Pike  and  Sullivan  Counties.  There  is  but  one 
hotel,  the  Shohola  House,  kept  by  George  Layman.  It  is  a  new  and  commodious 
hotel,  near  the  depot.  Detailed  information  as  to  the  locality,  and  terms,  may  be 
obtained  by  addressing  the  proprietor.    Take  the  Erie  Railroad. 

Porter's  Lake.  The  quickest  and  best  way  for  sportsmen  to  go  to  vhis  lake 
from  Philadelphia  is  to  take  the  cars  from  the  Kensington  Depot  and  go  to 
Stroudsburg.  An  excursion  ticket  to  that  place  will  cost  $4.85.  They  can  get  a 
wagon  at  Stroudsburg  from  W.  K.  Henry,  who  keeps  a  livery  stable,  and  will 
take  ihem  to  the  lake  for  $6.  It  will  take  about  six  hours  ride  to  get  there,  or,  if 
they  write  to  the  proprietor  of  the  hotel,  Adam  Rinehart,  he  will  send  his  team  to 
meet  them.  In  the  lake  will  be  found  pickerel,  catfish,  and  perch.  The  black 
bass  were  only  put  in  the  lake  in  August,  1874.  There  are  plenty  of  trout  streams 
in  the  neighborhood,  particularly  the  Bushkill  Creek,  the  Sawkill  Creek,  Middle 
Branch  and  Indian  Calvin  Branch  (branches  of  the  Bushkill),  which  stieams  are 
all  within  a  short  distance  of  Porter's  Lake.  Good  board  may  be  obtained  at  the 
hotel  for  ^^  per  week  which  will  entitle  one  to  the  use  of  the  boats,  whereas 


GAME  AND  FISH  KESORTS.  1 4/ 

should  sportsmen  camp  out  and  have  no  boats,  it  is  very  doubtful  if  they  can 
catch  any  large  fish,  for  these  are  to  be  caught  only  at  certain  places  in  the  lake, 
which  must  be  fished  from  a  boat. 

High  Knod,  nine  miles  from  Porter's  Lake,  reached  via  cars  to  Oakland,  and 
thence  a  team,  is  an  excellent  camping  ground  with  spiendi.l  black  l)iiss  lishi-ig 
near  at  iianil.  A  boat  is  necessary.  The  lake  taay  be  reached  from  New  V'(/rk 
via  the  Erie  Road  to  Hawley,  thence  wagon. 

The  Saiui-i//  Creek  is  a  favorite  stream  with  anglers,  among  whom  it  has 
gained  \.\\<i.  sobriquet  of  the  "Old  Reliable."  A  good  basket  will  reward  the 
angler  in  its  waters.    Reached  from  Milford  and  other  points. 

Buslikill.  The  Bushkills,  Saw  Creek,  Pond  Run,  Tom's  Creek,  and  other 
streams  are  famous  for  their  trout.  Go  to  Hushkill.  reached  by  carriage  road 
from  Stroudsburg  on  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  Railroad. 

hotter  County— 

Coudersport.  Hears,  deer,  rabbits,  squirrels,  quail,  ruffed  grouse,  partridges, 
woodcock  and  ducks.  The  streams  and  brooks  swarm  with  ti.sn,  especially  trout. 
The  trip  to  this  region  can  be  made  in  less  time,  and  with  much  less  expense,  than 
to  any  other  hunting  districts. 

The  nearest  and  shortest  route  from  the  West  is  via  the  Buffalo,  New  York 
and  Philadelphia  Railway.  The  fare  from  Buffal,.  to  Port  .Alleghany  is  $3.98. 
Thence  via  stage.  Reached  from  New  York  City  via  Philadelphia'and  Erie 
Railroad  to  Emporium.     Provide  camping  equipments. 

Wharton  Mills.  The  East  and  First  Forks  of  the  Smnemahoning  here  unite. 
About  a  mile  below  the  junction  is  an  old  mill,  and  under  the  dam  a  deep  pool 
where  trout  are  always  to  be  taken.  Both  the  Forks  afford  excellent  fly  fishing 
with  plenty  of  room  to  cast,  while  for  bait  fishing  there  are  many  waters  within 
an  hour's  drive  from  Wharton,  noticeably  Nelson  and  Freeman's  Runs,  Birch 
Creek,  and  the  headwaters  of  East  P'ork.  The  route  to  Wharton  is  via  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  to  Sinnemahoning  Station,  fare  $8.35  ;  time  twelve  hours. 
Stages  run  thence  Mondays  and  Thursdays,  fare  $1.50.  On  other  days  a  team 
may  be  hired  for  $5.  Good  and  cheap  accommodations  at  M.  M.  T.  Siebert's, 
whose  post  office  address  is.  Care  F.  Welton,  Sinnemahoning.  Guides  $1.  An 
india-rubber  stocking,  with  stout  brogans  will  be  found  very  serviceable  here, 
and  a  small  landing  net  will  often  come  into  play. 

Schutjlkill  County— 

Fottsvillc.  This  county  abounds  in  wild  turkeys,  partridges,  pheasants,  rab- 
bits, squirrels,  geese,  ducks  and  deer.  The  mountain  streams  are  full  of  trout, 
and  in  some  of  the  waters  are  large  sized  catfish,  chubs  and  eels.  Reached  via 
the  Philadelphia  and  Reading  Railroad. 

Somerset  County— 

Conjlucncc,  Somerset  and  Ursina.  For  the  game  see  Connellsville,  Fayette 
County.  There  are  good  hotels  at  all  these  places,  which  are  reached  via  the 
Pittsburg,  Western  and  Baltimore  Railroad. 

Sullivan  County— 

H ill's  Grove  is  in  the  vicinity  of  some  good  trouting  streams.  Write  to  R. 
Biddle,  at  that  place. 

Tioga  County — 

Mahoopany  Tributaries.  Take  Philadelphia  and  Reading  Railroad,  or  Dela- 
ware, Lackawanna  and  Western  Railroad,  to  Bloomsburg,  and  then  wagon  to 
the  streams,  which  are  within  four  miles  of  Colonel  Rickett  s  Long  Pond  Hotel. 
Address  John  Gibbs,  Bloomsburg.  Good  deer,  ruffed  grouse,  and  squirrel  hunt- 
ing in  their  season.     Board  in  private  family  at  $7  per  week. 

Union  County— 

M ifflinbtirgh .  Deer,  ruffed  grouse  and  quail.  Reached  via  the  Philadelphia 
and  Erie  Division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.    Three  hotels,  $1.50  to  $a. 

Warren  County — 

Warren.  Deer  shooting,  and  trouting.  Reached  via  the  Philadelphia  and 
Erie  Division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad.     Hotel,  $1.50  to  $2. 

Grand  Valley.     Deer,  ruffed  grouse,  and  other  small  game.    Reached  via  the 


148 


GAME  AND  FISH  JiESOKTS. 


Dunkirk,  AllcRheny  Valley  and  Pittsburg  Railroad.     Hotel  $i  ;  teams  $3.    The 
surrouiuling  country  is  hilly. 

Kinzuii.    Deer  shooting  along  the  Kinzua  Creek. 

(VaHhlngton.  Count]/ — 

Gooil  qwdW  and  lair  ruffed  grouse  shooting  throughout  the  county  along  the 
.ncs  ol  the  Ualtirnore  and  Ohio,  and  the  Pittsburg,  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis  Rail- 
oads.     Inquire  of  the  train  conductors  as  to  best  localities. 

Wayne  County— 

Way  mart  is  a  good  central  point,  with  hotel  accommodation.  Bass,  pickerel 
and  trout  in  abundance.  Reached  by  Erie  Railroad  to  Honesdale,  or  Carbon- 
dale,  thence  stage  or  hir'^rl  conveyance. 

Honesdale.  White's  Hollow,  twelve  miles  distant,  abounds  in  ruffed  grouse 
and  some  huge  fjame.  Panthers  are  occasionally  seen.  The  country  is  hilly  and 
densely  wooded.     Jleached  via  Erie  Railroad. 

Wyoniiny  County — 

Fo-rkston.  Excellent  trout  fishing  in  the  Mahoopany  River.  Hotel  accom- 
modations will  be  found,  with  guides,  teams,  etc. 

Loveltnn.  Black  and  grey  squirrels  are  abundant  in  the  vicinity.  Deer,  bears, 
ruffed  grouse,  etc.    Trout  in  the  streams. 

Malioop.anv.  There  is  a  good  hunting  ground  on  Muncey  Creek  and  the 
Loyalsock,  Mahoopany,  etc.  Colonel  Ricket  keeps  a  sporting  house  at  Long 
Poiid,  on  the  old  Berwick  turnpike  leading  to  Susouehanna  River,  and  through 
to  Dushore.  the  present  terminus  of  the  Sullivan  and  Erie  Railroad.  Long  Pond  • 
is  the  very  neart  of  the  wilderness,  and  can  be  easily  reached  from  New  York  or 
Philadelphia  by  taking  Lehigh  Valley  Railroad  to  Mahoopany  Station,  and  thence 
by  stage  and  rail. 


RHODE    ISLAND. 

Rhode  Island,  the  smallest  State  in  the  Union,  has  an  area  of 
1,046  square  miles,  with  a  population  of  352,791.  The  surface  of 
the  State  is  generally  hilly  and  rough,  though  without  any  moun- 
tains. The  Narragansett  Bay,  with  numerous  rivers  and  tributaries, 
extends  into  the  State  thirty  miles,  and  is  thickly  studded  with  isl- 
ands. The  game  of  the  State  is  confined,  in  the  interior,  to  the 
smaller  varieties  of  birds,  and  on  the  coast  comprises  all  the  wild 
fowl  and  bay  birds  common  to  the  New  England  State?.  One 
hundred  and  twelve  kinds  of  fish  are  found  on  the  Rhode  Island 
coast.  The  fishing  and  shooting  grounds  are  easily  accessible  by 
excellent  railroad  and  steamboat  communications. 

jBrlstol  County — 

Bristol.  Boats,  yachts  and  boatmen  are  always  to  be  had  for  the  fishing  and 
shooting  found  here.  Ducks,  snipe,  plover,  and  other  varieties  of  bay  and  shore 
birds,  afford  good  sport,  while  the  fishing  is  varied  and  abundant.  Reached  via 
the  Providence,  Warren  and  Bristol  Railroad. 

Kent  County — 

Greenivich,  on  Conesit  Bay.  Ducks,  plover,  snipe,  and  other  bay  and  shore 
bird  shooting.     Reached  via  Shore  Line  Railroad.     Hotels,  boats,  etc. 

Old  Warwick^  ii  few  miles  from  Greenwich,  across  Conesit  Bay,  has  excellent 
shooting-  and  lishing  facilities. 

Sumiitit.  Woodcock  shooting  may  be  found  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the 
Hartford,  Providence  and  Fishkill  Railroad. 


GAAfE  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  I49 

Newport  County— 

This  county  is  made  uj),  for  the  most  part,  of  a  great  number  of  islands,  with  a 
strip  of  the  maiiilatid  foru'.Mijf  its  eastern  section.  The  waters  and  coasts  afford 
much  lishinx  and  wild  fowl  shootini.'.  The  sportsman  may  make  his  headcpiarters 
at  any  of  the  villages,  and  will  lie  pretty  sure  to  tind  gt)od  sport  there.  Where 
hotel  acconnnodations  are  not  found,  lioard  may,  as  a  general  thing,  be  ol)taineil  at 
l)rivate  houses,  and  boats  with  boatmen  are  always  to  be  secured  at  reasonable 
rates. 

Newport.  Snipe,  yellow  legs,  dowitchers,  jilover,  brant,  teal,  wood  ducks, 
black  (lucks,  greenheads,  and  other  birds  afford  exciilent  sjjort.  Hateman's 
Point  is  much  visited  by  gunners.  Ever,  facility  for  fishing  will  be  found  at 
Newport,  and  the  lish  caught  here  are  of  great  variety,  embracing  most  of  those 
common  to  the  Rhode  Island  coast.  Sachnest  Point  at  the  southeastern  extrem- 
ity of  the  island,  is  the  favorite  fishing  ground.  Newjiort  has  railroad  ccmnec- 
tions,  via  Old  Colony,  with  lioston,  or  via  Shore  Line,  with  New  York  ;  and 
steamboats  run  to  New  York,  l'"ail  River,  Rocky  Point  and  Providence.  There 
are  a  great  number  of  hotels,  private  boarding  houses,  cottages,  etc. 

JProvldena;  County — 

The  northeastern  part  of  the  county,  comprising  the  towns  of  Burrillville,  Glou- 
cester. g(K)d  for  quail,  ruffed  grouse,  wild  pigeons,  rabbits  and  squirrels.  Make 
headquarters,  eith<!rat  I'ascoag,  reacliL'd  by  rail,  twenty-one  miles  from  Providence 
on  the  Providence  and  Springfield  Railroad,  or  at  Chepachet,  three  or  four  miles 
bv  stage  from  Oakhiiul  Station  on  the  same  road.  Sneach  Pond  in  Cumberland, 
Mosvvaiisicutt  Pond  in  North  Scituate,  Herring  Pond  and  Pascoag  Reservoir,  in 
Burrillville,  arc  good  for  black  bass.  There  is  {^ood  trout  fishing  in  Natcrmiin's 
Pond,  Burrillville.  Trout  are  not  plentiful  nor  large,  owing  to  iinuimerable  mills 
and  much  fishing.  On  the  Branch  River,  a  tributary  of  the  Blackstone,  are  thirty- 
one  dams. 

ProTiiience.  Good  woodcock  shooting  in  the  vicinity,  with  all  the  varieties  of 
shore  birds,  ducks,  plover,  snipe,  etc.  There  are  many  resorts  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  city,  where  boats  and  boatmen  mav  be  secured  for  gunning  and 
fishing.  The  fish  and  game  are  abundant  in  many  localities  known  to  Providence 
sportsmen.  liocky  Point,  reached  via  steamer,  midwav  between  Providence  and 
Newport,  is  one  of  the  most  popular  resorts  of  New  Englancl,  and  furnishes  ex- 
cellent fishing.  The  numerous  islands  in  the  vicinity,  accessible  by  steamer,  or 
hired  yacht,  are  much  visited  by  si)ortsmen,  and  among  them  success  with  rod 
and  gun  is  always  to  be  found. 

Washington  County— 

Narrn^ansctt  Pier  is  a  fashionable  summer  resort,  reached  via  the  Lake  Shore 
Line  to  Knigston,  thence  stage  or  carriage,  nine  miles;  or  via  boat  from  Provi- 
dence and  Newport.  Below  the  Pier  is  a  mass  of  rocks,  from  .which  many  fish 
arc  caught.  IJo  its,  boatmen,  etc..  may  be  procured  for  fishing  in  the  Bay.  There 
are  numerous  tine  hotels,  $13  to  $18  per  week. 

Five  miles  from  the  Pier,  reached  by  carriage  road,  is  Peacedale,  where  the 
sportsman  will  find  good  quail  and  snipe  shooting. 

The  road  running  southeast  from  Peacedale,  leads  to  the  Porter  Place,  near 
which  is  Point  Judith  I'ond,  a  long  lagoon,  having  many  islands  and  full  offish. 

South  Kingston.  Worden's  Pond  affords  good  fishing,  and  in  the  great  pine 
and  cedar  swamp  here  will  be  found  a  variety  of  shoolin}^.     Accommodations  can 

Erobably  be  obtained  at  fiome  of  the  farmhouses  in  the  vicinity.  Take  the  Shore 
.ine  to  South  Kingston. 
Watcli  Hill.  The  shooting  here  is  for  ducks,  geese,  curlew,  sand  snipe,  yel- 
low legs,  etc.,  the  fishing  includes  the  varieties  common  to  the  sound,  bluefish, 
blacktish,  striped  bass,  and  others.  The  route  is  via  the  Shore  Line  to  Westerly, 
thence  steamer  down  the  Pawcatuck  River,  or  from  Stonington,  New  London 
and  Norwich,  via  steamer.  There  are  several  hotels,  prices  moderate.  Every 
facility  for  sport  will  be  found  here. 

Block  Island.,  reached  by  steamer  from  Stonington  and  Newport,  or  yacht  from 
Martha's  Vineyaid,  and  other  points,  is  a  noted  place  for  fishing.  The  only 
variety  affording  much  sport  however,  is  the  bluefish.  There  are  two  hotels, 
with  boats,  boatmen,  etc.,  on  hire. 


150  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


SOUTH    CAROLINA. 

South  Carolina  has  an  area  of  34,000  square  miles  and  a  popu- 
lation of  705,606.  An  outline  of  the  physical  features  of  the  coun- 
try would  be  found  to  closely  resemble  that  already  given  of  its 
sister  State,  North  Carolina.  We  here  find  repeated,  or,  more 
properly,  continued,  the  sea  islands  ;  the  sea  coast,  broken  by  nu- 
merous inlets  and  lagoons  ;  the  low  level  pine  and  swamp  lands ; 
back  of  this,  the  hill  country  gradually  rising  towards  the  West ; 
and  finally  the  mountains  in  the  extreme  western  part  of  the  State. 
The  game,  travel'inj  facilities,  accommodations,  etc.,  are  generally 
the  same  as  those  of  North  Carolina. 

A-ikiiik,  Count  1/ — 

AiA-en,A  favorite  watering  place,  much  p<itronizcd  hy  northern  visitors  and 
invalids  in  winter.  Its  hotels  will  compare  favorably  with  the  majority  of  those 
at  the  north.  There  is  jjood  sliooiing  for  snipe,  <}uail  and  turkeys  within  easy 
riding  distance.     Take  tlie  South  Carolina  Railroad. 

Hamburg-.  Ai'aund  the  old  and  now  almost  deserted  village  of  Hamburg,  on 
the  Savannah  Kiver,  directly  o])posite  the  city  of  Augusta,  and  in  spite  of  its 
propinquity,  may  be  had  good  quail  shooting,  and  an  occasional  deer  or  turkey 
may  be  bagged  up  the  river.  At  the  rapids  of  the  Savannah  River,  seven  miles 
up,  there  is  good  perch  and  sl:ad  fishing,  both  of  which  are  often  taken  with  rod, 
reel,  and  flies.    Can  get  board  in  Augusta  ;  possibly  in  Hamburg. 

Harnwell  Counti/— 

The  pine  forests  and  swamps  of  the  county  are  excellent  shooting  grounds  for 
deer,  wild  turkeys,  fo.^.-s,  rabbits,  squirrels,  (juail,  woodcock,  etc.,  with  an  oc- 
casional wildcat,  and  in  the  rivers  are  to  be  found  geese,  ducks,  snipe,  etc. 
Take  the  South  Carnlin.:  Railroad  to  Williston  or  Hlackville,and  strike  out  from 
either  of  these  points. 

Millettville.  Good  qua"'  '■-hooting  near  the  town.  Foxes  and  wildcats  are 
shot  within  a  short  distance.  The  prevailing  i-ode  'f  hunting  in  this  section  of 
the  country  is  from  horseback.  I'"or  to  a  hunting  there  aie  several  packs  of  hounds 
in  the  neigliborhood. 

Heaufort  Coynty — 

Like  all  of  those  lying  upon  the  coast,  this  county  in  the  eastern  section  is  low 
and  interspersed  with  much  swampy  land.  The  coast  region  is  made  up  of  a 
system  of  islands  with  inlets,  bays,  straits,  and  chan,:.els,  nearly  all  navigable. 
Like  all  the  rice  producing  lands  of  the  State  thi;-:  ""cgion  abounds  in  the  common 
varieties  of  ducks  :  mallards,  black  ducks,  widgeon;  .  pin  tails,  gadwalls,  teal, 
shovelers,  ring-necks,  greater  and  lesser  scaups,  buttleheads,  ruddies  and  nier- 
gausers.  In  addition  to  these  the  sportsman  will  find  iA\  through  the  rice  fields, 
along  the  coast  and  on  the  islands,  great  numbers  of  v  hite-fronted  geese,  jack- 
curlew,  black-iireasted  plover,  godvvits,  willets,  sandcrlings,  marsh  hens,  snipe, 
rail,  woodcock,  quail,  partriiiges,  wild  turkeys,  rai)bits,  coons,  scjuirrels,  and 
other  game.  Deer  are  abundant  on  the  Hunting  Islands,  near  Beaufort,  and  Port 
Royal,  either  one  of  which  is  an  excellent  place  for  sportsmen  to  make  their  head- 
quarters. Take  steamer  from  New  York,  or  Fernandina,  Fla.,  or  ;,;o  via  the  Port 
Royal  Railroad,  which  connects  at  Yemassee  with  the  Savannah  and  Charleston 
Radroad.    January  and  February  are  tlie  best  months  for  sport. 

Charleston  County — 

Charleston.  The  surface  of  much  of  the  countj'  near  the  coast  is  very  low  and 
at  times  subject  to  inundation.  The  game  found  here  is  similar  to  that  of  the 
coast  region  of  the  state  generally.  Ducks  of  all  the  common  varieties  are  abun- 
dant, mallards,  teal,  wiiigeons,  pin-tails,  shovelers,  scoups,  buffleheads,  ruddies, 
gadwalls  and  mergansers.  Geese,  snipe,  plover,  sanderlings,  godwits,  willets, 
marsh  hens,  reed  birds,  etc.,  also  abound  on  th^  coast.    The  fishing  about  the 


GAME   .LY/>   I'ISH  RESORTS.  15I 

city  is  for  the  common  southern  coast  fishes  ;  the  breakwater  at  Sullivan  Island, 
anrl  the  rocks  about  Fort  Sumter  are  excellent  prounds  for  shcepshead.  By  tak- 
ing rail  back  into  the  country,  a  few  hours  ride  will  bring  the  sportsman  to  a 
country  where  deer,  foxes,  wild  turkeys,  scjuirrels,  etc.,  are  found  in  numbers 
sufiicieiit  to  insure  success,  ("harlestoh  has  rail  and  steamboat  communication 
with  the  northern  and  southern  ports  and  all  points  in  the  interior. 

ColU'tou  Cottnti/— 

The  description  of  this  county  agrees  in  all  essential  particulars  with  that  of 
Heaufort  County.  The  surface  is  partly  swampy  and  extensive  tracts  are  cov- 
ered with  pine  forests.  The  coast  region  is  made  up  of  numerous  islands  all 
abounding  in  game,  and  the  rivers  and  sounds  between  them  furnishing  good 
iishing.  Ducks,  geese,  snipe,  plover,  reed  birds,  woodcock,  quail,  etc.,  are 
found  all  through  the  eastern  portion  of  Mie  county.  In  the  woods  and  swamps 
are  deer,  foxes,  squirrels,  coons,  wild  turkeys  The  South  Carolina,  and  the 
C;harleston  and  Savannah  Railroads  traverse  the  county  and  render  accessible 
some  of  the  best  regions  for  the  sportsman.  The  coast  shooting  grounds  may  be 
reached  by  yacht  from  Charleston  or  Beaufort.  The  hunter  cannot  fail  of  finding 
abundant  employment  for  shot  gun  and  rifle  among  the  sea  islands  of  the  Caro- 
lina coast.    1  he  winter  months  are  the  best  for  sport. 

Georffetown  County— 

The  extensive  rice  fields  on  the  lowlands  near  the  coast  attract  great  flocks  of 
wild  fowl  and  other  birds.  Ducks  in  great  variety,  reed  birds,  and  all  the  varie- 
ties of  bog  and  sliore  birds  enumerated  under  Beaufort  (bounty  are  found  here  in 
equal  abundance.  The  swamps  anil  hummock  lands  are  generally  well  supplied 
witli  deer,  wild  turkeys  and  other  like  game,  and  there  one  may  occasionally 
meet  with  a  wildcat.  Foxes  and  coons  are  abundant  through  the  county.  The 
natives  are  as  a  rule  well  supplied  wiih  fo.\  hounds  and  the  stranger  will  find 
little  difficulty  in  securing  the  services  of  competent  guides.  Take  steamer  to 
Georgetown  and  make  that  town  headquarters,  or  go  from  there  by  boat  or  hired 
conveyance  into  the  interior. 

Ilorry  County — 

A  large  portion  of  this  county  is  swamp  and  marsh,  and  here  are  to  be  found 
in  innnense  quantities  many  varieties  of  wild  fowl  and  larger  game.  The  north- 
western part  of  the  county  is  traversed  by  the  Wilmington,  Columbia  and  .Augusta 
Railroad,  and  the  eastern  sections  are  rendered  accessible  by  the  Wallamon 
River.  Bucksville  or  Conwayboro  reached  by  boat  from  Georgetown  will  be 
found  good  headquarters  for  sport. 

Jtichlnnil  County — 

Columbia.  The  pine  forests  and  swamps  are  the  abodes  of  great  numbers  of 
deer,  rabbits,  swamp  rabbits,  squirrels,  coons,  etc.  There  is  excellent  partridge, 
woodcock  and  dove  shooting.  Mallard  and  teal  duck,  and  geese  are  shot  on  the 
Saluda  River.  Columbia  is  well  supplied  with  railroad  communications  with  all 
the  surrounding  country.  The  Charlotte,  Columbia  and  Augusta,  the  Greenville 
and  Columbia,  the  South  Carolina,  and  the  Wilmington,  Columbia  and  Augusta 
Railroads  all  pass  through  fine  game  countries,  and  on  the  line  of  any  one  of  them 
will  be  found  convenient  centres  for  the  gunner. 


TENNESSEE. 


Area  45,600  square  miles,  population,  1,258,520.  That  por- 
tion of  the  State  lying  east  of  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  and 
commonly  known  as  East  Tennessee,  is  traversed  by  numerous 
mountain  ridges  ;  Middle  Tennessee  is  generally  hilly,  and  West 
Tennessee,  or  the  section  west  of  the  Tennessee  River,  is  level  or 
gently  undulating.  With  the  exception  of  deer,  there  is  little  large 
game  to    be  found  in  the  State.     Foxes  are  numerous  and  the 


152 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


music  of  the  hounds  is  often  heard.  Wild  fowl  are  abundant  in 
season  in  many  of  the  lagoons  and  rivers ;  the  fishine  is  for  the 
most  part  indifferent.  The  gentleman  stranger  will  find  the  peopU; 
of  the  hunting  districts  always  hospitable,  and  rarely  will  it  occur 
that  some  one  cannot  be  found  who  has  the  time  and  the  inclma- 
tion  to  ser^'e  as  guide  and  join  in  the  sport. 

Bedford  County— 

Shelbyville.  Ouail,  black,  and  other  vaiieties  of  ducks,  furnish  good  shoo,  ne 
in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the  Nashville,  Chattanooga  and  St.  Louis  Railroacf. 
The  county  is  undulating  and  hilly. 

Cooke  County— 

Casby  Creek,  a  tributary  of  Big  Pigeon  River,  is  a  good  trout  stream. 

Davidson  County — 

Nashville.  On  the  bottoms  of  the  Cumberland  River,  wood  ducks  are  quite 
abundant  all  the  way  from  Nashville  to  the  forks,  three  hundred  and  forty  miles 
above,  especially  in  the  month  of  October,  when  the  white  acorns  commence  fall- 
ing. Quail,  partridges,  rabbits,  wild  turkeys  and  deer  are  also  found  in  abun- 
dance along  the  Cumberland. 

Dyer  County— 

Keelfoot  Lake.  Swan,  geese,  mallard,  teal,  and  other  varieties  of  water  fowl 
in  great  abundance.  Bear  and  deer  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  by  hired  convey- 
ance from  Dyerburg  or  Johnsonville.  Hotels,  boats,  etc.  A  dense  cypress 
swamp  surrounds  the  lake. 

Trimble.  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  ducks,  etc.  Reached  via  the  Paducah  and 
Memphis  Railroad.    Private  board  75  cents  per  day. 

Franklin  County — 

Sewanee.  Black  bass  and  black  perch  are  caught  in  the  Elk  River.  The 
mountains  of  the  country  afford  good  deer  hunting,  and  smaller  game  is  found  in 
fair  abundance. 

Jlamilton  County — 

Wauhatcliie.  Deer  in  the  mountains,  with  quail  in  the  neighboring  fields. 
Wauhatchie  is  a  station  on  the  Nashville,  Chattanooga  and  St.  Louis  Railroad,  six 
miles  from  Chattanooga. 

Chattanooga.  Bass  fishing  in  the  neighboring  creeks,  Chickamauga,  twelve 
miles,  and  others.  Deer,  foxes,  coons  and  rabbits,  are  found  on  the  neighboring 
mountains.  By  taking  any  one  of  the  numerous  railroads  radiating  from  the  city, 
the  sportsman  may  reach  excellent  shooting  grounds,  within  a  few  nours'  ride. 

Bar  din  County — 

Hamburg.  Turkeys,  ducks,  geese,  quail ;  bass,  catfish,  drum  and  buffalo 
fish.  Reached  via  Tennessee  River  boat,  or  via  rail  to  Chickasaw,  Ala.,  thence 
stage  or  horseback. 

Pittsburg  Landing.    See  Hamburg. 

Savannah.  Ducks,  geese,  wild  turkeys,  quail,  and  occasionally  woodcock 
shooting.    The  fishing  is  for  perch,  trout,  bream  and  gar  pike.    Route  as  above. 

Johnnon  County — 

Taylorsville^  which  is  reached  by  wagon  from  Abingdon,  Virginia,  via  Atlan- 
tic and  Mississippi  Railroad,  is  a  fine  centre  for  sportsmen  wishing  to  fish  the 
Laurel  and  its  tributaries  in  the  adjacent  mountains,  where  brook  trout  and  small 
game  are  found. 

Lake  County — 

Tiptonville.  Good  duck  shooting  on  Reelfoot  Lake.  Reached  via  Thompson's 
Ferry.    Provide  for  camping. 

Jjouderdalc  County — 

Hale's  Point.  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  quail,  woodcock  and  other  game.  Reached 
via  St.  Louis  packet  daily,  Cincinnati  packets,  three  or  four  times  per  week.  Hotel 
$5.50  per  week. 


CAME  Ayn  FISH  RESORTS.  1 53 

Lairrenrp  County — 

Shiutl  Crerk-  is  a  good  game  centre,  and  is  n  favorite  resort  for  Nashville 
sportsmen.  Tlic  black  bass  tislun^j  is  good,  and  on  tlic  Musile  Shoals,  near  the 
inoutii  of  the  treck,  in  Alabania  (which  sec),  will  be  found  splendid  duck  shoot- 
ing.   Reached  by  rail  from  Nashville  to  Uodenham,  thence  drive. 

Mad  I  Hon  Count  if— 

yiti/cson.  Trout,  buffalo  fish  and  catfish.  Reached  via  the  New  Orleans,  St. 
Louis,  and  C'hica^^o   Railroad.     Ilolel  and  iirivate  board,  $i  to  $2. 

MaiiisoH  is  a  good  centre  for  (|uail  sliooling.  Reached  via  the  Louisville  and 
Nashville  and  drcat  Southern  Railroad,  or  the  St.  Louis  and  Southeastern 
Ruilroail. 

Shelby  County  — 

Miiiiphis.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  city,  on  either  side  of  the  Mississippi,  bears 
and  deer  afford  line  sport.  A  resort  for  hunters  is  Hayou  Pemiscot,  which  lies 
on  the  river,  partly  in  Missouri  and  partly  in  Arkansas.  The  cane  below  the 
city  is  a  tine  ground  for  bears,  panthers,  wildcats,  wolves,  deer,  and  occasion- 
ally, elk.  Foxes,  <iuail,  partridges,  etc., are  abundant  all  through  the  surround- 
ing country. 


TEXAS. 

Texas  embraces  an  area  of  237,504  square  miles.  The  State 
comprises  a  great  variety  of  surface  ;  the  extreme  south-eastern  por- 
tion is  a  level  plain,  which  is  followed  by  rolling  and  prairie  coun- 
try, and  this  in  turn,  is  succeeded  by  the  table  land  and  mountain- 
ous districts  of  the  north  and  north-west.  The  Llano  Estacado, 
destitute  of  vegetation,  extends  into  the  State  from  New  Mexico. 
The  sea  coast  is  broken  by  a  series  of  bays,  lagoons  and  harbors, 
all  of  them  abounding  in  an  extensive  variety  of  salt  water  fish. 
As  a  game  country  Texas  surpasses  any  State  in  the  Union.  Tak- 
ing steamer  on  the  coast,  or  any  one  of  the  railroads  into  the  inte- 
rior, the  sportsman  will  find,  within  easy  access  from  almost  any 
locality  he  may  select  as  his  initial  point,  game  in  the  greatest 
variety  and  abundance.  Upon  the  bays,  lagoons,  and  inland 
streams,  are  ducks,  geese,  brant,  snipes,  plover  and  other  varieties 
of  game  birds.  Buffalo  roam  over  the  north-western  counties. 
Bears,  deer,  antelope,  etc.,  are  to  be  had  in  the  greatest  abundance. 
Turkeys,  pinnated  grouse,  quail,  etc.,  are  found  throughout  the 
State,  and  go  where  he  may  the  sportsman  will  always  meet  with 
success. 

liexnr  County- 
San  Afttonia.  The  head  waters  of  the  Medina  are  fine  hunting  grounds  for 
red  deer,  bears,  wild  turkeys,  anil  partridges.  (See  Belknap.)  Reached  via  the 
Houston  and  Texas  Central  Railroad  to  Austin,  thence  via  daily  stages  to  San 
Antonio,  or  go  via  the  Galveston,  Harrisburg  and  San  Antonio  Railway  to  Kings- 
bury, thence  via  daily  stages, 

Slanco  County — 

Round  Mountain.  Bufl^alo  range  in  large  herds  seventy  miles  west.  Deer  are 
very  plenty  ;  with  wild  turkeys  numerous  in  the  cedar  brakes  ;  the  peccary,  or 
wild  hog,  is  found  on  Sand  Mountain,  twelve  miles  west;  jack-rabbits,  cotton- 
tails, squirrels,  foxes,  coons  and  opossums  are  very  abundant.     Wild  geese, 

7* 


*^  . . .  k.i 


154  GAME  AND   FISH  RESORTS. 

ducks,  brant,  pelicans,  cranes,  quail,  and  other  birds  afford  fine  sport  on  the 
streams  in  winter.  Hlacl<  bass,  perch  and  white  cattish  may  be  caught  in  all  the 
streams  i)t  any  size.  The  Si)anish  ponies  are  used  tor  the  hunt.  The  sportsman 
may  slioot  from  their  back,  or  leave  them  to  gra/.e  while  he  secures  his  game. 

t'liinnbci'H  Cniinty— 

Tlic  month  ol  Trinity  River  is  a  favorite  ducking  locality.  Rcaehed  from  Gal- 
veston, Wallisville,  or  New  Washington,  on  Galveston  bay.    See  Galveston. 

(Colorado  County— 

(iame  is  plentilul  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  and  consists  of  the  deer,  turkey, 
wild  goose,  wild  duck,  mule-eared  rabbit,  pinnated  grouse,  cpiails,  plover,  snipe, 
coons,  opossums,  the  grey  and  cat  scpiirrel,  tlie  wihl  spotted  cat,  and  now  and 
then  a  stray  prairiji:  woit  is  founil.  Tlie  wild  goose  nti(i  duck  are  found  in  great 
numbers  in  the  tall  and  winter.     Fish  abound  in  the  rivers,  creeks  and  lakes  in 


great  quantity  and  variety,  and  consist  principally  of  cat,  bulfalo  gaspergou, 
trout,  black  bass  and  percli.  The  IJalveston,  llarrisburg  and  San  Antonio  Rail- 
road passes  through  die  centre  of  the  county.    (Jood  game  grounds  are  to  be 


reached  from  Columbus,  Eagle  Lake,  Alleyton,  Hordcn,  or  Weimar.    The  face 
of  the  country  presents  a  beautiful  undulating  level. 

Concho  Coajnty— 

Camp  Concho,  on  the  Concho  River,  is  the  southern  limit  of  the  buffalo  coun- 
try. Plenty  of  small  game  is  to  be  found.  Reached  from  San  Antonio.  (See 
Hexar  County.) 

Cooke  County — 

C,ciincsvilli\  si.x  hours  from  Sherman  by  daily  stage,  is  on  the  waters  of  Elm 
Foric  ofTrinity  River,  twenty-five  miles  east  tif  its  head.  This  stream  is  deep 
and  clear,  and  abounds  witli  several  varieties  of  hsh.  Three  kinds  of  cattish  are 
found  in  this  stream,  tlie  yellow  cat.  the  blue  cat,  and  the  channel  cat ;  and  three 
kinds  of  perch,  the  trout,  the  white  bass  and  the  sun  nerch.  Several  varieties  of 
suckers  are  common,  the  largest  being  the  "  buffalo,  which  weighs  from  ten  to 
fifteen  pounds. 

Seven  miles  north  of  Gainesville  is  Red  River,  the  boundary  line  between 
Texas  and  Indian  Territory.  The  hills  running  back  from  the  river  on  each  side 
are  timbered,  and  afford  hiding  place  for  deer,  turkeys,  wild  cats,  wolves  and 
foxes,  with  an  occasional  cougar  or  panther. 

North  of  the  river,  for  miles,  lies  a  fine  hunting  ground  in  the  open  post  oak 
woods,  as  the  settlements  are  ver>^  sparse  and  the  Indians  friendly. 
'       Tyas  Bend,  on  the  Red  River,  is  a  tine  deer  and  turkey  locality. 

About  twenty  miles  west  of  Gainesville  is  the  eastern  edge  of  the  upper  cross 
timbers,  which  extend  through  Montague  County,  a  distance  of  thirty  miles. 
Throughout  the  entire  woodland  the  red  deer  and  wild  turkey  can  be  found. 

At  Gainesville,  Elm  Fork  turns  due  south  till  it  leaves  the  county.  It  affords 
splendid  stands  lor  "  driving."  Along  this  stream,  and  on  Red  River,  are  sev- 
eral iiacks  of  trained  hounds  for  hunting  wildcats  and  deer.  On  the  prairies  are 
found  the  mule-eared  rabbit,  the  pinnated  grouse  and  plover,  and  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  farms  the  grey  squirrel,  fox-squirrel  and  quail.  In  the  winter  season  the 
streams  abound  with  vvdd  geese  and  wild  ducks.  The  fall  and  winter  are  the 
best  seasons  for  sporting,  as  the  winters  are  generally  so  mild  that  persons  camp 
out  all  winter  in  tents.  Take  the  Houston  and  Texas  Central  Railway,  or  the 
Texas  and  Pacific  Railway  to  Sherman. 

(ialveston  County — 

Gah'cston.  Plover,  brant,  mallard,  blue  and  green-winged  teal,  grey  ducks, 
big  and  little  blue-bills,  red  heads,  canvas-backs,  golden  eyes,  top-knots,  curlew, 
snipe,  killdeer  ;  trout,  redtish,  stingarees,  alligators,  gars,  swordfish,  sharks,  jew 
fish,  croakers  and  sheepshead.  Reached  via  boat  or  by  the  Galveston,  Houston 
and  Henderson  Railway.  The  favorite  localities  for  duck  are  Smith's  Point, 
distant  fifteen  miles,  on  the  bay,  and  the  mouth  of  Trinity  River  and  the  lakes 
twenty  miles  inland.  On  Bolivar  is  also  a  good  ground  for  geese,  teal  and  black 
duck,  distant  about  seven  miles,  with  innumerable  ponds  and  sufficient  protection 
to  hide  and  creep  on  game  unawares.  In  the  Western  Bay,  not  much  frequented, 
feather  above  and  fin  beneath,  sport  their  idle  and  dreamy  hours  away  in  perfect 
security,  a  pleasant  place  for  the  sportsman  in  the  dead  of  winter.  Always  warm, 
free  from  storm,  yactit  protected  from  the  most  violent  gales,  and  game  so  plenty, 


17* 


GAME  AND  FISH  KEHOKTS.  155 

no  effort  to  kill.  As  the  place  is  not  known  to  any  extent,  and  rather  hard  for  sail 
boats  to  visit  on  account  of  intricate  and  shallow  channels,  and  an  out-of-the-way 
place  generally,  Raine  of  all  duscri[)lions  seek  it  as  their  refuse  in  safety.  The 
snipe  grounds  arc  the  wild  prairies,  with  a  little  water  oi\  thetn,  where  there  is 
{;oi)d  walking  and  riding.  Cars,  boats  and  guides  can  be  obtained  at  reason- 
able prices. 

iioltad  County — 

Goliad.    Ducks  are  found  in  great  numbers  in  the  vicinity. 
llarrlH  County— 

Ilouston.  On  the  line  ot  the  new  Houston  and  Texas  Western  Railway  and 
within  tliirty  miles  of  Houston  are  found  in  ureal  abiiniiance  deer,  hures,  prairie 
chickens,  sandhill  cranes,  ducks,  geese,  blackbirds  and  ((uail.  liy  going  a  very 
short  distance  back  from  the  railroad  the  sportsman  will  tind  all  the  (-ame  men- 
tioned in  great  abundance. 

//ocklry,  forty  miles  from  Houston  on  the  Central  Railroad,  and  one  hundred 
and  thirty  miles  from  Austin.  Grouse,  snipe,  ducks,  guese,  etc.,  here  afford  ex- 
cellent sport. 

llopkinn  County— 

Deer,  turkeys,  (luail,  and  other  varieties  of  game  abound. 

Hunt  County— 

IVhite  /foci.  Deer,  turkeys  and  small  game  throughout  the  county.  Reached 
via  the  Missouri,  Kansas  and  Texas  Railroad.  The  country  is  open  oak  timber 
lands. 

Kaufman  County — 

Terrell.  Deer,  jack-rabbits,  pinnated  grouse,  quail,  ducks  and  snipe. 
Reached  via  the  Texas  and  Pacific  Railroad,  Hoard  at  hotel  %i\  teams  $3. 
Country  rolling  prairie  and  timber. 

Kinney  County — 

/''orl  Clark.  Quail,  plover,  teal,  wild  turkeys,  bears,  deer;  bass,  catfish,  gar, 
sunfish,  and  buflalo  tish.  Fort  Clark  is  about  one  hundred  miles  west  from  San 
Antonio. 

Marlon  County — 

Jefferson.  Deer,  quail,  snipe,  mallards,  teal,  bass  and  many  other  varieties  of 
game  and  fish.  Reached  via  the  Texas  and  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  $2.50,  pri« 
vate  board  $1.50  ;  boats  and  guides  $2.50 ;  teams  at  reasonable  rates.  The 
country  is  rolling  and  timbered.  The  best  fishing  points  are  the  three  forks  of 
Cypress  Bayou,  and  Cudd  Lake. 

miaaon  County — 

Fort  Mason.  At  the  Llano  Rive",  six  miles  distant,  is  excellent  turkey  shoot- 
ing. The  river  contains  several  varieties  of  fish  including  the  large  yellow  cat- 
fish, which  is  here  esteemed  a  fine  table  delicacy. 

Montague  County — 

The  upper  cross  timbers  thirty  miles  west  of  Gainesville  (which  see)  are  excel- 
lent huntmg  grounds  for  red  deer  and  wild  turkeys. 

Shachleford  County- 
Fort  Griffin.    The  vicinity  of  the  Clear  Fork  of  the  Brazos  River  is  a  grand 
buffalo  range.     The  locality  is  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  south-west  of 
Gainesville.     Go  via  the  Texas  Pacific  Railroad  to  Gainesville,  fit  out  there,  or  at 
Henderson,  with  tents,  wagons,  teams,  horses,  etc.,  for  a  several  weeks  campaign. 

The  Northwestern  Countlen — 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  headwaters  of  the  Brazos  and  Big  Wachita  Rivers,  buffalo, 
antelope  and  deer  are  found  in  large  quantities.  The  buffalo  rari^e  extends  from 
the  tributaries  of  the  Canadian,  across  the  northern  end  of  the  Staked  Plains  to 
the  Pecos  River.  This  range  however,  changes  very  rapidly,  and  it  is  therefore 
difficult  to  give  precise  information  where  this  game  may  be  found. 


156 


GAME  AND  FISH  KE SORTS. 


The  Southvrn  ttorder  t'ountlea— 

These  couiiticH  at)(>\inil  in  fmc  Ramc,  lnrluHln((  turkeys,  peccaries,  deer,  ducks, 
coyotes,  suiidhill  craiivs,  purtrldKcs,  jack  rut)bitH,  with  a  Hinalicr  variety,  cbkIcm, 
loiiK  hilled  curlew,  lieroiiH,  Kiiipe. 

lirownsviile,  Cameron  ('ounty,  iii  a  good  centre  to  Start  from.  The  route  is 
via  steamer  to  Hrazos  SantiuKo. 

Travln  County- 
Austin.    Sec  Melknap,  YoiuiK  County.    Austin  is  the  terminus  of  the  Western 
Division  of  the  Houston  and  Texas  Central  Kailway, 

I'lmhui'  County  - 

Lottgi>ievi.  Deer,  wild  tiirl<eys  and  ducks.  Reached  via  the  Texas  and  Pacific 
Railroad.     Hoard  $6  i)er  week,  fao  per  month. 

I' an  Xanttt  Coimty— 

li'tii's  Point.  Deer,  and  piiuiated  an('  rulfed  Rrousc.  Reached  via  Texas  and 
I'acitic  Railroad.    Teams  $4  to  $s.     Provide  camping  outfit. 

{•rami  Saline.  Deer  in  abundance.  Reucheu  via  the  Texas  and  Pacific  Rail- 
way.   Teams  $3.     Prepare  for  camping. 

Youuff  County— 

Belknafi.  All  this  northern  part  of  Texas,  embraclnpf  both  the  Cross  Timbers 
as  a  centre,  and  tiatiked  by  extensive  prairies  on  the  east  and  west,  and  abound- 
ing ill  game  (in  their  |)laces  and  season),  hold  out  their  peculiar  charms,  and 
invite  the  sportsman  to  the  tented  field.  VVhen  acorns  and  other  mast  are  plenty, 
and  have  talleii,  then  in  the  o|)en  woods,  the  sportsman  will  find  deer,  ducks. 
Rccsc,  and  turkeys  abundant,  (piail  and  ral)l)its  ()lenty,  antelope,  grouse,  ana 
squirrels  medium,  and  bear  occasionally,  to  say  nothing  of  prairie  wolves,  foxea, 
coons,  possums,  etc.,  not  generally  noticed.  October,  November  and  December 
arc  the  perfect  months  for  sport,  and  lanuary  and  Kebiuary  not  bad,  but  having 
a  few  days,  at  intervals,  of  rather  cohl  weather— that  is,  a  few  inches  of  snow  and 
ice,  with  cold,  northerly  winds— thus  constituting  what  Is  so  well  known  in  Texas, 
as  a  "  norther." 

These  remarks  apply  to  northern  Texas  in  winter,  while  along  th«i  gull,  or 
southern  coast,  these  same  winter  months  have  the  mild  climate  of  New  York  in 
September.  Connecting  with  the  railroad  running  south  from  Dennison,  near  the 
north  line  of  the  State,  are  stages  which  convey  persons  at  once  to  almost  any 

Eart  of  the  State  desired.  For  central  cities,  in  which  to  spend  the  winter  for 
ealth,  as  well  as  for  sporting,  San  Antonio  stands  first,  and  Austin,  the  capital 
of  the  State,  second.  These  places  cannot  well  be  excelled,  everything  con- 
sidered. 


UTAH. 


Utah  has  an  area  of  1 08,000  miles.  The  Wasatch  Chain  travers- 
ing the  central  part,  and  numerous  other  ranges  give  a  decidedly 
mountainous  character  to  the  Territory.  Deep  caiions,  dashing 
mountain  streams,  and  plains  are  the  principal  features  of  the 
country.  Though  the  game  found  here  is  not  abundant,  the  list 
includes  some  of  the  larger  game  sought  after  by  the  hunter.  Elk, 
deer,  antelope,  mountain  sheep,  bears  and  the  common  fur  bear- 
ing animals  with  water  fowl  and  the  birds  afford  fair  sport.  The 
mountain  streams  and  the  lakes  abound  in  salmon  and  trout  ot 
superior  size,  and  here  the  angler  will  find  opportunity  for  his 
highest  skill.     All  parts  of  the  Territory  may  be  reached  from 


CAME  AND   I'lSH  RESOKTS.  \%^ 

Ogden  or  Salt  Lake  City,  at  cither  of  which  points  will  be  fountl 
pack  horses,  guides,  and  all  necessary  outtit  and  provisions. 

Jtloryan  County— 

r,li>i,<».  Tills  county  is  ndjaccnt  to  Salt  Luke  f'ounty,  »nil  has  the  same  Rcn- 
er.il  |>liysi(  al  tcuturcs.  Flic  ^a.mii  is  aliundatit,  iiiul  iiii  liulcs  l)cars,  ducr,  loxcs, 
licuvcrs,  pinimtLMi  grouse,  shuu  hens,  pine  hens  and  dix  ks.  All  the  mountain 
Htn'uins  turni>.h  K(>od  trout  lishiiijf.  Thf  route  is  via  the  l;'nion  I'aiihc  Railroad. 
Iloiird  in  private  liiinily  $i  ;  guides  $j.     (See  Salt  Lake  I'ounty.) 

S<ill  Lahv  Count  If,  nnil  t/tone  .tiljolnluff— 

The  country  Rcnerally  is  mountainous  ;  the  Wasatch,  Otpiirrh,  and  other  ranp;e» 
beiiitf  prominent  features,  and  occujjyinjj  a  larj^e  pronortion  ol  the  \vh(de  distnvt. 
Amiil  the  Wasatcli  Mountains  are  the  <ai"u)ns  of  (ity  ("reek.  Dry,  ked  Hutte, 
Kmijrration,  Parley's,  Mill  CTcek,  Min  Cottonwooil,  Little  (  ottonwood,  Wdlow 
(!rcek,  and  a  nuinher  ol  other  caAoiis  and  streams  of  less  notoriety. 

City  (reck  is  immediately  north  of  Salt  Lake  CMty,  and  the  others  are  tu  the 
cast  ar.d  ■M>uth  in  the  order  mcntlonetl. 

The  caiV)ns  named  are  on  the  east  side,  and  the  mountains  are  more  prcct|)i- 
toiis  than  those  on  the  west,  in  the  ()(|uirrh  ranKC,  in  whith  there  are  several 
caiVMis  and  streams,  all  of  which  contain  ^ame  of  various  kinds.  Iowa  and  (Cali- 
fornia <|uail  have  l)eeii  im|>orted,  and  are  doin^  well. 

In  both  ranges  of  mountains  there  are  plenty  of  pine  hens,  rh  they  are  locullv 
known,  and  on  all  the  foothills  or  benches  at  the  proper  season,  can  be  found 
pinnated  ^;rouse,  sa>;e  hens,  rabbits,  plover,  curlew,  etc.,  and  on  the  bottoms 
nearer  the  Salt  Lake  are  immense  quantities  of  hares  and  cotton  tail  rabbits. 

The  Jordan  River,  which  runs  from  south  to  north  throuKb  the  valley,  has 
recently  been  stocked  with  imported  tish  of  many  varieties,  and  will  soon  afford 
excellent  sport  for  the  anurler,  as  the  streams  contain  lar^e  i|uantities  of  whiletish, 
chub,  and  some  trout— wliich  are  indifjenous  to  the  stream.  All  of  the  streams 
frtjin  the  cailons  mentioned,  are  well  stocked  with  mountain  trout  and  mountain 
herrinjf. 

In  nearly  all  of  the  canons,  especially  those  which  are  less  frefjuented,  deer, 
and  an  occasional  elk,  and  large  numbers  of  bears  may  be  foun<l.  The  severe 
snow  storms  of  winter  often  drive  the  deer  down  into  the  settlements  near  the 
mountains. 

The  <lescription  here  Riven,  althou^jh  with  special  reference  to  the  immediato 
neighborhood  ol  Salt  Lake  (Jity,  will  apply  to  all  other  parts  of  Utah.  To  the 
north  for  one  handled  and  fifty  miles,  these  canons  and  streams  are  met  witli 
every  few  miles,  and  in  them  can  be  found  more  or  less  name  of  the  kinds  enu- 
merated. The  \\'eber  River,  near  which  ()>;den  is  situated,  is  a  spleinlid  stream, 
rich  in  trout,  and  is  a  watering  place  for  innumerable  ducks  and  peese.  Special 
mention  is  ilue  to  OKden  CaAon,  one  of  the  most  picturesciuc  and  attractive 
mountain  retreats  in  the  Rocky  Mountains.  There  are  plenty  of  trout  in  the 
stream,  and  abundance  of  fowl  on  the  mountain  side.  The  hunter  will  tind  bears 
and  deer  also  in  their  season. 

Farther  to  the  north  is  the  Bear  River,  a  mapjniticent  stream  liberally  stocked 
with  fish  of  many  kinds,  prominent  amouR  which  is  the  trout.  This  is  the  finest 
river  for  fish  in  tne  Territory.  Hut  the  best  sport  for  the  angler  is  found  in  the 
creeks,  such  as  Blacksmith's  b'ork  and  scores  of  other  narrow  and  swift  mountain 
streams,  which  are  the  homes  of  great  numbers  of  splendid  trout.  All  of  these 
streams  can  be  reached  without  any  difficulty,  as  they  are  in  close  proximity  to 
the  railroads,  and  in  many  instances  crossed  by  them. 

To  the  south  of  Salt  Lake  City  about  forty  miles  is  the  famous  Utah  Lake, 
full  of  trout,  mullet,  chub,  mountain  herring,  etc.  This  is  an  immense  sheet  of 
water  and  although  there  are  scores  of  tons  of  trout  and  other  fish  taken  out  each 
season,  it  still  affords  a  supply  for  all  demands  made  ui)on  it.  VVIiilc  soeaking 
of  the  north  mention  should  nave  been  made  of  the  splendid  fishing  ana  grouse 
shooting  to  be  found  in  Cache  Valley.  Thousands  of  grouse,  geese,  ducks,  etc., 
are  shot  here  every  season.  These  grounds  can  be  reached  directly  by  rail,  as 
the  Utah  and  Northern  Railroad  runs  through  the  best  hunting  gr<mnds. 

In  Bear  Lake  Valley,  which  is  but  a  few  miles  from  the  northern  terminus 
of  the  same  road,  there  are  large  quantities  of  ducks,  geese  and  chicken,  and 
plenty  of  bears  and  deer  to  be  found  in  the  surrounding  un)untains.  Bear  Lake, 
about  twenty-five  miles  long  and  eight  to  ten  miles  wide,  is  the  abode  of  trout 
innumerable,  consisting  principally  of  salmon  trout,  some  of  them  of  very  large 


158 


GAME  AND  FISH  KE SORTS. 


size.  It  is  a  common  thinj?  to  see  them  here  from  four  to  eifi:ht  pounds  in  weigiit 
and  often  ten.  twelve  and  even  fifteen  pounds  ;  and  the  flesh  is  as  solid  as  beef 
and  flavor  almost  equal  to  the  smallest  mountain  trout, 

To  the  west  is  Stockton  Lake,  on  the  line  of  the  Utah  Western  Railroad,  filled 
with  whitefiyh,  and  its  bosom  lre(iueiUly  covered  with  ducks,  geese,  ^)elicans,  etc. 

The  Hot  Spring  Lake,  three  miles  northwest  of  Salt  Lake  City,  is  a  favorite 
resort  for  ducks  which  are  here  at  times  exceedingly  numerous. 

The  Great  Salt  Lake  also  is  a  great  attraction  to  the  feathered  tribe.  On  its 
margin  may  be  found  pelicans,  swans,  geese  and  ducks  by  the  million.  The 
lake  cxlenils  fro^n  immediately  west  of  the  city  to  about  seventy-five  miles  north 
and  all  along  its  borders  will  be  found  in  their  seasons,  curlew,  jack-snipe,  can- 
vas-backs, nr-lliirds,  teal,  red-heads,  and  a  great  variety  of  other  ducks,  several 
kinds  of  geese,  and  all  along  the  bottoms  small  game  are  to  be  found  anywhere. 

Jn  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Salt  Lake  City  the  game  is  mostly  ducks 
and  rabbits,  thousands  of  which  are  sometimes  killed  in  a  day. 

The  best  initial  points  for  sportsmen  are  Salt  Lake  City  or  Ogden.  Here  all 
necessary  information  may  be  obtained,  with  sup|)lies  for  camping  out.  The 
hotels  through  the  Territory  are  generally  fair,  ($1.50  to  $4)  and  the  stranger  will 
find  accommodations  in  i)rivate  families  ($1  to  i2)at  most  of  the  points  mentioned. 
In  some  localities  canuiing  is  preferable,  but  nowhere  absolutely  necessary. 
Teams  $3  to  $8  ;  boats  ^i  to  $2. 

Sutninit  County — 

Echo  City.  Elk,  deer,  bears,  sage  hens,  sharp-tailed  grouse  ;  trout.  Reached 
via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotels  $1.50  to  $2;  guides  $1.50;  teams  JS4. 
Provide  camping  equipment.  The  hunting  grounds  are  among  the  mountains. 
The  description  ot  Salt  Lake  County  (which  see)  will  apply  equally  to  this 
county. 

lyasntch  is  a  starting  point  for  elk,  bear,  jack  rabbit,  duck,  goose  and  sage 
hen  shooting,  and  trout  fishing.  Route  as  above.  Private  board  $a  ;  guides 
$1.50  ;  teams  $4  to  $5.  Sportsmen  generally  secure  their  camping  outfit  here  and 
make  their  camp  among  the  mountains. 

Weber  County— 

Ogden  City.  Hears,  deer,  jack-rabbits,  hares,  pinnated  grouse,  sage  hens, 
grouse,  etc.  The  streams  in  the  county  are  full  of  trout  and  otner  fish.  Reached 
via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  and  private  board  $2  to  $3  ;  teams  with 
driver  $4  to  $5  per  day.     See  Salt  Lake  County. 

Uintah.  Bears,  deer,  ducks,  quail,  pinnated  grouse,  trout.  On  the  Union 
Pacific  Railroad.  Private  board  $1  ;  teams  $3  to  $4.  Country  hilly  and  moun- 
tainous. 


VERMONT 


This  State  embraces  an  area  of  10,212  square  miles  and  has  a 
population  of  330,551.  The  Green  Mountains  running  north  and 
south  through  the  centre  of  the  State,  divide  it  into  two  nearly 
equal  parts.  The  geiiCral  surface  of  the  country  partakes  of  this 
hilly  and  mountainous  character.  Though  without  any  large  rivers 
within  her  boundaries,  Vermont  is  well  supplied  with  streams  and 
several  beautiful  lakes.  The  mountains  still  contain  some  bears 
and  other  animals.  There  is  fair  shooting  for  some  of  the  smaller 
species,  and  the  fishing  in  certain  parts  of  the  State  is  fair.  As  a 
rule,  however,  this  State  has  not  many  attractions  for  sportsmen 
from  abroad.  The  travelling  facilities  and  accommodations 
throughout  the  State  will  be  found  of  the  same  general  character 
as  all  the  earlier  settled  States. 


GAME  AND   FISH  RE  SON  7' S.  I  59 

Addisnn  County— 

Ver^otnes.  Whitcfish,  black  bass,  pike,  etc.,  in  Lake  Champlain,  and  trout  in 
Otter  Creek.     Reached  via  the  Central  Vermont  Railroad.    Two  hotels. 

Larabci:'s  Point.     (Irey  squirrel.s  and  coons. 

Salisbury.  Lake  Dunmore  abounds  in  iish.  Reached  via  the  Central  Ver- 
mont Railroad.     The   Lake  Dunmore  House  is  on  the   west  side  of  the  lake. 

Fcryiibur^k.  Ducks,  rulTed  grouse,  woodcock,  snipe  and  quail  ;  pike,  pickerel, 
black  bass,  rock  bass  and  perch.  Route  as  above,  or  via  Lake  Champlain 
steamer. 

Jinnninffton  County — 

Arlington.,  on  the  Western  Vermont  or  Harlem  Extension  Railroad,  has  good 
trout  tishinfj.    Two  hotels  afford  comfortable  accommodations. 

Manchester,  v^i  the  base  of  Mount  Equinox  in  the  valley  of  the  Hattenkill,  is 
much  visited  in  summer  for  its  line  troutin^f.  (.See  Weston,  below.)  Ruffed 
grouse  shooting  in  the  neighborhood. 

Glastenbury.  Hears  are  found  in  the  mountains  ;  trout  in  all  the  streams. 
Ruffed  grouse  are  shot  in  fair  numbers.  Reached  from  Hennington,  distant  five 
miles. 

Dorset.  Good  grey  squirrel  shooting  here  and  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via 
the  Harlem  Extension  to  Factoryville,  thence  bv  stage.     Hotel. 

Bennington.  Trout  are  caught  in  the  Walloo'mack  River,  near  this  place.  The 
pickerel  ponds  of  Woodford  are  much  visited. 

TlsHex  County — 

The  northeastern  corner  of  Vermont  is  comparatively  a  wilderness,  several 
townships  being  entirely  without  population,  and  a  number  of  the  organized, 
cleared  and  populated  chiefly  in  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut  River.  In  fact  a 
greater  ])ortion  of  Essex  county  is  forest.  It  is  well  watered  by  lakes  and  ponds, 
some  of  which  are  miles  in  length  ;  all  contain  hsh,  the  largest  ponds,  the  lake 
trout,  (called  here  lunge,)  the  brook  trout  and  shad  waiters,  a  sort  of  whitefish  ; 
the  smaller  ponds,  trout  or  pickerel.  In  one  of  the  lakes,  the  "  Averil,"  where 
the  largest  speckled  trout  are  caught,  are  also  found  land-locked  salmon. 

The  lake  trout  are  of  a  large  size,  sometimes  taken  upward  of  thirty  pounds, 
but  generally  from  one  to  seven  pounds.  In  the  woods  are  found  a  few  moose,  an 
abunilance  of  deer,  rabbits,  partridge  and  duck,  occasionally  a  bear  and  lynx  ; 
otter,  muskrat,  mink,  sable  and  Mack  cats  are  quite  plenty,  (irey  squirrels  are 
but  rarely  found.  Hy  taking  '.he  Grand  Trunk  Railroad  and  leaving  the  line  at 
Island  Pond  or  any  other  of  the  stations  in  the  county,  the  sportsman  will  find 
the  game  mentioned  witiiin  accessible  distances. 

Island  r.nui,  reached  as  above,  is  in  the  midst  of  the  uninhabited  forest. 
Near  the  village  is  a  lake  two  miles  in  length  whose  waters  abound  in  fish. 
There  are  good  hotels  and  other  conveniences  here. 

Norton,  twelve  miles  from  Island  Pond,  on  the  same  road,  is  near  Norton 
ponds  which  afford  excellent  tishing. 

Jtutland  County — 

Rutland.  In  Lake  I?omoseen  is  excellent  fishing.  The  migratory  ducks  pause 
here  and  in  season  excellent  shooting  may  be  had.  There  are  several  mountains 
and  streams  in  the  vicinity  of  Rmhmd  where  may  be  found  game  and  fish.  The 
route  is  via  the  Central  Vermont  and  other  Railroads.     Hotels  $2.50  to  $3. 

Wallingford.  Ruffed  grouse  are  abundant.  In  the  streams  fine  trout  fishing. 
Reached  via  the  \\'cstern  Vermont  or  Harlem  B'xtension  Railroad. 

Brandon.  Lake  Dunmore  is  eight  miles  distant,  reached  by  stage.  (See 
Salisbury.) 

Wa.sh inyton  County- 
Mont/   "^r.     Fine  trouting  in  Peacham's   Lake,  distant  twenty  miles.     Daily 
stages  connect  with    Hardwick,   on   the   Portland    and    Ogdensburg  Railroaci, 
passing   through   Calais.   (Moscow   House,)   and    Woodbury.    All  about  these 
towns  are  scores  of  small  lakes,  abounding  in  trout  and  other  fish. 

Windham  County— 

Brattlehorn.  Hlack  bass  fishing  in  the  Connecticut.  On  the  New  London 
Northern  Railroad.  The  Brooks  House  here,  is  one  of  the  finest  hotels  in  the 
State. 


i6o 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Bellows  Falls.  Black  bass  fisliing  in  the  ('onnecticut  River.  Excursions  are 
made  by  summer  visitors  to  Warren's  Fond,  in  Alstead,  N.  H.  Good  hotels. 
Reached  via  the  Vermont  ('entral  Railroad. 

Gra/ton.  Foxes  are  numerous  on  the  hills  ;  ruffed  grouse,  partridges,  rabbits 
and  raccoons  are  abundant.  Take  the  Central  Vermont  Railroad  to  Mellows 
Falls  or  Rockingham.  Good  hotel,  F.  and  H.  Phelps,  proi)rietors.  Country 
rough. 

Windsor   County — 

li'cston,  is  in  the  heart  of  the  Green  Mountains,  and  the  neighborhood  abounds 
in  trout  streams  that  are  easily  accessible  from  the  village,  and  visited  but  by 
few  besides  the  resident  anglers.  In  the  main  streams  the  trout  are  of  fair  size. 
Then  there  is  the  Cold  Spring  Reservoir,  literally  swarming  with  fine,  large 
trout,  but  except  in  the  first  ot  the  open  season,  they  will  not  answer  a  summons 
every  day,  nor  are  they  a  gamy  fish.  Weston  is  twelve  miles  from  Chester,  a 
station  on  the  Rutland  and  Hurlington  Railroad,  and  connected  by  daily  stage  and 
can  be  reached  the  same  day  from  Hoston  or  Troy,  N.  Y.  There  is  a  good  hotel. 
There  are  also  plenty  of  accomplished  and  gentlemanly  anglers  to  act  as  guides, 
notably  Messrs.  William  Holden  and  II.  B.  Rogers,  who  arc  au/ait'm  all  that 
pertains  to  ro,d  and  gun,  and  own  craft  upon  the  reservoir. 

Tne  iVittenkill,  on  the  west  side  of  the  mountain,  and  nuiningf  through  Man- 
chester, Sunderland  and  Arlington,  is  a  famous  trout  stream,  coursmg  throuijh  the 
open  meadow  most  of  the  way,  affording  the  finest  sport  for  casting,  as  the  de- 
ponent can  testify  from  persoiuil  knowledge.  Then  the  fish  are  large  and  gamy. 
The  stream  is  j^reatly  fished,  but  still  the  supply  is  kept  up.  In  the  towns  men- 
tioned, are  capital  hostelries,  notably  the  Elm  House,  at  Manchester,  kept  by  C. 
F.  Orvis,  the  maker  of  excellent  cheap  rods,  and  himself  the  most  accomplished 
fly  fishermd  iii  the  State,  ever  courteous  and  ready  to  put  his  guests  in  the  way 
of  securing  a  full  measure  of  sport  with  rod  or  gun. 


VIRGINIA. 


This  State  presents  a  wide  and  attractive  theatre  for  the  gun 
and  the  rod ;  with  water,  plain,  and  mountain,  every  variety  of 
sport  may  be  had  in  its  season.  There  are  twenty-five  hundred 
square  miles  of  tide  water  within  its  limits,  e.xtending  from  the 
Potomac  to  Albemarle  Sound,  a  distance  of  one  hundred  and  thirty 
miles,  embracing  most  of  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  stretching  up 
into  the  interior,  by  several  large  tidal  streams,  one  hundred  and 
sixty  miles.  In  these  waters  are  found  numerous  species  of  fish 
and  every  variety  of  water  fowl.  On  the  rivers,  too,  near  the  head 
of  tide,  sora  and  jack  snipe  abound  in  their  season  in  all  the  marshes. 
Of  these  rivers,  beginning  on  the  north,  we  have  first  the  Potomac, 
then  the  Rappahannock — the  two  making  the  narrow  peninsula  of 
sixty  miles  in  length,  and  seven  to  twelve  in  width,  called  the 
Northern  Neck — abounding  in  game  and  fish  ;  then  the  Piankitank, 
and  various  streams  in  Gloucester  and  Matthews — all  arms  of  the 
sea,  as  it  were,  emptying  into  Mob  Jack  Bay,  a  sort  of  inland  sea 
— then  York  River,  with  its  tributaries,  Mattaponi  and  Pamaunkee 
— which  make  a  peninsula  of  thirty  miles  in  length,  and  from  two 
and  one-half  to  seven  in  width,  bringing  both  streams  within  the 
range  of  the  gunner  and  the  angler,  abounding  with  fish  and  fowl, 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  l6l 

and  the  dividing  ridge  with  deer,  quail,  turkey,  foxes,  raccoons,  and 
opossums.  The  sportsman,  with  an  humble  heart,  might  tind  a 
contented  home  here.  Next  comes  the  James,  called  in  earlier  and 
better  days, the  Powhatan — which,  with  the  York,  makes  what 
is  called,  simply  by  the  way  of  preeminence,  the  Peninsula.  It 
was  the  theatre  of  the  earliest  civilization  of  the  Old  Dominion, 
and  the  seat  of  its  first  metropolis.  It  extends  from  the  bay  up- 
ward some  seventy  or  eighty  miles — its  upper  portion  bounded 
by  the  Pamaunkee  and  Chickahominy.  This  peninsula  also 
abounds  with  game.  The  deer  have  returned,  verifying  Horace — 
Ferisqtie  ursus  occiipabitur  solum. 

South  of  the  James  and  near  its  mouth  are  two  tributaries — 
Elizabeth  River,  and  Nansemond — having  their  sources  in  the 
Dismal  Swamp.  This  whole  region  is  well  adapted  for  sporting 
adventure. 

Next  we  have  the  Chowan  and  its  tributaries — the  Blackwater, 
Nottoway,  and  Meherin — and  then  the  Roanoke,  with  its  tributaries 
— the  Staunton  and  the  Dan,  which  rise  in  the  Alleghany 
Mountains, 

Every  portion  of  Virginia  is  easily  reached  by  steamboat  or  rail 
from  Norfolk,  or  Baltimore,  or  Washington. 

The  Atlantic,  Mississippi,  and  Ohio  Railroad  runs  from  Norfolk, 
four  hundred  and  eight  miles  to  Bristol,  Tennessee  —passing 
Suffolk,  in  Nansemond,  near  the  Dismal  Swamp,  through  Isle  of 
Wight,  Sussex  and  Surrey  Counties  (where  deer  and  other  game 
are  almost  as  abundant  as  when  the  Indians  ruled  the  land),  by 
Petersburg,  Burkesville,  and  Lynchburg,  at  each  of  which  places 
it  is  crossed  by  railroads  going  North  and  South.  The  Sea-Board 
and  Roanoke  Railroad  also  runs  from  Norfolk  through  Naii.^emond 
and  Southampton  Counties,  to  Weldon,  N.  C,  crossing  the  Black- 
water,  Nottoway,  and  Meherin — the  tributaries  of  the  Chowan. 
This  railroad  is  an  extension  of  the  daily  line  of  steamboats  from 
Baltimore  to  Norfolk.  A  line  of  fine  steamers  also  ply  between 
Norfolk  and  Richmond,  stopping  at  the  various  landings  on  the 
river.  York  River  and  its  tributaries — the  Mattaponi  and  the 
Pamaunkee — are  accessible  from  Richmond  and  Baltimore  by  the 
York  River  Railroad,  and  steamers  from  West  Point  to  Baltimore. 
All  the  landings  on  the  Rappahannock  are  reached  by  steamers, 
which  run  twice  a  week  between  Baltimore  and  Fredericksburg. 
Every  portion  of  the  Potomac  below  Washington  is  accessible  by 
steamers  from  that  city,  or  Baltimore,  or  Norfolk.  A  line  of  rail- 
road (the  Richmond,  Fredericksburg,  and  Potomac)  extends  from 
Quantico  on  the  Potomac  (accessible  by  steamer  or  railroad  from 
Washington),  due  south  along  the  head  of  tide-water  by  Fred- 
ericksburg, Richmond,  and  Petersburg,  to  Weldon,  N.  C.  The 
Washington,  Virginia  Midland,  and  Great  Southern  Railroad  runs 
from  Washington  by  Manassas  (where  it  connects  with  the  Man- 


1 62  GAME  AND  I'ISII  RESORTS. 

assas  Gap  Railroad  leading  to  Front  Royal  and  Shenandoah  Valley), 
by  Gordonsville,  Charlottesville  (where  it  connects  with  the  Ches- 
apeake and  Ohio  Railroad,)  by  Lynchburg  (where  it  connects  with 
the  Atlantic,  Mississippi,  and  Ohio  Railroad)  to  Danville  (where  it 
connects  with  the  ferry,)  by  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  where  it 
connects  with  the  Valley  Road,  extending  to  Staunton,  where 
connection  is  made  with  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroad.  On 
either  side  of  this  Valley  Road,  at  distances  varying  from  five  to 
forty  miles,  is  found  a  great  variety  of  game ;  deer,  ruffed  grouse 
(there  called  pheasants),  bears,  wild  turkeys,  etc.  Most  of  the 
mountain  streams  have  speckled  trout — Salmo  fontinalis — the 
more  abundant  and  larger,  the  deeper  you  advance  into  the 
mountains,  and  the  further  from  civilization.  Perhaps  the  best  trout 
fishing  on  the  continent  may  be  found  in  the  head- waters  of  Cheat 
River  in  Pendleton,  Grant,  and  Tucker  Counties,  West  Virginia, 
and  in  the  head-waters  of  the  Greenbrier,  in  Bath  and  Highland, 
Va.,  and  Pocahontas,  W.  Va.,  and  in  the  Gauley  River,  in  Nicholas 
and  Webster  Counties,  W.  Va.  The  Cheat  River  waters  may  be 
reached  in  forty  miles  from  the  Valley  Railroad,  and  the  others 
from  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroad  in  less  than  thirty  miles. 

The  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroad  runs  from  Richmond  to 
Huntingdon  (four  hundred  and  twenty  three  miles),  passing  Char- 
lottesville, Staunton,  the  famous  White  Sulphur  Springs  in  Green- 
brier, the  Great  Falls  of  the  Kanawha,  etc.  After  passing  the  Blue 
Ridge,  this  line  supplies  the  greatest  abundance  and  variety  of 
game  and  the  wildest  field  for  adventure  of  any  district  in  the  State. 
Deer,  bear,  ruffed  grouse,  turkeys,  and  trout  are  more  abundant 
and  accessible  than  elsewhere  ;  it  presents  a  magnificent  field  for 
camping  parties. 

The  Richmond  and  Danville  Railroad  extends  one  hundred  and 
forty  miles  to  Danville,  and  forms  a  part  of  the  Piedmont  Air-line 
to  Atlanta.  It  traverses  Middle  Virginia,  where  the  game  mainly 
consists  of  quail,  hares,  squirrels  and  wild  turkeys,  and  where  the 
waters  contain  very  few  fish,  dams  and  seines  being  fatal  to  them. 
Above  Danville,  on  the  Dan  River,  the  case  is  different.  There 
the  game  becomes  more  abundant,  and  the  mountain  streams  have 
many  trout. 

Among  the  mountains  of  the  State  are  found  many  wild  hogs, 
which  do  not  hesitate  to  attack  the  traveller,  and  are,  without  doubt, 
the  most  dangerous  denizens  of  the  mountains.  They  are  usually 
found  in  herds  of  from  five  to  twelve,  and  the  sight  of  a  human 
i^eing  is  the  only  signal  for  attack  that  they  require.  The  intruder 
has  then  nothing  left  him  but  to  outrun  them,  or  climb  a  tree  and 
wait  for  them  to  leave.  This  would  be  a  good  place  to  go  for  those 
who  like  to  be  hunted  as  well  as  to  hunt,  so  as  to  enjoy  both  phases 
of  pleasure. 

Accomack  and  Northampton  Counties. — The  eastern  shore  of 


GAME  AND   FISH  RESORTS.  163 

Virginia,  composed  of  the  counties  of  Accomack  and  Nortliampton, 
is  a  peninsula  lying  between  the  Atlantic  Ocean  on  the  one  side, 
and  the  Chesapeake  Bay  on  the  other.  It  presents  a  very  level 
surface,  and  has.  perhaps,  tiie  best  roads  in  the  world,  requiring 
but  little  attention  to  keep  them  in  good  condition.  It  is  within 
easy  access  of  Baltimore  I)y  a  line  of  steamers,  oi.e  of  which  leaves 
South  Street  wharf,  in  that  city,  every  day  at  five  o'clock  P.  M., 
except  Saturday.  The  upper  portion  of  the  peninsula  can  be 
reached  daily  by  rail  from  Philadelphia,  the  terminus  being  Grcen- 
backville,  on  the  sea  side  opposite  to  Chincoteague  Island,  and 
distant  from  it  about  five  miles.  A  steam  ferryboat  conveys  pas- 
sengers from  the  depot  to  the  island. 

There  is,  perhaps,  no  portion  of  the  country  presenting  greater 
attraction  to  the  sportsman  in  quest  of  small  game,  such  as  quail 
and  water- fowl,  than  this  little  strip  of  land.  The  former  are 
abundant,  and  the  peculiar  geographical  features  of  the  country 
render  the  sport  of  hunting  them  both  easy  and  delightful.  The 
excellent  character  of  the  roads  makes  a  ride  of  twenty  or  thirty 
miles  but  a  trifle,  thus  enal.Hng  the  hunter  to  go  over  a  great  deal 
of  ground  in  a  day,  and  the  numberless  creeks  or  small  rivers 
indenting  the  coasts  on  sea  and  bay,  form  long  glades  fringed  with 
yellow  sedge,  affording  cover  to  the  birds  and  protection  trom  the 
hawks,  while  the  absence  of  trees  in  such  places  insures  to  the 
hunter  almost  any  number  of  shots  "  in  the  open."  Snipe  and 
woodcock  are  also  found,  but  in  small  numbers.  On  the  sea  side, 
and  to  a  great,  though  less  extent  on  the  bay,  waterfowl,  such  as 
wild  geese,  brant,  black  mallards,  shufflers  or  black  ducks,  red  heads 
anfl  all  other  kinds  of  duck,  except  the  canvas-back,  swarm  in 
myriads,  and  are  killed  in  great  numbers  every  year  ;  they  are  shot 
principally  from  blinds  over  decoys.  On  every  part  of  the  shore 
persons  can  be  found  who  have  large  experience  in  this  kind  of 
sport,  and  whose  services  can  be  procured  by  visitors  at  reasonable 
rates.  Perhaps  the  best  point  for  this  kind  of  shooting  is  Cobb's 
Island,  in  the  county  of  Northampton,  whose  proprietors  entertain 
each  year,  in  winter,  quite  a  number  of  sportsmen,  and  have  all  the 
appliances,  such  as  boats  and  decoys,  for  their  accommodation. 
The  island  itself  is  a  noted  resort  during  summer,  and  furnishes 
the  best  shooting  among  birds  peculiar  to  that  season  that  can  be 
lound  on  the  eastern  shore. 

In  summer,  and,  indeed,  until  November,  fine  fishing  can  be 
had  in  the  waters  of  both  sea  and  bay,  the  principal  varieties  caught 
being  the  drum,  or  sea  bass,  trout,  mullet,  spot,  taylor,  bluerish 
and  sheepshead.  Millions  of  sea  birds,  such  as  curlews,  willets, 
grey-backs,  brown-backs,  and  red-breasted  snipe  feed  in  the 
marshes  and  on  the  beaches,  which  skirt  the  sea  coast  from  Cape 
Charles  to  the  Delaware  line,  and  furnish  inexhaustible  sport  to 
the  gunner.     Foxes  are  numerous,  and  the  good  old  English  sport 


164  GAME  AND  FISH  KE SORTS. 

of  the  fox  hunt,  with  many  of  its  primitive  characteristics,  still  sur- 
vives among  the  people  of  the  eastern  shore,  who,  indeed,  have  in 
an  especial  manner  retained  the  peculiarities  of  their  ancestors 
to':^ether  with  the  purity  of  the  old  stock.  They  welcome  gentlemen 
who  come  for  enjoyment  and  recreation,  and  furnish  them  gladly 
every  assistance  in  their  power,  but  hold  the  pot  hunter  in  detesta- 
tion, and  visit  him,  when  caught,  with  the  severest  penalties  of  the 
law  prohibiting  hunting  by  non-residents. 

The  steamers  from  Baltimore  land  at  different  points  in  both 
counties,  one  touching  twice  at  Onancock,  within  five  miles  of 
Accomac  C.  H.,  the  county  seat.  The  sportsman  leaves  New 
York  by  the  steamers  of  the  Old  Dominion  Steamship  Company, 
which  in  summer,  sail  daily,  and  in  fall  and  winter  every  Monday, 
Wednesday  and  Friday,  from  pier  37,  North  River,  at  4  P.  M.; 
Lewes,  Del.,  is  reached  at  5  P.  M.  the  next  morning;  at  9  o'clock 
a  train  starts  for  Berlin,  Snow  Hill  and  Chincoteague  Bay,  reaching* 
Snow  Hill  early  in  the  afternoon  and  the  Bay  by  3  or  4  o'clock. 
Return  trains  run  daily,  connecting  with  the  steamer  at  Lewes  on 
Tuesdays,  Thursdays  and  Saturdays  at  4  P.  M.,  reaching  New  York 
at  5  A.  M.  on  the  following  morning.  Good  hotels  with  horses  and 
buggies  or  light  wagons  for  hire,  can  be  found  at  Chincoteague 
Island,  J.  English's  Hotel  $2  ;  guides  for  wild  fowl  $5,  for  snipe 
$2.50  ;  Accomac  C.  H. ;  Horn  Town,  T.  Pittel's  Hotel,  $1.50  ;  Onan- 
cock, Pungoteague  and  Belle  Haven,  in  Accomac,  antl  at  Eastville 
in  Northampton.  Board  in  private  families  can  also  be  obtained 
at  fair  rates.  The  Hog  Island  and  Mock  Island  shooting  grounds 
are  always  accessible  by  yacht,  and  guides  are  to  be  had. 

A.lexnii(lria  County — 

Alexandria  is  headquarters  for  duck  and  snijie  shooting:,  which  are  found  in 
great  numbers  at  Hunting  Creelt,  the  Ox  Bar,  Pentecost,  opposite  the  Navy  Yard, 
and  other  localities  near  the  city.  Plover,  sora,  reetl  birds,  ciuail,  partridges, 
rabbits  and  opossums,  are  found  near  the  city.  Hlack  bass  caught  at  the  old  coal 
wharf  and  in  the  canal  above  the  basin,  the  anglers  using  grasshoppers  for  bait. 
Reached  by  boat  and  rail. 

Amelia  County — 

Good  deer  hunting  through  the  county.  Take  the  Richmond  and  Danville 
Railroad,  and  strike  out  from  any  of  the  stations  in  the  county. 

AtnJierst  County — 

Mclvers^  a  few  miles  from  Lynchburg,  is  a  good  centre  for  deer  shooting. 
Reached  via  the  Washington  and  Virginia  Midland  Railway, 

Appomattox  County — 

Tower  Hill.  Fine  deer  shooting  here.  Fox  hunting  is  a  favorite  sport,  and 
many  gentlemen  own  fine  packs  of  nounds.  There  are  several  ranges  of  hills  in 
the  county,  with  dense  forests,  where  will  be  found  the  best  of  sporting  grounds. 
Reached  via  the  Atlantic,  Mississippi  and  Ohio  Railroad,  and  wagon  drive. 
E.\cellent  quail  shooting  is  to  be  had,  near  Lynchburg,  on  the  "  turned  out" 
lands  and  deserted  plantations.     Make  headquarters  at  Lynchburg 

Augusta  County — 

Staunton.  The  Shenandoah  Valley  and  the  mountains  to  the  west  contain 
much  fish  and  game.  Hlack  bass,  which  were  introduced  into  the  streams  of  this 
region  in  1871-72,  now  afford  fine  sport,  and  these  waters  have  also  been  stocked 


GAME  AND  FISH  I^E SORTS.  1 6$ 

with  land  locked-saltnon  and  trout.  Partridge  and  quail  shootinjj  is  pood,  and 
larger  name  alxiunds  in  tiie  mountains.  Staunton  is  lieadciuartersol  a  sjiortsnicn's 
association,  and  is  a  jifood  initial  point  for  tlic  shooting?  and  lisliiniif  ot  the  region. 
Reached  via  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio,  and  the  Chesajjeake  and  Ohio  Railroads. 
Hv  addrcssin}^  Cai)tain  \V.  L.  Hum}>ardnet,  at  Staunton,  sportsmen  may  obtain 
full  intormalion.  Good  cjuail  shooting  around  Fort  Defiance,  seven  miles  from 
Staunton,  by  excellent  drive. 

Jtath  County — 

IVarm  S^rin^s.  Within  a  radius  of  twelve  miles  are  bears,  deer,  turkeys,  and 
trout.  Take  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroad  to  Millboro,  thence  stage. 
Mountainous  country. 

Tlie  Cowpusture  River  affords  splendid  trout  fishing.  The  best  bait  here  is 
grassho[)pcrs,  though  the  tly  may  be  used  with  success.  In  all  the  streams  of  the 
county  good  baskets  of  tish  will  reward  the  angler.  Go  to  Warm  Springs  which 
will  be  a  good  jioint  for  headquarters.  Or  reached  from  Staunton,  twenty-tive 
miles. 

JUcdford  Count  I/— 

Bedford.  Quail,  pheasants,  ruffed  grouse,  wild  turkeys,  hares  and  foxes  in 
abundance.  Reached  via  tlie  Atlantic,  Mississippi  and  Ohio  Railroad,  thirty- 
seven  miles  from  Lynchburg.    Good  liotels  will  be  found  here. 

Forest  J)i'/>ot.  Very  good  quail,  fox  and  hare  hunting.  Reached  as  above, 
ten  miles  from  Lynchburg.  Sportsmen  will  hnd  comfortable  accommodations  at 
New  London,  three  miles  distant. 

Liberty^  on  the  same  road,  twenty-five  miles  from  Lynchburg,  is  an  excellent 
centre  for  (piail,  hare  ami  fox  shooting.     Hotels  good. 

Itt'unswick  Count}/ — 

Excellent  deer  hnntin;;  and  beaver  trapping  throughout  this  county  and 
Nottaway  County  adjoining  it.  Several  trappers  from  the  northern  states  have 
visited  these  regions  and  have  been  abundantly  rewarded.  Board  is  generally  to 
be  obtained  at  cheap  rates.  The  trapping  grounds  may  be  reached  via  boat  to 
Norfolk,  thence  via  the  Atlantic,  Mississippi  and  Oliio  Railroad  inland  to  any 
of  the  towns  of  these  counties,  whence  teams  will  convey  one  to  the  selected 
grounds.  The  Richmond  and  Danville  Railroad  will  also  be  found  a  good  line  to 
start  from. 

Jtuckiii(/ham  Count}/ — 

Plcmterstouift.  Deer,  turkeys,  ducks,  geese,  snipe,  ruffed  grouse  and  quail  in 
great  abundance,  with  a  few  woodcock.  The  fisliing  includes  silver  perch,  south- 
ern chub,  white  chub,  pike,  trout  and  other  tish.  Take  the  Atlantic  and  Missis- 
sippi Railroad  to  Farmville,  thence  wagon  road. 

Neiv  Canton,  on  the  James,  is  the  best  point  in  the  county  for  duck,  goose  and 
partridge  shooting.    A  very  inferior  hotel  here. 

Buckinghaii!  C.  If.  is  the  best  point  in  the  county  for  sportsmen's  headquarters. 
Reached  same  as  Planterstown. 

Campbell  Count}/ — 

Lynchburg^.  Good  quail  shooting  is  to  be  had  within  ten  miles  of  the  city 
Many  of  thetributaries  of  the  J.ames,  which  rise  on  the  eastern  slopes  ami  spurs 
of  tlie  Blue  Ridge,  have  long  been  noted  for  their  excellence  as  trunt  streams, 
and  if  they  were  properly  protected  anti  cared  for  would  soon  rival  the  choicest 
streams  in  the  Adirondacks.  There  are  half  a  dozen  streams  within  a  few  hours 
ride  of  Lynchburg  wliere  as  good  sport  may  be  had  as  in  perhaps  nine  out  often 
of  the  most  famous  trout  streams  of  New  York  or  New  England.  The  trout  of 
these  waters  range  from  a  quarter  of  a  pound  to  one  pound  and  a  half.  The 
streams  are  generally  a  succession  of  cascades  or  rapids,  and  large,  deep  pools, 
and  the  banks  sufficiently  free  from  brusii  to  afford  a  free  use  of  the  artihcial  fly. 
Lynchburg  is  on  the  Atlantic,  Mississippi  and  Ohio,  and  the  Washington  and 
Virginia  Midland  Railroad.  Conveyances  to  the  fishing  grounds  are  easily 
obtained. 

CuliH'pper  Count}/ — 

Jeffersottton.  This  county  is  finely  diversified  by  hill  and  dale  and  abounds 
in  game.  Turkeys,  quail,  partridges,  rabbits  and"  squirrels  are  always  to  be 
found  in  the  vicinity  of  Jefiersonton.    Tht  route  is  via  the  Virginia  Midland 


1 66  GAME   AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

Railroad  to  Warrenton,  thence  ten  miles  drive.  Hy  corresponding  with  Georsfe 
Myers,  JclTersonton,  the  sportsman  will  receive  lull  information.  Hoard  can  be 
had  at  Myers'. 

Wiiterloo.  Wild  turkey  and  (juail  shooting.  Route  as  above.  Private  board 
ciin  l)c  found  in  the  villaKe. 

iHnirldtlie  County— 

f't'ti-rs/mr/;;.  Deer  arc  plenty  in  the  vicinity.  Good  duck  shooting;  on  the  Ap- 
p')iniitt()X  I'liits,  nine  miles  from  tlie  city.  The  county  is  a  splen(li<l  held  for  deer. 
I'rovide  campiiiff  e(iuipmenls  and  strike  out  from  Petersburg  in  any  direction. 
The  route  is  via  the  Atlantic,  Mississippi  and  Ohio,  the  Richmond  and  Pelers- 
burfT,  or  the  Petcrsburt?  Railroads.  • 

i'Uizahfth  Cltfi  iUtanty— 

Old  Point  Comfort^  twelve  miles  from  Norfolk  is  headquarters  for  fishermen 
from  that  city. 

Fairfax  Cnauty— 

Fair/ax  Court  House.  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  partridjjcs,  (juail  ;  bass,  rock  Hsh, 
perch  and  otlier  varieties  of  game  and  lish.  Hoard  at  private  house  $i  ;  teams  to 
be  iiad  at  any  time.  Reached  via  the  Washington  City  and  Virginia  Midland 
Railroad. 

Faaqnicr  (Jounff/— 

B'Ut/cton.  Ouail,  rabbits  and  S(iuirr'>ls.  Reached  via  the  Washington  City  and 
Virginia  Miilfanil  Railway,  two  or  thi    ^  hours  ride  from  Washington. 

U'lirrfnton.  Woodcock  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Washington  City  and 
Virginia  Midland  Railway. 

Frederick   County— 

IVi/ic/trstfr.  Wild  turkeys  are  abundant  in  the  vicinity  and  excellent  deer 
shooting  may  be  had  in  all  the  surrounding  country.  Reached  via  the  Balti- 
more and  Ohio  Railroad. 

Giles  County- 
Mountain  LaAe.     Deer  and  small  game  are  abundant  in  the  mountains,  with 
trout  in  all   the  streams.    Twenty-three  miles  from  Christiansburg  which  is  on 
the  Atlantic,  Mississippi  and  Ohio  Railroad. 

Oreen.e  iUtanty— 

Cuvesvii/i\  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  woodcock,  quail:  and  trout  hshing  good. 
Reached  via  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio,  or  the  Washington  City  and  Virginia 
Midland  Railroad  to  Gordonsville,  thence  hired  conveyance.  Hoard  in  private 
family  $2.50  to  $3  per  sveek. 

JIanover  County— 

Hanover  Court  House,  fifteen  miles  from  Richmond,  is  visited  by  sportsmen 
from  that  city.  Deer  and  ejuail  siiooting  is  good  in  the  vicinity,  and  tlie  fishing 
includes  several  varieties.  Reached  by  stage  or  hired  conveyance  from  Rich- 
mond. 

Iitle  of  Wiyht  County- 

A  portion  of  this  county  is  occupied  by  swamp  and  marsh  lands  in  which 
much  game  is  found.  Deer,  turkeys,  ducks,  quail,  etc.,  are  abundant  throufjhout 
the  county.  A  special  feature  of  the  hunting  in  this  section  of  the  State  is  the 
prevailing  mode  of  fox  (iriving,  which  furnishes  exciting  sport  for  mounted  par- 
ties, with  regularly  trained  fox  hounds,  beagles,  etc. 

Zuni  Station,  on  the  Atlantic,  Mississi]ipi  and  Ohio  Railroad,  is  an  excellent 
poi.it  for  quail  and  duck  shooting,  and  pike,  black  bass  and  perch  fishing. 

^'indsor  Station  oil  the  same  road.  Deer,  wild  turkey  and  quail  within  three 
or  four  miles  of  the  station. 

tTatnes  City  County— 

Finey  Creek.  Excellent  duck  shooting  on  the  Chickahominy  and  James 
Rivers.    Reached  via  boat  or  wagon  road  trom  Williamsburg. 

I/andown  Comity — 

In  the  Kittocton  Mountains  in  the  centre  of  the  county,  and  the  Blue  Ridge  on 


GAME   AND   FISH  RESORTS.  l6y 

the  northwestern  border,  Rame  is  very  abundant  and  many  sportsmen  annually 
visit  this  part  ot  the  State. 

I.gfsf'iirt;.  Deer,  partridjjes,  (luail,  woodcoclt,  and  coons  are  found  in  large 
numbers  ill  all  tile  surroundinK  ('Ounlry.  Hass,  liiU-tish  and  perch  are  caught  in' 
(roosc  (  Tirfi<,  iiiid  trout  ill  W'v^  Spring  Itiver.  Klmi  lied  via  the  Washington  and 
Oliio  Railroad,  tliirty -six  miles  Irom  Washington.  All  necessary  tackh;  can  be 
procured  in  I.eesburgat  liultimore  i)rices.  Hoals  can  tie  hired  troin  ditferent  per- 
sons at  iioints  on  the  river  Iroin  White's  to  ICdward's  l""errv,  varying  in  price 
from  iiotliiiig  to  very  little.  Not  long  ago  John  Ault,  near  Red  Rocks  (the  best 
bass  ground  on  the  river)  furnished  boats,  live  bait,  etc.,  on  reasonable  terms. 
Hoard  is  reas  ."able  in  town  or  in  the  country.  Hob  White  in  the  fall  are  abund- 
ant, woodcock  in  season  used  to  be  plcnlitul.  There  are  many  gentlenu-u  taking 
interest  in  such  pursuits,  in  the  town  and  vicinity- 

SfiiiA-t'>:\7/i7/t'.  Snicker's  Gap,  ot  the  Blue  Ridge,  is  a  famous  (|uail  ground. 
Woodcock  abound  there,  and  in  the  swamps  are  coons  and  opossums.  Reached 
via  carriage  drive  from  Leesi)urg  and  oilier  |)oints. 

C<ni's  i1////,  /,/V//f  /''(i//s,  J'iiyni-'\-  Ed<i\\  and  Ccorf^town  are  favorite  points  on 
the  Potomac  for  black  bass  and  white  perch.  The  RilHes,  oiipositc  (/ad's  Mills, 
is  a  choice  spot  tor  striped  bass. 

Mn  ntgo  nw  *•//  Co  a  uti/  — 

Biff  S/>iiiii^  Pi-/>(>t,  on  the  Atlantic,  Mississi])])i  and  Ohio  Railroad,  is  a  tine  cen- 
tre for  the  shooting  among  the  mountains  ottlie  county.  The  Kort  Lewis  Moun- 
tains arc  the  haunts  ol  inanv  deer  and  bears,  while  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
the  town  are  fouiul  quail  and  hares.  The  fishing  is  varied  and  good  baskets  may 
be  made. 

lUacA-s/'urg:  Hiill-bats,  (piail,  partridges,  pigeons,  wild  tuikeys,  recd-birds. 
jack-snipe,  wood-ducks,  mallards,  golden  eyes,  mergansers,  deer,  bears,  and 
black  bass  fishing.     Route  same  as  Mountain  l.ake,  Giles  County. 

Nanseinoud  Count// — 

The  eastern  portion  of  this  county  borders  on  the  Great  Dismal  Swamp  and 
partakes  of  the  physical  characteristics  of  that  wilderness.  The  central  and  west- 
ern portions  are  level  and  covered  with  forests  of  cypress  and  pine  in  which  deer, 
turkeys,  quail  and  other  game  are  to  be  found. 

SuffolK^  twenty  miles  from  Norfolk,  on  the  Seaboard  and  Roanoke  Railroad,  is 
an  excellent  centre  for  quail  and  snipe  shooting.  Board  can  be  obtained  at  pri- 
vate nouses. 

Nelson  County— 

Hnydwicks7<ille  is  headquarters  for  excellent  deer  shooting.  Reached  via 
Washington  and  N'irginia  Midland  Railroad,  and  stage  or  hired  conveyance. 

Norfolk  County — 

7'/ie  Dismal  Swamp,  one  vast  morass,  with  little  islands  of  solid  ground  scat- 
tered here  and  there,  is  the  haunt  of  great  numbers  of  bears,  panthers,  deer, 
coons,  otters,  duclis,  geese,  swans,  turkeys,  (Kartridges  and  other  game.  Cat  and 
other  varieties  of  tish  arc  found  in  its  waters.  The  bears  and  panthers  are  sel- 
dom shot,  as  they  retire  into  tlie  vastnesses  of  the  densest  and  most  impenetrable 
jungles.  The  swamp  is  but  little  hunted  and  game  there  is  unmolested  save  by 
the  lumbermen  or  shingle-men  who  depend  largely  U[ion  the  rifle  for  their  sub- 
sistence. Tlie  starting  point  for  the  interior  of  the  swamp  is  Norfolk,  where 
guides,  cooks,  provisions,  row  and  sail  boats,  or  steam -tugs  may  be  secured. 
From  Norfolk  the  route  is  uj)  the  lili/abeth  River  to  Deep  Creek,  thence  via 
the  Lake  Drummond  Canal  fourteen  miles  to  Balakock,  or,  better,  to  Prentiss 
Duke's. 

Norfolk.  Ducks  and  geese,  plover,  willets,  curlew,  snipe,  quail  and  other 
game.  The  fishing  is  good  and  embraces  a  variety  of  fresh  and  salt  water  species. 
Reached  from  New  V  ork  via  the  Old  Dominion  Line  of  steamers,  and  via  rail 
from  all  points  in  the  interior. 

Great  HridgCy  eight  miles  from  Norfolk,  via  steamer  or  hired  conveyance,  is  a 
good  field  for  sni]ie  and  other  shooting. 

I'ittsylvanifi  County— 

Mount  Airy.  Deer,  ruffed  grouse,  and  ouail.  Reached  by  stage  or  hired 
conveyance,  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  south  of  Lynchburg. 


1 68 


GAME  AND  FISH  HESOHTS. 


J'rlncpna  Annn  County— 

Saiiii  lUiiigf  is  aliout  twenty-six  miles  from  Norfolk  and  Isrrnchcd  by  private 
cnnvcvnnce  from  tliiit  city.  The  marshes  afford  excellent  duck  and  snipe  shoot- 
Inu.  iJeer,  turkeys  and  other  Rame  in  the  woods.  Good  accommodation  may  be 
obtained  at  Mr.  Kork's. 

I'rlncv   Wllliatn   County— 

Nt'iihsio  /''ay  is  a  prand  duck  shontinp  field.  It  is  visited  by  sportsmen  from 
Washington  and  tt>c  nei)i;lil)orinK  cities.     Reached  by  rail  or  boat. 

SurattsTiiir,  twelve  miles  from  Washiiinlon,  is  a  jfoixl  ground  lor  partridges, 
rabbits  and  grey  squirrels.    Visited  by  Washington  sporismen, 

J'uluHkl  County — 

Ci:ntfal  Depot.  Ccitfish  weighing  fifty-five  pounds  arc  caiipht  in  the  New 
River.  Tlie  woods  in  the  vicinity  are  excellent  hunting  grounds  tor  deer,  turkeys, 
foxes,  s(iuirrels,  and  all  tlie  game  common  in  the  \'irginia  mountains.  Fourteen 
miles  from  ("cntrul  Dejiot  are  the  New  River  White  Sulphur  Springs,  which 
nITord  excellent  cattishing.  Take  the  Atlantic,  Mississippi  and  Ohio  Railroad. 
The  liotels  are  good. 

Martin's  Station,  on  the  same  road,  is  in  the  vicinity  of  fair  deer  hunting. 
Wild    -irkeys  are  plenty,  and  (piail,  woodcock  and  snii)C  on  the  meadows. 

Itounokr.  Count f/ — 

Big  Lick.  Black  i>erch,  bass,  red-eye  and  red-horse  fishing  in  the  Roanoke 
River,  near  the  village,  with  abundance  of  nartridfres  and  hares  in  the  neighbor- 
liood.  On  the  Atlintic,  Mississipi)!  and  Onio  Railroad,  fifty-three  miles  from 
l.yncld)urg. 

Salem.  V\\\fi  fall  fishing  for  perch,  black  bass  and  red-horse,  with  splendid 
quail  and  hare  liunting.    On  the  same  road,  l(jrty  miles  from  Lynchburg. 

Honsack's.  Excellent  fox,  bird  and  hare  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Atlantic, 
Mississip])i  and  Ohio  Railroad.  At  the  hotel,  the  sportsman  will  find  a  good  pack 
of  hounds. 

Movhln'Ulqe  County— 

Lexington.  On  the  marshes  of  the  North  River,  reed  birds  are  found  in  num- 
bers sufficient  to  afford  good  shooting.  Take  the  Wasliington  and  Virginia  Mid- 
land Railroad  to  .\miierst,  thence  stage,  or  go  via  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Rail- 
road to  Croshen,  thence  stage.  The  Cedar  Grove  Hotel  on  the  river,  furnishes 
boats,  and  every  convenience  for  the  sportsman. 

Jiockinffhant  County — 

Kawley  Springs.  Fine  trout  fishing  in  the  mountain  streams.  Excellent 
hotels.    Take  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  to  Harrisonburg,  thence  stage. 

She nn ndonh  Con nty — 

Strasburg.  The  mountains  in  the  vicinity  are  well  stocked  with  deer  and 
wild  turkeys.  An  abinulance  of  qunil  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town.  Reached  via 
tlie  Baltimore  and  Ohio,  or  the  Washington  and  Virginia  Midland  Railway. 
Board  at  hotel  and  private  house,  $2.50  to  Jj. 

Neiv  Market.  In  the  adjacent  forests,  deer,  bears  and  wild  turkeys  numer- 
ous ;  quail  and  woodcock  in  the  swamps  and  field  ;  good  fishing  in  the  North 
VmM.  of  the  Slieuandoah.  Reached  as  above.  Hoard  in  private  family  %\2  to  $15 
|)er  month. 

Smyth  County— 

Afar  ion.,  on  the  western  slope  of  the  Alleghenies,  is  one  of  the  finest  game  dis- 
tricts eisily  accessible  to  the  sportsman.  Bears  and  deer  are  found  there,  and 
wild  turkeys,  grouse,  quail,  and  woodcock  are  abundant.  There  is  good  hunt- 
ing all  about  the  neigliborhood  of  Marion,  and  accessible  therefrom  by  good- 
mountain  roads.  Marion  is  on  the  Atlantic,  Mississippi  and  Ohio  Railroad. 
There  are  three  good  hotels  in  the  town. 

In  Stanley's  Creek,  there  is  good  trout  fishing  easily  accessible  from  Marion. 
Hlack  bass  are  also  found,  though  not  abundant,  and  are  taken  weighing  six 
pounds,  although  the  average  is  perhaps  two  pounds.  The  trout  average  a  h.alf 
pound  apiece,  and  seldom  attain  a  weight  of  two  pounds.  The  number  is  said  to 
nave  increased  of  late.    Attention  has  been  directed  to  fish  culture  in  this  section. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  169 

and  a  breedinf;  pnnd  has  been  established  near  Marlon,  at  which  place  there  is 
also  an  iui^>!inK  club. 

Murioii  is  a  1  s )  the  point  of  departure  lor  the  excellent  trout  streams  tributary 
to  the  (lolston  River.  In  this  river  black  perch  are  caught.  I'ittcen  miles  troni 
Marion  is  White  Top,  a  mountain  well  known  lor  its  tfrcat  hei>j;ht  and  the  extended 
view  from  its  summit.  The  streams  at  the  base  of  tnis  mountain  are  famous  for 
trout  but  very  seldom  visited.  Anions  them  are  the  Laurel  I'Ork,  White  Top 
l<"ork,  Horse  ('reck,  Kox  ('reek,  and  llelton  (Jreek.  (jood  accommodations  can 
be  secured  at  Seat>ird  Dinkin's  who  lives  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain.  Go  via 
wafjon  to  the  base  of  Iron  Mountain,  thence  tramp  it. 

Stafford  (lotintff— 

Aii/uiii  CrcfA-.  Excellent  (ptail  shooting;:  ducks  and  other  birds  abundant. 
Reached  via  rail  or  boat  from  Lynchburg  or  Washington. 

SiiHHex  County — 

Littleton.  Deer,  wild  turkeys,  foxes,  squirrels,  rabbits,  and  on  the  Nottoway 
River,  otters  and  beavers.  'J  he  partridge  shooting  in  the  vicinity  excellent. 
'J'he  route  is  via  the  I'etersburg  and  Weldon  Railroad  to  Stony  Creek  Station, 
thence  stage  or  hired  conveyance  twenty  miles. 

Wurren  County— 

Front  A'oya/  is  a  favorite  mountain  summer  resort  for  Virginians.  The  black 
bass  hshing  in  the  Shenandoah,  near  this  place,  is  tine.  Reached  via  the  Wash- 
ington and  \'irginia  Midland  Railroad. 

li'ntfr  Lick,  eighty  miles  from  Washington,  on  the  Washington  ('ity  and  Vir- 
ginia Railway,  is  an  excellent  centre  for  (juail  and  woodcock  snooting. 

Kivt-rtoH.  On  the  Shenantloali  there  is  good  tishing.  The  angler  will  find 
good  accommodations  at  extremely  moderate  charges,  with  Major  J.  R.  Richards, 
who  for  a  long  time  refused  to  lake  pay  at  all,  until  his  friends  and  visitors  forced 
him  to  establish  a  moderate  rate  per  diem. 

Washlnyton  County — 

Abingdon.  Within  six  or  eight  miles  of  this  town  will  be  found  fishing  and 
game  in  abundance.  (Jn  the  .\Uantic,  Mississippi  and  Ohio  Railroad,  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty  miles  from  Lynchburg.    Hotels  good. 


WASHINGTON    TERRITORY. 

Washington  is  the  extreme  north-western  Territory  of  the 
United  States,  and  has  an  area  of  70,000  square  miles.  The  Cas- 
cade and  the  Coast  Ranges,  with  other  mountains,  traverse  much 
of  the  Territory,  and  give  a  mountainous  character  to  the  surface 
of  the  country.  These  mountains  are  some  of  the  best  hunting 
districts  in  America.  The  streams  abound  in  salmon  and  trout 
and  afford  magnificent  sport.  The  sportsman  here  should,  as  a 
rule,  to  enjoy  the  best  sport,  provide  cami)ing  equipments,  which 
can  be  procured  at  any  of  the  larger  towns,  and  go  |)repared  for  a 
several  weeks'  campaign.  In  fact,  Washington  Territory  is  a 
Sportsman's  Paradise,  whether  it  be  for  trout-fishing,  deer-stalking, 
grouse-shooting  or  wild-fowling  at  the  hunter's  option.  It  does  not 
equal  California  in  the  matter  of  quail-shooting,  it  is  true  ;  but  there 
are  six  or  seven  varieties  of  grouse,  which  more  than  make  up  the 
inequality  on  quail.  There  are  mule  deer  on  the  broad  pi  of 
the  upper  Columbia,  the  black-tail  in  the  willow  swamps  ol  uaw- 

8 


i;o  GAME  AND  FlSlt  RESORTS. 

litz  and  Chehalis,  and  tht;  mighty  elk  in  the  lonely  glens  about 
Dungencss.  Some  of  these  days,  the  Eastern  tourist  will  begin  to 
consider  that  his  mission  is  unfulfilled  unless  he  visits  there,  the 
mighty  inland  sea,  to  wet  a  line  in  some  of  the  streams  that  trickle 
from  Kainier'sicy  crown,  or  give  a  death  shot  to  the  antlered  mon- 
arch of  the  glen  in  the  silent  woods  above  the  foaming  cataract  of 
Sno(iualmie. 

('lark  Houiitf/— 

ytiHcoiiver.  Klack-tail  an<t  white-tail  deer,  wildcats,  and  pantlicrs.  Reached 
via  the  I'ucitic  Division  of  the  Northern  I'acitic  Railroad. 

JvffvVHon  doiintif — 

/'or/  /'tru/Msciii/.  Lopez  Island,  twenty-tivo  miles  distant,  across  Admlrolty 
Hay,  is  a  fine  huntinjf  ground  for  deer.  The  prevailing  mode  liere  is  to  chase 
them  with  clogs,  fort  Tovvnaciiii  is  reached  via  the  FaclHc  Coast  Line  of 
steamers  from  San  Francisco.  ' 

Khiff  CouHtff— 

Srattlf.  In  winter  the  jack-snipe  inhabits  the  tide  lands  about  the  delta  of  the 
Skugit  and  the  sandy  flats  at  the  head  of  Seattle  Kay.  In  the  spring  this  bird  is 
found  along  the  slope  of  Mts.  Kuiiiiur  and  St.  Helen's. 

Lewis  County — 

Cawlitz.  In  the  willow  swamps  are  black-tail  deer.  Wild  fowl  are  numer- 
ous in  the  surrounding  country  and  the  streams  arc  full  of  trout  and  salmon. 
Reached  via  the  I'acitic  Division  of  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad. 

ClieltixUs  is  a  good  starling  point  for  black-tail  deer  shooting. 

l*nclflc  County — 

Shoiihvuter  li>\y  affords  excellent  shooting  for  geese,  ducks  and  snipe,  which 
are  very  numerous.  The  best  ground  is  five  miles  from  the  t6wn  of  Unity.  Mr. 
Hencssy  knows  the  ground  well,  and  will  serve  sportsmen  who  call  upon  him. 

I'lerce  County — 

Puynllup.  Clark's  Creek  near  the  town  is  a  fine  stream  for  trout  fishing. 
Reached  via  the  Cloasc  IJne  of  ;-'ciiniers  from  San  Francisco,  to  the  Coast  cities, 
whence  ail  inland  points  may  be  reached  by  stage  or  railroad. 

Stciliicoom  City.  Speckled  and  silver  trout.  The  lake  is  an  excellent  place  for 
troll  fishing.  Just  below  Chiiinbcis  .Mill,  on  Steilacoom,  "sgood  liouting.  Go  via 
Northern  Pacific  Road,  the  Pacific  Division. 

Thurston  County— 

Olyvipia.  Speckled  and  silver  trout  in  the  Snohomish,  Skagit  and  Nisqually 
streams,  in  McAllister  stream  and  lake,  nine  miles  from  Olympia,  and  in  tlie 
Turwater  and  Snoqualinie  Falls.  The  route  is  via  the  Pacific  Division  of  the 
Northern  Pacific  Railroad.  The  Northern  Pacific  steamers  connect  San  Francis- 
co with  all  points  in  Washington  Territory. 


WEST    VIRGINIA. 

The  eastern  sections  are  traversed  by  parallel  ridges  of  the 
Alleghenies,  and  the  remainder  of  the  country  is  hilly,  rugged  and 
in  some  portions  occupied  by  outlying  spurs  of  the  mountains.  The 
State  possesses  much  romantic  scenery  and  is  becoming  one  of  the 
most  popular  regions  for  summer  resorts  in  the  South.     The  rail- 


GAME  AND  FISH  JiE SORTS.  I71 

road  communication  is  supplemcntpd  by  excellent  roads  ;  there  arc 
luimcrous  wt-ll  apjjoinlcd  liolt-ls  in  the  niijjhhorhood  of  ihc  best 
hunting; and  tislunj;  lorahtics.  Or  where  such  accoinniodations  are 
not  to  he  had,  no  (hlliculty  will  be  lound  in  securing  comlortable 
acconiinodations  at  the  iarniliouscs.  'I'iie  trout  and  bass  tishin^jf, 
and  ilecr,  bear,  lox  and  bird  siujolinj^  afford  abundant  employment 
for  many  weeks  of  sport. 

Grant  County^ 

\Vi!liams,port  is  hcadqiiartem  for  bass  tishinff  in  the  Potomac.  See  Jefferson 
County. 

Ui'vvnhrivr  Coiiutt/  — 

This  rountv  is  i<  tine  region  for  beaver  trnppinp.  Rcnched  via  Chesapeake  and 
Ohio  RailrDUil.     The  rimniry  is  iiioiiiitiiinous. 

Koncfi't-rti-.  Ilcur,  deer,  wild  luil- ey,  \vo()<li-ocl<,  ()unil,  riifTcd  prousc.  Sfinir- 
rcls ;  litters  and  minks.  Rc;uiied  via  tlic  (hcsapeukc  and  Ohio  Railroad. 
Hotel  $i. 

llnt'tly  Count II — 

The  Moorejlelii  Vul/iy  is  a  (jrcnt  plnec  for  deer.  At  the  northern  end  of  the 
valley,  the  south  brant  h'of  the  Potomac  Hnds  an  exit  between  two  lofty  moun- 
fuins,  lorniinjj  a  inininture  canon  for  a  distance  of  tive  miles.  In  this  "  'Iroiinh," 
as  it  Is  called,  are  situated  llie  deer  stands.  The  most  tainous  is  the  "  Sycamore, " 
which  takes  its  name  from  an  old  sycamore  stum|),  now  used  as  a  seat  for  the 
watcher.  The  country  is  very  mountainous  and  ruKj{ed.  Take  the  Haltimorc 
and  Ohio  Railroad,  and  stage. 

f/ftvkson  i'ouutfi— 

Sam/y.    ilood  general  hunting,  deer,  grouse,  squirrels,  etc. 
Jvffvmon  County — 

It  any  one  contemplates  a  serious  raid  against  the  so-called  black  bass,  he 
shoidd  l>y  all  means  go  to  the  Potomac  or  some  of  its  tributaries.  There  is  good 
lisliing  at  various  points,  from  the  Great  Falls  to  Harper's  Kerry  and  Williams- 
port.  Sainly  Hook,  about  lour  miles  below  Harper's  l'"erry,  is  said  to  be  um  ex- 
cellent slop|)ing  jilace,  with  lair  accommodations.  Dam  No.  6,  two  miles  above 
the  station,  called  Sir  John's  Run,  and  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  lioni 
Haltimore,  is  the  best  place  for  large  bass  on  the  river.  The  ('apon  comes  in  here 
on  tile  N'irginia  side,  and  is  reported  to  be  well  stocked.  There  is  no  public  house 
at  this  place,  and  the  angler  must  seek  entertainment  of  some  private  family  on  the 
river. 

Shiiuno)tdale  is  a  good  headquarters  for  bass  fishing  in  the  Shenandoah  River. 

Uar/^crs  Ferry.  A  noted  resort  for  black  bass,  which  run  from  tlirce  to  six 
pounds  in  weight.     Readied  via  the  Haltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad. 

jUont'oe  County — 

Swiw'  Sprinf^s.  Deer,  woodcock,  pheasants,  trout,  and  other  game  and  fish 
very  abundant,  and  within  easy  access  from  the  hotel.  The  route  is  via  the 
(Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Railroarl  to  Allegheny  Station,  thence  by  stage,  nine  miles. 
Excellent  accommodations  can  be  oblaineii.  The  Springs  are  a  well-known  and 
much  visited  resort  of  pleasure  seekers. 

Moi'ffan  County — 

BerkeUy  Spri>is;$,  Deer,  bears,  turkeys,  quail,  ruffed  grouse,  pheasants,  squir- 
rels, rabbits,  coons,  etc.,  make  up  the  game  of  this  region.  Black  bass  and  trout 
are  caught  in  abundance.  For  bass,  favorite  spots  are  the  «lam  live  miles  up  the 
Sir  John's  River,  and  Capon  Creek,  reached  by  a  hard  mountain  tramp.  l'"itz- 
miller  is  an  excellent  guide,  has  a  team,  and  will  be  found  a  good  jiilot  for  stran- 
gers. The  route  is  via  the  Haltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  to  Sir  John's  Run, 
thence  two  and  a  half  miles  via  stage.  There  is  an  excellent  hotel  here,  §12  to 
$17  per  week,  and  board  may  also  be  found  at  the  farmhouses  in  the  vicinity  ;  $6 
to  $10  per  week.    It  is  a  gootf  plan  to  pitch  a  tent  near  some  farmhouse,  where  pro- 


1/2  GAME   AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

visions  may  be  secured.    The  country  is  rough  and  mountainous,  and  hard  and 
fatiguing  tramps  are  necessary  for  successful  sport  here. 

Ohio  County— 

Wlieeling.  Good  quail  shooting  is  found  on  the  Ohio  River  bottoms  below 
Wheeling.    Reached  via  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad. 

Jtnmlolph  County— 

Beverly.  The  mountain  streams  contain  trout,  and  in  the  larger  streams  are 
found  black  bass.  Reached  via  the  Haltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  to  Webster, 
thence  via  wagon  road.  The  country  is  difficult  of  access,  and  the  tish  not  very 
large.    Board  can  be  obtained  among  the  farmers. 

Tucker  County- 

Hoyfx  Wilderness.,  and  the  Blackwater  Region.  The  Blackwater  lies  among  the 
mountains  twenty-six  miles  south  of  Oakland,  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Rail- 
road. 'The  stream  is  one  of  the  extreme  eastern  aflluents  of  the  Ohio.  It  runs 
thiough  a  forest  country  of  probably  thirty  miles  in  length  and  width,  a  tract  of 
some  nine  hundred  square  miles,  almost  as  wild  as  any  part  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains. In  all  this  region,  there  is  hardly  a  settler  to  the  hundred  square  mi'les  ; 
in  the  part  usually  visited  by  trout  Hshermen,  there  is  but  one  house,  a  lone  log 
building  ten  miles  from  the  nearest  settlement,  known  among  the  mountaineers 
as  "  Dobbins."  In  winter  the  region  is  entirely  deserted,  but  with  the  opening  of 
the  fishing  season  in  Majs  a  family  by  the  name  of  Kitzmiller  moves  in  and  accom- 
modates visitors  with  plain  and  substantial  country  fare.  This  is  the  only  place  in 
the  wilderness  where  shelter  or  supplies  can  be  obtained,  except  at  "Cosner's," 
eighteen  miles  up  the  river.  "  Dobbins  "  is  headquarters  for  trout,  while  for  bear, 
deer,  turkey  and  grouse  shooting,  the  sportsman  should  go  to  Wni.  Kitzmiller's, 
thirteen  miles  from  Oakland,  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad.  To  reach 
either  point,  a  letter  should  be  sent  to  M'illiam  Kitzmiller,  Oakland,  Garrett  Co., 
Md.  lie  will  provide  conveyance  thence  into  the  wilderness.  He  furnishes 
board  at  $1.  JO  per  day.  Outfit  can  be  procured  at  Oakland.  Thomas  Basley  of 
Oakland  will  give  all  needed  information.  The  Blackwater  is  a  stream  some 
thirty  or  forty  yards  iu  width,  clear  of  driftwood  and  trash,  and  the  chance  for 
casting  the  fly  on  it  is  first-class.  The  fishing  in  the  i)roper  season.  May,  June  and 
September,  is  magnificent.  The  trout  average  rather  small,  and  have  not  the 
activity  of  those  of  more  northern  and  colder  streams.  The  large  ones,  however, 
will  give  the  wielder  of  a  light  fly  >■    '  enough  to  do. 

Wood  County — 

Parkersburg.  By  taking  steam...  up  the  Little  Kanawha,  thence  up  Hugh's 
River,  ten  or  twenty  miles,  the  sportsman  will  find  excellent  localities  for  camp- 
ing. Deer  and  squirrel  shooting  is  excellent ;  black  bass  and  trout  are  caught  in 
large  numbers.    Take  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad. 


WISCONSIN. 


Area  53,924  square  miles  ;  population,  1,054,670.  The  surface 
of  Wisconsin  is  a  rolling  prairie,  mterspersed  with  numerous  oak 
openings  and  a  great  number  of  lakes.  The  water  system  of  the 
State  comprises  innumerable  streams  forming  a  complete  network 
of  magnificent  fishing  waters.  The  extensive  forests,  known  as 
the  IJig  Woods,  are  the  haunts  of  bears,  deer,  and  other  game  in 
such  variety  and  abundance  as  to  attract  many  sportsmen  from 
other  States.  The  fishing  is  good  throughout  the  State  ;  black 
bass,  trout,  and  other  varieties  are  always  to  be  found  within  con- 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  1 73 

venient  distance  from  any  of  the  numerous  railroads  which  render 
accessible  all  points  of  the  State. 

Adams  County — 

Li'^^/e  Lake.  Good  deer  shooting  in  the  forests  which  cover  a  portion  of  the 
county. 

Bayfield  County— 

liay/ield  is  situated  liehind  the  Apostle  Islands,  which  land-lock  a  coast  of 
over  lifty  miles,  where  boating  in  small  boats  is  a  matter  of  entire  safety,  and 
with  the  incomparable  healthfulness  ot  climate,  pure  water,  and  delicious  tisli  of 
various  kinds  combine  in  aflbrdins  attractions  that  can  only  be  ajipreciated  by 
those  enjoying  them.  '1  he  special  feature  among  the  attractions  of  Haytield  is 
the  numerous  trout  streams  and  the  trout  fishing  along  the  coast  in  the  vicinity. 
There  are  between  tv^enty-five  and  fifty  streams  running  into  the  lake  within  tlie 
limits  of  the  coast  protected  by  the  islands,  which  seem  to  possess  exhaustless 
numbers  of  brook  trout,  and  in  addition  the  fishing  along  the  coast  for  the  whole 
distance  (about  fifty  miles)  is  unexcelled.  The  "  rock  fishing,"  as  this  coast  fish- 
ing is  termed,  affords  fine  sport  for  the  angler.  These  streams  admit  of  tine  boat- 
fisliing  near  their  mouths,  and  splendid  stream-tishing  farther  up.  Very  large 
trout  are  taken  in  these  waters,  many  weighing  three  and  a  half  and  four  pounds. 
Deer  hunting  atfords  excellent  sport  in  the  neighboring  forests. 

Hoats  for  BayHeld  leave  almost  daily  from  Hutfiilo,  Cleveland,  Detroit,  and 
Chicago,  also  from  Duluth,  eighty  miles  distant,  reached  by  rail  via  St.  Paul. 
J.  B.  Hono  can  comfortably  accommodate  twelve  persons  ;  George  Stark  can  do 
the  same  ;  N.  La  Honta  four  or  five  ;  William  Herbert  seven  or  eight ;  Mr.  Milli- 
gan,  on  the  Red  Cliff  Indian  Reservation,  where  he  is  beautifully  located,  can 
accommodate  several,  and  so  can  Colonel  E.  E.  Henderson  on  a  farm  eight  miles 
from  Bayfield,  and  where  one  of  the  finest  troUv  streams  to  be  found  in  any  coun- 
try runs  through  the  yard.  These  are  all  in  addition  to  Smith's  Hotel,  which  can 
accommodate  about  one  hundred  persons,  and  the  Island  House  which  has  every 
facility  for  sportsmen  ($3  to  $2.50).  There  are  three  steam  yachts  that  can  be  hired 
at  any  time  at  low  rates,  in  addition  to  any  number  of  small  boats  suitable  for 
boating  and  fishing  purposes. 

lirown  County — 

lyrightstoivH.  There  are  excellent  shooting  and  fishing  grounds  in  the  vicin- 
ity. Deer,  bears,  ducks,  geese,  snipe,  woodcock,  partridges,  pheasants  and  small 
game  abound.  Black  bass  and  pickerel  in  the  waters.  For  information  write  to 
Otto  Guttrer.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  Board 
$3.50  per  week  J  teams  $1.50  to  $2.50;  Indian  guides.  Camping  out  is  the  best 
mode  of  hunting  here.     Hilly  country. 

Fort  Howard.  Deer,  ruffed  grouse,  ducks,  snipe ;  brook  trout,  lake  trout, 
whitefish,  bass.  The  fishing  waters  are  Green  Bay,  and  Fox  and  East  Rivers. 
Reached  as  above.  Hotels  $2.50  to  $3  ;  boats  and  steam  yachts  ;  teams  $6  ;  ser- 
vices of  driver  $3.     Excellent  camping  grounds. 

Green  Bay.  The  tine  hotels  and  many  attractions  in  and  about  Green  Bay 
render  it  a  very  desirable  summer  resort.  It  can  be  reached  by  the  Wisconsin 
Central,  or  the  North-western  Railroad  from  Milwaukee.  It  affords  magnificent 
bass  fishing  and  sailing,  while  adjacent  streams  fiowing  into  Green  Bay  are  well 
stocked  with  brook  trout.  There  is  fine  hunting  in  season.  There  are  three 
large,  first-class  hotels  in  the  city.  The  Beaumont  House  $3,  $17.50  per  week  ; 
Cook's  Hotel  $2,  $8.50  to  $12  per  week  ;  and  The  First  National  Hotel  $3,  $9  to 
$12  per  week. 

Be  Fere.  Deer,  duck,  ruffed  grouse,  pickerel,  pike,  sturgeon  in  Fox  River 
and  Green  Bay.  Reached  via  Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad.  Board  $1 
to  $1  50  i)er  day,  $3.50  to  $5  per  week  ;  boats  and  guides  $3.50  to  $5  ;  teams  $4  to 
$6.     R(jlling  country. 

Clark  County — 

Excellent  deer  hunting  is  to  be  found  in  this  county.  Take  the  West  Wis- 
consin Railroad  to  Humburd,  whence  other  parts  of  the  county  are  easily 
reached. 

Columbia  County— 

This  county  furnishes  some  of  the  best  pinnated  grouse  shooting  regions  in 


174 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESO/^TS. 


the  State.    Take  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad  to  Portage  City. 
Thence  all  parts  of  the  county  are  easily  accessible. 

Daiiv  f'oiiHti/ — 

Madison.  On  the  lakes,  geese,  brant,  wood-ducks,  mallards,  teal,  canvas- 
backs,  redlieads.  pin-tails,  bluehills,  spoon-bills,  grey  whistlers,  bald-pates,  rulHe 
heads;  on  the  Nine  Si)ring  Marshes,  Wilson  snipe,  several  varieties  of  plover, 
sand-|)ipers,  and  rails  ;  ruffed  and  pinnated  grouse  and  quail.  The  fishing  includes 
pickerel,  black  bass,  ciitrish  and  a  variety  of  whitctish.  Madison  is  one  hundred 
and  thirty-six  miles  from  Chicago  on  the  Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad, 
antl  eighty  miles  from  Milwaukee  on  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Rail- 
road.    Hotels,  boats,  etc.     See  Rudd,  Floyd  County,  Iowa. 

Norway.  l)cer,  bears,  etc.  Reached  via  the  Wisconsin  Valley  Railway. 
Board  $1.50.     Hilly  country. 

Dodge  Conntu— 

Beaver  Dam.  Quail,  snipe,  ducks,  squirrels.  On  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
and  St.  Paul  Railroad. 

Fox  Lake.  A  good  ground  for  ducks.  Take  Chicago  and  North-western 
Railroad  to  McHcnry.  Stop  at  Harry  Durnell's  Hotel.  A  wagon  ride  of  six 
miles  from  there  will  bring  one  to  the  shooting  ground,  which  forms  a  part  of  a 
system  of  alternating  ponds,  lakes,  marshes  and  swamps. 

Burnett.  Fine  shooting  grounds  in  the  immediate  vicinity.  Ducks,  geese, 
brant  and  swans  are  found  in  countless  numbers.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and 
North-western  Railroad.    There  are  two  hotels. 

Horicon,  on  Horicon  Lake,  is  a  favorite  resort  for  anglers.  The  lake  contains 
a  variety  and  abundance  offish.     Reached  as  above. 

Mud  Lake.  Twenty-eight  miles  east  of  Madison.  An  excellent  shooting 
ground  for  ducks.  Take  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad  to  Hub- 
bleton,  wlicnce  the  lake  is  four  miles  down  the  river.  Boats  can  be  had  at 
Hubbleton. 

Door  County — 

Sturgeon  Bay.  Excellent  fishing  for  mascalonge,  pickerel,  black  bass,  sal- 
mon trout,  whitefiL,h,  etc.  Deer,  ducks,  water  hens,  pigeons,  etc.  Reached  via 
steamer. 

Douglass  Co u n ty — 

The  Brule  River,  thirty  miles  from  Superior  City,  abounds  in  large  speckled 
trout.    Reached  by  steamer  from  Superior  City. 

Dunn  County — 

Menoiiionee  is  reached  by  rail  from  Chicago  over  the  North-western  Railroad 
and  West  Wisconsin  Road,  in  a  twenty-four  hours'  ride.  At  Mcnomonee  are  the 
famous  "  Tea  Gardens,"  on  Wilson's  Creek,  ten  miles  from  Mcnomonee.  This 
place  is  fast  acciuiring  reputation  for  the  number  more  than  the  size  of  its  trout. 
Tiie  Tea  Gardens  have  an  established  hotel  that  is  devoted  to  sportsmen  who 
visit  there.  Aside  from  this,  many  other  streams,  all  tributary  to  the  Chippewa 
and  Mcnomonee  Rivers,  are  to  be'  found  in  this  locality — and  chicken  hunting  in 
season  cannot  be  surpassed.  John  H.  Knapp  of  Mcnomonee  will  gladly  give  in- 
formation concerning  future  developments.  The  hotels  are  :  The  Mcnomonee, 
The  Merchants,  and  The  Central.  Board  *2-  teams  $4;  guides  $1.50;  boats 
$1.50.  Camp  out  for  best  sport.  Hears,  deer,  elk,  ruffed  grouse  and  other  game  is 
to  be  found  in  the  vicinity.     Hilly  country. 

Duum'ille  is  headquarters  for  duck  and  goose  shooting.  Reached  by  stage 
from  Mcnomonee. 

liau  Claire  County — 

Auffusta.    Sharp-tailed,  pinnated,  and  rufifed  grouse. 


Reached  via  the  West 


Wisconsin  Railroad. 
Fond  du  Lae  County — 

Neiu  Cassel.  Lake  Fifteen  and  Long  Lake  contain  a  variety  of  fish 
found  in  grcTt  abundance  in  the  adjacent  country  "  ,  .  .  ..  ^ 
North-western  Railroad. 

Van  Dyne.  Ducks,  pinnated  grouse.  Lake  Winnebago  is  within  one  and  one- 
half  miles,  and  furnishes  good  fishing.  Reached  as  above.  Hotel  $1.50;  guides 
$1.30  J  teams  j»i  ;  boats  50  cents. 


^  Game  is 

Reached  via  the  Chicago  and 


GAME   A. YD   FISH  RESORTS.  1/5 

Fond  du  Lac,  one  hundred  and  forty-eight  miles  from  Chicajro  via  the  Chica- 
go, Milwaukee  and  Fond  du  Lac  Air  Luie,  is  located  on  the  soutliern  end  of  Laite 
XVinnebago  which  abounds  in  fish.  (See  Menaslia.)  Lalce  de  Neveu,  a  beautiful 
sheet  of  water,  is  romantically  situated  aboui  ihroe  miles  southeast  of  the  city. 
Eastward  is  Ellthart  Lalce,  already  famous  for  its  natural  beauiies,  and  westward 
lies  Green  Lake,  a  noted  summer  resort.  On  all  these  lakes  are  pleasure  boats 
propelled  by  steam,  wind  and  man  power-  The  waters  of  all  these  lakes  furnish 
a  plentiful  and  various  sup|)ly  of  fresh-water  fi  >li,  where  the  piscatorially-inclined 
can  enjoy  ample  amusement.  The  Patty  House  and  the  American  House  are  the 
best  hotels.     There  are  yachts  and  pleasure  steamers  on  Wmnebago  Lake. 

Oreen  Lake  County- 
Green  Lake  is  ninety  miles  northwest  from  Milwaukee.  This  is  quite  a  large 
body  of  water,  being  some  fifteen  miles  long  iuid  three  wide.  The  shores  com- 
prise a  pleasing  variety  of  green  slopes  and  rocky  clitfs.  The  water  is  quite  deep 
and  cool,  for  which  reasons  the  bass  do  not  commence  biting  before  September. 
Here  is  the  best  fall  bass  fishing  in  the  State  and  the  fish  are  unusually  large. 
Perch  and  pickerel  are  also  caught.  Pinnated  grouse  shooting  in  the  vicinity  : 
duck  shooting  is  excellent.  Take  the  Chicago  and  North-western  road  to  Fond 
du  Lac,  thence  via  the  Sheboygan  and  Fond  du  \/ac  Road.  The  shortest  route  is 
via  the  Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad.  The  hotels  on  the  lake  are  the  Oak- 
wood,  Sherwood  Forest,  Walker,  Collins'  l^oarding  house,  and  others.  The 
Oakwood  House  is  a  handsome  and  commodious  structure,  advantageously 
located  on  the  bank  of  the  lake  ;  it  is  kept  open  until  November,  and  furnishes 
every  convenience  for  the  tourist  or  angler.  A  few  miles  west  of  Green  J^ake 
are  Puckaway  and  Huffalo  Lakes,  renowned  for  their  good  fishing  and  for  fur- 
nishing the  best  duck  shooting  in  Wisconsin. 

tTefferson  County- 
Fort  Atkinson.  Rock,  Ripley,  Cambridge,  Rose  Lakes,  and  Lake  Mills,  are 
near,  and  noted  for  their  wild  fowl  shooting.  Canvas-back  ducks  are  abundant 
in  all  of  them  ;  mallards,  teal,  redheads,  etc  ;  bass,  pike  and  pickerel.  Reached 
via  the  Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad.  Hotel  and  private  board  $1.50; 
boats  $[  :  teams  $3. 

Hubbleton.    See  Mud  Lake,  Dodge  County. 

Watertoivn.  On  the  Lowell  Creek  Marsii.  a  few  miles  from  this  place,  is  fine 
duck,  brant,  wild  goose  and  other  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Chicago,  Milwau- 
kee, Lowell  and  St.  Paul  Railroad,  forty-five  miles  from  Milwaukee. 

Jefferson.  Ducks,  pinnated  and  rulfed  g-ouse,  and  other  small  game;  pike, 
pickerel,  black  and  rock  bass.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  North-western  Rail- 
road. Hotel  and  private  board  $1  to  $2  ;  $4  to  $6  per  week.  Stage  to  Lake 
Mills,  (fare  50  cents)  where  good  fishing  is  to  "ic  had. 

tTiineau  County —  ' 

ITonen'oi:,  on  the  Chicago  and  North-weslorn  Railroad,  is  a  good  headquarters 
for  sport.  The  surrounding  country  is  broken  and  covered  with  timber,  but  offers 
fine  hunting  to  the  sportsman.  Deer  are  abundant,  and  bears  are  not  unfrequently 
shot. 

Xa  Crosse  County — 

Bangor.  Excellent  fishing  and  shooting  "an  be  found  close  to  the  village,  in 
the  La  Crosse  River,  within  a  fourth  of  a  mile  of  the  town.  Pike,  pickerel,  black 
and  rock  bass,  and  several  other  varieties  of  fish,  are  found  in  great  abundance. 
A  fine  brook  trout  stream  flows  through  th 2  •JUage,  and  half  a  mile  from  it  is  a 
large  artificial  trout  pond,  fully  stocked  with  tish.  In  the  woods  which  surround 
the  village  are  found  deer,  squirrel,  and  wild  turkeys.  Many  bird  dogs  are  kept 
here  for  aire,  and  there  is  also  a  pack  of  hr)'-ids  for  fox  hunting,  owned  by  the 
Hon.  John  Bradley.  The  Bangor  House  will  be  found  a  comfortable  home  for 
hunters.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  North-western,  or  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
and  St.  Paul  Railroad. 

La  Cross-'.  Woodcock  and  quail  shooting  ni  the  Mississippi  bottoms.  Reached 
as  above,  and  by  other  railroads. 

Jtfarathon  Counti/ — 

Mosinee.    An  excellent  game  centre  for  bears,  deer,  etc.    Reached  via  the 


176 


GAME  AND   FISH  RESORTS. 


*. 


Wisconsin  Valley  Railroad.    Board  $1.50.    Guides  are  necessary,  and  can  be 
secured  at  reasonable  rates. 

IVausau.    For  game  and  route  see  Mosinee.     Board  $3. 

IHerce  County — 

Prescott,  on  the  St.  Croix  River,  is  a  good  initial  point  for  pinnated  grouse 
shooting  throngh  the  counties  of  Dunn,  Polk  and  Barron.  The  southern  border 
of  Pierce  County  lies  on  Lake  Pepin  (see  Minnesota). 

Marquette  County — 

Montelto.  Mallards,  canvas-backs  and  teal,  on  the  marshes  overflowed  by  the 
Fox  River,  woodcock,  rutfcd  and  pinnated  grouse,  snipe,  wild  geese.  Scaup, 
buffed-heads  and  redheads  are  abundant  on  Huflalo  Lake  and  Fox  River.  On 
the  northern  margin  of  Buflalo  Lake,  a  small  creek  stretches  away  for  four  miles, 
and  along  this  rice  bound  rivulet,  the  mallards  are  abundant.  The  mallards  an(l 
teal  are  found  in  the  marshes,  which  being  covered  with  from  one  half  foot  to  a 
foot  of  water,  and  the  grass  uncut,  affords  good  chance  of  approach  on  foot,  with 
high  top  rubber  boots.  Pickerel  are  the  most  numerous,  and  are  caught  in  large 
numbers  with  trolling  spoons  and  live  minnows.  Trolling  is  the  favorite  method 
of  taking  them,  and  the  average  catch  is  from  three  to  live  pounds  each.  At  Ca)!- 
lins  Lake,  three  miles  south  of  Muscalonge,  they  are  taken  with  live  bait  or  troll- 
ing spoon,  and  weigh  from  twelve  to  fifteen  pounds.  This  is  also  an  admirable 
place  for  bass  fishing,  and  much  sought  by  the  enthusiastic  anglers  of  the  locality. 
At  Buffalo  Lake  and  other  points  near  Montello,  black  bass  are  frequently  caught 
of  five  pounds  weight  and  upward.  Perch  are  usually  plenty  in  Fox  River, 
though  seine  fishing  has  to  a  degree  depopulated  the  river  ot  these  and  other 
varieties  offish.  On  Puckaway  Lake,  canvas-backs,  redheads,  and  other  varie- 
ties of  ducks,  ruffed  grouse,  snipe,  woodcock,  grey,  fox  and  black  squirrels,  rab- 
bits, etc. 

Gilroys  Creck^  six  miles  west  of  Puckaway  Lake,  to  which  it  is  a  tributary,  is 
a  favorite  locality  for  grouse  shooting.  The  Grand  River,  which  winds  its  way 
south  from  the  Fox  River,  is  one  of  the  favorite  haunts  of  mallards,  as  also  are  the 
numerous  sloughs  and  rice  fields  bordering  on  the  lake.  As  the  (irand  River 
nears  its  head,  it  is  difficult  of  navigation,  but  the  splendid  shootinj;  more  than 
repays  for  this.  Montello  is  reached  by  drive  from  I'ortage  City,  Columbia 
County,  or  from  Princeton  on  the  Sheboygan  and  Fond  du  Lac  Railroad. 

Westfield.  Ruffed  and  pinnated  grouse,  snipe,  ducks,  geese,  and,  in  the  pine- 
lands  to  the  north,  plenty  of  deer.    Take  the  Wisconsin  Central  Railroad 

Monroe  County — 

Sparta.  Trout  are  abundant  in  the  neighboring  streams,  and  perch  in  Perch 
Lake.  It  has  been  computed  that  there  are  more  than  two  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  of  trout  streams  within  Monroe  County.  There  are  numerous  fine  hunting 
grounds  in  the  vicinity  of  Sparta,  where  bears,  deer,  and  small  game  may  be 
found.  Take  the  Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad.  Several  excellent  hotels 
and  private  board,  $5  to  $7  per  week  ;  teams  $4  per  day. 

Narwalk.  Brook  trout  and  many  kinds  ot  game  are  found  in  the  vicinity. 
Reached  as  above. 

Glciidale.  Within  a  radius  of  five  miles  are  a  lai^e  number  of  fine  trouting 
streams.  Game  is  abundant.  Reached  as  above.  The  Glendale  House  is  the 
resort  of  sportsmen.  Two  miles  farther  on  the  railroad  is  Kendalls^  where  are 
good  hotels,  and  a  half  mile  from  here  is  Lake  Torrence  well  stocked  with  brook 
trout. 

Wilton  is  built  at  the  head  waters  of  Kickapoo  Creek,  which,  with  lateral 
streams,  are  full  of  brook  trout.  Bears,  deer  and  squirrels  are  found  in  the  sur- 
rounding forests,  while  pinnated  grouse,  partridges,  pheasants,  (luail  and  grouse 
are  plentiful  in  the  cleanrigs.  The  village  has  two  hotels.  Reached  via  the  Chi- 
cago and  North-western  Railroad. 

Oconto  County — 

Pensaukce.  Game  of  many  kinds  abounds  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the 
Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad. 

Peshtigo.  Thunder  Lake,  River  Medicine,  Gravel  and  Trout  Lakes,  are  near, 
and  are  full  offish.  Pickerel,  whitefish,  pike,  sturgeon,  black,  silver,  and  rock  bass 
are  the  varieties.  Brook  trout  are  caught  in  great  abundance  in  many  of  the  streams 
of  the  vicinity.    Deer,  bears,  ruffed  grouse  and  other  game  are  plentiful.    The  city 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  1 77 

has  several  good  hotels,  where  sportsmen  are  lodged  and  fed  at  very  reasonable 
rates.     Reached  as  above. 

OntHifnmte  Connty— 

AppU'ton^  ill  the  Lower  Fox  River  Valley,  is  a  charming  summer  resort,  which 
ofl'ers  many  attractions  to  the  sjiortsman.  The  river  abounds  in  fish,  (see  Men- 
aslia)  the  wild  rice  tracts  are  tilled  with  ducks  and  in  the  woods  are  numt)ers  of 
small  iiaine.  Reached  via  the  (Chicago  and  North-western,  or  the  Mdwauliee, 
Lake  Shore  and  Western  Railroad. 

Little  Chute.     For  Game  see  Wrightstown.     Route  same  as  Appleton. 

Kaukauna.    Same  as  Wrij^htstown,  which  see. 

Seymour.  The  surrounding  country  is  densely  wooded  and  the  forests  are 
full  of  deer,  bears,  and  small  game.  Rcacht-d  via  the  Green  Bay  and  Minnesota 
Railroad.     Wisconsin  House,  Seymour  House,  each  $1.50. 

I'epin  Countif— 

The  Chippewa  A'/wr  empties  its  clear  water  into  the  Mississippi  River  one  mile 
below  the  loot  of  Lake  Pepin.  All  its  branches  are  trout  streams,  and  its  water 
is  much  cooler  than  the  Mississippi.  It  is  a  great  lumber  stream,  and  a  great 
many  rafts  descend  it  to  the  Mississippi,  and  to  the  cities  below.  These  riifts  are 
strung  along  the  shore  for  several  miles,  and  the  white  salmon  collect  in  vast 
numbers  under  them,  where  they  are  sheltered  from  the  sun,  and  enjoy  tlie  cool 
water  of  the  Ciiippewa.  The  minnows  pass  up  the  river  in  vast  numbers  just 
along  side  of  the  rafts,  and  an  expert  with  scoop  net  will  sometimes  take  a  ijuart 
of  minnows  at  one  drive  ;  enough  to  do  a  party  for  a  da5''s  fishing.  The  fishing 
for  salmon  is  close  along  side  the  rafts. 

The  town  of  Reed's  Lnnding,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Mississippi  in  Min- 
nesota, affords  good  accommodations  and  is  convenient  for  anglers.  For  the  fish- 
ing of  Lake  Pepin  see  Minnesota.  • 

Portage  County— 

Junction.  Bears,  deer,  and  other  game.  Pike  and  pickerel  in  Rice  Lake, 
Reached  via  the  Wisconsin  Central  or  Wisconsin  Valley  Railway.  Hotel  $1.50. 
Guides  are  necessary  and  camping  out  furnishes  the  best  sjiort. 

Jtaclne  County — 

Kncine.  Pinnated  gro  .se,  pickerel  and  bass.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and 
North-western,  or  Western  Union  Railroad,  or  by  boat.  Hotel  $1.50;  boats  50 
cents.    Eagle  and  Wind  Lakes  are  excellent  fishing  grounds. 

lioch  County — 

Koshkonontr.  The  fishing  in  Lake  Koshkonong  is  fjood  for  bass,  pickerel, 
pike,  yellow  and  silver  perch.  Wild  celerj'  grows  nere  in  great  abundance,  and 
for  canvas-back  ducks  tliis  lake  vies  with  the  Delaware  and  Potomac  Rivers,  and 
with  Chesapeake  Bay.  Red-heads,  mallards,  black-heads  and  spike-tails,  geese, 
trout,  swans,  snipe,  sora,  quail,  partridges  and  pinnated  grouse  make  u])  the 
attractive  list  of  the  shooting  on  this  far  famed  ground.  The  Koshkonong  Club 
have  a  house  here,  and  there  are  numerous  hotels  and  boarding-houses.  The 
route  is  via  the  Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad. 

Janesville.  Mallard,  Northern  duck,  snipe,  y)innated  grouse  and  other  shoot- 
ing. The  angler  will  find  excellent  black  bass  fishing.  Reached  via  the  Chicago 
and  North-western  and  the  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroads.  Several  good 
hotels. 

Catfish  Creek  is  the  outlet  of  a  chain  of  lakes  called,  First,  Second,  Third  and 
Fourth  Lakes,  and  empties  into  Rock  River,  twel"e  miles  above  Janesville. 
These  waters  afford  fine  fishing  for  bass,  pike,  and  jiickerel,  and  good  shooting 
for  ducks,  geese,  snipe,  and  other  wild  fowl.  There  is  good  fishing  in  both  creek 
and  lakes.  Third  Lake  is  tilled  with  wild  rice  which  affords  abundant  food  for 
the  birds.    There  is  a  tine  hotel  at  Wir.nagua,  near  Third  Lake. 

Clinton.  The  surroundiiTg  country  is  prairie  and  affords  fine  pinnated  grouse 
shooting  in  the  fall.  Reached  via  the  Chicago  and  North-western,  or  the  Western 
Union  Railroads. 

Beloit  is  on  the  Rock  River  in  which  is  excellent  fishing.  Reached  via  the 
Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad. 

St,  Croix  County — 

JVew  Richmond,    Elk,  bears,  deer,  pinnated  and  rufted  grouse.    Reached  via 

8* 


178 


GAME  AND  FISH  A'£S0A'7'S. 


the  North  Wisconsin  Railway,  thirty-eight  miles  from  St.  Paul.  Board,  boats 
and  guides  at  r'sasonable  rates  ;  teams  $5  per  day.  Camping  is  the  preferable 
mode  of  hunting  here.    Country  level  prairie. 

Pigeon  River  is  famous  for  its  wild  goose  and  duck  shooting.  Pigeons  are 
numerous  at  certain  seasons. 

Baldwin,  Deer,  pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  wild  fowl.  Reached  via  the 
^\■est  Wisconsin  Railway,  forty-one  miles  from  St.  Paul.  Hotel  and  private 
board,  $5  to  $12  per  weelt :  teams  $4. 

Hudson  is  on  Lake  St.  Croix.  The  largest  Misissipni  steamers  ascend  the  St. 
Croix  river  to  this  point.  Twelve  miles  southeast  is  Kiimickinnick  River,  yield- 
ing tlie  finest  brook  trout,  not  only  in  the  main  stream  but  on  the  nortli  and 
south  forks.  Tiffany  (  reek  also  abounds  with  brot)k  trout.  Bass  Lake,  eight 
miles  northeast,  furnishes  excellent  bass  fishing.  The  pickerel  and  mascalonge 
fishing  is  good.  The  surrounding  woods  and  prairies  abound  in  game.  Deer,  pin- 
nated and  ruffed  grouse,  ducks,  geese,  etc.,  furnish  abundant  reward  for  shot  gun 
and  rifle.  Take  the  Chicago  and  North-western  and  the  West  Wisconsin  Rail- 
roads. At  the  Baldwin  House,  Amasa  Walker,  proprietor,  sportsmen  will  receive 
every  attention  ;  private  board  can  also  be  had,  $i  to  3.50  per  day  ;  boats  $1.50; 
teams  $6. 

Wilson.  For  game  and  route  see  Menomonee.  Board  $4  per  week  ;  teams  $3 
to  $4  per  day, 

tSaiik  County — 

DeviVs  Lake^  a  romantic  spot,  furnishes  excellent  sport  for  the  angler.  The 
waters  are  full  of  different  varieties  of  fish.  It  is  reached  directly  by  two  daily 
lines  of  palace  cars,  that  leave  Chicago  morning  and  nij^ht  via  the  Chicago  and 
North-western  Railioad,  and  stop  in  front  of  the  hotel  that  has  been  opened  for 
the  use  of  the  summer  tourists  who  flock  to  the  place.  About  fifteen  miles  west 
of  Ableman's  is  the  divide,  and  in  the  streams  running  west,  brook  trout  can  be 
found  ;  in  the  streams  running  east,  pickerel  and  bass. 

Baraboo.  Deer,  an  occasional  bear,  pinnated  and  ruffed  grouse,  in  abundance. 
Fine  trouting  in  the  tributaries  of  the  Baraboo  and  Kickapoo  Rivers,  Reached 
via  the  Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad.     Board  $3.50. 

Sheboygan,  County — 

Elkhart  Lake  is  sixty  miles  north  of  Milwaukee,  on  the  Wisconsin  Central 
Railroad,  and  is  becoming  very  popular,  and  deservedly  so.  The  lake  is  a  beau- 
tiful sheet  of  water,  and  turnisnes  hne  facilities  for  black  bass  fishing,  boating,  or 
sailing.    There  are  two  hotels  on  its  banks,  and  both  are  well  kept. 

Trempealeau  County — 

Arcadia  is  on  the  Green  Bay  and  Minnesota  Railroad  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
two  miles  from  Green  Bay.  There  are  many  tine  trout  streams  in  the  vicinity. 
The  pinnated  grouse  shooting  all  through  the  county  is  excellent. 

Wnlwovth  County — 

In  the  county  are  twentj'-four  lakes,  among  whicli  are  Lakes  Geneva, 
Crooked,  Army,  Potter's  Booth,  Lulu,  Como,  Turtle,  Whitewater.  Bass,  Hol- 
den's.  Grove,  Middle,  Mill,  Otter  and  Pleasant,  ranging  from  one-half  mile  wide 
and  one  mile  long,  to  three  or  ten  miles  wide  to  ten  or  twelve  miles  lon^.  All 
are  stocked  with  fish,  and  on  several  of  them  are  various  pleasure  boats,  mclud- 
ing  yachts  and  steamers,  and  on  the  shores  of  several  are  club-houses  and  sum- 
mer liotels. 

Geneva,  a  delightful  and  growing  place  of  summer  resort,  is  situated  at  the  foot 
ot  Geneva  Lake,  and  is  headquarters  for  the  cisco  campaign.  But  during  the 
"  run"  thousands  of  people  from  the  surrounding  country  visit  the  shores,  hun- 
dreds of  people  tent  on  the  beach,  and  scores  of  camp  fires  are  seen  on  all  sides 
in  the  calm  summer  nights.  It  is  worth  the  while  for  any  enthusiastic  piscator  to 
go  a-ciscoing  once  in  his  life  at  least.  He  will  very  likely  conclude  that  it  is  not 
equal  to  salmon  or  trout  fishing,  but  he  will  find  his  skill  and  patience  sufficiently 
taxed  to  make  his  first  dozen  ciscoes  seem  a  genuine  and  thrilling  victory.  (See 
Elkhorn.) 

Geneva  is  about  sixty  miles  northwest  from  Chicago,  and  easily  reached  by 
rail  via  the  Chicago  and  North-western  Railroad.  Good  hotel  accommodation 
and  all  sorts  of  boating  facilities  may  be  had  at  reasonable  rates.  Two  fine  side 
wheel  steamers  make  regular  trips  from  Geneva  to  Fontana  and  all  intermediate 
points. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  1 79 

Elkhorn.  Woodcock,  pinnated  grouse,  rufTcd  grouse,  Wilson  snipe,  Canada 
Reese,  brant,  quail,  ducks,  including  blue  bt- ils,  butter-balls,  ruddy  ducks,  pin- 
tails, widgeons,  redheads,  whistlers,  scooters,  canvas-backs,  mallards,  wood 
ducks,  and  teal.  The  game  however  is  not  of  sufficient  quantity  to  ensure  suc- 
cess to  sportsmen  trom  abroad.  In  (ieneva  Lake  tine  s[iort  is  had  with  the  cisco. 
the  annual  run  of  which  begins  about  June  loLh,  and  lasts  for  a  week.  Follow- 
ing the  Cisco  run  comes  the  regular  tishing  season,  when  may  be  had  in  any  of 
the  many  beautiful  lakes  of  this  section  capital  sport  with  rod  and  line.  Hlack 
bass,  rock  bass,  pike-perch,  pickerel,  and  yellow  perch  are  abundant  in  all  the 
waters. 

Delaware  Lake,  four  miles  distant,  is  a  favorite  place  for  pickerel  and  trolling. 

Elkhorn  is  on  the  Western  Union  Railroad.  Hotel  and  private  board  %\  to  $2 
per  day  ;  guides,  rarely  necessary,  $1.50  to  :?-?  per  day  ;  boats  50  cents. 

Troy.    Cisco  and  other  fishing  in  Troy  Lake. 

Wauhesha  County— 

Pewaukee.  Nineteen  miles  west  of  Milwaukee,  on  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
and  SL  Paul  Railroad  is  the  pleasant  lake  and  village  of  Pewaukee.  This  lake  is 
six  miles  long  and  a  mile  wide,  and  the  black  bass  tishing  most  excellent.  Heath's 
Hotel  and  the  Oakton  Springs  Hotel,  in  the  village,  and  the  Lakeside,  further  up 
the  lake,  furnish  accommodations  of  the  best  kind. 

Oconomoivoc,  is  twelve  miles  west  of  Pewaukee,  and  thirty  miles  from  Milwau- 
kee on  tlie  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Patd  Railroad.  As  a  summer  resort  it  is 
popularly  known  as  the  "  Saratoga  of  the  'West,"  and  in  sporting  i)arlance  it  isan 
"  Angler's  Paradise."  Within  a  radius  of  eight  miles  there  are  no  less  than 
thirty  lakes,  varying  from  one  to  several  sciuare  miles  in  extent,  and  teeming  with 
black  bass,  Oswego  or  green  bass,  northern  j'ickerel,  and  the  smaller  fry  of  rock 
bass,  silver  bass,  yellow  perch,  cisco,  etc.  In  the  vicinity  the  sportsman  will  find 
woodcock,  pinnated,  ruffed  and  sharp-tailed  grouse,  wdd  geese,  brant,  ducks, 
plover  and  snipe.  The  favorite  lakes  with  anglers  are  La  Helle,  Fowler,  Okau- 
chee,  Oconomowoc,  Nemahbin,  Nashotah,  N:igowicka,  Cienesee,  Pine,  Beaver, 
North,  Silver,  and  Golden.  They  are  all  well  supplied  with  tishing  boats,  and  at 
Oconomowoc  experienced  guides  and  boatmen  can  be  obtained  at  a  moderate 
price.  The  hotel  accommodations  are  ample  and  excellent,  and  terms  reasona- 
ble. The  Townsend  House,  on  Fowler  Lake,  Draper  Hall,  La  Belle  House,  and 
Woodlands  are  beautifully  located,  and  are  verv  handsome  and  convenient  in 
their  appointments.  Giffords',  on  Oconomowoc  Lake,  is  very  romantically  situ- 
ated, and  is  quite  a  favorite  resort.  In  addition  to  these  hotels  are  numerous 
boarding  houses,  agreeably  and  pleasantly  situated,  and  well  conducted.  Owing 
to  the  remarkably  tine  roads  the  livery  stables  are  unusually  good,  with  lively- 
stepping  horses  and  first-cltss  vehicles.  J.  C.  Hitchcock  &  Co.,  manufacturers 
of  the  "  Oconomowoc  bass  rod,"  keep  a  full  stock  of  fishing  tackle  of  all  kinds, 
and  the  angler  can  here  procure  everything  r.ccessary  to  his  sport.  Black  River 
has  rock  and  black  bass. 

Winnebayo  County— 

Menasha  and  Neetiah.  These  twin  cities  are  one  hundred  miles  north  of  Mil- 
waukee, and  can  be  reached  by  either  the  Wisconsin  Central  Railroad  or  North- 
western Railroad.  They  lie  at  the  foot  of  Winnebago  Lake,  on  either  side  of  Fox 
Kiver,  the  outlet  of  the  lake.  This  is  the  largest  lake  in  Wisconsin,  being  thirty 
miles  long  with  an  avernge  width  of  five  miles.  On  the  opposite  side  of  the  cities 
is  Lake  Buttes  des  Morts.  The  bass  tishing  here  is  very  good  ;  the  Neenah  chan- 
nel of  Fox  River  is  especially  good  for  fly  tislung.  The  rapids  of  the  lower  Fox 
River  also  furnish  some  of  the  finest  of  spcirt.  Kaukauna  rapid  in  particular, 
nearly  a  mile  in  extent,  is  a  wild  eddying  part  of  the  stream,  grand  in  its  scenery 
and  rich  in  ragged  shelving  rocks  and  dark  deep  pools,  that  are  well  tilled  with 
large,  dark  colored,  rather  slim,  active  fellows  that  are  no  burlesque  on  western 
civilization  ;  and  the  Nimrod  who  can  preserve  his  light  tackle  in  order,  and 
retain  his  fish  in  some  of  the  headlon"'  races  he  must  make  down  the  stream  over 
boulders  and  brambles  with  one  of  these  fellows  on  the  lead  for  his  favorite  pool, 
must  lose  all  thought  of  self  and  the  consecpience  of  a  disordered  appearance  at 
the  close  of  the  race.  Garlic  Island  is  another  good  spot.  The  bass  are  mostly 
of  the  small-mouth  variety.  Here  are  also  found  the  while  bass,  the  pike  perch, 
pickerel,  catfish,  bullheads,  shad,  taken  here  with  fly,  and,  to  the  occasional 
disgust  of  the  angler,  the  sheepshead,  not  Sargtis  ovis  \>\i\.  Corvina  oscnla.  The 
sturgeon  also  holds  high  carnival  in  these  waters,  sometimes  attaining  the  weight 
of  two  hundred  pounds.    The  National  Hotel  at  Menasha  is  the  angler's  resort. 


l80  CAME  AND  FISH  A'ESOA'TS. 

It  is  well  ordered  and  ably  conducted.  Boats,  oarsmen,  and  all  necessary  ap- 
purtenances for  fishing  are  furnished  by  the  host.  The  Russel  House  in  Neenah 
also  furnishes  good  accommoflations,  and  tlicrc  boats,  etc.,  can  be  obtained. 
Hoard  i-j  ;  teams  $.j  to  $5.     (See  Kond  du  Lac.) 

Os/i/,-os/t  is  at  tliu  nioutli  of  Ko\  River,  on  tlie  western  shore  of  Lake  Winnelja- 
go.  Wild  game  is  abundant  in  the  vicinity,  and  is  composed  of  blue  and  (trecii- 
wiuRcd  tcaH  mallard  and  wood  duck,  snipe,  woodcock,  (juail  and  pinnated  grouse. 
The  waters  abound  in  black  and  white  bass  and  other  tish,  and  brook  trout  are 
plentiful  in  streams  within  a  day's  travel.  Oshkosh  is  on  the  C'liicago  and  North- 
western and  tlie  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroads.  There  are  several 
fine  hotels. 

Wood  County— 

Centralia.  Bears,  deer,  grouse,  and  diflferent  varieties  of  wild  fowl.  Reached 
via  the  St.  Louis,  Kansas  City  and  Northern  Railroad.     Board  at  hotel  $2. 

Kainin^c^ton.  Bear,  deer,  pinnated  grouse,  ruffed  grouse.  In  all  the  streams 
trout  are  abundant.  Reached  via  the  Chica'ijo,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad 
to  Tomah  thence  via  the  Wisconsin  Valley  Railroad.     Board  $1.50. 


WYOMING. 

The  area  of  Wyoming  is  97,883  square  miles.  The  population 
in  1870  was  9,118,  and  has  been,  since  that  year,  increased  by  the 
immigration  to  the  mining  fields  of  the  Black  Hills.  The  surface 
of  the  country  is  high  and  mountainous,  the  mean  elevation  being 
6,450  feet.  The  main  chain  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  entering  at 
the  south-eastern  border  extends  through  the  Territory  in  a  north- 
western direction.  There  are  in  addition  to  these,  many  other 
spurs  and  chains  of  mountains,  the  Wind  River,  Big  Horn,  Black 
Hills,  etc.  The  Laramie  Plains,  an  extent  of  7,000  square  miles, 
are  made  up  of  extensive  meadows,  and  rolling  hilly  country,  and 
are  among  the  finest  hunting  grounds  in  the  country.  In  the  North- 
western corner  of  the  Territory  is  a  section  of  3,575  square  miles, 
the  Yellowstone  Region,  which  for  natural  wonders  has  no  equal 
of  the  same  area  upon  the  globe.  The  Union  Pacific  Railroad, 
the  Union  Pacific  and  the  Kansas  Pacific  Railroad,  are  the  princi- 
pal means  of  access,  via  Cheyenne  and  other  points,  to  all  parts  of 
the  Territory.  Pack  and  saddle  horses,  and  all  equipments  may 
here  be  secured. 

Albany  County— 

Como.  Deer,  elk,  antelope,  mountain  sheep  and  bears,  a  few  miles  distant  in 
the  timber  land.  Ducks  and  geese  in  abundance.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific 
Railway.  Board  $1.  For  bear  and  mountain  sheep  hunting,  camping  is  neces- 
sary.    Countt-y  hilly,  rocky  and  timber  lands. 

Lookout.  Elk,  antelope,  and  black  tail  deer,  are  found  in  Medicine  Bow 
Mountains,  twenty  miles  south.  Pinnated  grouse,  ducks  and  geese  are  in  abun- 
dance. Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Camping  is  necessary  ;  guides 
can  be  found  at  Laramie.     Hilly  country. 

Tie  Siding.  Elk,  deer,  antelope  and  rabbits  very  abundant.  Good  fronting. 
Rt-:chcd  as  above.  Board  $7  per  week  ;  teams  %s-  Camping  outfits  can  be  pro- 
cured here. 

Miser.  Deer,  elk,  antelope,  mountain  sheep,  jack  rabbits,  geese  and  ducks. 
Reached  as  above.     Board  $i.    Mountain  country. 


GAMJi  AND  FISH  RESORl'S.  l8l 

Laramie  City.  Elk,  antelope,  deer,  mountaiii  sheep,  bears,  sage  hens,  ducks 
and  Kccso.     Reached  as  above.     Guides  $a  to  #4  ;  teams  $5. 

J'ort  Saiiui/rrs.  Perhaps  the  best  elk  country  is  on  the  Laramie  Plains,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Fori  Saunders,  on  the  Union  Pacitic. 

Carbon  iUtnnty— 

Mediciiif  JiiKit.  Elk,  deer,  antelope,  sage  hens.  Reached  via  Union  Pacilic 
Riiilniad.  Ho:iril$i;  teams  $5.  Kor  good  sport,  camping  is  necessary.  Rolling 
and  mounlaiiious  country. 

/'i-)cy.  Elk,  antelope,  black  tail  deer,  beavers, otters,  etc.  Mountain  trout  in 
the  streams,  twelve  mdcs  from  the  station.  Reached  as  above.  Private  tioard 
$i.So  ;  guides  can  be  procured.     Country  rolling  prairie. 

Separation.  Antoloi)e  in  abundance,  deer,  elk,  mountain  sheep,  a  few  black 
bears  and  cinnamon  bears  ;  sage  hens  and  jack  rabbits  plentv.  Reached  as  above. 
Private  board  $1  ;  guides  $3  :  saddle  and  pack  horses  $.1.  ("amping  oullil  can  be 
purciiased  at  Rawlins,  a  station  fourteen  miles  east.  '1  ne  country  is  rolling  prai- 
rie, hills  and  mountains. 

Kan'tins.  Mears,  elk,  black  tail  deer,  mountain  sheep,  antelope,  sage  hens, 
jack  rabbits  ;  good  trouting  in  the  mountain  streams.  Reached  as  above.  Hoard 
$1  ;  guides  $2.50  to  $3  ;  teams  and  driver  $4  to  ;?6.  The  country  mountainous, 
with  excellent  camping  grounds. 

Cari'on.  Elk,  antelope,  deer,  bears  occasionally,  mountain  sheep,  sage  hens, 
rabbits,  hares  ;  tish  of  different  kinds.  Reached  as  above.  Hotel  1^2  ;  guides  .'fj 
to  fi5  ;  teams  $7.  The  country  is  hilly  and  mountainous,  with  excellent  camping 
grounds. 

St.  Mary's.  Hears,  elk,  black-tail  deer,  antelope,  some  mountain  sheei>,  jack 
rabbits,  sage  hens,  mountain  grouse.  Reached  as  above.  Private  board  $1  ; 
guides  $2.     Provide  for  camping.     Country  hilly. 

Fort  Steele.  Elk,  deer,  antelope,  mountain  sheep,  sage  hens,  ducks  and  geese. 
Fish  of  diuerent  varieties.  Reached  via  Union  Pacitic  Railroad.  Hoard  $1  ; 
teams  $5.  In  bad  weather  the  gauae  are  found  in  the  valleys  ;  in  tine  weather 
they  retire  to  the  mountains. 

Ijuramie  Count y — 

Cheyenne  City.  Deer,  elk,  antelope,  bears,  mountain  sheep, mountain  lions; 
excellent  trouting.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Hotel  and  private 
board,  ^i  to  $4  ;  teams  $5.;  guides  at  reasonable  rates.  For  best  sport  camp  out. 
Rolling  prairie,  with  the  Rocky  Mountains  fifty  miles  distant. 

/'/«(■  liluff.  Hlack-tail  deer,  and  mountain  sheei)  are  abundant  on  the  hills, 
antelope  on  the  prairies,  bears  on  Horse  Creek,  twenty-five  miles  north.  The 
route  is  as  above.  Board  in  private  family  $1.  For  hunting  on  the  hills,  camping 
is  necessary. 

Hazard.,  twenty  miles  from  the  Black  Hills.  Antelope,  black-tail  and  white- 
tail  deer,  goesc,  sandhill  cranes,  ducks  of  all  kinds,  jack  snii-ie,  curlew  ;  and  trout 
in  the  Black  Hill  streams.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacitic  Railroad.  Hoard  at 
ranches  $2  ;  teams  with  driver  $5.     Country  hilly  and  rolling. 

Spear  Fisli  Creek.  Rapid  Creek,  Spring  Creek  and  Redwater  are  full  of  pike, 
nurch,  catfish,  bullheads,  suckers,  etc.  Reached  from  Deadwood  City,  on  the 
Union  Pacific  Railroad. 

Sweetivater  County-— 

Green  River  City.  The  Green  River  country  ofTers  many  attractions  to  the 
sportsman  or  trapper.  The  brooks  furnish  trout  by  thousands— from  half  a  pound 
to  four  pounds  in  weight— active,  i^lucky  fish,  that  it  is  a  pleasure  to  h(jok  and  a 
satisfaction  to  land.  Beaver  are  very  plentiful,  and  their  dams  may  be  found  at 
intervals  of  half  a  mile  on  every  moderately  large  brook.  Otters,  too,  are  trapped 
in  considerable  numbers  every  winter,  though  not  so  numerous  now  as  in  former 
years.  These,  with  the  mink  and  fisher,  are  the  finer  fur-bearing  animals  of  the 
country.  The  felinae  are  represented  by  the  lynx  and  the  mountain  lion  ;  the  lat- 
ter rarely  seen. 

Deer  and  elk  are  numerous  in  the  bottoms  and  on  the  mountains,  a  few  ante- 
lopes frequent  the  elevated  plateaus  that  occur  from  time  to  time  along  the  river, 
while  the  loftiest  peaks  afford  a  secure  refuge  to  the  wary  mountain  sheep. 
When  hunting  along  the  river  or  some  of  its  tributaries  the  hunter  will  often 
notice  the  track  of  the  ferocious  grizzly,  or  of  his  smaller  and  more  timid  conge- 
ners, the  black  and  cinnamon  bears.    Sandhill  cranes,  together  with  geese  and 


1 82  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

ducks  in  countless  numbers  pass  over  in  sprinp^  and  autumn,  and  pause  at  various 
points  to  feed  and  rest.  Tlirec  spicies  of  ^''ouse— the  sage,  tiic  blue  nnd  the 
rullcd— arc  found  in  tiiu  bottoms  and  on  the  mountain's  sides,  while  close  Ijencath 
the  snow  line  breeds  the  whitc-taiiwd  ptarmiKan.  Reached  via  the  l/nion  I'ucilic 
Railroad.  Hoard  lj.50  to  $6  per  week  ;  teams  with  driver  $5.  Camping  allorils 
tlie  best  sport. 

Rock  Spring.  Hlack-tail  deer  are  very  abundant  but  hard  to  approach  be- 
cause of  tlie  si  iircity  of  timber.  lilk  and  antelope  are  plenty  within  a  radius  of 
thirty  miles.  Ducks,  geese,  grouse  and  sage  hens  afford  tine  sport.  Trout  arc 
to  be  found  in  all  the  streams  in  tlie  neighborhood.     Reached  as  above. 

Ji'Viin.  Antelope,  black-tail  deer,  jack-rabbits,  sage  hens.  Rf)ute  as  above. 
Hoartlin  private  house  1 1  ;  guides  *j  to  $5  ;  teams  $5  to  $8.     Rolling  iirairie. 

lUack  Ihittes.  Deer,  antelo|)e,  elk  and  bears  twenty  miles  south.  Reached  as 
above.  Hoard  in  private  house,  %\  ;  guides,  saddle-horses,  etc.,  to  be  had.  Moun- 
tain country, 

Cn-ston.  Antelope  abundant,  sage  liens,  jack-rabbits  and  cotton-tails.  Elk 
and  deer  in  limited  numbers.  Hulf.ilo  arc  found  forty  miles  north  Reachetl  as 
above.  Sportsmen  must  carry  camping  outtit.  Good  ponies  can  be  bought 
here  for  $30  to  $60.    The  country  is  rolling  prairie,  witli  hills  and  mountains. 

Point  of  Rocks.  KIk.  deer,  antelope,  buffalo,  bears,  jack-rabbits  and  sage 
hens.  Excellent  trout  tisliing  in  the  Samly  ("reeks.  Reached  as  above.  Pack 
and  saddle  horses  can  be  procured.  Hunting  parties  camp  out.  The  best  hunt- 
ing and  Hshing  grounds  are  at  the  Sandys,  tiiirty  miles  distant 

The  Bif^  Horn  Mountains.  Hig  hcjrns,  buftalo,  elk,  moi  ntain  sheep,  black- 
tail  deer,  beavers,  otters,  minks,  grey  wolves,  coyotes,  foxes,  including  the  sil- 
ver grey,  panther,  wildcats,  lynxes,  two  species  ;  black,  cinnamon,  and  grizzly 
bears  ;  dusky  grouse.  Trout  and  a  species  of  whitetish  are  caught  in  the  Hig 
Horn,  Little  Horn,  and  Tongue  Rivers,  The  mountains  are  densely  timbered 
with  pine  and  spruce.  Their  elevation  is  about  thirteen  thousand  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  sea,  anil  they  are  covered  with  snow  in  summer.  They  contain  innu- 
merable beautiful  lakes.  Take  Union  Pacific  Railroad  to  Uenton  or  some  station 
in  that  vicinity,  thence  go  via  saddle-horse. 

Uintah  County- 
Fort  Bridger  and  the  Uintah  Mountains.  Fort  Bridger  is  eleven  miles  south 
of  Carter,  a  station  on  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad,  Twenty-five  miles  south  of  the 
l<"ort  are  the  Uintah  Mountains,  a  splendid  country  for  the  sportsman.  The  game 
here  includes  bears,  immntain  sheep,  deer,  elk,  antelope,  grouse,  sage  hens,  mal- 
lards nnd  black  ducks,  the  Western  tluker,  sandhill  cranes,  and  ptarmigan.  The 
streams  and  lakes  abound  in  trout,  and  near  Carter  are  caught  a  few  whitefish. 
There  is  daily  conmiunication  between  Carter  and  Fort  Hridger,  Camping  out- 
fits can  be  procured  at  either  place.  Hoard  ^(3  ;  guides  $2,50  ;  teams  |s  to  $8  ; 
saddle-horses  $3. 

Bridger.  Elk,  black-tail  deer  and  grouse  are  very  abundant,  with  good 
trouting.  Reached  via  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad.  Teams  with  driver  I3.  Roll- 
ing prairie  and  hills. 

Aspen.  The  Uintah  Mountains  are  eight  miles  south.  For  the  game  found 
there  see  Fori  Hridger.     Reached  as  above.     Board  $2  ;  teams  with  driver  $3. 

Evanston.  Hears,  elk,  antelope,  deer,  sage  hens  ;  trout.  Best  hunting  from 
ten  to  forty  miles  distant.  Reached  as  above.  Hoard  $1.50  to  $4  ;  teams  with 
driver  $4  to  $7.    Country  rolli)      ind  hilly. 

Piedmont.  Hlack-tail  deer,  eik,  bears,  sagje  hens,  jack-rabbits  and  brush- 
rabbits.  All  the  mountain  streams  abound  in  mountain  trout.  Reached  as 
above.  Private  board  $5  i)er  week  ;  teams  $2  to  $3  ;  pack  and  saddle-horses  $1. 
Mountainous  country. 

Hillinrd.  Bears,  elk,  deer;  good  mountain  trout  fishing,  with  other  varieties 
of  fish  and  game.  Route  as  above.  Hotel  and  private  board  $1  to  $3  j  teams  $4 
to  $7.    Camping  necessary.    Hilly  and  mountainous  country. 

Walla  Walla  County — 

IValia  ll^aila.  Deer  and  bears ;  mountain  trout.  Reached  via  Central  Pacific 
Railroad  to  Kelton,  thence  stage.  Hotel  $2.  The  country  is  mountainous  and 
heavily  wooded. 


DOMINION  OF  CANADA. 


ONTARIO. 

Ontario,  the  Upper,  or  Western  Province  of  Canada,  has  an 
area  of  107,780  square  miles,  and  a  population  of  1,620,851,  which 
is  contined  mostly  to  the  Southern  and  South-western  sections  ;  the 
region  north  of  Lake  Huron  and  Lake  Superior  is  inhabited  only 
by  a  few  Indians  and  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company's  employees. 
The  surface  of  the  i)rovince  is  gently  undulating  with  extensive 
prairie  lands.  A  ridge  of  elevated  land  stretches  from  Niagara 
Falls  north-west  to  Hamilton,  thence  along  the  peninsula  between 
Lake  Huron  and  Georgian  Bay,  and  through  to  the  Manitoulin 
Lslands.  These  hills,  in  some  places  wild  and  rugged,  are,  as  a  rule, 
rounded  with  gentle  slopes  and  wide  fertile  valleys.  The  country 
is  remarkable  for  the  great  number  of  the  lakes  which  everywhere 
stud  its  surface.  The  region  from  Lake  Ontario,  north  between 
Georgian  and  Ottawa  Bays,  and  thence  around  Lake  Superior,  is 
covered  by  a  perfect  net-work  of  lakes  and  rivers.  These  waters 
are  stocked  with  the  finest  of  salmon  and  trout,  and  offer  to  the 
piscatorially  inclined  abundant  opportunity  for  weeks  of  enjoyment 
and  pleasure.  The  Southern  part  of  the  province  has  been  nearly 
depleted  of  the  larger  animals,  but  in  the  North  and  West  are  vast 
tracts  of  unbroken  wilderness  where  game  is  still  found  in  almost 
primitive  abundance.  From  the  railroad  and  steamboat  Unes  of 
travel,  excursions  may  be  made  into  the  wilderness  country,  and 
for  thio  purpose,  the  visitors  will  always  find  trustworthy  guides, 
usually  Indians,  and  at  any  of  the  larger  towns  or  at  the  Hudson's 
Bay  Company's  Posts,  full  outfits  are  to  be  secured  at  prices  much 
more  moderate  than  in  the  States.  The  salmon-fishing  of  the 
Dominion  of  Canada  is  under  Government  control.  *'  The  govern- 
ment leases  the  rivers  for  a  term  of  nine  years,  and  rivers  unlet  on 
the  first  day  of  each  year  are  advertised  by  the  government  to  be 
let  to  the  highest  bidder.  The  places  of  residence  of  those  tender- 
ing for  fishings  are  not  considered  in  letting  a  river  ;  and  if  a  gen- 
tleman from  the  States  outbids  a  Canadian,  the  river  will  be  declared 
as  his.  Rivers  are  therefore  hired  by  Europeans  as  well  as  by 
Canadians  and  citizens  of  the  States.  .  .  .     Rivers  are  let  in  whole 


1 84 


GAAfE  AND  FISK  AWCSOA'TS. 


or  parts,  each  part  pcrmittintf  the  use  of  aj^iven  iumil)i:r  of  rods, 
usually  four.  I'artii^s  wlio  dt'sirc  to  lease  a  Canadian  river  sliould 
address  a  letter  to  the  Minister  of  Marine  and  Kisherii-s,  at  Ottawa, 
stating  how  many  rods  they  have,  and  the  district  which  they  \ne- 
fer  to  fish.  He  will  forward  them  a  list  of  the  leasable  rivers,  and 
a  note  of  information,  upon  which  they  should  get  some  Canadian 
to  make  the  tender  for  iheni.  The  leases  of  lluvi.il  jiarts  of  rivers 
vary  from  two  to  six  hundred  dollars  a  year  for  fronj  three  to  eight 
rods,  and  the  price  for  guides  or  gaffers  is  a  dollar  a  day.  — 
Genio  C.  Scott's  Fishini;  in  Amcriccin  Waters. 

JtlHtrict  of  Alyoma- 

Michifiiiofon  Islundy  ill  Lake  Superior,  is  in  suniincr  a  sto])piiipf  place  tor  the 
C()lliii!,'W()<)(i  stcatncrs.  Larfje  trout  are  cau};ht  in  the  adiacent  waters.  Sup- 
plies may  l)e  obtained  at  Micliipicon  River,  wlilch  is  a  Hudson  Hay  Company's 
Depot. 

Sault  Ste.  Marie.  The  streams  flowing  into  the  St.  Mary's  River,  (larden 
River,  Root  River,  and  Hay  Lalie  and  its  outlet  afford  excellent  trout  Hshinj?  and 
the  last  named  good  duck  shooting.  Along  the  north  shore  there  are  several 
%vell  known  trouliiig  localities,  distant  from  tiCteen  to  forty  miles.  Indian  guides, 
canoes,  etc.,  are  to  be  hail  for  all  these  places,  (laulais  Hay,  Hatcheewaiiaung 
Bay  and  River,  Harmony,  Montreal  and  Agnawa  Rivers.  The  route  to  Sault  Ste. 
Marie  is  via  steamer  from  Collingvvood,  Ont.,or  from  Hulfalo,  (Cleveland,  De- 
troit, t;hicago  or  Milwaukee.  Good  hotels  on  either  side  of  the  river.  (See 
Michigan.) 

The  Nepigon  River.  The  river  is  forty-five  miles  long  to  the  great  Nepigon 
Lake  at  its  head,  and  is  broken  by  lifteen  chutes  or  falls,  at  all  of  which  is  the  best 
of  fishing.  It  has  an  average  width  of  two  hundred  yards,  and  at  <re(iuent  inter- 
vals wiilens  into  lakes  two  miles  and  more  in  width,  in  which  the  wliitcHsh  and 
the  great  lake  trout  dwell.  Cam|)ing  ground  is  excellent  everywhere,  and  tliere 
is  a  Deaten  trail  across  the  portages,  over  portions  of  which  a  wagon  miglit  |)ass 
with  ease  ;  for  this  has  long  been  a  thoroughfare  for  the  (.'omnany's  employees, 
who,  once  a  year  at  least,  bring  down  their  furs  ami  carry  back  their  annual  sup- 
plies to  Nepigon  House  above.  There  is  ample  casting  room  throughout.  The 
depth  varies  trom  twenty  to  two  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  and  the  water  is  so  cold 
at  all  times  as  to  benumb  the  limbs.     Its  temperature  is  about  38".     In  Se()teml)er 

Eartridges  (ruffed  grouse)  are  very  plenty  and  the  forests  abound  in  bears,  rab- 
its,  and  other  fur-bearing  animals  and  small  game.  There  are  a  few  caribou, 
but  no  deer  nor  any  other  species  of  the  genus  Cervus.  Trout,  pike,  pickerel, 
salmon  trout,  and  whitetish  in  greatest  possible  abundance.  Hy  August  the  tlies 
and  punkies  disappear  and  the  trout  become  fat  and  gamy  ;  for  they  spawn  later 
here  than  in  most  other  localities.  The  Ne))igon  is  reached  via  steamer  from 
Toronto,  Ont.,  or  Duluth,  Minnesota,  to  Red  Rock  Landing  at  the  mouth  of  the 
river. 

From  Toronto  there  is  a  choice  of  routes  either  to  Collingwood  orSarnia, 
whence  good  boats  run  to  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  and  from  there,  the  first  to  the  nortli 
shore  of  I^ake  Superior,  and  the  other  to  the  south  shore,  touching  at  Marouettc 
and  other  points,  and  on  to  Duluth.  The  North  Shore  steamers  connect  at  Prince 
Arthur's  I-anding  with  other  boats  for  Duluth,  one  hundred  and  forty  miles  dis- 
tant. A  favorite  route  lor  Americans  is  from  Huffalo  via  Lake  Erie  to  Detroit, 
and  thence  through  Lake  Huron  to  Sault  Ste.  Marie.  Residents  of  States  west 
and  north  of  New  York,  will  naturally  make  Detroit  their  objective  starting  point. 
A  round  trij)  ticket  via  the  Collingwood  route,  costs  thirty-five  dollars  gold, 
which  includes  meals  and  stateroom.  The  fare  from  New  York  City  via  rail,  to 
Niagara  Kails,  thence  boat  to  Toronto,  is  eleven  dollars  fifty  cents  ;  so  that  the 
cost  of  the  entire  trip  from  New  York  and  return  is  about  si,\ty-five  dollars  cur- 
rency.   The  actual  running  time  of  the  trip  occupies  ten  days. 

yvV</j?£j(,-X;  is  a  Hudson's  Hay  Company  Post,  where  the  sportsman  will  find 
excellent  accommodations  with  Robert  Crawford,  the  agent.  From  him  must 
be  procured  the  necessary  fishing  permits,  without  which  no  angler  can  fish  in 
the  Nepigon.  He  will  furnish  almost  everything  requisite  for  camping  out  ; 
cedar  boats,  and  birch  canoes,  tents,  blankets,  woolen  shirts,  Hudson's  Hay  over- 


GAME  AND  I' I  Sit  Rli  SORTS.  1 85 

cniit!!,  rnr(lurnv<t,  ilgnrn  nnd  tolxircn.  mOMd  fniltn,  dcsiantcd  meats, flOlldMMd 
HoupH,  milk  anil  coflcu,  pickluM,  EiiKlnh  iJ*,  whihky  lor  medu  ii\iil  UM.  Nsw  Tw* 
tamvntH,  Hour,  pork  and  ham,  i  iitlcry,  hooU,  MOfl-pnt'ks  ut  ridiculously  low 
|iri(:us.  (tiiixl  guides  iind  Iiidiati  canoc-iiun  can  M  hud  lit  ii  didlar  per  day  each, 
riic  lUiKlcr  must  tukc  liis  own  lisiiiiiK  tin  kic,  inrludii)^  ;i  stout  rod,  itiid  red  iiiul 
brown  hiickli-s.  Kroui  tlic  Middle  ul  July  tliroUKli  Au^uht  uud  Scplumbcr  in  thu 
best  Hcuson  tor  tishiuK. 

tlrattt  I'oiiutff  — 

Tlic  lakes  and  ponds  in  this  county  contain  a  variety  of  very  large  black  bass, 
<;ran<l  River  and  its  tributurles.  Smith's  and  Homers  t'rccks  are  well  known 
locttlitics.  At  Ivy's  mill,  on  Homer's  Creek  is  a  deep  hole  where  they  often  con- 
Kre^tite  in  ^rcat  numbers  in  June. 

r/««'  i'oulom/v  lilHtrlet— 

Is  (tlic  ot  the  best  in  Cunadit.  It  lies  partly  in  the  Province  of  Otanrio,  and 
partly  in  the  Province  of  JJuebec,  the  Ottawa  River  tormina  the  dividinp  line 
between  these  name  centres.  In  order  to  reach  either  of  these  localities,  take  the 
(Jreat  Western  Railway  to  Mrockville,  on  the  St.  Lawrence  River,  and  thence  by 
the  Canada  ("ciUral,  to  either  Sand  Point  or  keiifrew. 

If  the  desire  is  to  visit  the  (;oulon>;e  disiiici,  to  kill  moose,  caribou,  bears, 
wolves,  trap  lur  animals,  ami  annle  for  trout,  leave  the  cars  at  Sand  Point.  l'"rom 
here  take  the  river  boat  to  Porlace  dii  l'"(Ht,  twenty  miles  north.  .\t  this  place, 
provisions  and  camping  essentials  must  br  secured,  together  with  a  conveyance 
as  far  as  the  foot  ol  the  Coulonge  River.  Moose  and  fur  animals  are  fouiwl  eighty 
miles  upstream  ;  caribou  are  not  met  with,  save  far  up  the  river.  The  huntiii); 
region  proper  lies  between  the  Ulack  River  and  the  Coulonge,  which  are  distant 
from  each  other  at  the  most  extreme  points,  not  more  than  twenty  n)iles,  the  aver- 
age being  not  more  than  ten.    There  is  excellent  angling  in  those  streams. 

Should  Virginia  deer  be  the  game  desired,  together  with  bears,  wolves,  lynx 
and  water  animals,  then  go  on  to  Kenlrew.  This  village  is  twenty  miles  north 
of  Sand  Point,  twelve  miles  west  of  Ottawa  River,  and  about  one  hundred  ami 
titty  miles  north  ol  the  St.  Lawrence  River.  Sevcntv  miles  due  west,  toward  the 
(Jeorgian  Hay,  reacheil  by  teani,  is  the  Atlirondack  district  of  the  Canadas.  Thu 
route  traverses  the  beautiful  and  pictures(pie  Honne  ('here  River,  which  is  one 
succession  of  lakes.  Here  are  Mud  Lake,  Long  Lake,  Round  Lake,  and  Trout 
Lake.  This  lake  region  lies  between  the  Ottawa  on  the  east,  the  (Jeorgian  May  tm 
the  west,  and  Lake  Nijiissing  on  the  north.  This  area  contains  about  the  same 
number  of  reported  lakes  as  the  Adirondacks,  and  it  is  probable  that  there  aro 
hundreds  yet  undiscovered. 

At  Eageausvillc,  twenty-five  miles  from  Renfrew,  on  the  Hoimc  ("here,  guides 
and  iirovisioiis  may  be  obtained  for  anv  of  the  lakes.  The  majority  of  trajiocrs 
and  hunters  seldom  penetrate  beyond  Round  Lake,  which  is  the  home  of  the  Vir- 
ginia tleer  and  of  the  speckled  trout.  Trai)persaiul  hunters  are  to  be  met  with  on 
almost  every  creek,  lake,  river,  and  stream  that  contains  fur  animals.  They  go  in 
search  of  furs  about  the  first  of  Seiitember. 

The  Virginia  deer  arc,  during  the  months  of  September  and  October,  hunted 
with  dogs,  and  usually  killed  in  the  lakes  where  they  run  to  escape  the 
hounds.  In  November  still  hunting  commences,  and  continues  until  the  end 
of  the  season. 

(jlciiyarry  County — 

Lancaster.  Lake  St.  Francis,  an  expansion  of  the  St.  Lawrence  River,  affords 
good  fishing  in  the  autumn.  Reached  via  steamer  from  Montreal,  or  (Jrand 
Trunk  RaiUvay.  Hotel  accommodations  at  the  village,  and  also  at  Hopkin's 
Point,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 

Orenvllle  County — 

Charleston  Lake  is  some  twenty-two  miles  back  of  Gananoque,  reached  by 
row  boat  from  Gananoque  River  and  Wilsey  Creek,  also  by  stage  from  Mrock- 
ville, seventeen  miles.  This  creek  flows  through  drowned  lands,  and  in  the 
proper  season  is  full  of  ducks. 

The  black  bass  at  Charleston  Lake  are  very  small,  averaging  one  anil  thrce- 
Quarter  pounds,  but  are  very  gamv,  a  one  pound  bass  giving  as  much  sport,  as  a 
tnree  pound  St.  Lawrence  bass.    Salmon  trout  also  plentiful. 

There  are  two  fair  hotels,  charging  one  dollar  per  day.  Boat  accommodations 
poor.    The  lake  is  full  of  islands,  and  affords  excellent  camping  grounds. 


1 86 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Grey  County— 

Presqve  Isle  Harbor ^  on  Lake  Ontario,  fine  ducking  ground.  Grand  Trunk 
Railroad  t'rom  Coburg  or  Kingston.     Hotel  accommodation.     Country  hilly. 

Ilnstinya  County— 

Relleville.  A  fine  place  for  black  bass,  especially  in  the  month  of  May,  when 
they  are  taken  in  large  quantities  by  the  fishermen  in  seines.  The  shooting  in- 
cludes snipe,  plover,  d\icKs,  partridges  and  red  foxes.  Helleville  is  on  the  Bay 
of  Ouinte.  an  expansion  of  the  St.  l.awrence  River,  and  is  reached  by  steamboat 
anil  the  (irand  Trunk  Railroad.  There  is  a  game  club  here,  and  good  hotel 
accommodations,  boats,  etc. 

Bay  of  Quinte.  Kingston  and  Belleville  are  on  this  bay.  Excellent  black 
bass,  pike,  perch,  and  mascalonge.  Reached  by  Grand  Trunk  Railway.  Every 
accommodation. 

liingston  County— 

Kingston,  There  is  a  section  of  co  '  v  situated  in  Canada,  near  Kingston, 
known  as  the  Drowned  Lands.  To  rL.i...  it  from  New  York  City,  take  New 
York  Central  and  Hudson  River  Railroad  to  Rome,  Watertown  and  Cape  Vin- 
cent. All  baggage  checked  through.  At  Cape  Vincent  you  can  make  any  neces- 
sary imiuiries  at  the  hotel,  where  the  Kingston  steamboats  stop.  In  Kmgston, 
the  British  American  Hotel  is  near  the  boat  landing,  and  well  kept.  The 
Drowned  Lands  district  is  accessible  from  Kingston  by  various  routes;  pretty 
well  fished,  and  shooting  fair.  Bass  and  pickerel  are  caught  in  the  Bay  of  yuinte, 
at  Kingston. 

Lanark  County—  | 

Perth.  Deer  and  partridge  shooting,  and  fair  trapping  in  the  vicinity.  The 
fur  bearing  animals  include  otters,  minks,  beavers,  foxes  and  coons,  'leached 
via  the  Brockville  and  Ottawa  Railroad. 

Clayton.  Fine  bass  fishing  in  the  St.  Lawrence  at  this  point.  Clayton  is 
eleven  miles  from  Almonte,  on  the  Brockville  and  Ottawa  Railroad. 

Jja  rrairie  County — 

La  Prairie^  south  side  of  the  St.  Lawrence.  Among  the  islands  in  the  Lachine 
Rapids,  bass  are  found  in  abundr.nce,  and  there  is  splendid  duck  shooting,  espe- 
cially in  the  spring  wlien  the  ice  breaks  up.  A  boat  runs  from  Montreal  to  La 
Prairie,  which  is  nearly  opposite.  From  tnorc  take  a  hack  and  boatman,  and 
drive  down  to  the  fishing  ground.  Desanltel  is  popularly  and  favorably  known 
as  a  guide  and  sportsman,  which,  indeed  nearly  all  the  villagers  are.  Charges  are 
trifling. 

JJneoln  County — 

St.  Catherines.  Quail  shooting.  Reached  via  the  Great  Western  and  Wel- 
land  Railways.     Good  hotels. 

The  Mu.<tkoJca  Di.itrict — 

One  of  the  most  attractive  regions  in  Canada  for  summer  tourists  embraces 
what  is  known  as  the  Northern  Lakes,  a  cV.ain  lying  north  of  Toronto,  and  com- 
prising Lakes  Simcoe,  Muskoka.  Rosseau,  ar.-d  Cocochong.  This  is  a  popular 
resort  for  sportsmen,  and  supplies  the  best  bass  fishing  to  be  had  in  Canada,  as 
well  as  superb  trout  fishing.  The  lakes  vary  greatly  in  size  ;  the  larger  ones 
thirty  or  fortv  miles  in  length,  and  the  smaller  ones  mere  ponds,  but  clear  and 
deep,  and  all  abounding  in  salmon  trout,  perch,  black  bass,  etc.  The  principal 
rivers  a-re  the  Muskoka,  with  its  two  brancnes,  both  heading  in  lakes,  and  broken 
by  many  falls  ;  the  noble  Magnetewan,  the  Severn,  Moon  River,  Sharpe's  Creek, 
South  River,  and  the  Kasheshebogamo^.  Large  trout  abound  in  the  South  branch 
of  the  Muskoka,  which  is  brolcen  by  thirteen  falls.  This  stream  is  some  ten  rods 
wide  and  uniformly  deep,  with  forests  impinging  upon  the  margin,  in  which  deer 
are  very  numerous.  Tliere  are  but  few  ruffed  grouse  and  but  little  small  game. 
In  the  North  Muskoka,  there  are  no  trout.  In  the  Magnetewan,  which  empties 
into  Georgian  Bay,  the  speckled  trout  reach  five  jiounds  in  weight,  black  bass 
eight  pounds,  and  pickerel  fourteen  poui.ds.  This  river  traverses  the  finest  deer 
country  in  Canada.  Grouse  are  also  numerous,  and  ducks  in  their  season.  In 
Moon  kiver  are  monster  mascalonge.  This  stream  is  the  outlet  of  Lake  Muskoka. 
On  the  Severn,  between  the  towns  of  Bracebridge  and  Gravenhurst,  is  a  tine  ruffed 
grouse  district. 


GAME  AND  FISII  RESORTS.  1 8/ 

To  those  leaving  the  States,  Toronto  is  the  first  objective  point,  reached  from 
New  York  tiy  the  Erie  and  (Central  Railroad,  via  Niagara  Falls  and  Suspension 
l^ridge,  and  from  tlie  West  by  Lake  Shore  and  Great  Western. 

From  Toronto  llie  ronte  is  via  the  Northern  Railroad  to  Gravenhurst,  or  rail 
to  IJellc  Fwart,  thence  sleainer  to  (iravenhurst.  Thence  the  route  is  all  by  water 
through  Lakes  Muskoka,  Rosseau,  and  Joseph— all  connecting.  Alter  a  few  miles 
rin  the  steamer  turns  into  tin;  River  Muskoka,  which  it  ascends  seven  miles  to 
H  acebrid^e.  Hracebridne  is  tlie  startinj?  ])oint  for  tlie  South  Muskoka  and  for 
TfadinK  Lake,  sixteen  miles  distant,  both  splendid  deer  and  trout  districts,  with 
{guides,  boats  and  doRS  at  both  places.  It  is  necessary,  however,  t<i  haul  a  boat 
over  to  the  former,  some  ten  miles.  Mr.  Hippins,  of  ^)ueens  hotel,  Uracebridge, 
will  be  of  service  in  securinji:  guides  and  conveyance.  At  the  head  of  Lake  Ros- 
seau is  a  fine  hotel  kept  by  Mr.  Pratt.  Crood  deer  hunting  and  trout  Hshing  and 
every  convenience  there.  At  the  head  of  Jose|)h  Lake  is  a  very  comfortable 
hotel  kept  by  Mr.  Fraser.  Hlack  bass  fishing  in  the  lake.  There  is  a  road  from 
there  to  Parry  Sound  and  Georgian  Hay.  I'rom  Rosseau  there  is  an  excellent 
mail  road  to  the  Magnetewan,  thirty-three  miles  distant,  and  extending  as  many 
more  miles  to  Lake  Nii^issing.  Telegraph  communication  between  all  these 
points,  which  are  designated  here  merely  as  jilaces  of  rest  and  departure,  acces- 
sible to  the  most  feeble,  and  comfortable  in  all  respects  tor  the  wives  ot  sjjortsmen. 
There  is  no  end  to  minor  obiective  points  which  can  be  reached  by  steamboat, 
skiff,  or  wagon — (iull  Lake,  near  (Jraveiihurst,  at  the  beginning  of  tiie  interior 
route,  with  fair  fishing  for  salmon  trout,  speckled  trout,  pickerel  and  tiass,  and 
so'ne  deer  and  ducks;  Moon  River,  twenty  miles  north-west  from  Gravenhurst, 
with  a  beautiful  fall,  and  very  good  fishing  for  the  fish  above  mentioned,  and 
mascalonge  :  Perch  Lake,  Silver  Lake,  Pickerel  Lake,  and  'ferry's  Lake,  all  near 
the  head  o(^  Muskoka  Lake,  anil  well  stocked  with  fish  ;  Sharpe's  Creek,  near 
Hracebridge,  with  speckled  trout ;  a  chain  of  lakes,  reached  by  sixteen  miles  sta- 
ging from  Hracebridge,  called  Fairy  Vernon,  Fox,  and  Peninsula  Lakes,  with  the 
Lake  of  Hays,  reached  by  a  portage  of  three-fourths  of  a  mile  ;  and  best  of  all, 
the  waters  adjacent  to  and  including  the  famous  Magnetewan,  all  of  which  teem 
with  deer,  ducks  and  fish  of  various  kinds.  Of  these  are  .\umick  Lake,  Seeb 
Lake,  White  Lake,  and  Doe  Lake,  the  last  little  visited  but  highly  spoken  of. 

The  whole  country  is  now  so  accessible  that  the  sportsman  can  easily  visit  the 
principal  hunting  and  fishing  grounds  in  the  space  of  a  single  month.  At  the  most 
frequented  jilaces,  boats,  canoes,  dogs,  and  guid_es  can  be  procured.  A  canoe 
with  guide  will  cost  $2  per  day.  Richard  Crooks  of  Magnetewan  will  act  as 
guide  for  fishing  and  hunting  parties  on  the  Magnetewan,  and  furnish  canoes,  a 
tent,  and  three  dogs  for  $2.^0  per  day.  Provisions  and  wagons  can  be  obtained 
at  the  larger  towns,  but  it  is  ailvisable  for  the  sportsman  to  take  his  own  camp 
kit  and  tent.  Heavy  clothing  is  requisite  at  all  times  of  the  year,  although  the 
mid-summmcr  days  arc  often  very  hot.  June,  September,  and  October  are  the 
best  months,  the  former  lor  fish,  the  latter  for  game.  The  weather  is  not  severe 
in  October,  and  navigation  does  not  close  until  the  end  of  the  month.  Expenses 
of  round  trip  for  a  month  §100.  Joseph  Scott,  Gravenhurst,  will  furnish  guides, 
boats  and  reliable  information.  A  good  map  of  the  river  and  adjacent  country 
may  be  obtained  ot  Charles  Lount,  Register,  Hracebridge  ;  or  of  Adams,  Ste- 
phenson &  Co.,  King  St.,  Toronto. 

JUinqnra  County — 

Niaf;ara.  The  commons  near  the  town  are  excellent  grounds  for  plover 
shooting.  For  the  fishing  of  the  Niagara  River  see  Niagara,  New  York.  On 
the  Erie  and  Niagara  division  of  the  Canada  Southern  Railroad.    Good  hotels, 

Horthumberlam!  County — 

Harwpod.  In  Rice  Lake,  bass,  pickerel,  mascalonge.  Reached  via  Grand 
Trunk  Railroad  from  Toronto  to  Port  Hope  or  Coburg,  or  by  boat  from  Rochester 
to  Coburg,  thence  to  Harwood  s oventeen  miles.  A.  V.  Deiiio's,  and  other  hotels, 
where  Indians,  canoes,  etc.,  can  be  obtained. 

TAf.'  Ottawa  JDiatrict — 

One  of  th'j  best  hunting  grounds,  easily  accessible  from  the  cities  of  Montreal 
and  Otta^v  I,  is  to  be  found  in  the  country  watered  by  the  River  Nation  and  its 
tributa'rie  This  river,  which  empties  into  the  Ottawa  about  forty  miles  below 
the  city  ot  the  same  name,  is  long,  narrow  and  deep,  fiows  through  a  somewhat 
fiat  country,  and  is  one  of  the  most  important  lumbering  tributaries  of  the  Ottawa. 
It  has  numerous  small  streams  running  into  it  whicn  render  the  surrounding 


1 88 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


country  penetrable  by  boat.  The  whole  region  abounds  in  mineral  springs,  to 
many  of  which  the  deer  resort  in  numbers  on  account  of  the  saline  character  of 
the  waters. 

To  reach  the  hunting  ground  you  leave  Montreal  by  the  morning  train  for 
Lachine,  thence  steamer  (breaitfast)  to  Carillon  ;  thence  railroad  to  Grenville,  as 
the  steamer  docs  not  go  through  the  canal.  From  Gr<'iiville  steamer  (dinner)  to 
Brown's  Wharf,  where,  if  there  are  more  than  two  or  three  in  the  party,  a  con- 
veyance must  be  hired  to  Plantagenct.  There  is  a  mail  wagon  whicli  can  carry 
two  or  three  jiersons,  bu*  no  more.  At  Plantagenet  you  must  stop  all  night,  and 
tiiere  a  conveyance  may  be  obtained  to  talte  you  to  what  is  called  "  The  Brook," 
where,  if  you  are  fortunate  enough  to  secure  the  services  of  Jim  Simpson,  you 
may  expect  sport.  There  are  other  hunters  besides  Simpson.  The  fare  from 
Montreal  to  Brown's  Wharf  is  about  $3.25,  including  breakfast  and  dinner  ;  from 
the  Wharf  to  Plantagenet,  lifty  cents.  A  buggy  and  driver  to  The  Brook  will 
cost  about  $2,  and  you  will  pay  Simpson  $2  per  day  for  himself  and  dogs,  for  each 
day  you  hunt ;  periiaps  a  little  more,  should  there  be  a  large  party.  The  fare 
from  Ottawa  to  Brown's  Wharf  is  about  $1-25.  Early  in  the  season  it  is  prefera- 
ble to  camp  out,  but  Simpson  can  generally  find  accommodation  for  a  few. 

Besides  deer,  this  region  abounds  in  bears,  foxes,  hares,  and  ruffed  grouse. 
The  only  way  you  can  hunt  the  latier  is  to  have  a  dog  ihat  will  tree  them  and 
bark  until  you  come  up.     In  this  way  larg'!  "unibers  may  be  obtained. 

PetevhorougU  Coantij— 

Burleigh.  Deer,  ducks,  partridge  ;  black  bass.  The  route  is  via  the  Midland 
Railroad  to  Lakefield,  thence  steamer.  There  is  a  comfortable  and  neat  tavern  at 
Burleigii  Falls. 

Youn,i;s  Point.  Bass,  and  mascalonge  fishing.  Reached  via  steamer.  Six 
miles  from  here  is  the  iiurleigh  Hotel,  which  is  designed  expressly  for  sportsmen, 
imd  where  splendid  salmon  trout  fishing  may  be  found.  The  fish  vveigli  from  ten 
to  Ihirty-five  pounds.  Excellent  guides  can  be  rcaflily  obtained,  canoes  can  be 
had  for  hire,  and  all  camping  equii)ments  can  be  purcliased,  or  perhaps  rented,  at 
reasonable  prices  by  merely  applying  to  the  landlord  of  the  house  where  the 
sportsman  may  put  up. 

Pigeon  River  and  Pigeon  Lake  are  good  duck  shooting  grounds  ;  black  ducks, 

Ein-tails,  teal  and  wood  ducks.  Take  Midland  Railway  to  Omemee,  thence  via 
oat  down  stream  to  Muskrat  Island,  a  good  camping  ground,  and  excellent 
shooting.  Flood's  Bog,  three  miles  farther,  is  good  snipe  ground.  Clansey's 
Pond  is  the  resort  of  many  ducks.  Twin  Islands  at  the  head  of  Pigeon  Lake  is 
the  best  point  for  shooting. 

Peterborough.  The  Otonabee  River  is  a  noble  stream  for  black  bass  fishing. 
It  is  a  sluggish  stream  of  some  twenty  miles  in  length,  and  from  one  hundred  to 
one  hundred  and  twenty  yards  wide,  winding  gracefully  through  forest  and  farm 
till  it  enters  Rice  Lake. 

The  fish  are  game  to  the  last,  and  range  in  weight  from  one  and  one-half 
to  five  pounds.  Excellent  duck  shooting  on  the  lakes  in  the  vicinity.  Buck- 
horn  Lake  aifords  excellent  mascalonge  fishing,  with  deer  shooting  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. Reached  by  stage  from  Peterborough  six  miles  to  Chemong  Lake, 
thence  by  water.     Peterborough  is  on  a  brancli  of  the  Midland  Railway. 

Balsam  Lake.  Big  Island  is  a  good  deer  ground.  The  pools  all  about  are  full 
of  fine  fish.  At  the  foot  of  the  rapid  between  Big  and  Little  Mud-turtle  Bays,  is 
a  famous  place  for  fish. 

Stony  Lake,  is  a  body  of  water  about  nine  miles  long  by  three  wide,  and 
dotted  over  with  innumerable  islands  of  all  sizes  and  shapes.  Many  of  these  are 
wooded,  others  are  covered  with  grass  and  small  shrubs.  The  black  bass  fishing 
in  the  lake  is  first-class,  especially  at  the  mouths  of  Jack's  and  Eel  Creeks.  Troll- 
ing is  also  good  in  all  parts  of  the  lake,  mascalonge  and  land-locked  salmon 
taking  the  troll  freely.  The  latter  fish  aflFord  magnificent  sport  for  the  angler 
(with  live  minnow  for  bait)  early  in  May,  at  Purleigh  Falls  ;  they  are  seldom 
caught  weighing  less  than  seven  pounds,  and  have  been  taken  over  thirty  pounds 
in  weight.  Herring  and  perch  are  also  caught  in  the  lake.  Summer  duck  shoot- 
ing begins  on  the  15th  of  August,  and  remains  good  for  four  or  five  weeks,  when 
the  fall  flight  commences.  Wild  rice  and  celery  grow  in  great  abundance  in  all 
of  these  waters,  which  are  visited  by  millions  of  the  duck  tribe,  until  the  cold 
weather  closes  the  waters,  compelling  them  to  seek  a  more  congenial  clime. 
Deer  hunting,  or  rather,  the  open  season  begins  about  the  ist  of  September, 
Stony  Lake,  Lovesick  Lake  and  Deer  Bay,  (all  contiguous,)  being  favorite  re- 
sorts for  the  deer  hunter,  as  they  are  all  easy  of  access,  and  deer  are  plentiful. 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  '        1 89 

The  Mount  Julien  Hotel,  on  the  very  shore  of  Stony  Lake,  for  the  especial 
comfort  of  tourists  and  sportsmen,  has  accommotlation  for  sixty  p;uests,  with  every 
luxury  that  couUl  reasonably  be  loolied  for  in  the  backwoods  of  (J^anada.  Terms 
$2  per  day,  $10. jo  per  week.  Sailboats,  row  boats,  and  canoes,  guides  ami  dojrs 
are  alvvys  at  hand.  Go  via  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  to  Charlotte  on  the  New  Y()rl< 
Central  Railroad,  thence  by  steamei  to  Port  Hope,  thence  Midland  Railway  to 
I-akcticld  where  the  steamer  Chippewa  is  in  waiting  to  convey  you  to  Mt.  Julien. 
Time  from  Charlotte,  fourteen  hours,  fare  $4.  P'are  from  New  York  about  $20 
each  way. 

J'rinee   Kdward  County — 

LoHi^  Point  or  Point  Traverse,  on  Lake  Erie,  is  owned  by  an  influential  club 
and  has  been  known  for  years  as  one  of  the  finest  preserves  and  shooting  grounds 
in  tlie  (country.  Citizens  of  Canada  and  the  United  States  are  joint  members.  A 
great  deal  of  fur,  as  well  as  some  game  and  fish  is  taken  there  annually,  but  the 
cluck  shooting  affords  the  sport  par  excellence.  Readied  by  steamer  from  Mont- 
real or  Kingston  to  Pictou,  thence  seventeen  miles  drive. 

livtkftww  Count 9/ — 

Pembroke,  on  Alumette  Lake.  Excellent  trout  fishing  with  deer  shooting  in 
the  neigliborhood.  Take  cars  from  Hrockville  on  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  to 
Sand's  i^oint,  and  thence  steamer.    Several  hotels. 

Shncoe  Cotinti/— 

Lake  Siiiicoe.  One  of  the  most  famous  l^lack  bass  localities  in  tlie  world  is  Lake 
Simcoe,  and  its  contiguous  chain  of  lakes.  It  is  only  twenty-four  hours  from 
New  York  City,  via  Niagara  Falls  and  'I'oronto,  and  tlience  by  tlie  Northern 
Railway  of  Canada  to  Harrie  or  Hclle  Ewart,  at  which  places  a  steamboat  con- 
nects with  ihe  railway.  This  fjoat  traverses  Lake  Simcoe  thirty  miles,  and  passes 
by  a  connecting  cliannel  into  Lake  Coocliacliung,  touching  at  Oriliia,  at  which 
place  there  is  also  a  railway  connection  witli  Harrie.  In  other  words,  tliere  is  an 
all  rail  route  from  New  York  to  Oriliia.  From  Coochachung  is  ten  miles  of  staging 
to  iMuskoka  Lake,  one  of  the  very  finest  bass  lakes  in  the  world,  and  tliere  the 
angler  may  take  steamboat  again,  and  traversing  the  lake,  pass  through  a  canal 
and  lock  into  Lake  Rosseau.  This  whole  rep;ion  swarms  with  bass,  and  is  well 
worth  a  week's  visit.  Cost  of  a  ten  days'  trip  about  $75.  Excellent  hotels  at 
Helle  Ewart,  Harrie  and  Oriliia.  Guides  and  boats  can  also  be  obtained  at 
Kama,  an  Indian  village  three  miles  above  Oriliia. 

Victoria  County — 

Piol'cayi^eon.  This  is  a  good  place  for  any  sportsman  desiring  variety.  In 
May,  June,  and  July,  mascalonge  can  be  caught  in  any  quantities.  Tliey  run 
from  five  to  twenty  pounds,  averaging  about  nine  pounds.  HIack  bass  are  gamy 
and  large.  Ducks,  partridges  and  snipe  are  i)lenty.  Deer  abundant,  and  hounds 
and  starters  can  be  found  in  the  village.  Haifa  mile  beyond  Hobcaygeon,  the 
river  enters  Pigeon  l^ke,  and  from  this  place  can  be  readied  numerous  others, 
all  well  supplied  with  Hsh.  At  Bobcaygeon,  good  hotel  board  can  be  had  at  five 
dollars  iier  week.  The  best  place  is  kept  by  John  Simson,  whose  wife  makes  it  a 
place  of  home  neatness.  This  place  can  be  reached  via  tfie  Midland  Railroad  to 
Lindsay,  thence  by  steamboat.  There  are  no  boats  nor  guides.  The  toot  of 
Pigeon  l,ake,  at  Little  Bob  River,  is  the  place  to  fish. 

GravenhiDst.  Rulfed  grouse  and  deer.  Go  via  rail  to  Oriliia,  thence  by  stage, 
twenty-five  miles.     Hotels. 

Lindsey.  Eight  miles  down  the  Scazag  River,  Sturgeon  Bay,  is  a  renowned 
place  for  black  bass,  mascalonge  and  other  fish.    There  is  a  good  summer  hotel. 

Coboconk.  Two  miles  distant  from  Coboconk  are  some  excellent  black  bass 
fishing  pools.  Big  Turtle  Lake  has  mascalonge  fishing  ;  Moore's  Lake,  salmon  and 
mascalonge  ;  Gull  Lake,  salmon.  In  the  fall  good  trolling  between  the  island,  and 
in  the  vicinity  is  good  deer  shooting.  Mountain  Lake  is  well  stocked  with  salmon 
trout,  reached  from  Gull  River  Bridge.  Big  Bush  Kouk  Lake  is  the  receiving 
basin  of  three  chains  of  lakes,  salmon  and  game  in  all  the  surrounding  country, 
Grass  River  and  lake.  Pine  and  Cranberry  Lake,  etc.  Hall's  Lake  is  the  most 
beautiful  of  the  chain,  and  is  in  the  centre  of  a  grand  game  country.  Take  the 
Toronto  and  Nipissing  Railway  to  Coboconk. 

Wvll t uffton  Co u /» ty— 

Guelph.  Fine  bags  of  plover  are  made  in  the  vicinity.  Reached  via  the 
Grand  Trunk,  or  the  Great  Western  Railroad.     Hotels  excellent. 


IQO      ■  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS, 


QUEBEC. 

The  Province  of  Quebec,  or  Canada  East,  has  an  area  of  193,- 
355  square  miles.  The  population  (1,191,576)  is  mostly  confined 
to  that  portion  of  the  j^rovince  lying  south  of  the  St.  Lawrence  River 
and  west  of  the  meridian  of  Quebec,  and  known  as  the  Eastern 
Townships.  North  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  there  are  but  a  few  settle- 
ments, and  a  small  number  of  hamlets  a  short  distance  inland  from 
the  river.  The  inhabitants  are  principally  of  French  descent,  pre- 
serve many  of  the  old  customs,  and  speak  a  patois,  some  knowledge 
of  which  the  visitor  will  find  of  great  service.  The  surface  of 
Quebec  south  of  the  St.  Lawrence  is  hilly  ;  north  of  that  river  it  is 
rocky  and  mountainous.  There  are  here,  as  in  Ontario,  extensive 
forests,  nuinerous  rivers  and  lakes.  The  North-western  country 
is  especially  remarkable  for  the  extent  of  its  water  system,  and  is 
little  else  than  a  continuous  chain  of  lakes  and  their  connectii  p 
streams.  The  hunting  and  fishing,  the  conveniences  '  t^ravel  aad 
the  restrictions  upon  salmon  fishing  are  the  same  as  tnc  e  already 
given  under  Ontario. 

Anticosta  Island.  Reached  in  summer  by  regular  sailing  packet  from  Gaspe, 
and  by  chance  vessels  from  Quebec.  A  canoe,  Indians,  and  provisions  can  be 
obtained  at  Gaspe.  Take  shot  gun,  salmon  and  trout  rods.  From  Gaspe  to  West 
Point,  tlie  run  is  seventy  miles.  There  is  a  ligiithouse  here.  English  Hay  is  a 
fishing  station  a  few  miles  to  the  northward.  Twelve  miles  further  is  Ellis  Hay. 
There  is  fair  shooting  all  along  shore,  for  yellow  legs,  plover,  ducks  and  sea 
nigeons.  There  are  cabins  at  Ellis  Hay,  and  at  the  head  of  a  neitjhboring  inlet, 
known  as  Gamanche  Hay,  Captain  Setter  has  a  very  comfortable  liouse.  Inland 
are  bogs,  barrens,  pools  and  creeks,  which  are  breeding  places  for  geese.  Fifteen 
miles  further  is  Hessie  River,  with  good  fishing  for  salmon  and  trout.  The  inter- 
mediate ground  is  broken  by  wooded  spits  and  grassy  points,  wiiich  enclose  in- 
numerable lagoons,  into  which  the  tide  tiows,  and  these  swarm  with  ducks  in 
great  variety.  Absalom  Gamanche  and  his  wife  have  a  cabin  at  Hessie  River, 
and  will  accommodate  sportsmen.  l<"our  miles  up  stream  is  a  splendid  salmon 
pool  with  large  lish.  The  trout  fishing-  is  very  fine,  the  fish  running  from  half  a 
pound  each  to  two  pounds.  Some  twenty  miles  farther  is  Otter  River,  supplying 
good  salmon  fishing  for  rods.  There  are  plenty  of  ducks  and  geese  here.  A  few 
miles  farther  is  Jupiter  River,  the  largest  river  on  the  island,  sixteen  miles  in 
length,  with  many  large  salmon  and  fine  pools.  For  trout,  a  rod  will  average  two 
hundred  per  day.  Four  miles  from  Jupiter  is  Southwest  Point,  a  fishing  station. 
A  Mr.  Pope  lives  here  and  entertains  most  hospitably.  There  are  no  animals  on 
Anticosta  Island,  save  bears,  martens,  otters,  and  several  varieties  of  fox.  For 
salmon,  small  flies  are  requisite,  the  most  killing  being  one  with  red  head,  pale 
green  body,  ribbed  with  gold  tinsel,  legs  light  brown,  wings  of  partridge  feather, 
and  brick-red  tail ;  another,  equally  good,  with  dark  claret  body,  with  silver 
twist,  bright  scarlet  legs,  wings  of  brown  mottled  turkey  feather,  with  black  tip, 
and  forked  tail  of  j'ellow  and  red  ;  and,  generally  speaking,  bright  gaudy  flies 
witii  small  hook  seem  to  be  the  favorites. 

The  cost  of  a  month's  trip,  in  round  numbers,  would  be  about  $150  for  two 
persons. 

lionaventurc  County- 
Port  Daniel  is  at  the  mouth  of  the  Nouvelle  River,  in  which  is  excellent  fishing. 

Reached  via  steamer  from  Montreal,  Quebec  or  Dalhousie. 

New  Carlisle.     Fine  salmon  fishing  in  the  Honaventure  River.     Reached  via 

steamer  from  Quebec.    The  river  is  without  bad  rapids  or  obstructions,  the  water 

cold  and  clear. 


J 


GAME  AND  IJSII  RESORTS.  I9I 

Chnrlcvoix  County — 

Ma/  Bitie,  ninety  miles  from  Quebec  on  the  Lower  St.  Lawrence  River.  A 
good  moose  country.  Surface  mountainous.  Lodgings  in  farmhouse,  or  camp. 
Reached  by  shallop'.  i 

Murray  Bay.  A  fashionable  watering  place  on  the  St.  Lawrence  River,  be- 
tween Montreal  and  Quebec,  reached  by  rail  or  steamer.  Fair  trout  tishing  in 
the  vicinity.     Post  Office  address  is  Pointc  a  Pic. 

(Jhatcaffuay  (Jnnnty^ 

Ormstown  and  Durham.  Deer  abound  in  the  Flat  Rock  woods  between 
Ormstown  and  Franklin.  Reached  via  Caughnawaga,  on  the  Lachine  division  of 
the  (irand  Trunk  Railroad. 

St.  Urbain.  The  caribou  siill  resort  in  large  droves  to  feed  on  the  white  moss 
which  clothes  most  luxuriantly  the  extensive  moors  in  rear  of  Hay  St.  Paul,  called 
I.cs  Jardins,  and  bears  are  frequently  met, attracted  by  a  small  red  berry,  which 
grows  on  low  shrubs  much  like  the  low-bush  cranberry.  Whole  moors  are 
studded  with  this  fruit,  called  by  the  Indians  Des  Grains.  From  St.  Urbain  the 
trip  is  made  on  snow  shoes.  The  guides  are  harnessed  to  the  wagons  laden  with 
provisions,  ammunition  and  camp  utensils,  and  away  you  go  for  twenty  or  thirty 
miles  on  foot,  over  the  most  mountainous,  but  picturesque  portion  of  the  Lauren- 
tine  Chain,  amid  some  of  the  wildest  and  most  lovely  scenery  on  the  continent. 
Take  boat  from  Quebec  to  St.  Urbain. 

C'hlconthnl  County — 

Chicontimi.  Land-locked  salmon  are  caught  in  the  Saguenay.  Reached  via 
steamer  from  Quebec.  Provide  camping  equipments  at  Chicontimi,  and  after 
crossing  the  river,  drive  eighteen  miles,  to  the  house  of  Thomas  Savard,  who  will 
act  as  guide  to  the  camping  ground  which  is  at  the  foot  of  the  Grand  Discharge. 

Coniptoii  Countij — 

The  Chaudicrc.  The  River  Chaudiere  is  the  outlet  of  Lake  Megantic,  and 
empties  into  the  St.  Lawrence  just  above  Quebec,  over  a  beautiful  fall.  Tlie  first 
rapids  of  the  Chaudiere  near  the  outlet  of  Megantic  Lake,  are  three  miles  from  the 
landing  at  John  Hoston's,  where  there  is  a  post  office.  It  is  a  romantic  canoe 
voyage  from  the  falls  up  to  the  lake,  with  abundant  t^out  fishing  in  the  numerous 
tributaries. 

Lake  St.  Francis.  Reached  by  wagon  from  Stornoway,  twelve  miles,  or  by 
boat  from  Sherbrooke.  Fine  mascalonge  fishing,  and  trout  fishing  in  adjacent 
waters.    (See  Lake  Megantic.) 

The  Eastern  Townships — 

The  section  of  the  Province  of  Quebec  known  as  the  Eastern  Townships  lies 
directly  north  of  ihe  States  of  Vermont  and  New  Hampshire  antl  extends  thence 
northerly  and  easterly  to  the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  Province  of  New  JJrunswick 
and  the  State  of  Maine.  The  country  is  very  hilly,  almost  mountainous,  and 
abounds  in  lakes  and  streams  which,  in  their  turn,  abound,  in  general,  in  fish  : 
principally  trout,  lake  trout,  bass,  pike  and  pickerel.  In  the  larger  streams,  and 
the  lakes,  they  will  be  found  weighing  from  one  to  five  pounds.  Tlie  best  tlies 
for  the  Salmo  fontinalis  in  these  waters  are  the  Canada  fly  and  any  medium-sized 
brown-winged  fly.  The  lunge  never  rise  to  the  fly,  but  are  taken  by  trolling  and 
by  down  fisjhing.  The  best  bait  is  the  live  minnow,  and  the  best  season  for  troll- 
ing is  from  May  25th  to  July  ist.  With  a  moderate  amount  of  skill  you  will  be 
sure  of  fair  sport,  and  be  pleased  with  the  country.  To  enjoy  this  section  thor- 
oughly a  full  camping  outfit  is  necessary,  and  a  good  bit  of  advice  to  those  about 
making  camp  is,  to  dig  a  ditch  three  inches  deep  around  the  lent,  so  formed  that 
the  water  from  a  rainfall  may  run  off  at  one  or  two  corners.  The  I'assumpsic 
Railroad  is  given  as  the  most  direct  route.  Parties  travelling  after  July  ist  can 
avail  themselves  of  the  excursion  rates  to  Newport ;  return  tickets  being  issued 
for  $13.  A  party  could  thus  go  to  Newport,  thence  to  Sherbrooke,  anil  return  by 
way  of  Magog  ;  thus  enjoying  the  sail  up  the  lake  and  arriving  at  Newport  in 
season  for  the  evening  train.  The  tourist  by  taking  the  evening  train  from  Bos- 
ton, will  arrive,  or  should  arrive  in  Sherbrooke  next  day  in  ample  season  to  get 
his  tent  pitched  the  same  night.  Even  if  he  buys  his  supplies  in  Sherbrooke,  there 
will  be  ample  time  to  camp  the  same  night.  Wherever,  in  this  section,  there  is 
inail  communication  by  stage,  transportation  may  be  had  at  an  average  rate  of 
live  or  six  cents  a  mile  ;  so  that  parties  desiring  to  visit  any  other  part  of  the 
country  than  tho.se  named  may  make  their  estimates  accordingly. 


192 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 


Broinpton  Lakes.  The  lakes  of  the  Brompton  Chain  arc  twelve  or  fourteen  in 
number,  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  perfect  wilderness  of  hills  ;  indeed,  so  broken 
is  the  contour  of  the  ground,  they  can  only  be  reached  by  one  road,  and  that  one 
runs  at  an  average  aii<?l  .  of  45*^  to  the  horizon.  The  larger  lakes  contain  the 
finest  **  lunge  "  or  lake  trout,  and  some  of  the  smaller  ones  abound  with  brook 
trout  and  bass.  At  the  foot  of  the  largest  lake  there  is  a  mill,  but  this  is  about 
the  only  building  in  a  circuit  of  miles,  and  the  sportsman  may  easily  imagine 
himself  in  a  iierfect  wilderness. 

At  Mrcjinplon  Lake  proper,  seven  miles  long  by  three  wide,  the  Waterloo  Club 
has  a  club-house.  Moats  and  a  permit  to  occupy  the  club-house  can  be  obtained 
at  the  village  of  Waterloo.  The  club-house  is  situated  on  a  small  island  near  the 
middle  of  the  lake.  At  the  west  side  of  the  lake  a  small  creek  comes  in,  which  is 
the  outlet  of  Mud  Lake,  and  another  nameless  lake.  Mud  Lake  is  about  a  mile 
long,  and  contains  both  lunge  and  sjieckled  trout.  Two  miles  east  from  the  large 
lake  is  Little  Brompton  Lak^;,  which  is  nearly  two  miles  long.  Two  and  a  half 
miles  east  from  the  south  eiul  of  the  large  lake  is  a  boily  ot  water  called  Key 
Pond.  Tins  ])ond  is  somcwliat  larger  than  Little  Hrompton.  Moth  of  these  lakes 
contain  lunge.  Three  miles  south  from  the  "  Old  Mill  is  Trout  Lake,  which  is 
about  two  miles  long.  Speckled  trout  have  been  caught  there  that  tipped  up  the 
beam  at  tiie  six  jiouiid  notch.  This  lake  is  only  six  miles  by  a  good  road  from 
Magog.,  The  "  01<1  Mill  "  is  the  name  of  a  landing  place  on  theiiiiet  of  Brompton 
Laiie,  where  an  old  mill  once  stood.  There  is  none  there  now.  The  water  at 
tills  spot  tumbles  over  the  old  dam  down  the  rocks  into  a  dark  deep  ]iool,, the 
al)0(le  of  many  large  speckled  trout.  They  will  seldom  rise  to  the  flj',  but  are 
taken  with  a  live  minnow  or  a  small  trolling  spoon.  You  launch  your  boat  here 
and  row  down  the  sluggish  stream  three  miles  to  the  lake,  which  is  about  seven 
miles  in  length  by  three  in  breatUh.  Vou  find  here  the  si)ecklcd  trout,  the  silver 
lunge,  wliicli  vary  in  weight  from  three  to  twenty-five  pounds,  the  black  lunge, 
from  two  to  ten  pounds,  and  a  short,  thick  lunge,  which  hardly  ever  exceeds  two 
pounds  in  weight.  The  latter  fish  are  only  caught  by  down  tishing  in  very  deep 
water. 

To  reach  the  Bn)mpton  Lakes,  take  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway  to  Sherbrooke, 
at  the  junction  of  the  Magog  and  Francis  Rivers.  This  is  on  the  Massiwippi 
branch  of  the  Passnmpsic  Railroad,  anil  also  on  the  Kennebec  and  Megantic 
roads.  The  Magog  House  is  the  best  hotel  in  Sherbrooke,  where  you  will  find 
good  accommodations,  at  %\  to  $1.25  per  dav.  The  lakes  can  also  be  reached  from 
Stagog,  if  preferable.  The  distance  from  the  hotel  to  Brompton  Lake  is  fourteen 
miles  over  a  passable  road. 

Waterloo.  Waterloo,  or  Magog,  is  situated  near  a  small  Inke  bearing  the 
same  name,  and  is  on  the  Sliefi'ard  and  Chamby  Railroad,  which  runs  from 
Montreal.  The  train  leaves  Montreal  at  3.45  r.  i\i.,  ami  arrives  in  Waterloo 
at  seven  o'clock  lliat  evening.  At  the  station  you  will  find  a  free  "bus"  for 
the  Brooks  Hotel,  where  you  will  get  good  accommodations  at  $1.25  per  day. 
AVaterloo  boasts  a  "  Piscatorial  Club,"  whose  members,  Messrs.  George  Allen, 
AV'ak  Taylor,  Nutting,  Skinner,  and  others,  area  set  of  genial  gentlemen,  ever 
readv  to  give  any  intormation  and  assistance  that  a  stranger  sportsman  visit- 
ing tliere  may  ref4uire.  For  pickerel,  fish  in  the  lake  near  the  hotel,  or  drive  over 
to  Mroome  Lake,  a  fine  body  of  water  seven  miles  from  Waterloo.  This  lake  is 
famous  for  its  black  bass  nsliing,  and  for  an  abundance  of  fish  called  "  shad 
waiters."  At  the  south  end  of  the  lake,  near  the  village  of  Knowlton,  large  iiuan- 
tities  of  pike  are  caught.  To  catch  speckled  trout,  get  a  rig  from  "  Herbert's,'  and 
take  Walt  Taylor,  or  some  other  member  of  the  club  with  j'ou.  and  take  a  tour 
among  tlie  streams  and  lakes  east  toward  Magog.  Put  your  rod  together  first  some 
four  miles  out  from  the  village,  and  try  the  railroad  pool  ;  fish  there  and  in  the 
brook  through  the  Beaver  meadow  carefully,  and  you  wilLbe  able  to  count  a  goodly 
number  of  fine  brook  trout.  Some  four  miles  farther  you  come  to  Grass  Pond, 
wliich,  however,  is  full  of  pickerel  ;  but  a  short  distance  from  the  pond,  in  its 
outlet,  the  water  tumbles  over  a  little  fall  into  a  deep  pool,  where  large  trout  are 
sometimes  caught.  Vowx  miles  farther,  by  the  same  road,  brings  you  to  a  mill- 
pond  containing  large  trout.  A  farther  drive  of  three  miles  brings  you  to  Mrs. 
Peasley's  farmhouse,  vvliere  you  put  up  your  team,  and,  taking  young  Peasley 
for  guide,  tramp  a  mile  through  the  woods  to  Lake  Nick,  a  ])retty  sheet  of  water, 
which  measures  about  a  mile  in  length,  to  half  that  distance  in  breadtli.  The 
"  moss-backed  "  speckled  trout  are  taken  here,  weighing  from  one-  half  to  four 
l)ounds.  They  are  caught  over  a  weedy  bottom,  in  four  or  five  feet  of  water. 
Some  two  hundred  vards  north  of  this  lake  is  Mud  Pond,  which  is  about  one- 
quarter  of  a  mile  in  diameter,  and  contains  small  trout.     Five  or  six  miles  south 


GAME  AiVD  FISH  RESORTS.  1 93 

from  Mrs.  Peasley's,and  about  the  sarue  distance  from  K no wl ton  village,  is  Coon's 


con- 
id 


irom  mrs.  reasiey  s,ana  aDouime  same  uismiicc  nuiu  rviiuwiiun  vllltl^c,  im  «./uon 
Pond,  a  beautitul  little  body  of  water  near  the  top  of  Bolton  Mountain,  and  cor 
tains  a  rare  variety  of  the  Sulmo  /ontinulis,  known  there  as  the  "  forked  tailcv 
speckled  trout.'"  They  are  a  slim  formed,  silver-colored  trout,  with  the  usual 
red  spots  on  their  sides,  and  will  average  half  a  pound  each.  They  take  the  tly 
well,  and  area  remarkably  paray  little  fish,  and  give  as  much  play  as  ordinary 
trout  of  three  times  their  size, 

Gaupe  Co  lint  If— 

The  York  River,  a  fine  salmon  and  trout  stream,  is  reached  via  New  Rich- 
mond. Ti«c  Little  Cascapedia  River  is  an  excellent  stream  for  salmon  and  trout 
fisliing,  with  moose  in  the  vicinity.  Readied  via  Inter-colonial  Railroad  to  Dal- 
housie,  and  thence  by  sail-boat  across  the  bay,  or  via  steamer  from  New  Carlisle. 
Hotel  uccommodalions.  Take  guides  and  canoes,  and  camping  equipments,  and 
go  u])  the  river  thirty  miles  to  the  region  of  the  Chick  Chick  mountains.  In  the 
(iraud  River  are  salmon  and  grilse. 

The  Magdalen  Islands — 

The  Magdalen  Group  of  islands  are  situated  fifty  miles  from  Prince  Edward 
Island,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence.  These  islands  are  thirteen 
in  number,  and  extend  in  a  north-easterly  range  of  fifty  miles.  Summer  excur- 
sionists visit  the  islands  for  the  rare  sport  of  white  sea  trout  fishing,  great  num- 
bers of  this  fish  being  found  in  the  vicinity.  The  route  is  via  steamer  from  I'ictou, 
lare  §8.  The  inhabitants  live  in  very  primitive  style,  and  the  accommodations  are 
huml)le,  but  the  visitor  will  meet  with  hospitality  wherever  he  may  go,  and  if 
content  to  forego  many  modern  conveniences,  will  be  sure  of  an  enjoyable  trip. 
Amherst,  Grindstone  and  Entry,  arc  the  principal  islands  of  the  group.  The  Bird 
Isles  are  famous  brooding  grounds  of  gannets,  puffins, guillemots,  kitte wakes  and 
razor-billed  ducks. 

Thr  Magng  District— 

The  "  Magog  "  District  lies  directly  north  of  the  States  of  Vermont  and  New 
Hampshire,  and  west  of  Somerset  County  in  Maine.  It  is  a  primitive  wilderness 
in  many  parts.  Its  principal  rivers  are  the  Yamaska,St.  Francis,  Nicolet,  Bccan- 
cour  and  Chaudiere,  on  the  latter  of  which  are  the  picturesque  falls  of  the  same 
name.  The  largest  lakes  are  Memphremagog,  Massawippi,  Aylmer,  St.  Francis 
and  Megantic  :  but  throughout  the  region  are  found  numberless  small  lakes,  and 
from  the  hillsides,  countless  streams  gush  down  to  swell  the  volume  ot  the  larger 
rivers.  The  scenery  is  romantic  and  beautiful  in  the  extreme,  and  the  mountain 
air  peculiarly  bracing. 

Tlie  region  is  accessible  by  way  of  the  Grand  Trunk  Railroad  from  Portland, 
Sherbrooke  being  the  most  convenient  point  ot  departure  on  this  line,  by  way  of 
the  Connecticut  and  Passumpsic  River  Railroad,  from  Boston,  eitlier  disembark- 
ing at  Newport  or  going  on  to  Waterloo,  and  by  Hudson  River  and  I^ake  Cham- 
plain  to  St.  John's,  and  thence  to  Waterloo.  Steamer  Lady  of  tiie  Lake  conveys 
tile  tourist  from  Newport  to  Magog  ;  which  latter  is  a  good  centre  of  operations. 
There  is  a  fair  hotel  at  Sherbrooke,  the  Magog  House;  rate  $1.50  per  day.  At 
Magog  there  is  also  a  fair  hotel  whose  price  is  about  $1  per  day,  and  the  same  is 
charged  at  Waterloo  for  fair  accommodation.  A  horse  and  buggy  may  be  hired 
for  about  $1.50  per  day.  There  are  many  good  streams  within  a  radius  of  sixteen 
n\iles  from  Waterloo,  though  the  fish  are  apt  to  be  small.  At  Coon's  Pond,  twelve 
miles,  there  is  splendid  fronting,  the  fish  averaging  about  half  a  pound.  At  Lake 
Oxford,  twelve  miles,  they  are  taken  weighing  over  three  pounds  ;  at  Brome 
Lake,  six  miles,  there  is  excellent  bass  fisning,  and  some  heavy  fish  are  taken, 
while  in  the  lake  at  the  village  you  may  troll  for  pike  with  good  success.  Mr.  E. 
B.  Hodge,  or  any  member  of  the  "  Fishing  Club,"  will  afford  all  the  information 
to  sportsmen  that  lies  in  their  power.  From  Magog,  it  is  four  miles  to  Lake  Ox- 
ford. There  are  several  small  lakes  and  streams  in  the  vicinity  alfording  good 
sport.  In  Lake  Memphremagog  are  lake  trout,  or  "  lunge"  as  tliey  are  called. 
From  Stierbrooke,  a  drive  of  about  fourteen  miles  take*  you  to  the  Brompton 
series  ot  lakes  where  are  to  be  found  trout  and  bass,  but  as  boats  are  difficult  to 
procure  on  these  lakes,  the  tourist  had  better  make  previous  arrangem>- nts.  Ten 
miles  brings  j'ou  to  Lake  Massawipjii  where  there  arc  lake  trout,  and  ^'lis  lake 
can  be  reached  by  a  drive  of  five  miles  from  Magog,  There  are  also  small 
streams  wiiliin  a  few  miles  where  good  trout  fishing  may  be  had,  and  the  proprie- 
tors of  the  hotels  here,  as  elsewhere,  will  afford  all  possible  information. 

6 


194  ■    GAME  AND  FISH  KESOHTS. 

TTiere  arc  numerous  small  villages  near  which  excellent  fishing  may  be  had 
and  though  many  of  them  have  nci  hotels,  yet  the  inhabitants  are  hospitable,  and 
kindly  In  the  extreme. 

The  countfes  of  Wolfe  and  Megantic  are  wild  and  unsettled,  as  also  are  parts 
of  the  counties  of  Compton,  Richmond  and  Shctford,  and  even  parts  of  the  town 
of  Sherbrooke,  and  the  tourist  would  do  well  to  arm  himself  with  a  rilie  as  he  may 
have  an  opportunity  to  meet  bruin  in  his  native  haunts.  Of  course,  only  in  the 
wilder  parts  of  the  above  counties  is  this  possible,  but  there  are  numerous  smaller 
animals  :  and  eagles  are  quite  common.  The  requisite  supplies  can  be  procured 
cheaply  In  Canada. 

Hrompton  Lake,  and  I^ike  Mepantic,  Aylmer  and  others  as  well  as  many  tribu- 
taries of  the  C;haudiere,  artord  splendid  sport.  The  Waterloo  Fishing  Club  have 
a  shanty  on  an  island  in  Hrt>njpt()n  Lake,  and  are  cxcceilinRly  courteous  to  all 
sportsmen,  and  many  small  lakes  near  their  village  would  well  repay  a  week 
spent  on  their  shores. 

There  are  also  salmon  in  .Salmon  River  but  they  will  not  take  a  fly. 

The  most  favorable  season  for  trout  fishing  is  during  May  and  June,  and  the 
latter  part  of  September.  During  the  hotter  months  they  are  only  to  be  found  in 
the  springholes  and  deep  shady  pools  :  but  there  are  sever^  lakes  in  which  they 
can  be  caught  on  any  cloudy  summer  day.  r .  r  .»;>  uly  , v  i  .<  ■  r,u 

TJie  Megantlc  Diatrlct^ 

The  section  of  the  Province  of  Quebec  known  as  the  Megantic  country  em- 
braces the  eastern  portions  of  Compton  and  Wolfe  counties  and  the  southern  part 
of  the  county  of  Beauce,  its  southern  and  eastern  boundaries  being  tiie  States  of 
New  Hampshire  and  Maine.  The  surface  of  the  country  is  of  a  rolling  character, 
dotted  with  occasional  mountains,  the  Meg:antic  being  the  largest  in  the  district, 
and  one  of  the  finest  mountains  in  the  province.  The  district  is  well  watered  with 
numerous  lakes  and  streams,  which  form  the  sources  of  two  rivers  of  considerable 
size— the  St.  Francis  and  the  Chaudiere.  The  former  river  affords  but  little  sport 
for  the  angler  as  it  only  contains  a  few  mascalonge,  pickerel,  and  other  coarse 
lish,  unless  we  add  salmon,  which  run  up  the  river  to  some  of  its  tributaries  for 
the  purpose  of  spawning,  but  they  give  no  sport  to  the  fiy-fisher,  as  they  will  not 
rise  anu  lake  the  fly  so  tar  from  the  .sea.  The  upper  waters  of  the  Chaudiere  are 
well  stocked  with  the  Salino  /ontinalis,  and  some  of  them  of  large  size.  To 
reach  this  district,  make  your  first  stopping  place  at  Sherbrooke,  where  you  will 
find  good  accommodations  at  the  Magog  flouse.  Its  genial  landlord.  Brother 
Buck,  knows  liow  to  keep  a  hotel.  You  can  here  procure  your  supplies,  except- 
ing tent  and  fishing  tackle,  which,  of  course,  you  have  brought  with  you,  together 
with  your  breecli  loading-  rifle  and  a  large  sized  revolver  and  compass.    At  this 

Eoint  either  hire  a  team  tor  the  trip  with  wagon  suitable  for  hauling  a  boat,  or  go 
y  stage  east  to  the  village  of  Robinson,  or  "  Burg,"  as  it  is  more  iUiniliarly  called, 
twenty-six  miles  distant  from  Sherbrooke,  and  the  centre  of  a  fine  fishing  region. 
Stop  at  Clonglis  Hotel.  Good  trout  fishing  at  hand  in  the  mill  ponds,  and  also  at 
the  new  mill,  on  a  brook  some  five  miles  out  from  the  village  toward  Scotston. 
You  can  procure  boats  here,  to  haul  into  the  wilderness,  if  you  are  going  farther. 
Scotston.  This  is  a  new  village  at  Victoria  Falls,  on  the  Salmon  River,  a  trib- 
utary of  the  St.  F^rancis  River,  twelve  miles  drive  from  Robinson,  or  the  Burg, 
by  wagon  or  Pinkham's  Express.  You  can  procure  a  guide  here  for  $1.25  per 
day.  Archie  MacDonald  is  a  trustworthy  guide,  or  John  Breaden,  of  Burg; 
Archie  Annas,  a  college  educated  Indian,  is  also  a  good  guide,  his  address  is 
Dilton,  Quebec.  Pinlcliam  usually  has  boats  to  hire,  and  will  furnish  a  team  to 
haul  your  boat  to  the  bay  or  over  to  the  lake  at  a  mere  nominal  sum.  While  you 
remain  at  Scotston  occupy  your  tent  by  all  means,  and  sleep  in  peace.  There 
are  some  large  trout  in  the  rapids  below  the  dam,  and  many  smaller  ones  of  half 
a  pound  weight  in  the  pond  above.  Should  your  visit  tliere  be  during  the  month 
of  August  you  would  undoubtedly  witness  some  of  the  various  methods  used  by 
the  Scotch  settlers  to  destroy  the  salmon  that  are  stopped  here  by  the  dam  on 
their  way  to  their  spawning  grounds  in  the  still  waters  a  few  miles  abov-e  the 
falls. 

Lake  Megavttc.  There  are  two  routes  to  Lake  Megantic— one  by  the  new 
Government  road  from  Scotston  to  Myers,  a  distance  of  eighteen  or  twenty  miles, 
the  other,  the  old  route  via  Gould  anci  Starnoway,  to  the  lake  nearits  foot, at  John 
Boston's,  Lake  Megantic  Post  Office,  distance  about  thirty-eight  miles  from 
Scotston.  This  route  passes  near  two  lakes— Moffat's  and  McGill's— which  contain 
no  speckled  trout,  but  a  fish  called  "  white  fish."  Gould  is  a  small  village  in  the 
township  of  Linwick.    In  the  northern  part  of  the  town  there  is  a  trout  lalce,  wiiich 


GAME  AND   FISH  RESOKTS.  _.  19$ 

U  will  pay  to  visit.  Seven  miles  from  Gould,  toward  Starnoway,  is  Mountain 
Brool<  number  tiiree.  Some  tliree  miles  down  the  brook,  is  a  boK  or  strotcU  of 
dead  water,  ol  consiileruble  size.  Tlie  stream  from  tlic  road  down  to  llie  bojj,  lias 
lately  been  cleared  out  by  lumbermen  to  run  down  tliicit  logs,  so  there  would  be 
but  little  trouble  in  floatiim  a  boat  down  to  the  dead  water.  Accommoilutions  lor 
teams  may  be  found  at  one  of  tlie  farmhouses  before  cnterinji^  the  wood.  Another 
small  river  passejl  betore  reaching  Starnoway  has  a  few  trout.  At  Starnoway 
there  is  but  one  hotel— Leonard's,  which  is  tourteen  miles  from  the  hil<e.  Kour 
miles  from  Starnoway,  toward  the  lake,  is  a  small  creek  with  an  old  mill  on  it. 
Here  will  be  found  Rood  troulin^.  Lake  Megantic  is  estimated  to  be  about  four- 
teen miles  long,  and  from  two  to  three  miles  broad.  It  contains  both  lake  and 
speckled  trout,  black  bass,  and  many  other  varieties  offish.  Very  largo  trout  are 
caught  at  the  first  rapids  of  the  Chaudiere  River,  at  the  outlet  of  the  lake.  Good 
grouse  shooting,  and  deer  to  be  iiad  three  miles  trom  the  landing,  at  )ohn  Hoston's. 
I'^rom  the  C'haiidiere  go  uo  the  lake  to  Myers'  and  try  a  small  lake  back  of  the 
church  ;  then  go  up  to  the  head  of  the  Megantic,  up  Spider  River  to  S^)ider  Lake, 
which  is  seven  miles  long  :  then  tish  Arnold  River,  and  trump  three  miles  over  to 
Trout  Pond  ;  also  visit  Egg  Fond,  east  of  the  Megantic.  The  Megantic  and 
suburbs  will  keep  you  quite  busy  for  a  couple  of  weeks.  When  you  return  to 
Starnoway,  you  can  visit  another  small  trout  lake,  some  six  miles  distant ;  then  go 
to  Lampton,  at  Lake  St.  Francis,  twelve  miles  from  Starnoway,  where  you  will 
have  trolling  for  mascalonge,  and  in  a  small  river  that  runs  into  the  west  side  of 
the  lake,  you  will  get  trout.  You  can  now  return  to  Sherbrouke  by  water,  pass- 
ing through  Lake  Aylmer,  or  return  to  Starnoway,  and  drive  to  Lake  Aylmer, 
twelve  mnes  ;  there  hire  a  boy  to  take  your  team  to  Briere's,  at  Lake  VVecdon, 
eight  miles  by  road  and  four  by  water,  while  you  go  down  with  your  boat.  In 
the  bend  of  the  river,  near  a  mud  lake  and  among  the  rocks,  you  can  get  some 
fine  black  bass  and  hog  or  pike  perch.  From  Briere's  you  have  a  drive  of  nine- 
teen miles  to  Lathron's  Hotel,  at  Dudswell  Corners.  There  is  some  good  brook 
fishing  near  Lathrop  s,  and  you  should  visit  a  small  lake  in  the  eastern  part  ol  the 
township  of  Stoke,  some  eight  miles  from  the  hotel.  This  lake  is  lull  of  fine  trout. 
For  the  largest  fish,  take  off  your  fly  and  use  live  minnows  :  try  the  deep  water 
near  the  outlet,  and  see  how  quick  you  can  fill  your  basket.  From  the  Corners  to 
Sherbrooke  is  twenty-one  miles,  and  each  of  the  small  streams  that  you  pass 
between  those  places  have  trout  in  them.  Theophile  Beauchamp,  whose  post 
office  address  is  at  St.  Hyppolite  de  Richemy  P.  O..  Province  of  Quebec,  is  a 
good  general  guide  for  this  district. 

The  Bog.  This  is  the  centre  of  a  fine  moose  and  front  country  ;  lying  along  the 
base  of  the  Megantic  Mountain,  five  miles  from  Scotston.  It  is  a  long  stretch  of 
dead  water  on  Otter  Brook — a  stream  that  empties  into  the  Salmon  some  three 
miles  above  the  falls.  If  you  make  but  an  hour's  stay  at  Pinkham's,  you  could 
reach  the  bog  for  dinner,  which  you  will  take  a  mile  above  the  landing,  at  the 
Old  Dead  Pine",  where  you  will  find  a  little  rivulet  of  good  water,  which  comes 
down  sparkling  and  cold  from  the  mountains.  Your  camp  should  be  three  miles 
up  the  stream,  at  the  mouth  of  Mountain  Brook.  There  are  plenty  of  trout  in  the 
bog,  and  some  of  them  will  tip  the  beam  at  full  three  pounds.  You  will  find  them 
the  most  beautiful  at  the  head  of  the  deep  pools,  where  the  lily  pads  nearly  cover 
the  water  ;  at  the  mouth  of  the  brook,  near  camp,  you  may  e.xpect  some  big  fel- 
lows. The  sources  of  both  streams  are  a  couple  of  small  lakes  a  few  miles  above 
your  camp,  and  should  you  visit  them,  you  will  undoubtedly  have  fine  sport,  and 
find  the  trout  there  numerous  and  unsophisticated.  When  you  tire  of  that  camp, 
return  to  the  landing  and  send  the  guide  for  your  team,  to  haul  your  boat  and 
traps  via  Scotston  to  the  river,  whilQ  you  fish  down  the  brook  to  its  mouth,  a  dis- 
tance of  three  miles.  After  you  reach  the  river  go  up  to  the  left  shore  for  a  short 
distance,  and  you  will  find  a  spruce  bark  camp,  where  you  will  await  your  guide  ; 
then  proceed  up  the  river  about  three  miles  and  camp  at  Cold  .Spring,  Archie's 
(the  Indian),  old  camp,  at  the  foot  of  the  lower  still  water.  The  still  waters  of  the- 
salmon  are,  together,  nine  miles  in  length,  with  a  portage  of  about  half  a  mile 
between  them.  The  lower  still  waters  afford  the  most  trout,  and  are  the  favorite 
haunts  of  deer  and  moose.  A  few  yards  below  and  opposite  the  camp,  is  the 
mouth  of  Mountain  Brook  number  two.  This  stream  takes  its  rise  from  springs 
in  a  large  basin  on  the  west  side  of  the  mountain  ;  back  a  mile  from  the  river  are 
a  series  of  falls,  where  early  in  the  season  large  trout  may  be  caught.  Above  the 
upper  still  water  you  come  to  the  settlement  of  Dilton  and  Pope's  gold  mines. 
On  the  Dilton  branch  and  the  headwaters  of  the  Salmon  you  will  find  good  sport. 
After  you  have  fished  these  waters  to  your  satisfaction,  and  desire  a  change, 
return  to  Scotston  and  start  to  Lake  Megantic. 


196 


CAME  AND  FISH  HESOKTS. 


Montmagny  County — 

Montmagny.  (iood  Hiiipe  and  duck  shootinp  on  the  small  inlands  In  the  St. 
Lawrence,  near  this  point.    Reached  via  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway. 

Monttnoi'encif  County-- 

The  Isle  of  Orlfnns.  The  Arpentenay  meadows  on  the  north  shore,  at  the  ex- 
tremity ot  the  island,  are  hnc  hunting;  ki^ouix^"  '"r  ^"(1  iovi\  and  other  ^ame. 
The  island  is  connected  with  ^)uebei;  by  steam  ferries. 

Chateau  Richer.  On  the  marshes  excellent  duck,  snipe  and  partridRe  shoot- 
ing, with  troutiiiR  in  the  upland  streams.  This  locality,  htteun  mdes  Irom  Quebec, 
and  easily  accessible  by  carriage  road  or  steaml)oat,  is  a  lavorite  resort  tor  the 
sportsmen  ot  that  city.     Fair  hotel  accommodations  will  be  tound. 

Montmorency  Rh>er.  Excellent  hshinp  for  trout,  thirty  miles  above  the  falls. 
At  the  falls,  eight  miles  from  Quebec,  is  good  trout  tishing,  but  the  property  is 
protected  by  the  owner  and  proprietor. 

,...  „  .  T-.-iH  Mil  dl  fill-))/''  JilftJ  eoTdi.;     r  ■(-,,:<     ..i 

Ottawa  County— 

Thurso.  Duck  and  deer  hunting  on  the  Ottawa  near  this  place.  Reached 
via  the  Grand  Trunk  Railroad  to  Lachine,  thence  via  steamer.  Provide  for 
camping. 

J^ontlac  County —  ' 

Victoria  Lake  and  vicinity  is  a  good  locality  for  caribQu^iQoptte,  grouse,  hares, 
and  trout.  •:  oft'j.J  I"     Auji  .'j.-i  oTiitv.'/;-.  ,^-  '^Tiiia 

Pont  Neuf  County — 

Jacques  Cartier  River.  Trout  in  upper  part,  above  the  falls  ;  salmon  in  lower 
part.  For  trout  take  wagon  twenty-hve  miles  from  Quebec.  John  Bayard  will 
furnish  canoe  and  man.  Must  camp  out.  For  salmon,  take  steamer  up  the  St. 
Lawrence  to  the  mouth  of  the  Jacques  Cartier,  and  there  obtain  canoes.  Country 
hilly. 

Hie  Quebec  Country—  ■';''';:.. '"^^':'', •'?:''' .'V,;'"' '''''"'  •'''' 

The  region  designated  as  the  Quebec  coiintrS^  is  Irtcluded  within  a  circuit  of 
one  hundred  miles,  lying  north  of  the  city  of  that  name.  We  say  a  hiuidred  miles, 
because  the  sportsman,  however  much  of  an  ambitious  or  exploring  turn  of  mind, 
would  scarcely  undertake  the  journey  through  to  Hudson  Hay  or  Labrador, 
though  these  are  its  boundaries  proper.  Within  the  distance  there  is  still  a  vast 
unexplored  mountainous  tract,  among  which  are  numberless  lakes,  rivers  and 
Streams  affording,  each  and  all,  such  fishing  ami  plcasiint  enjoyment  in  the  wild 
camp  life  as  are  not  to  be  had  elsewhere  short  of  the  Rocky  iMountains. 

1  he  Jacques  Cartier  is  the  first  river  of  any  importance  which  you  strike  after 
leaving  Quebec.  It  is  twenty  miles  distant  from  that  city  and  is  the  boundary 
of  the  settlements  to  the  north.  The  river  is  extremely  {)icturesque  in  its  meander- 
ings  among  the  numerous  islands  with  whicli  it  is  dotted  and  affords  some  excel- 
lent'trout  tishing.  Salmon  tishing  is  to  be  had  lower  down.  It  is  navigable  for 
canoes  for  fifty  or  sixty  miles  from  its  mouth,  with  but  few  portages. 

Two  days'  tramp  from  the  Jac(iues  Cartier  is  the  St.  Ann's,  a  shallow  rapid 
river  (lowing  between  high  precipitous  mountains  expanding  at  intervals  mto 
large  deep  pools,  in  which  lurk  some  fine  fish.  One  of  the  largest  of  these  pools 
is  called  the  Peche  a  Malcolm.  Between  the  two  rivers  are  many  large  lakes, 
deep  among  the  mountains.  Tontari.,  Grande  Lac,  and  the  lakes  of  the  river  Aux 
Pin's^  afford  the  finest  fishing.  Caribou  and  moose  can  be  successfully  pursued 
here  in  fall  and  winter.     The  lakes  abound  fn  ducks  which  breed  on  the  islands. 

Outfits  must  be  of  the  lightest,  for  everything  has  to  be  carried  on  the  back  of 
the  guide  over  high  mt)untains.  Leave  this  matter  to  the  guide  and  let  him  pro- 
cure under  your  supervision  whatever  is  needful  and  nothing  more.  You  must 
expect  to  carry  your  own  little  traps.  No  tent  is  requisite,  as  a  bark  camp  caw 
be  soon  constructed  with  little  labor. 

For  guides,  we  can  refer  to  George  Neil,  Robert  Douglas  and  young  Pat  Cas- 
sin,  all  of  Valcartier.  Indian  guides  can  be  obtained  at  the  Indian  village  of 
Lorette,  on  the  road  to  Valcartier.  Charlo  Gros-Louis,  Francis  and  Etienne  are 
good  reliable  men.  There  are  others  doubtless  equally  as  good.  All  speak 
enough  English  to  get  along  with. 

Charles  Wolff  of  Valcartier  will  accord  all  sportsmen  a  cordial  welcome  and 
put  them  on  the  road  to  good  sport.  The  cost  of  a  trip  of  two  or  three  weeks' 
duration,  including  fare  to  and  return,  will  not  exceed  f6o. 


GAME  AND  FISH  /tESCKTS.  1 97 

Lakes  around  Quebec  City.  Calvaire,  St.  AuKustine,  St.  Joseph,  Lac  a  la 
Trinte,  Philip[)i,  Juuoe,  Snuw  Lake,  Luc  Hliiriu,  Lac  Siul-Ouust,  riiouias,  Lac 
Claire,  Lac  McKoiuie,  Lnc  VinciMit,  Luke  SuKauiile,  Lake  Hiiriis,  Lake  Uomict, 
Ucaupori,  St.  Charles.  Some  oi  llu-sc  hikes  contain  speckled  trout  :  others  pick- 
erel. Good  accunimodations  tor  sportsmen  at  most  ot  those.  Much  hslied. 
Country  rollinR.     Reached  by  eiRht  to  fourteen  miles  drive  from  the  city. 

Lake  Gatnitr^  toriy-hve  miles  Irom  Uuebec  by  wa^uii.  There  is  a  tolerable 
inn  at  the  toll  ^rate,  three  miles  Irom  tlie  lake,  where  one  must  make  head- 
quarters it  he  docs  not  wish  to  camp  out.  Boats  aiid  guides  can  be  had.  Speckled 
trout  very  large.  All  needed  supplies  must  be  taken  with  you.  Country  hilly, 
with  picturesque  scenery. 

Quebec   (Jouuty — 

ToHtari  Lakes.  Valcartlcr,  some  hfteen  miles  from  Quebec,  is  the  farthest 
settlement  north  of  the  .St.  Lawrence.  Here  commence  those  vast  forests  and 
mountain  ranges  that  extend  to  the  Hudson's  Hay.  ThrouKhoui  its  entire  length 
this  region  is  intersected  by  numberless  lakes  and  rapid  sliallow  rivers.  In  tnis 
primeval  wilderness  moose  and  caribou  abound,  while  every  lake  and  stream 
IS  filled  with  trout.    Tlie  smaller  fur-bearintj  animals  are  also  numerous. 

The  few  remaining  Indians  in  autumn  strike  lar  into  the  interior,  to  return  in 
the  spring  laden  with  the  proceeils  of  their  ritles  and  traps.  Occasioiud  parties 
from  yuebec,  under  the  guidance  of  some  Indian,  make  short  excursions  to  the 
lakes,  and  return  with  glowing  accounts  of  the  abundance  of  game  and  the  wild 
and  beautiful  scenery  everywhere  met  with.  These  trips  are  usually  made  in 
summer  or  early  autumn.  At  V'alcartier  Mr.  C/harles  Wolff  will  welcome  all 
sportsmen  and  secure  all  guides  for  the  Tontari  Lakes.  They  are  one  and  a  half 
day's  journey  from  this  settlement.  Lake  Tontari,  four  miles  in  length,  affords 
very  tine  fly  fishing.    The  fish  here  average  a  pound  in  weight. 

he  tie.,  Trinity  and  Peche  a  Malcolm  y  reached  from  Valcartier,  are  good  6shing 
localities. 

Montttioremy  Falls.  The  Montmorency  River  is  a  fine  stream  for  trout,  espe- 
cially at  the  junction  of  the  Snow  River.     Distant  si.K  miles  from  Quebec. 

Valcartier.  In  the  vicinity  are  found  partridges,  pigeons,  ducks,  hares. 
Seventeen  miles  from  Quebec. 

Jttchelicu  County —  »;  l  ■  I'li;..;!  t.  j jncd  ,rA:.iw)'.yj!'.  ^lii  -ji-.r^-f'-d 

Sorel  is  reached  by  steamer  from  Montreal  or  Qiiebfec.  There  is  pfood  snipe, 
plover  and  wild  goose  shooting  on  Crane  Island,  in  the  spring  and  autumn. 

Jtimouski  Conntii—  :^;!'-.'-'';'' !''  '!.'•'•  ''";  •  ^'^  ."'  '"*  .';"''""'««.*;tOJiai.rv! 

St.  Maurice  District.  The  innumerable  lakes  of  the  Laurenltan  hills  abound 
in  trout.  The  Lake  A  I'eau  Claire  is  especially  famed  for  its  beauty  and  the 
size  and  abundance  of  its  fish.  This  lake  draws  tribute  from  fifteen  others  all  full 
of  fish,  and  its  outlet  mingles,  three  miles  from  the  lake,  with  the  Riviere  dii 
Louoenhaut,  a  river  stretcTiing  back  from  Lake  St.  Peter  into  the  Lauvertides, 
one  nundrcd  miles  or  more.  The  hikes  tributary  to  this  stream  are  numbered  by 
hundreds,  of  all  sizes,  and  with  few  exceptions  those  on  the  east  side  of  the  river 
swarm  with  the  brook  trout. 

This  river,  with  its  tributaries,  is  but  a  fraction  of  the  St.  Maurice  Territory, 
as  yet  almost  a  terra  incognita  to  the  angler.  The  Matawan,  Shawcnegan,  Ma- 
chichi,  Maskinonge  and  L'As.somption  are  all  full  offish. 

Rimouski.  (iood  salmon  anglinjj  in  the  Rimouski  and  Metis  Rivers.  Reached 
via  the  Inter-colonial  Railway  or  via  boat  from  Quebec. 

The  Saguenay  Country —  .i  ot  r^f.  u 

The  tributaries  of  the  Saguenay  River  nearly  all  contain  salmon.  Some  are 
leased.  The  Marguerite  is  the  best  river  ;  it  is  under  lease.  Sea  trout  are  caught 
from  the  middle  of  June  until  the  ist  of  August  in  the  lower  part  of  the  river. 
The  early  run  is  found  at  the  bar  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  river.  Later  they  are 
found  as  high  as  fifteen  miles  up.     Kxcellcnt  hotel  accommodation  at  Tadousac. 

Chicontiini  Falls,  a  series  ot  rough  rapids  at  the  outlet  of  Lake  St.  John,  some 
eighty  miles  up  the  river,  and  twenty  miles  above  the  village  of  Chicontiini, 
where  are  comfortable  taverns. 

The  P'alls  comprise  two  divisions,  separated  by  an  island,  and  are  known  as 
the  Petite  Discharge  and  Grand  Discharge.  This'place  is  celebrated  for  its  land- 
locked salmon,  (locally  called  winninnish,  or  ouininish).    About  the  middle  of 


M98 


GAME  AND  FISU  RESORTS. 


June,  take  nteamer  from  Qutbec  nr  Riviere  du  Loup,  on  the  Inter^colonial  Rail- 
way, oii  SaluKiaysor  WcdiicHday  s.  It)  Tadousttc  ami  Ohicutitinii.  'riiLiico  hiui 
ntcHin  coiiveyaiicc  oti  a  tuK  to  tlie  Upper  but^ucnay.  (io  to  Savard,  iliv  l<  rencti- 
mati,  ami  c-iikuku  a  caiiue  and  two  men  to  take  you  to  tlic  cuinpuiK  Krouiul  al  ihc 
"  Grand  JJiscliurKu,"  hvu  miles  al)uvc.  You  can  lioll  tor  \n^  pike  vvliile  Koini;  up. 
Sleep  at  the  loot  ot  the  Rapid  dc  tier  vain.  Next  day  cross  the  rapid  and  tihh  tor 
winninniRli,  about  a  mile  up  the  river  at  the  tup  ot  the  rapid.  'The  men  will  sliow 
you  an  island,  near  which  lies  a  rock.  Kish  oH  that  rock.  Next  day  k*>  up  the 
main  branch  ot  the  river  to  another  place,  and  return  bo  as  to  be  at  Oldcontimi 
by  Wednesday  or  Saturday  atternoon.  Take  ntcdium  si/.ed  tlicH — yellow  ;  black 
wiuKS  and  yellow  body  ;  Krey  ;  red  body  and  grey  hackle  ;  brown  wiuK^i  and 
black  body  ;  these  arc  the  best  colors,  the  yellow  and  black  pruvailintr. 

Sagw-Hny  iUninty~ 

The  Godbout  River  is  one  of  the  best  salmon  streams  in  the  province,  and  a 
favorite  resort  tor  anglers. 

The  Aloisic  Kiver  which  empties  into  the  St.  Lawrence  Ciulf,  eighteen  miles 
east  of  tlic  Hay  of  Seven  Islands,  is  one  of  the  best  salmon  trout  streams  in  the 
world.    Take  steamer  from  Taduusac,  to  Moisic  at  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

Soulangcfi  tjounty—  , 

Cotiiiu  du  Luc.  Fine  bass  fishini  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  ^ood  duck  shoot- 
ing at  this  point.  Reached  via  the  Orand  Trunk  Railway,  thirty-six  miles  from 
Montreal. 

La  t'rairie,  A  good  place  for  bass  hshing  in  the  St.  Lawrence.  Seven  miles 
from  Montreal,  on  the  opposite  side  uf  the  river. 

fit.  tTohit'a  County — 

.SV.  yp/tn't.  There  is  very  pood  fishinj?  in  the  Richelieu,  particularly  at  St. 
John's,  Chambly,  Helu'il,  and  near  Sorcl.  A  beautiful  silvery  tish,  called  by  the 
French  La  qHicht\  is  taken  in  large  numbers  at  Heltt-il,  in  July  and  August.  The 
best  bait  is  the  grasshopper.  They  arc  sometimes  taken  with  the  spoon,  and  will 
also,  it  is  said,  take  a  bright  red  trout  tly.  Black  bass,  dore,  pike,  perch,  suntish, 
rock  bass,  a  small  kind  ot  sturgeon,  pickerel  and  whitetish  are  abundant.  St.  John's 
is  an  easy  distance  from  Montreal  ,  there  is  an  excellent  English  hotel  there,  and 
those  who  have  pleasant  associati(jns  with  foreign  climes,  will  enjoy  a  stay  in  a 
thoroughly  French  family  hotel,  clean  and  airy,  with  good  cookinfj^  and  moderate 
charges.  The  plcasantest  snot  to  tish  on  the  Richelieu,  however,  is  at  Chambly, 
at  the  foot  of  the  rapids.  Tne  "  Hasin  "  affords  tine  boating,  and  there  is  a  good 
hotel  there,  kept  by  a  Frenchman. 

Sherbrooke  County— 

Oxford  Lake.  A  very  beautiful  body  of  water  lying  along  the  southwestern 
base  of  Mount  Oxford,  titteen  miles  east  from  Waterloo,  and  six  miles  west  of 
Magog  ;  contains  silver  lunge,  from  two  to  five  pounds  in  weight.  In  Hopp's 
Pond,  one  mile  south  of  the  lake,  are  very  large  speckled  trout.  One  mile  and  a 
half  south  is  Brown's,  or  Mulligan's  Pond,  an  indifferent  water  for  trout.  South 
from  this  is  a  chain  of  small  lakes  but  little  visited,  as  most  of  them  contain 
pickerel. 

lilack  River.  Ten  miles  north  of  Waterloo,  a  pleasant  drive  all  the  way, 
has  large  speckled  trout.    On  the  way  out,  several  good  trout  streams  are  passed. 

Wolfe  County— 

Lakv  St.  Francis,  in  the  midst  of  lofty  wooded  mountains,  is  an  excellent  fish- 
ing ground.  Reached  via  Levis  and  Kennebec  Railroad  to  St.  Francis,  thence 
stage  thirty-six  miles. 

:'',(.'K   ;V'fr'^••■•;>^;•.;■■)r;v  I'irTii  ■;:,/;;";■•.:■■' -. 
Staniitead  County — 

Magog.  The  village  of  Magog  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  outlet  of  Lake 
Memphremagog,  and  is  twenty-one  miles  east  from  Waterloo,  sixteen  from  Sher- 
brooke,  eleven  miles  from  Ayers  Flat,  a  small  station  on  the  Passumpsic  Rail- 
road, and  thirty  miles  north  of  Newport,  Vt.  It  is  connected  with  the  first  named 
places  by  a  daily  line  of  stages,  and  with  Newport  during  the  summer  season  by 
the  little  steamboat  Lady  of  the  Lake,  which  makes  daily  trips.  Asa  Hubbard 
keeps  a  good  hotel,  called  the  Park  House,  between  which  and  Mt.  Ortbrd,  six 
miles  away,  are  several  good  trout  streams,  with  Orford  Lake  aud  Hopp's  Pond 


GAAfE  AND  F/SIF  KESO/fTS.  I99 

near  by,  and  aUo  northennt  from  the  mounfnin,  towtirfls  Trout  Lmk«,  netr  Bromp- 
ton,  are  olltcr  ^ood  trout  waters.  Hounl  $1.95  per  ilRy,  with  no  extra  churKe  tor 
boats. 

Mnsiiwi/>pi  l.iikf.  Tliix  hike  is  twelve  niilcn  lonfi.  nnit  contaiiiNa  ureal  variety 
of  tish  which  nut  and  speiir  liave  siidly  diiniiiislii-d.  Keuchecl  trom  Avers  Khit  on 
the  I'aHsuinpsic  Railroad,  liy  u  short  drive,  or  trim  Sherhrooico  on  the  (irand 
Trunk  Railroad.  Six  ntiles  southeast  trom  the  hotel  is  Loverinx's  I'onil,  which 
was  once  tanious  tor  its  "  bi^  trout,"  hut  is  now  seldom  visited  by  the  auKlcr. 
In  the  lake  near  the  hotel  the  silver,  black,  and  laccr  lun^e  are  taken  in  lurKO 
cjuanliticH.  Some  of  the  silver  lunKe  ^row  to  a  very  lar^e  si/e.  Three  round 
speckled  trout  arc  often  cauKht  in  the  rapids,  in  liic  outlet  near  the  hotel,  during 
the  moniha  of  May  and  June. 

Tei'rehonnf  Couiitf/—  '  ..  .i^....!  iti  c.-.^<. 

Nc-w  Ulasjfvw.  Snipe,  woodcock,  ruffed  j^rouse,  ptarmigan,  and  scpiirrel  shoot- 
ing in  the  virinity  of  Kilkenny  Lake.  Route  trom  Montreal,  via  staj^e  to  New 
Glasgow,  thence  hired  conveyance  to  the  lake.  At  the  lake,  VV.  Hamilton,  or 
"  Rapidee  Willie,"  as  he  is  called,  or  the  Ward  Mrothers,  will  act  as  guides. 

Kilkenny  Lake.  The  woods  teem  with  ruHed  grouse  and  neither  bears  nor 
deer  are  very  scarce.  The  roads  are  extremely  hilly  and  rough  in  tlje  vicinity  of 
the  lake,  anil  vehicles  arc  subject  to  much  violent  bumping.  The  principal  Hsh 
are  the  trout,  lake  trout  and  bass.  There  are  also  taken  in  small  <|uantity  in  the 
winter,  white  herrings.  This  latter  fish  is  said  to  be  exceedingly  delicate  and 
fine  in  flavor,  and  seems  to  be  the  whiletish  ot  the  great  lakes.  l)uring  the  sum- 
mer an  occasional  "  lunge  "  may  be  taken  by  bottom  tishing,  but  the  angler  had 
much  better  devote  himself  to  the  black  bass,  which  are  very  numerous.  There 
arc  two  kinds  of  trout  in  this  lake,  the  lake  trout  or  "  black  trout,"  as  it  is  called, 
growing  sometimes  to  twenty  pounds  weight  and  nuich  more  slender  and  graceful 
than  its  Lake  Superior  brother,  and  the  brook  trout  which  seldom  weighs  over 
four  pounds.  In  the  seasons  spoken  of,  the  latter  tish  will  take  almost  any  bait, 
and  have  been  caught  with  a  spoon  trolling.  Among  Hies  their  favorite  seems  to 
be  those  with  yellowish  bodies  and  mottled  wings.  The  fishing  is  mostly  ixum 
boat  or  raft,  the  only  place  from  whenc  e  a  tly  can  be  successlully  thrown  being  at 
the  inlet  of  the  lake.  When  hshing  with  bail  or  mituiovv,  however,  many  rocks 
near  shore  afford  a  good  foothold.  In  Red  Trout  Lake,  two  and  a  half  miles  from 
Kilkenny,  there  are  no  tish  except  the  brook  trout,  and  any  one  going  there  at  the 
pro])er  season  will  find  them  in  flavor  and  gamiiiess  superior  to  the  Kilkenny  tish. 

Lake  Masson,  severiil  miles  from  Lake  Kilkenny,  and  several  small  lakes 
close  by  Kilkenny,  thou^;ii  difficult  of  access,  afford  splendid  sport. 

The  visitor  to  these  lakes  must  cam])  out,  or  else  run  the  chances  of  accommo- 
dation at  some  log  cabin  ;  in  either  case  all  supplies  must  be  brought  from  Mont- 
real. Access  is  by  stage  once  a  day  from  Montreal  to  New  (JIasgow  ;  tare,  $i. 
At  New  Glasgow  a  team  may  be  hired  to  the  lake,  about  nieie  miles.  At  the 
lake  William  Hamilton  called  "  Rapidee  Willie,"  to  distinguish  him  Irtmi  a  second 
William  Hamilton,  will  find  a  boat,  or  render  any  other  service  that  he  possibly 
can.  The  Ward  brothers  also  live  near  the  lake  and  are  very  obliging.  Mr.  John 
Ilailc,  who  lives  between  New  Glasgow  and  the  lake,  is  a  thorough  spurtswani 
and  any  information  or  assistance  in  his  power  he  will  cheerfully  give,     t;    ". 


NEW    BRUNSWICK. 


<    .1  ■'■ 


New  Brunswick  has  an  area  of  2y,'joo  square  miles.  The  sur- 
face is  undulating  and  mountainous,  alternating-  with  broad  plains 
and  deep  valleys.  The  greater  part  of  the  country  is  covered  with 
dense  forests,  through  which  flow  many  excellent  salmon  and  frout 
streams.  The  Province  is  full  of  interest  for  the  tourist,  the  sports- 
man and  the  angler.  The  dense  woods  are  tilled  with  noble  game, 
the  streams  and  lakes  abound  in  tish  ;  communication  is  easy,  and 
guides,  canoes,  etc.,  are  everywhere  to  be  procured  for  penetrating 
the  wilderness.  "*'-'  "'  '.'  ■-r'.<"-'v'  -  •>  „>...^...w..„  .,.-,^v. 


200  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

Oloueeater  County —      T.r>7ar>nff"iD  .yvgrTr'-.r-v;  't~-  ??ii"!f;  -rr'narr,  t  '.-.f  -,  j.-r;  .t 

Bathurst^  on  the  Bay  of  Chaleurs,  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  Nepisiguit,  is  a 

food  initial  point  where  guides  and  outfits  may  be  secured  for  the  wiulerness. 
plendid  salmon  fishing  is  found  in  the  vicinit)',  and  in  the  woods  game  is  abun- 
dant. 

The  Tabusintac  River  is  an  excellent  stream  for  salmon  trout,  bass,  and  sea- 
trout.  In  October  immense  flocks  of  ducks  and  geese  frequent  the  neif!:hboring 
lagoons.  Go  via  stage  from  Chatham  or  Bathurst  to  Tabusintac,  where  there  is 
a  small  inn.  By  going  up  to  the  headwaters  of  the  river  a  tine  moose  region  is 
reached. 

The  Nepisiguit  River.  Fine  salmon  fishing,  some  portions  free,  some  leased, 
and  others  at  a  small  charge  per  rod.  Salmon  run  up  twenty  miles  to  the  Great 
Falls.  There  is  excellent  trout  fishmg  above  the  falls.  Take  the  Inter-colonial 
Railway  from  St.  John,  or  Quebec,  or  North  Shore  steamer  from  Shediac,  or 
Gulf  Port  steamer  from  Pictou  or  Quebec.  Good  hotels  at  Bathurst,  near  the 
mouth  of  the  river,  guides,  canoes,  etc.    Sea-trout  in  season. 

North-west  and  South-ivest  Miramichi  Rivers.  Privileges  at  a  small  charge 
per  rod.  Reached  by  rail  or  steamer  as  above  to  Chatham  and  Newcastle,  where 
outfit  and  guides  can  be  had.  Salmon  large  and  tine,  with  trout  in  abundance, 
and  sea-trout.  • 

Charlotte  County —  '  "         '"'■'.       -i  '       » 

.S"^.  George,  Four  miles  distant  is  Lake  Utopia,  situated  among  forest  covered 
hills.  Its  waters  are  full  of  silver-grey  trout,  and  its  tributaries  contain  many 
brook  trout  and  smelt.  Among  the  hills  along  the  valley  of  the  Magaguadaivc 
River,  Virginia  deer  are  abundant.  Bears  are  found  in  the  vicinity  and  great 
numbers  of  wild  fowl.    Reached  by  steamboat  from  St.  John. 

Marc's  Bay.  Plover,  ducks,  etc.  Reached  via  Inter-colonial  or  European 
and  North  American  Railroad,  twenty-one  miles  from  St.  John.  Sportsmen  will 
find  excellent  accommodations,  good  boats,  reliable  guides,  reasonable  charges, 
etc.,  at  Mr.  Albert  Craft's. 

Northumberland,  and  York  Counties — 

The  Mira$nichi  District.  This  includes  all  the  wilderness  in  and  about  the 
great  south-west  branch  of  the  Miramichi  River  and  its  tributaries,  together  with 
all  that  territory  in  and  about  all  the  little  Miramichis.  The  south-west  Miramichi 
lies  about  fifty-five  miles  north  of  Fredericton,  the  seat  of  government.  This 
river  and  its  branches  traverse  the  very  heart  wilderness  of  the  Province.  It  is 
reached  by  taking  the  European  and  North  American  Railroad  at  Boston,  to 
Fredericton  Junction.  Here  change  cars  for  Fredericton  on  the  St.  John  River, 
where  supplies  must  be  obtained  for  the  wilderness,  since  there  is  no  place  be- 
yond this  point  where  provisions  can  be  bought. 

Guides  and  dug-outs  can  be  secured  at  Boiestovvn,  Miramichi  River,  (south- 
west branch)  ;  or  by  addressing  the  Palmer  or  Stickney  Brothers  at  that  village. 
John  Stickney  has  no  superior  as  a  guide  in  angling  and  hunting  in  this  region. 
One  of  the  Palmer  brothers  can  call  moose  with  much  Indian  art  and  su<-cess. 
There  is  a  stage  running  every  day  from  Fredericton  to  Boieston,  which  will 
convey  vou  and  your  supplies  to  the  Miramichi  River.  When  up  river  to 
"  Burnt  Hill,"  the  ne  plus  ultra  of  salmon  pools,  you  can  strike  otf  from  either 
side  a  few  miles,  and  find  moose  and  caribou,  bear  and  beaver  and  small  game, 
or  ascend  the  river  twenty  miles  farther  and  see  many  of  these  animals,  together 
\yith  other  fur-bearing  quadrupeds,  without  leaving  the  steamer.  In  these  coun- 
ties moose  are  to  be  found  all  through  the  repioiis  about  the  sources  of  the  Mira- 
michi, Tobique,  Nepisiguit  and  Restigouche  Rivers. 

Indiantown  is  a  favorite  resort  for  anglers  seeking  sea-trout,  which  frequent 
the  waters  of  the  South-west  Miramichi  at  that  point.  Take  steamer  or  rail  to 
New  Castle,  thence  eighteen  miles  by  stage. 

In  the  Tabusintac  River  tine  trout  fishing  may  1.2  found,  with  the  guidance  of 
Kane,  at  Go6dwin's  hotel.  The  route  is  by  steamer  to  Chatham,  thence  via 
stage  twenty  miles.  Board  in  Chatham  at  Mrs.  Bowser's  $i  per  day.  Fare  from 
Chatham  to  Goodwin's  $1.75. 

Newcastle.  On  the  Newcastle  stream  forty-five  miles  distant,  among  the  bar- 
rens and  forests,  will  be  found  a  fair  hunting  ground  for  moose. 

TJte  Itestigouche  Kegion — 

Is  one  of  the  finest  hunting  -ind  angling  regions  in  America,  and  embraces  one 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS.  201 

million  and  a  quarter  acres  of  wilderness,  comprising  the  county  of  Restigouche, 
the  same  being  traversed  in  all  directions  by  the  Restigouche  River  and  its  tribu- 
taries, which  afford  easy  thoroughfares  for  canoes  to  its  innermost  penetralia. 
Moose,  caribou,  bear,  wild  cat,  and  lucifee  abound,  beavers  build  their  dams,  and 
many  varieties  of  fur-bearing  animals  and  small  game  are  found.  The  streams  are 
filled  with  salmon  and  trout  in  their  season.  This  region  is  easily  reached  by  the 
Inter-colonial  Railway,  either  from  St.  John  or  Quebec  ;  or  by  Gulf  Port  steamers 
from  Shediac  on  the  Inter-colonial,  or  by  stage  from  Chatham  or  Newcastle.  Gulf 
Port  steamers  and  stages  touch  at  Dalliousie,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Restigouche, 
where  anything  needed  for  an  outfit  can  be  obtained.  The  railway  runs  through 
Dalhousie  to  Matapedia  Station,  thirty-eight  miles  up  the  river,  and  the  centre  of 
the  salmon  region.  Here  is  a  telegraph  station,  stores,  post  office,  and  an  excellent 
hotel,  kept  by  Mr.  Fraser.  Here  can  be  obtained  canoes,  guides,  and  provisions, 
for  the  journey  up  the  river  ;  and  in  case  sjiortsmen  come  into  the  wilderness  at 
the  Tipper  end  of  the  river,  goods  and  necessaries  must  be  sent  up  by  a  previous 
timely  order  to  meet  the  incoming  party.  It  is  about  eighty  miles  up  stream  to  the 
portage  which  must  be  crossed  by  those  taking  the  route  referred  to,  which  is  by 
railway  via  Bangor  to  St.  Croix,  on  the  European  and  North  American  Railway, 
thence  to  Woodstock  b3^  rail,  and  thence  by  stage  via  the  Grand  Falls  to  the 
mouth  of  Grand  River,  which  is  fifteen  miles  further,  the  whole  stage  journey 
being  about  forty-tive  miles,  over  a  most  excellent  and  picturesque  road  that  fol- 
lows the  course  of  the  noble  St.  John  River.  At  Grand  River,  batteaux  can  be 
procured  through  Mr.  Vjolet,  a  French  Canadian,  to  take  you  to  the  portage,  fif- 
teen miles  up  the  river,  at  which  point  you  meet  the  canoes  from  below.  The 
advantage  of  the  latter  route,  is  that  you  reach  more  quickly  the  heart  of  the  hunt- 
ing country  though  for  the  matter  of  game,  there  is  plenty,  from  Dan  Eraser's  all 
the  way  up  stream,  with  the  exception  of  an  inhabited  stretch  of  the  first  twenty 
miles  or  so.  Cost  of  canoe,  with  two  Indians,  $2  per  day  and  "  found."  Larry 
Pecaire,  Catpat,  Peter,  and  John  Morrison  are  good  reliable  guides. 

Cambelltoiun.  In  the  vicinity  of  Cambelltown,  which  is  on  the  Restigouche 
River,  twenty  miles  above  Dalhousie,  is  most  excellent  duck  and  goose  shooting 
in  September.  The  river  above  is  filled  with  marshy  and  grassy  islands,  where 
the  wild  fowl  tarry  on  their  migrations.  Guides  and  canoes  obtained  at  the  In- 
dian Mission  across  the  river.  Cambelltown  is  reached  by  the  North  Shore 
steamers,  plying  between  Shediac,  Rifhibucto,  (  hatham,  Hathurst,  Dalhousie, 
etc.,  and  by  the  Inter-colonial  Railway  from  St.  John  and  Shediac.  Good  hotels 
and  delightful  scenery.     Also  trout,  sea  trout,  and  salmon  fishing. 

Eel  River ^  twelve  miles  drive  from  Dalhousie.  over  excellent  roads,  abounds  in 
their  season  with  curlew,  brant,  snipe,  ducks,  geese,  and  numerous  other  varieties 
of  wild  fowl.  Indians  and  canoes  can  be  had  at  Dalhousie,  if  not  on  the  spot. 
Eel  River  is  filled  with  marshes  and  grassy  spots,  with  an  abundance  of  suitable 
feed,  and  here  the  birds  tarry  long  in  their  migrations  southward  to  the  waters  of 
the  Chesapeake  and  the  sounds  of  North  Carolina.  The  shooting  is  equal  to  that 
found  later  in  the  places  last  named. 

(St.  John  County — 

St.  John.  Excellent  fishing  may  be  found  in.Tracey's  Lake,  twenty-eight 
miles  from  the  city.    Good  hotel  accommodations  are  to  be  had. 

Riley's  Lake,  Saddler's,  McCrackeirs.  Chambers',  Lerrio,  Bal's,  Beaver,  Deer, 
Latemer,  Loiig's,  Spruce,  and  Lake  Lomond  are  all  fine  waters  to  fish  in,  and 
vary  from  seven  to  twenty  miles  in  distance  from  St.  John.  With  the  exception 
of  the  white  trout  family  of  this  latter  lake,  the  fish  of  all  these  waters  are  of  the 
very  finest  class,  being  handsomely  formed,  brightly  spotted,  and  of  an  exijuisite 
reddish  salmon  color 

Lak3  Lomond  is  a  delightful  resort,  being  only  eleven  miles  from  St.  John.  It 
consists  of  a  chain  of  three  lakes,  and  in  extent  covers  fully  two  thousand  four 
hundred  and  eighty  acres.  It  contains  the  red  and  white  trout,  both  of  which  are 
taken  at  three  and  four  pounds  weight.  The  Ben  Lomond  House,  at  the  foot  of 
the  lake,  furnishes  excellent  fare.  Boats  are  to  be  hired  here.  Thfre  is  also  ex- 
cellent stream  fishing  near  St.  John,  as  Mispeck  stream,  Nerepis,  RadclifFs,  Col- 
lins', and  lastly,  (Turnett's  Creek. 

Quaco.  English  snipe,  duck  and  woodcock.  Reached  via  the  Inter-colonial, 
or  the  European  and  North  American  Railroad. 

. ,  1  III  1 .....  •  1. 
WasUnordand  Coirntp — 

Petitcodiac,  on  the  European  and  North  American  Railroad.  Good  trout  fish- 
ing will  be  found  in  the  Pollet  River  and  Anagance  streams  near  by.  Comforta- 
ble accommodations  In  the  village. 

9* 


202 


GAME  AND  FISH  RESOMTS. 


NOVA 


( nr f    -lit'     ( ! 


The  Province  of  Nova  Scotia,  einlDracing  an  area  of  15,627 
square  miles,  is  undulating  and  picturesque  throughout  the  greater 
portion  of  its  extent.  There  are  in  the  interior  dense  wilds,  where 
moose,  caribou,  deer,  bears  and  other  game  are  still  found  in 
quantities  sufficient  for  exciting  and  remunerative  sport.  The  coast 
is  broken  by  a  great  many  fine  harbors,  and  lined  with  beetling 
crags.  The  streams  of  Nova  Scotia  are  famous  throughout  the 
world  for  their  angling,  and  are  annually  visited  by  great  numbers 
of  enthusiastic  devotees  of  the  sport.  The  best  streams  are,  as  a 
rule,  preserved  and  rented,  though  for  a  moderate  fare  strangers 
may  enjoy  the  privilege  of  casting  their  lines.  The  steamboat  and 
railroad  facilities  of  communication  are  well  developed.  Enter- 
tainment may  usually  be  found  at  comfortable  inns,  and  guides, 
canoes,  etc.,  are  always  on  hand. 

Annapolis  Cotmty —         t  ti t; ■,■■/ '  ;>  -> -i,   !•,     v- ■  -     "■  '-'i^'-  ii'/'"  ".• 

There  is  an  excellent  game  region,  which  embraces  the  wilderness  extenfi'ng 
from  Yarmouth  into  Annapolis  county,  and  lying  north  of  what  is  known  as 
the  lake  region  of  the  Province.  It  only  lacks  the  mountains  to  make  it  physi- 
cally as  attractive  as  the  Adirondacks,  while  as  for  game  and  fish  it  is  in  every 
way  infinitely  superior.  The  region  north  ot  the  lake  country  is  a  dense  and  ex- 
tensive wilderness,  in  which  game  is  but  little  disturbed.  The  Micmac  Indians 
have  always  considered  this  and  the  lake  country  one  of  their  best  angling  and 
hunting  grounds.  There  are  also  in  this  region  many  varieties  of  fur-bearing  ani- 
mals, such  as  otter,  mink,  marten,  together  with  bear,  lucifee,  and  other  game 
animals.  These  are  common  to  all  the  districts  inhabited  by  moose  and  caribou, 
and  the  streams  will  afford  fine  sport  to  the  Hy  fisher  in  killmg  salmon  and  trout. 
Yarmouth  county  is  nearly  one-fourth  water  ;  every  lake  and  river  contains  in 
their  season  salmon  and  trout.  The  land  lies  comparatively  level,  and  on  the  bor- 
ders of  the  rivers  are  many  acres  of  meadow,  overflowed  by  high  water.  The 
Tusket  and  its  branches  feed  and  supply  its  lakes.  The  best  fishing  is  in  the 
rapid  portions  of  the  rivers,  between  the  lakes,  and  in  the  large  pools  at  the  foot 
of  the  rapids. 

Cape  Breton  Vounty —     "■'-   '■'    ''   -?  -■  *■""    •i-f.'i^  ■••>'«  ■'■:!;'■.»  r.-j-.K       i.^-( 

Sidney.  Scatari  Island,  five  miles  north  of  Cape  Breton,  reached  from  Sidney, 
is  a  great  resort  for  many  varieties  of  sea  birds.  From  Sidney  various  steamer 
and  stage  routes  render  accessible  numerous  well  known  resorts  for  gunner  and 
angler. 


;;-Iji 


"''1,  . 


Ctiniberland  County — 

Parrsboro  is  the  gateway  of  a  famous  moose  and  caribou  country  much  fre- 
nuented  in  years  past  by  Provincial  Governors  and  their  distinguishsd  guests. 
Bears  are  found  here,  wildcats,  many  red  and  cross  foxes,  and  other  fur-bearing 
animals,  including  otters,  fishers,  martens,  minks,  which  are  found  along  nearly 
all  the  streams  ;  also  ruffed  grouse  and  black  grouse.  The  latter  are  known  as 
spruce  partridge,  and  are  met  only  in  cedar  and  spruce  swamps.  Near  Parrsboro 
both  woodcock  and  duck  shooting  is  good  with  some  of  the  best  snii)e,  plover  and 
curlew  shooting  in  America.  Trout  are  found  in  the  streams  and  salmon  in  the 
rivers.  The  Ottawa  House,  kept  by  Miss  Wheeler,  is  a  first  class  summer  resort 
commanding  the  finest  scenery  on  the  Hasin  of  Minas,  the  country  of*  Evange- 
line." Besides  its  scenery  and  sea  bathing,  yachting,  etc.,  Parrsboro  abounds  in 
rare  minerals  and  is  much  visited  by  mineralogists  of  all  countries.  Guides  can 
be  had  for  the  wilderness  either  for  moose  hunting  ot;  salmon  fishing  at  $1.25  to 
$1.50  per  day.  One  of  the  best  is  the  half  breed  Inaiaii,  John  Logan,  who  resides 
at  Half  Way  River,  on  the  Basin.  Parrsboro  is  reached  by  steamer  from  St.  Johu, 
New  Brunswick  or  by  rail  and  stage  from  Halifax. 


GAME   AND  F/SH  RESORTS.  203 

^"  Tantramar  Marshes.  Abound  in  curlew,  i)lovcr,  and  snipe— a  magnificent 
shooting  ground  readied  by  stage  from  Amherst,  Locltville,  and  Parrsboro. 

Amherst.  In  tile  neigtiborliood  tlie  sportsman  will  Knd  duclts,  plovers  and 
snipe.     Reached  via  Inter-colonial  Railroad  from  St  John  or  Halifax. 

Apple  River ^  thirty-four  miles  from  Amherst  is  a  little  village  on  the  river  of 
the  same  name.    Here  is  excellent  trout  and  salmon  fishing. 

River  Phillip.,  reached  by  rail  from  Amherst,  has  good  salmon  fishing.  A  small 
hotel  here  offers  entertainment  to  sportsmen.  •.    .. 

Diyhy  County — 

Dighy^  on  the  south-west  shore  of  Annapolis  Bay,  is  much  visited  in  summer 
for  its  fishing  and  shooting.  Reached  by  stage  from  V  armouth  or  via  the  Windsor 
and  Annapolis  Railroad.    Hotel  here. 

Halifax  County—       :-.',■■'    .•'::ur:n:  -ki    .'":1j'    '^ii:''_":/.  ;:  ■[.•  ■."•': 

St.  Margaret's  Bay  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  sheets  of  water  on  all  this 
coast.  The  bay  olfers  a  variety  of  fishing  and  in  the  vicinity  are  some  s]ilendid 
salmon  and  trout  grounds.  Hobley's  Lalce,  East  River  and  others,  well  known 
to  anglers  who  have  visited  this  region,  afford  as  tine  sport  as  can  be  desired. 
The  route  is  via  stage-coach  from  Halifax. 

Five  Islands.,  Margaret's  Bay,  reached  by  steamer.  Large  brook  trout,  weigh- 
ing from  one  to  three  pounds. 

htdian  River  has  some  fine  salmon,  trout,  and  in  their  season,  sea-trout.  The 
"Alma,"  the '*  Inkerman,"  and  "Mason's"  are  popular  hostelries.  Reached 
by  stage  from  Halifax  daily  ;  distance  twenty-five  miles.  Guides,  boats,  etc. 
Hotel  lares  $2  per  day. 

Dartmouth  Lakes.,  six  miles  from  Halifax,  contain  trout,  and  there  are  vari- 
ous other  lakes  and  streams  in  the  vicinity,  of  various  degrees  of  excellence  as 
fishing  grounds. 

Tangier.  Sea-trout  in  season.  Reached  via  coach  from  Halifax.  Board  and 
guides  can  be  found  at  the  farmhouses. 

Inverness  County — 

The  Margaret  River  is  one  of  the  finest  salmon  streams  in  the  country  and 
during  the  season  is  much  visited  by  anglers  from  far  and  near.  Besides  salmon 
various  other  kinds  of  fish  are  found  in  its  waters,  including  the  gaspereaux. 
Numerous  shade  trees,  principally  elms  and  evergreens,  stud  the  plain,  and 
through  these  winds  the  river  the  perfection  of  a  salmon  stream  inasmuch  as  it 
presents  a  succession  of  deep  pools  and  shallow  rapiiis,  with  pebble  bottom  as 
clear  as  crystal,  sheltered  by  trees,  but  without  any  imiiediaient  anywhere  to  the 
casting  of  a  line  or  the  landing  of  a  fish,  and  above  all,  totally  free  from  the  bete 
noir  of  the  angler,  the  black  fly  or  the  mosciuito.  The  northeast  Maigaree  is  the 
main  river,  running  down  nearly  the  whole  extent  of  the  northeast  angle  of  the 
Island  from  near  Cape  North,  and  is  a  clear  stony  stream,  while  tiie  west  Mar- 
garec  is  small '  muddy,  and  comparatively  unfrequented  by  salmon.  1  he  best 
hshing  ground  is  at  the  forks,  where  is  the  little  village  of  Margaree  Korks. 
Reached  by  boat  from  Halifax  to  Port  Hastings,  thence  stage  via  Port  Hood  to 
Margaree  Porks,  distance  sixty-eight  miles  ;  or  to  Margaree,  eight  miles  farther. 
Another  route  is  from  Portland  to  Halifax  and  return,  $10  ;  to  Pictuu  and  return, 
$6;  to  llawksberry  and  return,  $6  ;  to  West  Bay  and  return,  $3:  to  Baddeck 
and  return,  $2  ;  to  Margaree  and  return,  $6.  To  these  items  ada  staterooms, 
meals,  and  incidental  expenses,  and  an  estimate  can  be  formed  of  the  cost  of 
travel.    Once  there  the  cost  of  living  is  very  moderate. 

Ijunenbut'g  County- 
Chester  is  pleasantly  situated  on  a  slope  overlooking  Chester  Basin  and 
Mahone  Bay  and  has  two  good  hotels.  From  the  wharf  may  be  caught  tomcods, 
flounders  and  cunners,  and  there  is  every  facility  for  deep  sea  fishing.  Caribou 
are  found  at  Gold  River,  and  the  wilderness  beyond  Beech  Hill  is  the  haunt  of 
moose.    Salmon  and  trout  in  all  the  neighboring  rivers. 

Queens  County —         .•:;'!■    -/.i.!    y.iir  .•.■"?  Jii  v.  ,- •  ■  '''' 

I'ort  Miirtton,  with  its  broad  \vh1te  sand  beaches  and  sedge  flats,  !s  covered  in 
autumn  with  sea-ducks,  black  ducks,  grebe,  brant,  geese,  snipe,  etc.  Stage  to 
Liverpool,  from  Halifax,  and  thence  wagon  to  Port  Mouton.  Hotel  kept  by 
Appleton. 

Here  is  one  of  the  best  moose  regions  in  the  Provinces.    Stage  to  Liverpool ; 


204  GAME  AND   FISIJ  KE SORTS. 

thence  wagon  to  Port  Mouton,  Port  Joli,  and  Tom  Tigny  Bridge.  At  the  latter 
place  stop  at  Dunhip's  who  will  haul  camp  stuff  into  the  moose  country.  Indi;tn 
guides  can  be  hired  at  Hridgevvater,  or  at  Mill  Village,  near  Port  Medway,  i,a 
the  Port  Medvvay  River.  Moose  callinf^  from  middle  of  September  until  close  of 
October.    Tracking  as  soon  as  snow  falls.  ,.    ,    . 

Jtlohntond  Count}/— 

Irish  Cove  is  in  a  region  where  the  brooks  are  full  of  salmon  and  trout.  Loch 
Lomond,  twelve  miles  south-east,  reached  by  carriage  road,  is  a  lake  six  miles 
long  abounding  in  trout.  There  are  Scotch  villages  on  its  shores  where  the 
angler  may  find  entertainment.  Irish  Cove  is  on  the  stage  line  between  Port 
Hawksberry  and  Sidney.  The  streams  crossed  by  this  route  are  all  worthy  of  a 
visit. 

Shelburne  Count]/ — 

The  Jointon  and  other  rivers  in  this  county  contain  salmon  and  trout.  Moose 
and  caribou  are  abundant. 

Yarmouth  County — 

VarMtouth,  on  the  bay  side  of  the  cape,  is  two  hundred  and  forty  miles  from 
Boston,  and  is  reached  by  boat  from  latter  place,  Portland,  and  St.  John's.  From 
Yarmouth  the  angler  may  choose  his  route,  either  by  the  bay  coast  as  far  as  Digby , 
with  numerous  salmon  and  trout  streams ;  or  up  the  Tusket,  with  its  three 
branches,  all  of  which  are  good  streams.  Hoats,  guides,  and  camping  outfit  may 
be  obtained  at  Yarmouth.  The  salmon  fishing  is  fine  in  all  the  streams  in  this 
country.  The  flies  mostly  used  are  the  large  Montreal,  the  yellow  fly  and  a  small 
salmon  fly,  with  blue-jaj-  wings. 

Kempt.  Fine  trout  fishing  in  the  Tusket  River.  Reached  via  boat  from  Hali- 
fax, or  Boston,  to  Yarmouth,  thence  via  stage  or  wagon.  Guides  and  boats  can 
be  engaged  by  addressing  Mr.  William  Brosser,  Kempt.  Boatmen  charge  $1.50 
per  day.     Board  and  other  accommodations  cheap. 

Annapolis  Royal.  In  the  bay  is  salt  wate>  fishmg,  and  on  the  hills  to  the  south 
are  some  good  trout  streams.  Reached  via  rail  or  steamer.  There  are  good 
hotels  here.  .  ,  .  ,    ,  , 


■jr'^riA  yrii 


PRINCE  EDWARD'S  ISLAND. 


This  island  situated  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence,  is  often  visited  by  anglers  for  its  salmon  and  trout  fish- 
ing. The  coast  presents  a  remarkable  succession  of  broad  lagoons 
and  bays  and  projecting  headlands.  These  harbors  thus  formed 
are  in  season  excellent  salmon  fishing  resorts,  while  nearly  all  of 
the  streams  of  the  island  abound  in  trout.  Prince  I^dward  has 
steamboat  communication  with  Pictou,  N.  S.  and  Boston,  Mass.,  via 
Halifax.  All  points  of  the  island  are  easily  reached  from  Charlotte- 
town,  via  rail  and  good  wagon  roads.  The  stranger  will  find  the 
people  here  simple  and  hospitable,  with  the  expenses  of  living 

moderate.     ..^,  ,.,,^^,^,;,„,^.f  ■n,:,,-^i.^!^:d  &  -vtr  tn-'.^'j  .-:-5ui  u..-..  ■ 
Kings  County — 

Morrell,  on  the  Morrell  River,  is  a  headquarters  for  fishermen.  Reached  via 
the  Prince  Edward  Island  Railway  from  Charlottetown. 

St.  Peters  'eached  as  above,  on  St.  Peter's  Bay,  is  a  stnall  village  where  the 
angler  may  find  accommodation  at  the  Prairie  Hotel.  The  salmon  fishing  in  the 
bay  is  superb.    The  fish  are  very  large  and  afford  the  best  of  sport. 

JPrlncea  Cotintu —      aA^  irri  '■^\{'-^  •?<  !ri.»~-»  a.A^  n.~.Ai  -,•^■,■,■tI^l     i^r* 

Maipeque,  or  Princetown.  Bay-bird  stootlng  on  Fish  Island,  in  August. 
Steamer  to  Charlottetown,  rail  to  Malpeque  Road.    There  are  three  hotels. 


GAME  AND   FISH  KESORTS.  205 

Queens  Countj/—     ■>'""-'\'  -•"'  ''""  •  "•'^  '^'■'''  .'K""^''  ^^^^  o;;.u-....,v  ^..ri'.i.j 

r^tf  IViikins  River.  Good  trout  fishing  may  be  found  here.  Take  steamer 
from  Pictou  to  Charlottetown  (fare  la),  where  there  is  a  lUel  kept  by  Mr.  Davis, 
who  will  furnish  conveyance  and  act  as  guide  to  the  river,  fourteen  miles  distant. 
Accommodations  will  be  found  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Haens. 

Wilkins  River  affords  good  trout  lishing.  Take  steamer  to  Charlottetown, 
thence  via  wagon  road  fourteen  miles. 

Rustico,  a  marine  hamlet  on  the  Western  Shore,  is  reached  via  the  Narrow 
Gauge  Railroad  from  Charlottetown.  There  are  excellent  facilities  here  for  boat- 
ing, fishing  and  gunning.  The  Ocean  House  furnishes  comfortable  accommoda- 
tions. The  Hunter  River  contains  fine  trout,  and  the  angler  will  find  a  hotel  at 
New  Glasgow,  reached  by  drive  from  Rustico. 

In  Bunk  River ^  reached  from  Charlottetown,  tl";  angler  will  find  good  fishing. 


'.    '4.  .'  .i.,5      .\^  .<.,•!■    •     . 

NEWFOUNDLAND,    i 


'■:j.!  /'.'L!. M~i ;, 


Newfoundland  has  an  area  of  40,200  square  miles.  The  coast 
is  indented  by  remarkable  bays,  inlets  and  fiords,  of  which  there 
are  a  great  number.  The  interior  consists  for  the  most  part  of 
vast  rocky  wastes  covered  only  with  moss  or  stunted  vegetation. 
There  are  numerous  inland  lakes  and  ponds,  which  with  the 
rivers  constitute  one-third  of  the  surface.  The  island  is  reached 
via  the  Halifax  and  Liverpool  steamships  which  call  at  St.  John's, 
and  by  regular  bi-monthly  steamer  from  Halifax,  fare  $15,  steerage 
$5.  The  fur  animals  of  the  country  are  reindeers,  wolves,  bears, 
foxes,  of  which  there  are  the  blue  or  Arctic,  and  the  red  varieties, 
the  latter  including  the  cross,  silver  and  black  ;  otters,  beavers, 
martens  and  muskrats.  The  hare  of  Newfoundland  is  the  Arctic 
hare,  Lemus  Arcticus.  It  sometimes  weighs  fourteen  pounds  and 
upwards.  There  is  no  other  kind  in  the  island.  The  only  deer 
indigenous  to  Newfoundland,  is  the  caribou.  The  game  birds  are 
geese,  brant,  ducks,  including  black,  "  pie  duck "  or  American 
golden  eye,  long  tailed  duck,  locally  known  as  "  hound,"  Ameri- 
can eider,  sea  duck,  king  eider,  harlequin,  and  occasionally  the 
surf  duck,  American  scooter  and  velvet  duck.  The  American 
golden  plover  is  very  abundant  in  autumn,  and  the  ring  plover,  the 
piping  plover,  and  the  grey  plover  are  all  pretty  common  in  the 
fall  of  the  year.  Wilson's  snipe  is  a  summer  migrant,  arriving  at 
the  end  of  April.  The  American  jack  snipe  are  periodical  visitors. 
Of  sandpipers  there  are  a  large  variety,  Bonapartes  and  the  yellow 
shanked  are  very  common.  Of  walrus,  the  Esquimaux  is  the  most 
common  spec'es.  Of**partridges,  there  are  the  Canada  grouse,  or 
spruce  partridge,  the  willow  grouse,  and  rock  ptarmigan  or,  as  it 
is  locally  called,  mountain  partridge.  The  river-^  and  lakes  abound 
in  trout  of  three  or  four  kinds,  and  salmon  are  abundant.  A  spe- 
cies of  fish  larger  than  the  trout  is  said  by  the  Indians  to  be  found 
in  several  of  the  large  lakes.^  o:''/^!);:- 


206 


GAME  AND  FT  SIT  RESORTS. 


St.  John\t.  The  surrounding  country  is  full  of  trout  streams,  which  are  acces- 
sible by  tine  carriage  road. 

Bay  Bulls,  on  the  Aralon  Peninsula,  and  accessible  trom  St.  John's  by  boat  or 
stage,  is  a  favorite  resort  for  hunting  parties  from  that  city,  who  here  spend  sev- 
eral days  in  shooting  and  tisiung. 

CaJ>e  Broyle,  thirty-eight  miles  from  St.  John's  is  in  the  vicinity  of  good  salmon 
fishing. 

Tfepassey,  Biscay  Bay  River.  At  the  mouth  of  the  river  sea-trout  are  caught 
running  in  weight  Irom  one  and  one-half  to  four  pounds. 

La  Poilc  Bay.  The  northern  arm  of  the  river  tiiat  empties  into  this  bay  con- 
tains salmon,  and  there  are  several  good  runs  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  its 
mouth.     The  tish  are  found  in  the  right  hand  ciiainiel  only. 

Port  au  Basque,  about  Hve  miles  to  the  westward  of  La  Poile  Bay,  has  a  small, 
deep,  but  narrow  stream  ;  current  very  rapid  ;  about  one  mile  up  are  two  small 
falls,  four  to  five  feet  in  height.    Salmon  in  this  stream. 

Trout  Rii'er,  between  York  Harbor  and  Honne  Bay,  (about  thirty  miles  to  the 
westward  of  Vork  Harbor),  affords  good  casting  ground  from  Siiingly  Beach,  and 
sea-trout  are  caught  at  junction  of  salt  and  fresh  water. 

Havjke  Bay,  Ingornachoix  Bay.  Three  rivers  discharge  into  Hawke  Bay, 
which  is  completely  landlocked,  the  land  being  high  and  thickly  wooded.  X^e 
eastern  river  of  the  three,  about  a  mile  from  the  mouth,  which  is  narrow,  is 
bifurcated  by  a  small  island  ;  in  the  forks  thus  formed  large  salmon  are  caught. 

Harbor  Grace.  In  the  large  lakes  or  ponds  in  the  vicinity  good  trouting  may 
be  found.    Big  Island  Pond,  ten  miles  north  furnishes  fine  sport.    <  


I J  k  1 1:  1 1     .  <  J  . 


"I'll.  'li;:!!';.   ii     ;■•.;•''■'  ■' 


'■    r:i!f        • 


LABRADOR. 


The  peninsula  of  Labrador  stretches  from  the  Gulf  and  River 
of  St.  Lawrence  north  to  Hudson's  Strait.  The  coast  is  rugged, 
bleak  and  desolate  ;  the  interior  region  is  covered  with  low  moun- 
tains, barren  plateaus,  vast  stretches  of  moss-covered  plains,  and 
interspersed  with  lakes,  swamps,  boulders  and  masses  of  rock. 
Reindeer,  bears,  wolves,  foxes,  and  other  game,  once  abundant, 
afe  gradually  diminishing  in  number.  The  population  is  confined 
to  the  coast  region,  and  are  principally  engaged  in  the  fisheries  for 
which  the  country  is  noted.  From  tlie  River  St.  John  du  Nord, 
which  is  the  boundary  line  between  the  Province  of  Quebec  and 
Labrador,  to  the  Esquimaux  River,  a  distance  of  seven  hundred 
and  twenty  miles  east  of  Quebec,  there  are  no  less  than  twenty 
salmon  rivers,  eight  or  nine  of  which  are  superior  for  salmon  fish- 
ing, and  the  majority  of  them  frequ(mtly  visited  by  both  Canadian 
and  United  States  sportsmen.  Leases  of  these  rivers  for  rod-fishing 
may  be  obtained  from  W.  F.  Whitaker,  Commissioner  of  Fishing 
at  Ottawa,  P.  Q.  They  can  be  reached  only  by  challoupc,  the  fish- 
ing smack  of  the  St.  Lawrence.  These  can  be  hired  either  at 
Quebec,  or  at  Tadousac,  north  of  the  Saguenay,  both  of  which 
places  are  reached  by  steamers  plying  twice  or  three  times  a  week 
in  mid-summer.  The  expense  of  a  cJialloupe  is  light.  Tents, 
canoes,  and  complete  outfits  required.  A  great  variety  of  wild 
fowl  are  found  all  along  the  coast. 

Henley  Harbor  (Strait  of  Belle  Isle).    ThiS  is  a  fishing  station  at  the  extreme 


GAME   AND  FISH  RESORTS.  20/ 

eastern  end  of  the  strait,  where  ^ood  board  and  lodfiiiiR  ac-coniniodation  may  be 
obtained.  In  August  the  curlew  shootinp  is  superb,  and  other  beach  birds  and 
wild  Ibvvl  may  l>u  hinl.  Good  sea  troul  tishiii^j  in  season.  The  scenery  is  the 
most  i>ictures(iue  in  Labrador.  Board  $,;  to  $4  per  week.  Helie  Isle  with  its  lijiht- 
house  and  per[)cndic.ular  clills,  three  luindred  teet  high,  is  wUhin  easy  sail. 
There  are  no  fiunie  aiiiinuls  on  Mellc  Isle. 

Forteau.  This  is  a  light-house  station  on  a  headland  in  the  Strait  of  Belle  Isle. 
Good  acc(jminoilali<)n  witii  the  lif;lit  keeper.     Plenty  of  wild  lowl. 

Blanc  SabloH.  A  hshinpf  station  near  tlie  middle  of  Belle  Isle  Strait,  located  on 
a  landlocked  and  very  pictures(jue  bay.  Good  board  and  lodgings.  Wild  fowl 
and  sea  trout. 

SItif)  Harbor.  A  tishing  station  north  of  Belle  Isle.  Fine  sea  trout  and  birds 
of  various  kinds. 

Th.  Harbor.  Good  shooting  and  plenty  of  fishing  for  shore  cod.  Two  or 
three  houses  here,  but  will  have  to  camp  out.  Located  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty  miles  north  of  Belle  Isle.  Tliere  are  numerous  bird  rocks  and  islands  in 
the  vicinity  within  a  radius  of  fitteen  miles  that  swarm  with  birds  in  great  variety. 

Sandwich  Bay.  Kishing  station,  latitude  tifly-four  degrees  nearly.  Sea  trout 
and  birds.    A  few  ciuibuu  on  the  mainland.     Lodgings  may  be  procured. 

Flntwatcr .  Esquimaux  Bay,  latitude  fifly-hve  degrees  nearly.  Excellent  sea 
trout  tishing,  and  also  brook  trout,  Canada  grouse  and  ptarmigan.    A  few  caribou. 

Rigolette.  Hudson's  Bay  Ct)mpany's  post  at  the  head  of  Escpiiuiaux  Bay. 
Exceller.t  lodging  accommodations.  Many  salmon  are  taken  here  in  pound  nets, 
and  the  rod  hshing  at  the  head  of  the  "  Narrows  "  that  connect  a  large  interior  lake 
witli  the  bay  a  mile  and  a  half  from  it,  is  the  best  in  Labrador.  Birds  and  caribou 
may  be  shot,  the  former  in  great  numbers  including  the  eider  duck  which  is 
found  all  along  the  coast ;  also  ptarmigan  and  Canada  grouse.  Good  ♦■shing  for 
speckled  trout. 

Norivest  River.  Hudson's  Bay  Station,  thirty  miles  up  the  lake,  northward  of 
Rigolette,  and  about  seventy  from  the  ocean.  Excellent  lodging  accommoda- 
tions and  fine  wooded  country,  with  Northern  hares,  ptarmigan,  caribou,  and 
speckled  trout.  * 

:■)!■;■•     M     ,-;;m        ,:    '•_•  .^i  _:.;, w, -oq  o^H ' 

'    ..■■t.'.;.i    'i:,  L         '    ,     ..  '''  '■••   •■i"i',.i    j:"i''' ■:/■<■;;.  I     '<•'. 


MANITOBA. 


\,'M. 


Manitoba,  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  United  States  and 
stretching  North,  East  and  West  to  the  North-west  Territories, 
comprises  an  area  of  14,340  square  miles.  The  country  is  for  the 
most  part  a  prairie,  perfectly  level  and  interspersed  with  islands 
of  oak  and  other  forest  trees.  The  inaccessibility  of  the  country 
has  retarded  its  rapid  settlement,  so  that  here  the  hunter  will  find 
vast  tracts  of  undisturbed  territory,  where  game  will  be  found  in 
all  its  primitive  abundance.  The  routes  are  via  the  Union  Pacific 
Railroad  to  Fargo,  thence  Red  River  steamers,  or  via  the  Dawson 
or  Canadian  route  from  the  head  of  Lake  Superior,  fifteen  hundred 
miles  from  Quebec.  Winnipeg,  the  seat  of  Government,  is  a  thriv- 
ing town  of  six  years  growth,  and  within  three  miles  on  any  side 
of  it,  during  the  spring  and  fall,  the  hunter  may  fill  his  game  bag 
with  pinnated  grouse,  ruffed  grouse,  or  the  white  hai"e,  not  omit- 
ting duck,  plover,  several  species  of  goose  and  many  other  water- 
fowl. The  surrounding  country,  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  is 
level  prairie,  occasionally  broken  by  small  bluffs  of  poplar,  and  every 
here  and  there  a  swamp  or  musky,  all  of  which  in  the  spring  are 
covered  with  ducks.     Following  the  course  of  the  river  to  Lake 


208  GAME  AND  FISH  RESORTS. 

Winnipeg,  the  sportsman  will  come  to  one  of  the  largest  duck- 
shooting  grounds  in  the  country,  perhaps  in  the  world,  the  mouth 
of  Red  River  where  the  amount  of  water-fowl  is  something  won- 
derful. The  Indians  here  never  use  more  than  one-half  oz.  of  shot, 
No.  2,  but  they  slaughter  the  birds  by  creeping  up  to  a  flock  in 
their  canoes,  and  firing  at  a  few  yards.  There  are,  however,  here, 
many  residents,  American,  Canadian,  and  English,  who  are  lovers 
of  the  gun  and  dog.  In  the  fall  of  the  year  the  prairies  literally 
swarm  with  pinnated  grouse,  and  it  is  no  uncommon  feat  for  a 
fair  shot  to  bag  from  sixty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  one  day. 
The  Pembina  Mountains,  about  seventy  miles  distant,  are  favorite 
feeding  grounds  for  wavies.    Woodcock  are  found  about  Winnipeg. 

Besides  the  birds  mentioned,  swans,  cranes,  grey  and  white 
pelicans,  etc  ,  are  very  plentiful  in  the  lakes  and  marshes,  with 
which  the  country  abounds.  The  flesh  of  the  grey  crane  is  very 
fine  and  much  esteemed,  whereas  in  the  States  it  is  considered 
unfit  for  food.  There  are  here  two  species  of  white  crane,  one  very 
large,  and  having  a  crimson  patch  on  the  top  of  the  head  ;  this  bird 
is  very  showy,  and  if  only  winged,  extremely  dangerous  to  approach. 

The  yellow  legged  plover  is  also  very  plentiful,  and  one  can 
make  a  bag  in  almost  any  marsh  or  swamp  ;  in  the  fall  of  the  year 
they  are  very  fat  and  a  delicious  addition  to  the  larder.  The  game 
consists  chiefly  of  moose,  elk,  caribou,  black  and  brown  bear,  with 
beaver  and  other  fur  animals.  Moose,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of 
Pembina  Mountains  and  the  region  north  of  Shoal  Lake,  are  very 
numerous,  as  also  in  that  portion  of  the  country'  lying  between 
Winnipeg  and  the  Lake  of  the  Woods.  Unlike  those  in  Nova 
Scotia  and  New  Brunswick,  the  moose  here  do  not  "  yard  "  but 
travel  generally  in  pairs  or  at  most  four  together.  The  hunting  of 
them  is  very  difficult  and  great  hardship  is  endured  by  the  hunter, 
being  compelled  to  use  very  large  snow-shoes,  and  then  sinking 
to  the  knees  at  every  step,  the  snow  in  this  country  having  no 
crust  at  any  time  during  the  winter. 


